AGS stun Lurgan in thriller

ANTRIM Grammar School faced Lurgan College on Saturday in a thrilling Schools’ Trophy quarter-final clash.

The rivalry between the two schools has a rich history, and this encounter lived up to the expectation of a derby, with previous match-ups being tightly contested.

The game was a back-and-forth affair from the first whistle, with both teams showing strong intent in both halves. Antrim had an opportunity to take the lead with penalties, narrowly missed each attempt.

Despite the missed chances, the pressure from AGS eventually told. Number 8 Rhys McGrandles broke free from the base of the scrum just outside the Lurgan 22 and powered through four defenders to score the first try of the match, putting Antrim ahead 5-0.

Scrum half Isaac Lynn, always a threat in attack, coolly slotted the conversion from wide on the left, extending the lead to 7-0.

Lynn’s probing play continued to trouble the Lurgan defence, with his sniping runs keeping the opposition on edge.

Lurgan responded immediately, building pressure in the Antrim half before winning a penalty 40 metres out. Their number 10 kicked it through the posts to narrow the gap to 7-3.

Powerful carries from Jack McNeilly, Eoin Byrne, Caleb Whiteway, and Jonah Woolley kept the Antrim attack relentless, as they battered the Lurgan defence.

Antrim maintained pressure in the Lurgan 22 for the next ten minutes but were repeatedly stopped just short of the try line as the first half came to a close.

The second half saw Antrim’s discipline slip, allowing Lurgan to capitalise on a well-worked try in the left corner, putting them ahead 8-7. Their number 10 then slotted a difficult conversion from the left touchline, extending their lead to 10-7.

But Antrim responded with resilience. The defensive efforts of Rio McKee, Alex Moss, and Adomas Blazauskas were crucial in repelling Lurgan’s relentless attack.

AGS soon regained their composure and strung together some excellent phases of play in the Lurgan half. Winger Top McNeilly finished off a spectacular move, diving over in the left corner to restore Antrim’s lead at 12-10.

An off the ball incident after the try saw McNeilly and the Lurgan College Hooker sent to the bin leaving both sides at 14 men.

McGrandles continued to show his experience with several powerful carries, helping Antrim regain territory and keep Lurgan at bay.

The last five minutes were a tense and tight battle, with neither side willing to give an inch. But Antrim held firm, continuing to keep Lurgan under pressure. In a decisive moment, Jonah Woolley bulldozed his way over the line from a pick-and-go, extending AGS’s lead to 17-10.

Lynn added the conversion with three minutes left, making it 19-10.

The Antrim backs were disciplined in their tactics, consistently booting the ball deep into the Lurgan 22. They forced a knock-on in the dying seconds, sealing the victory as the final whistle blew.

Rhys McGrandles was aware the man of the match for his relentless performance both sides of the ball.

Antrim are now through to the semi-finals, where they will face the tough task of Dromore High School at Barban Hill.

The day was capped off with a special celebration for first XV players Eoin Byrne and Caleb Whiteway, who both received their 40th appearance caps.