Match Report: Bangor Grammar School 33-0 Dromore High School

Bangor Grammar School vs Dromore High School

One of the few fixtures to survive storm Deirdre on Saturday was the 1st XV friendly between Bangor Grammar School and Dromore High School.

The match was a battle of survival against the elements, and the first ten minutes were uneventful as both teams tried to gauge conditions.

A five metre Bangor attacking scrum presented the first scoring opportunity. A couple of phases later, Gareth Wells, with James Mahood latching behind, crashed over for the opening points. Bangor Grammar captain Rhys Larmour converted in front of the posts.

Dromore High School had a strong wind behind them in the first period, but Bangor's defence kept them pegged in the middle of the pitch, and made several crucial turnovers before any harm could develop.

Prop Ben McCrossan added Bangor Grammar's second try, from a quick tap penalty some 8 metres out. Three Dromore players couldn't stop McCrossan as he powered through, to touchdown in the corner. Larmour's drop kick conversion was unsuccessful.

After the break, the rain had picked up and business swiftly resumed for Bangor, as a 20 metre break by Conor Lusty was stopped agonisingly short of the goal line. Fortunately, Gareth Wells was on hand to finish the move, and with Larmour's conversion, the BGS tally was now 19 points without reply.

The next try again came courtesy of Ben McCrossan, driving against the posts following another tap and go. This was McCrossan's 10th try of the season. The try was converted by Larmour.

With the Schools' Cup around the corner, numerous substitutes were introduced by both teams. Following a scrum on the Dromore 20 metre line, the ball was passed along the Bangor Grammar back line to Conor Lusty, who used his speed and agility to dodge between Dromore bodies and run for the line. This was Lusty's 13th try of the season so far, converted by Rhys Larmour.

With twenty minutes remaining on the clock, the game was brought to an early finish due to intensified rain.

For Bangor Grammar School, this result is a good confidence builder, with an away trip to RBAI next up. Fingers crossed the weather will be a little more forgiving for that tie.

Final Score: Bangor Grammar School 33-0 Dromore High School

Teamsheet: 1. Grant, 2. Mahood, 3. McCrossan, 4. Wells, 5. Pyper, 6. Westwood, 7. Norman, 8. Dobie, 9. Hamilton, 10. Larmour, 11. Christie, 12. Lusty, 13. McCreary, 14. Ritchie, 15. Sexton.

Subs: 16. Moore, 18. Cavan, 19. Nesbitt, 22. Simpson, 23. Hatty

BGS Tries: Gareth Wells (x2), Ben McCrossan (x2), Conor Lusty

BGS Conv: Rhys Larmour (x4)

BGS Gryphiti Man of the Match: Gareth Wells