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VS

Bangor Grammar School

Belfast High School

2013 DANSKE BANK SCHOOLS’ CUP FOURTH ROUND

- - - - - - - - 09 / 02 / 2013

BALLYMACORMICK PLAYING FIELDS

bangorgrammarschool.com

- 2 -

Our 3rd round match against

Portadown proved to be very difficult

due to the harsh conditions. However,

we showed excellent maturity and

patience particularly in the 2nd half to

come away with a convincing win.

As always the support from the BGS

sideline was key to keeping us moti-

vated and the team always appreciates

it. This excellent performance gives us

confidence going into the next round

where we will play Belfast High

School.

We know from earlier in the season

that they are a tough team to break

down and we will need to produce our

best to progress further in the

competition. Hopefully the pitch and

the weather conditions will be much

improved to allow for a better style of

rugby.

I am confident that once again the

boys will produce the goods in order to

book our place in the quarter-finals.

Phil Harper

PHIL HARPER BGS 1ST XV CAPTAIN

WEATHER FORECAST

Editor: Simon Hull

Reporters: Giles Strutt, Zach Kerr,

Columnists: Jason Morgan, Matthew

Stockton, Phil Harper

Pictures: Brian Mellon, Ken Best

Analysts: Mr Graham, Will Logan

Like the Gryphiti

Facebook page

for video h’lights

and interviews.

- 3 -

The Schools’ Cup is a special event in all

rugby players lives. To be involved in this as

a player, or a coach, is also a very special

and momentous occasion.

Today in particular, there is even more hon-

our for me as coach of Bangor Grammar 1st

XV to be involved, as this could be the last

ever Schools Cup match played at our be-

loved Ballymacormick park. With the move

to the new school, and the amazing facilities

we will have for next season, it is with a

touch of sadness we will say farewell to our

home pitch, and our changing room. I have

seen many special moments in my time at

B.G.S, but this has the potential be to one of

the best.

I would like to extend a very warm welcome

to all our supporters who are here with us

this morning, and who have followed our

team across the width and breadth of Ulster,

to watch these young men play the game we

all love.

I believe this will be one of the toughest cup

matches we have played in the last few

years, and would like to wish Belfast High

School the best of luck in today’s encounter.

Lastly I would like to thank the players.

These young men have braved the harshest

of conditions, and have shown a dedication

and commitment that has been above and

beyond what we could have asked for. I

thoroughly hope your efforts throughout

the season to date will be rewarded with the

result you deserve.

Floreat Bangoria

1st XV League Rankings

POS SCHOOL PL PTS

1. Campbell 13 23pts

2. Armagh 17 23pts

3. Limavady 16 23pts

4. Ballyclare 17 22pts

5. R.B.A.I. 13 22pts 6. Wallace 16 21pts

7. Sullivan 15 20pts

8. Methody 10 20pts

9. Down 17 20pts

10. Ballymena 17 19pts

11. Bangor 18 19pts

12. B.R.A. 14 18pts

13. Belfast High 15 17pts

14. Coleraine 17 16pts

15. Omagh 17 15pts

16. Portadown 17 15pts

17. Rainey 12 13pts

18. Friends’ 13 12pts

19. Foyle & Ld 13 12pts

20. Grosvenor 15 11pts

For the full rankings, check out our Facebook page.

JASON MORGAN BGS 1ST XV COACH

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On Saturday the 26th of January, Bangor

Grammar travelled up to Portadown Col-

lege for the second time in the season, but

this time both sides were more focused and

driven, as this was no ordinary match. It

was Bangor's first Schools' Cup match in

the newly named 2013 competition.

From the start Portadown were showing

great defence keeping their line intact but

there was little they could do to prevent

Bangor Grammar taking a 3-0 lead after a

Cameron Strutt penalty just after five

minutes of play. After this, Portadown

came back into the game by infiltrating

Bangor's defensive line and therefore put-

ting Bangor under pressure. This time it

was Bangor's time to show their defensive

skills, Matthew Stockton, Max Montgom-

ery and Andrew Shaw proved why they

are key players in the team after showing

great commitment on Bangor's defensive

line.

However a touch of déjà vu came

through as Portadown successfully kicked a penalty levelling the

scores at 3-3 just before the 30 minute mark. Portadown looked like

they were on the prowl again as they headed towards the Bangor line

but after a couple of dropped passes close the Bangor's try line, Ban-

gor yet again had possession. Portadown killed their chances of taking

the lead just minutes before the halftime whistle which meant that

both teams were even stevens going into the second half and the game

was on offer to both sides. As play was back under way and after a

GILES STRUTT GRYPHITI REPORTER

- 5 -

poor restart from Portadown, Bangor took play into Portadown's 22m

area. Even though they were unsuccessful in getting a try, they managed

to get something out of the effort that they put in after a penalty taken

by Cameron Strutt, just after five minutes into the second half and a mat-

ter of seconds before he went off with a knee injury. To put Bangor in the

lead with the score board reading 6-3 in Bangor's favour. Portadown re-

sponded positively to this and once again found themselves within Ban-

gor's 22m area. The home side once again came close to scoring a few

times but Bangor's defence was too strong. That was Portadown's last at-

tack and last chance to get one over on the visiting side as the rest of play

was all Bangor. After Michael Weir cutting a great line and touching

down under the posts, Ross McCloskey stepped up to kicking duties and

converted the try to give Bangor a 13-3 lead. With the game on the blow

Matthew Stockton finished the match that gave Bangor a sweet taste in

their mouths, with a try off the back of a ruck and under the posts once

again. Ross McCloskey stepped up for his second conversion of the game

and it was successful, Bangor had emerged as winners with the score

board reading 20-3 and were heading into the 4th Round of the Danske

Bank Ulster Schools' Cup.

For more pictures courtesy of

Brian Mellon, check out page 14

- 6 -

SCHOOL FACTS

SCHOOL NAME: Bangor Grammar

School

YEAR FOUNDED: 1856

MOTTO: Justitiae Tenax

(Justice is tenacious)

PRINCIPAL: Mr S. D. Connolly

SCHOOLS’ CUP RECORD

WINS: 5 (1969, 1978, 1985, 1986, 1988)

RUNNERS UP: 4 (1979, 1981, 1987, 1995)

SEASON SO FAR: Played-18 Won-9 Drew-1 Lost-8

2013 1st XV KEY PEOPLE

COACHES: Mr J. Morgan;

Mr D. Graham.

CAPTAIN: Phil Harper.

VICE CAPTAIN: Max Montgomery

CAMPAIGN SO FAR

ROUND 3: Portadown 3-20 Bangor

Mr J. Morgan Coach

- 7 -

SCHOOL FACTS

SCHOOL NAME: Bangor Grammar

School

YEAR FOUNDED: 1856

MOTTO: Justitiae Tenax

(Justice is tenacious)

PRINCIPAL: Mr S. D. Connolly

SCHOOLS’ CUP RECORD

WINS: 5 (1969, 1978, 1985, 1986, 1988)

RUNNERS UP: 4 (1979, 1981, 1987, 1995)

SEASON SO FAR: Played-18 Won-9 Drew-1 Lost-8

2013 1st XV KEY PEOPLE

COACHES: Mr J. Morgan;

Mr D. Graham.

CAPTAIN: Phil Harper.

VICE CAPTAIN: Max Montgomery

CAMPAIGN SO FAR

ROUND 3: Portadown 3-20 Bangor

SCHOOL FACTS

Belfast High School :SCHOOL NAME

1854 :YEAR FOUNDED

Labor Ipse Voluptas :MOTTO

(Labour contains pleasure)

Mrs L. F. Gormley :PRINCIPAL

SCHOOLS’ CUP RECORD

[Shield Wins: 2 (81, 84*)] 0 :WINS

0 :RUNNERS UP

Played-15 Won-7 Drew-3 Lost-5 :SEASON SO FAR

2013 1st XV KEY PEOPLE

Mr D. Scott ; :COACHES

Mr D. Wilson. .

Thomas McConkey. :CAPTAIN

CAMPAIGN SO FAR

Belfast High 52-8 Banbridge :ROUND 2

Dungannon 17-17 Belfast High :ROUND 3

[REPLAY] Belfast High 39-0 Dungannon :ROUND 3

Tom McConkey Captain

* 1984 Shield shared with

Bangor Grammar School

- 8 -

1. MICHAEL BLAIR

2. ZACK SLEVIN

3. JAMES LEARY

4. GLENN BURTON

5. JAMES CARSON

6. ANDREW SHAW

7. MATTHEW STOCKTON

8. MAX MONTGOMERY

9. PETER EVES

10. MATTHEW HAMILTON

11. ROSS McCLOSKEY

12. PHIL HARPER (C)

13. PHIL BRODERICK

14. ROBERT GAMBLE

15. MICHAEL WEIR

- 9 -

- 10 -

On Saturday the 24th of September

Bangor welcomed Belfast High School

to a cold and foggy Ballymac.

This match was a tale of two halves

with many spilled balls and turnovers

meters from the try line.

The first points on the board came

from the visitors with a converted try

fairly early on.

The Bangor response was soon vast. It was they who had much of

the first half possession and two tries from Max Montgomery and

Chris Boal gave them a slender lead. Neither were converted.

Andrew Mellon started the match off kicking, however midway

through the first half, suffered a torn hamstring (which he has only

just recovered from in time for today’s game). Michael Weir soon

took up kicking duties.

The match was on a knife edge. With only moments remaining

Belfast High were awarded a penalty. It was scored, completely

eradicating the deficit.

This game may have been months ago, but it is still a result which

the team look back on with much disappointment and regret.

Bangor 10 - 10 Belfast High

BGS BHS 10-10

SIMON HULL GRYPHITI REPORTER

- 11 -

- 12 -

PLAYER PROFILE… MICHAEL BLAIR

MR GRAHAM GRYPHITI ANALYST

Mr Graham Says:

“’Blairso' has been a regular in the 1st XV

squad this season. He began the season as a

2nd row but has really thrived since moving

into the front row. He has taken to the prop

role like "a duck to water". Michael has dominated almost every oppo-

nent he has faced in the front row. His natural ability was summed up

in his debut v MCB. We had mentioned to the referee about his front

row inexperience. However, the ref claimed after the game that "he had

forgotten about number 1 as BGS moved forward all day!" Michael has

saved me a real selection headache. He has added real power to our

scrum, aggression in contact and has a natural habit of antagonising

opponents (something I can relate to!) Michael is exactly what a coach

needs-a willingness to play wherever he is asked with a real desire to

win.

Blairso, like his long lost twin, John c Reilly (Stepbrothers), enjoys 'so

many activities' including telling long, boring stories! Look out for

Blairso's "bed head" today as he dominates every scrum! If you're

lucky, he might even tell you a story!”

Name: Michael Blair

DOB: 13 / 12 / 1994

Position: Prop

Year: 14

- 13 -

FIVE MINUTES WITH … MICHAEL WEIR

To see more of this

interview, go to the

official Gryphiti

Facebook page.

1. Methody or

Campbell?

“I haven’t played

against Methody this

season, but from the

Campbell match, I’d

say they will take the

win.”

2. What do you

bring to the team?

“I believe I can bring

good counter attack,

hitting lines and

breaking spines.”

3. What are your

plans for next year?

“With regards to rug-

by, I'll see how it goes.

I might be too busy

next year, but you

never know what

might happen!”

4. What has been

your highlight in the

blue jersey?

“My highlight would

probably be the half

I got up at Ravenhill.

A pretty incredible

day and atmosphere!

Pity about the result

though.”

5. Sum up the

Schools’ Cup in three

words.

“Real, Hard, Work”

- 13 -

After a spirited win over

Portadown College in

terrible conditions, our next

hurdle is to overcome is

Belfast High School.

We met Belfast High last

year in the Schools' Cup

however it was in the

previous round. We won

that match 6-3 in a closely

contested game. We also

drew 10-10 with BHS

earlier this year, so we know

that it will be a very hard

fought match. Due to BHS

having to replay their 3rd

round match against

Dungannon we have been

lucky enough to watch

them and prepare accord-

ingly. Using this infor-

mation, along with home

advantage which we have

not had in the Cup for years

we hope to show what we

are truly capable of.

With the opening of our

new school, training facili-

ties have

become

far more

accessi-

ble with

the bad weather recently.

As this may be the last ever

Schools' Cup match at

Ballymacormick we hope to

produce an impressive

display of rugby. Thanks

again to all that have made

the journey to show your

support.

VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM

- 14 -

PORTADOWN COLLEGE (3)

V

BANGOR GRAMMAR (20)

26th January 2013

BRIAN MELLON PHOTOGRAPHER

- 15 -

DANSKE BANK ULSTER SCHOOLS’ CUP

Third Round Result s :

Colera ine Academica l Inst . 18—14 Omagh Academy 26/01/13

Portadown Col lege 03—20 Bangor Grammar 26 /01 /13

Royal School Dungannon 17—17 Belfast High School 26 /01 /13

Foyle Col lege 13—24 Down High School 26 /01 /13

Regent House 10—08 Rainey Endowed 26 /01 /13

Belfast Royal Academy 41—06 Carr ick Grammar 30 /01 /13

Grosvenor Grammar 10—14 Dalr iada School 30 /01 /13

Friends’ School 10—21 Limavady Grammar 30 /01 /13

Third Round Replay Result s :

Belfast High School 39—00 Royal S . Dungannon 30/01/13

Armagh, Bal lyc lare, Bal lymena, Campbe l l , Methody, R.B.A.I.,

Sullivan and Wallace a l l j oined the draw for the fourth round.

Fourth Round Draw:

Regent House v R. B. A. I . 09 /02 /13

Royal School Armagh v Co lera ine Ac. Inst . 09 /02 /13

Campbel l Co l l ege v Methodist Col lege 09 /02/13

Down High School v Bal lyclare High 09 /02 /13

Dalr iada School v L imavady Grammar 09/02/13

Bal lymena Academy v Wallace High School 09 /02 /13

Bangor Grammar School v Belfast High School 09 /02 /13

Belfast Royal Academy v Sul l ivan Upper 09 /02 /13

2 ND XV CUP

Selected 1st Round Fixtures :

Bangor Grammar School v Campbel l Co l l ege 13 /02/13

3rd XV CUP

Selected 1st Round Result s :

Bangor Grammar School 05—28 Grosvenor Grammar 02/02/13

MEDALLION SHIELD

Selected 4th Round Result s :

R. B. A. I . 26—03 Bangor Grammar 02 /02 /13

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SUBSTITUTES

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SUBSTITUTES

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(8

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BELFAST HIGH

MICHAEL BLAIR

ZACK SLEVIN

JAMES LEARY

GLENN BURTON

JAMES CARSON

ANDREW SHAW

MATTHEW STOCKTON

MAX MONTGOMERY

PETER EVES

MATTHEW HAMILTON

ROSS McCLOSKEY

PHIL HARPER (C)

PHIL BRODERICK

ROBERT GAMBLE

MICHAEL WEIR

REFEREE:

ALAN

WARD

TEAMSHEETS

CORRECT AT TIME

OF PRINTING

MATTHEW McGUILE

CHRIS BOAL

MATTHEW COFFEY

ADAM BRENNAN

SHAUN FAIR

ANDREW MELLON

SCOTT HAMILL

JOSH McKIMM

SCOTT WHITE

THOMAS McCONKEY

CONNOR McDERMOTT

ISAAC EDWARDS

LEWIS BENSON

CONNOR ELLIOT

ROBBIE REID

SCOTT SHAW

J. CREIGHTON

JOEL McBRIDE

KRISTIAN BELL

ADAM WHITE

JORDAN GARFORD

MATTHEW CONNOLLY

JAKE HUTCHINSON

S. McFARLAND

D. SCOTT, B. LOVE

A. MITCHELL

J. McCONKEY

G. BRENNAN

A. McMANUS, J. STEENSON

M. GREGG, R. HUNTLEY,

D. McGURK, E. BOAL