Bangor Grammar came away with the spoils following an early morning raid on Banbridge Academy in this School’s 1st XV match on Saturday.

The match kicked off thirty minutes earlier than advertised and the early start appeared to have suited the visitors with Bangor leading 5 – 14 on our arrival.

Aaron Sexton and Zach Kerr had crossed for the Grammar, for two converted tries, Banbridge crossing for an unconverted try from Adam Hanna in reply. However at the time of our arrival, approximately 30 minutes in, it was the home side that were on the attack with their forwards dominating play.

Sure enough, Banbridge’s scrum half Chris Patterson took advantage of the pressure in a scrum close to the Bangor line to dart over for a try converted by Tom Flanagan to take the score to 12 – 14 at the break.

With Banbridge enjoying almost 100% territory and possession in the ten minutes we had watched the game we decided to cover the match from the end they were attacking in the second half, hoping to capture a few scores with the camera.

Unfortunately, for our photographic coverage, Bangor switched on after the break and with some excellent back moves they sent in wave after wave of attack making substantial ground down both wings.

However it was second row Jack Gibson who grabbed the next score with the rangy No. 4 bursting through the midfield to cross close to the posts. Impressive out-half Rhys Larmour knocked over the conversion to take the score to 12 – 21.

Bangor continued to press, with their back three featuring strongly, and a break down the right led to Matthew Quinn touching down for the visitors fourth try, this one going unconverted.

With Bangor in total control we decided to change ends to try and grab at least one score. As luck would have it, it was the home side that controlled the remainder of the game as Banbridge laid siege to the Bangor line. Unfortunately, the Grammar were unable to grab the score that their efforts demanded, the game ending without the scoreboard being troubled further.

Final score: Banbridge Academy 12 Bangor Grammar 26. 

It was an enjoyable game, if somewhat frustrating for our photographer.

Match Gallery