Match Preview: Bangor Grammar School vs Dalriada School - 08/03/2019
Bangor Grammar School vs Dalriada School
Bangor Grammar Schools' Subsidiary Shield campaign got off to a brilliant start two weeks ago at Gransha, as they beat Ballyclare High School for a place in the Danske Bank Subsidiary Shield semi final.
This time, Dalriada School are the opposition, reigniting a fiercely competitive rivalry between both schools in recent years.
In the 2012 Schools' Cup 4th Round, BGS won 11-5 away for a place in the quarter final. 2 seasons later, Bangor Grammar were denied a place in the Subsidiary Shield final after a 20-0 defeat to Dalriada.
The following year, these teams met in the Schools' Cup again, this time at Gransha Road, where Bangor won 26-15. In 2016 they met again in Ballymoney, and Dalriada won 17-5, preventing Bangor from reaching a memorable cup semi final at Ravenhill.
Over the past ten years, Dalriada have been Bangor's most frequent opposition in competitive fixtures, and more often than not, a thorn in Bangor's side. This match is a perfect opportunity to avenge those previous defeats.
Two weeks ago in the Subsidiary Shield, Bangor Grammar School put 42 points past Ballyclare High School with 24 in reply. After falling behind early doors, Aaron Sexton, Adam Pritchard, Angus Christie, Cameron Stewart, Ben McCrossan and Patrick Dobie all touched down, with Rhys Larmour hitting all six conversions.
Ballyclare High School, the defending champions, posed a very dangerous opposition from start to finish. With some ten minutes to go, they were just 4 points behind. Bangor showed impressive composure to not only hold on to win, but finish with two late tries to kill off any potential comeback.
Bangor Grammar are two-time Subsidiary Shield winners (1984 shared with Belfast High School, and 1989). Their last journey in this competition ended at this stage in 2015 against Down High School.
The BGS 1st XV is coached by Mr Kennedy and Mr Hunter with help from old boys Stuart McCloskey (Ulster) and Matthew Agnew (Ulster Academy).
Amongst the Bangor ranks is 18 year old Aaron Sexton, who has already played once for the Ulster seniors (earlier this season). He raised eyebrows for the Ulster As in the Celtic Cup, where he scored seven tries in six matches, and recorded the fastest ever speed for any player representing an Ulster team. He has also represented the Ireland U19s this season. Sexton's speed is his golden weapon, he is the fastest school boy in Irish 100m history.
Elsewhere in the Bangor squad are forwards Ben McCrossan, Gareth Wells and Riley Westwood, who all have interprovincial age-grade experience (through the Ulster U18s and U19s).
Centre, Conor Lusty and prop, Ben McCrossan are joint top try scorers this season, both on 13 tries. Unfortunately a broken thumb has ruled Conor Lusty out for the rest of the season.
The Bangor Grammar School captain is Rhys Larmour, whose kicking has secured 96 points this season.
Bangor's opposition tomorrow is Dalriada School. Based in Ballymoney, Dalriada have never won the Schools' Cup, but made the final in 1993 where Campbell College were the eventual victors.
In the Subsidiary Shield, Dalriada are also two time winners (1975 and 2014).
They are traditionally a very physical side, with a big pack normally one of their trademark characteristics.
Dalriada are coached by Rabb Gregg with help from former Irish international Bryan Young. Their captain is Paddy Carson.
Dalriada have had an impressive season, with their highlight a 1 point victory over local rivals Coleraine Grammar in Round 3 of the Schools' Cup. Dalriada were eliminated in Round 4 at the hands of finalists Methodist College. Dalriada beat BRA 22-7, two weeks ago in the Subsidiary Shield.
The Front Row Union produce the best form of ranking system for local schools' rugby. Bangor Grammar sit 19th, whilst Dalriada are currently 10th. The system is geared up to take both results and quality of opposition into consideration.
https://thefrontrowunion.com/2019/02/ulster-schools-rugby-rankings-2018-19-week-11
These rankings would suggest Dalriada are favourites. Either Sullivan Upper or Royal School Dungannon will face the winners at a yet to be confirmed venue and date.
Last Time
These two sides faced earlier this season in Ballymoney. The try scorers for BGS on that day were Conor Lusty and Ben McCrossan. Jacob Fleck, Caleb Bartlett, Will Scott and Jack Murdoch touched down for Dalriada, with Henry Ross adding two conversions. Final score was 24-10 to Dalriada.
Last season's match at Upritchard Park was a different story, as Bangor Grammar produced an excellent performance to win 32-17. Will Simpson, Jack Gibson, Zach Kerr, Ben McCrossan and Jonny Gamble all made the scoresheet. Highlights of that match can be found in the video below.
Team News
Keep an eye out on our Facebook & Twitter pages tomorrow morning. The team will be published just before kickoff.
Match Details
Venue: Bangor Grammar School 1st XV Pitch, Gransha Road, Bangor
Kick off time: 11.00 am
Last Encounter: DSB 24-10 BGS
BGS 2018-19 Form: P20 / W8 / D0 /L12 (Points for: 488 / Points against: 530)
Follow the match with live updates on the Gryphiti Twitter Account, plus more reaction and photographs 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 members of the B.G.S. 1st XV team, and all the other teams in action.
