Match Preview: Bangor Grammar School vs Royal School Armagh - 08/09/2018

Bangor Grammar School vs Royal School Armagh

It's been almost 7 months since we last saw the Bangor Grammar School 1st XV in action. Thankfully the new season is almost upon us.

Since February, Rhys Larmour has been appointed the new BGS captain, taking over from Zach Kerr. We also say farewell to coaches Jason Morgan and Phil Cartmill. A big thanks for the memories guys. Jason will be heading to R.B.A.I., so we'll look forward to seeing him again in December (or tomorrow afternoon at the club!) We'll see Phil popup somewhere soon too. Taking the reins are Mr Kennedy and Mr Hunter.

Match Preview

As usual, the season begins in earnest against Royal School Armagh - a tough side who were narrowly beaten finalists in last season's Schools' Cup. For reference, Bangor Grammar School made it to the Quarter Finals in that competition, departing after defeat to Methodist College.

If my memory serves me right, its been 5 years since we last won against Armagh - that day was the first match on the new Gransha Road pitches.

Last Year

Last season was a tough encounter in challenging conditions at College Hill, Armagh. The final score was 34-07, with Daniel Young scoring all of the Bangor points. Highlights of that match can be found below.

Team News

Despite the high number of departees, only one player in the starting side will be making their 1st XV debut: Scott Skelly. Patrick Dobie also makes his first start, but did feature as a substitute last season against Sullivan and Dromore.

Skipper Rhys Larmour returns to outhalf, having played scrumhalf through the second half of last season.

There are a number of absentees: Aaron Sexton has had a big summer on both the athletics track and the rugby pitch. His biggest achievement to date, came at the end of last month, when he featured in a friendly match for the Ulster Senior team. He's unavailable for this match having played last night for the Ulster A team in the British and Irish Cup.

Ben McCrossan, Gareth Wells and Riley Westwood are all on interprovincial duty with the Ulster U18 & U19 Schools' sides.

Meanwhile, scrumhalves Angus Christie and Sam Gordon (both shoulder) aren't yet fit to start, and Kristen McNeice is also unavailable for selection.

Match Details

Venue: Bangor Grammar School 1st XV Pitch, Gransha Road, Bangor

Kick off time: 10.15 am

Last Encounter: RSA 34-07 BGS

BGS 2018-19 Form: P0 / W0 / D0 /Lo

Follow the match with live updates on the Gryphiti Twitter Account, plus more reaction on our Facebook page and here on the Gryphiti website. We'll be videoing the match and will have highlights later in the season. Best of luck to all B.G.S lads playing for the 1st XV, and all our other teams tomorrow.