The Royal School Armagh were the visitors to Bangor Grammar School for an early season Friendly. The effects of the hot sun were dissipated by a deceptive breeze, blowing straight down the pitch.
The opening minutes were punctuated by handing errors, as players sought to ease out the early season rustiness. Training pitch moves were practised but more often than nought resulted in knock ons.
Bangor opened the scoring when Cal Banyard found space to beat a couple of defenders to score wide out on the right. Adam Bickerstaff’s conversion from the difficult angle gave Bangor a 7-0 lead on 14 minutes.
Armagh responded, when Cameron Dale emerged from a maul to drive over, after 18 minutes. Josh Lowey’s conversion tied the game at 7-7.
Bangor took advantage of the breeze and pinned Armagh back, enjoying territory and possession. Callum Moore took advantage of slack defence, following a line out to score after a powerful run, after 23 minutes. Bickerstaff’s conversion made in 14-7 to Bangor.
In the closing minutes of the 1st half, Kai Sterritt fielded a cross kick to dot down on the left. Bangor led 14-12 at halftime.
Playing with the breeze, Armagh pressed the Bangor defence. Tom Nicholson found a gap, out on the left to drive over, after 43 minutes. Lowey conversion put Armagh in front for the first time, at 19-14.
Bangor lifted the siege and broke out on 57 minutes. Following series of breaks, Shay Ritchie was put clear and ran in from the 22, to score. Bickerstaff’s conversion gave Bangor the lead again at 21-19.
Both sides had opportunities to score in the closing minutes, but defences remained intact. Bangor just about deserved their 21-19 victory.
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