Antrim Grammar failed to capitalize on a period of first half dominance and eventually shipped 6 tries to lose this schools friendly 5 – 34. Despite the score line Antrim can take many positives from this game as both sides tried to play attacking rugby throughout.

Antrim had the bulk of possession in the first half but were unable to turn possession into points with their moves breaking down at crucial points.

Belfast High were quick to move the ball and took advantage of what possession they had, scoring two tries somewhat against the run of play. The first coming from centre Jonny Greenlees out wide on the left and the second try from hard running No 8 Ryan McGonigle who barged his way over to the right of the posts.

The High School could have went further ahead when the line opened up for their second row but the final pass failed to go to hand and the teams turned round with the home side trailing 0 – 10.

Things got worse for Antrim when the Belfast side scored soon after the restart but the Grammar hit back when a delightful grubber from fullback Bailey sent captain McGren through to sprint clear for the line to take the score to 5 – 15.

Antrim’s revival was short lived and the Belfast pack began to dominate the game. Tries from Matt Boyd, Robbie Fryers and Matt Huntley and two conversions from Huntley saw the visitors home with something to spare with the final score reading Antrim 5 Belfast High 34

Antrim Grammar: R Bailey, A McBride, D Jones, S Jaya, J Dempster, J McClay, N McCulloch, A Patterson, C McGren, A McFadden, M Murray, N Allen, I Moxen, A Watt, S Rothwell

Belfast High School: Jake Toan, A Blair, Adam Gibney, Chris Taylor, Ryan McKay, Joe Whitley, Ethan  Clarke, Ryan McGonigle, Guy Bell, Robbie Fryers, Ross White, Ryan Elliott, Jonny Greenlees, Matthew Boyd, Matthew Huntley, Henry Atkinson, Philip Snoddy