The Home of BGS Rugby
1. What position do / did you play and why?
Simon Hull: Playing rugby and I never really got on in the beginning. When I was in year 8, rugby was compulsory for us all. Probably for that reason, I wasn't too enthusiastic about playing the sport in the beginning. Back then I recall playing flanker and number 8, but I think to say I was playing would be a massive exaggeration.
They say time is a great healer, and for me that proved to be the case. Sadly it was too late, but I managed to play (sporadically) for Dufferin in the house rugby when I was in upper sixth. Then I fancied myself as a winger, but that didn't really go so well.
The other night, I had a dream about playing full back. Maybe that is where I might find myself the next time I'm on the pitch at Ravenhill - who knows!
To be honest, I'm probably better standing at the touchline waffling about something completely pointless - unfortunately for everyone else!
Giles Strutt: At the start of my rugby career I switched back and forth between Inside Centre and Outhalf and then in 3rd form I played Full back for a bit too. After a few years hiatus due to injury I returned for one game playing second row for the 3rds in the 3rd XV Plate competition. Having little to no experience playing with the forwards I didn't know what I was doing but a few of my team mates kept me right.
Arvin Antony: I currently play either prop or hooker haha because of my physical build! But in all honesty I have always wanted to play in the wing or somewhere in the backs. I ain't quite got the build for it, but lets see next season shall we?
Zach Kerr: Well, I often play back row and occasionally in the centre, basically because I'm too tall for anywhere else (but too small for the second row) and I've always enjoyed tackling and ball carrying so it just seemed like the right position for me when I first started out.
2. Who do you admire the most in the team?
SH: There are so many hard workers in the BGS 1st XV, and so to pick out one would perhaps be unfair. But I've never not put my foot in it in the past, and so that won't stop me now.
Last year, I was a big fan of Phil Broderick's big tackling; Able to score tries in most games, and prevent many from being scored by the opposition. This year of course, Brodders is no longer in the team having outgrown the school, but I would say perhaps that Evan McMillan is someone who I will look forward to watching.
Last year Evan wasn't a regular in the starting line up, but still featured in most matches off the bench. His impact in most games was huge, he often brought an added drive to the team, and didn't look out of place when he first came on at the start of last season. If he is able to progress as well as the likes of Phil Broderick over the next few years, he will absolutely be one of the top stars in the team.
GS: It's hard to just pick one person that I admire most from the 1st XV but if I had to pick one I'd say Connor McKee, having made the jump from Medallions straight to the 1st XV he has adapted well and I can't recall the last time he had a bad game.
AA: Well this is a tough choice. Over the years, I have a developed a very strong bond with Adam Brennan, he is a brother to me! I can depend on him for support, as he has always has encouraged me to perform at my maximum capacity whether in training, on the pitch and in-game as well.
ZK: I've always admired the people who really care about how the school does and continues to support long after they've left school. No one person stands out but there have been a few!
3. What is the highlight of your rugby career?
SH: As I said before I don't have much hands on rugby experience, but there was one memorable moment in my rugby career. In my final rugby playing hurrah at the 2011 BGS House Rugby competition, I came on late in one match, and had a break down the wing. From there I got illegally tackled by Matthew Kennedy, and the resulting penalty led to a Dufferin try through Luke Dornan. I think we came second in that competition but it is certainly a moment I will never forget.
Ed - What people may want to know is that other players were forbidden from making any contact with Simon in this competition, other than a simple touch. The tackle he mentioned, was only a light impact by Matthew Kennedy.
GS: The highlight of my rugby career would have to be my first rugby match ever and my very first rugby match while playing for BGS Year 8 B team vs Wallace Year 8 B team. After a Jordan Dickson try in the early minutes of the match it was my place to take the conversion, after a minor dispute with a certain Robert Gamble about who would take the kick, I managed to convince him (and myself) that I could do it - and I did! We were leading by 7-0 but the result changed for the worst in a matter of minutes after that.
AA: My main highlight would be playing against Ballymena High School at home. This was one of my best matches, chopping and diving at the oppenents. Also, another one would be my first ever selection to the 1st XV against Ballyclare HS under the flood light, it was different but felt great!
ZK: For me there are two highlights - the first one was on tour when I scored two tries in the 28-0 demolition of the RGS, Newcastle and the second would be winning the Medallion Bowl.
4. What Ulster player would you compare yourself to and why?
SH: That is a tough one! What Ulster player doesn't actually play rugby?
I'm probably gonna say Tommy Bowe - he spends more time injured than not, but certainly has an explosive impact any time he comes on!
GS: Comparing myself to any Ulster player is ludicrous in itself, but I'd say Paddy Jackson. Not exactly the biggest, fastest or strongest player on the pitch but I'd make do with what I had. (Minus the kicking capabilities!)
AA: Well, this is very hard! Many of my team mates say that I resemble Nick Williams and I quite like that! But the recent visit of John Afoa to our school, has made team mates call me Nick Afoa. I think I would compare myself to both of the players, as I like the way they both play and at times I do feel like I play like them. (Nick Williams definitely!!)
ZK: I'd say someone like Roger Wilson because he's a versatile back rower and he does the things no-one sees very well and he too likes tackling and ball carrying!
5. What is the best BGS match you've witnessed and why?
SH: As an aspiring journalist, I've certainly watched BGS many times. Some of which have been easier to watch than others!
I would say the match which stands out for me is BGS vs Wallace High School in the 2011 Subsidiary Shield semi final replay at Ballymac. Going in to this match we were only a game away from a memorable trip to Ravenhill. The first leg in Lisburn had been very tight (leading to a draw) and meant that a replay would be needed.
Wallace held a one or two point lead with only minutes to go, and a penalty was awarded in favour of BGS. Up step Stuart McCloskey - with ferrocious cross winds, it wouldn't be an easy one. However, if there was anybody who you'd fancy to put it over - it would be Stuart.
Anyway, to cut a long story short... he put it between the sticks and booked us a final at Ravenhill.
GS: The best BGS match I've watched would have to be the 1st XV's victory over Campbell College in October, it's safe to say that the team overcame the odds that day and put Campbell in their place. (It was also great to see a Campbell player crying at the end of the match).
AA: The Campbell Match, I know I wasn't there to witness it but watching the highlights by Gryphiti., I thought it was an outstanding match. Ross McCloskey's kick was unbelievable, hats off to the guy like! Brilliant performance from the team all round as they beat CAMPBELL!!!!
Ed - If you weren't there, it's hardly the best match you've witnessed surely?
ZK: [Ed - yep you've guessed it] ... It would have to be against Campbell this year because you could just tell when the boys walked out that they were going to win, and that's exactly what they did.
6. If you could design a BGS 1st XV kit, what would it look like?
SH: To be honest, if I could design the BGS kit, I'd make the blue a bit darker. I also would add a wee bit more yellow to the colour palette. In fact, even chuck some more white into the mix as well. #YOLO. I would have white shorts (the kit designer didn't give much flexibility as far as that went) with the current blue and yellow white striped socks.
GS: Not much to say lol, just keeping with the traditional blue and gold really!
AA: This is what I have chosen, the skull symbolises the death we unleash upon our opponents! Haha
Ed: Gryphiti does not condone unleashing death on opponents. In fact Arvin would probably be the first in line if his teammates showed any aggression.
ZK: Basically, it would be a bit different from medallion/1st XV jerseys. I chose this one because It's different than any schools' kit I've ever seen!
