Match Report: Rainey Endowed School 45-07 Bangor Grammar School

Rainey Endowed School vs Bangor Grammar School

Bangor Grammar's preparations for the Schools' Cup took a heavy setback on Saturday morning against Rainey Endowed School in Magherafelt.

Last season, both of these teams faced off in round 4 of the Schools' Cup, where BGS fought back from behind in gutsy fashion to book a quarter final tie with Methody. Sadly for Bangor, the latest Rainey fixture wouldn't end in a similar result.

Rainey Endowed School have had a great season so far, putting quality sides such as Dalriada and Enniskillen to the sword. It was they who took a lead inside the first five minutes through Ulster U18 hooker Bryn Davies, and from there comfortably controlled the match, showing no signs of trouble.

By half time Rainey led 35-7, with an Aaron Sexton breakaway try (and Rhys Larmour's conversion) the only Bangor consolation.

With next weekend's cup tie at Regent in mind, Bangor coaches took the opportunity to introduce replacements fairly early on. These included Adam Pritchard and Cameron Stewart, both returning from lengthy spells on the sidelines.

The second half was a much closer affair, as the misty rain enveloped the pitch. There were just two tries in this period, neither converted, and both by the hosts. Final score was 45-7 to Rainey Endowed School.

For Bangor Grammar, focus has already turned to the start of their Schools' Cup campaign. History tells us that competition brings the best out of the Bangor team, and there is undoubted quality. With hard work, determination and team spirit, anything is possible in the Schools' Cup!

Final Score: Rainey Endowed School 45-7 Bangor Grammar School

Teamsheet: 1. Grant, 2. Mahood, 3. McCrossan, 4. Bull, 5. Pyper, 6. Wood, 7. Murray, 8. Dobie, 9. Hamilton, 10. Larmour, 11. Christie, 12. Lusty, 13. McCreary, 14. McCracken, 15. Sexton.

Subs: 16. Moore, 17. Skelly, 18. Cavan, 19. Norman, 20. Pritchard, 21. McNeice, 22. Angus, 23. Stewart, 24. Ritchie.

RES Tries: Bryan Hall (x2), Bryn Davies, Ross Speers, Joel Bell, David Dripps, Sebastian Hastings

RES Conv: Harry Evans (x5)

BGS Try: Aaron Sexton

BGS Conv: Rhys Larmour