LGS 1st XV Rugby proudly sponsored by Kingsbridge Private Hospital, North-West.
What a fantastic season for the 1st XV squad reaching the Danske Bank Ulster Schools Bowl Final and winning 7 out of their 9 competitive games. Expertly led by Captain Dara McCauley and Vice-Captain Seth Guy they helped shape along with their Senior leadership team a competitive well grounded group of players that enabled a delivery of Rugby at LGS that can only set the platform for years to come.
A strong turn out at training of which consisted of a three day a week training plan of technical, forward and back specialist training modules, attack and defence plays that helped that Fear Nothing identity/mind-set that earned the boys their rightful place in the Bowl School’s Cup Final of which needs stated that on their journey their the team really showed great collective strength, skill, determination, especially on the hard fought game against our local rivals Foyle College as the game only going in favour of LGS in the dying seconds. That then set the platform for the quarter final against Portadown College who at one stage where leading by 14 points but a motivated speech by the team Captain and Coach Warren, the boy’s pushed on and reached a home semi final against Friend’s College. This match was an evenly matched game with both teams playing great rugby but ultimately it came down to the magic of our No 10 James Laird who on the last play slotted over a penalty kick that sent, players, coaches and supporters into a realisation that we had reached and where going to Kingspan Stadium to play in a final against Ballyclare High School.
Final day came around and with much support from the rest of the school we departed Ballyquin Rd and made our way to Belfast to attend a pre match lunch kindly sponsored by Kingsbridge Private Hospital. This enabled the boys and coaches some much needed pre match nutrition. On arrival at Kingspan we had some nerves but quickly got prepared and started our pre match warm-up which at this stage could not believe the travelling support. Kick-off and off we went to a great start only to have a try disallowed but as the game progressed and moved into the second half Ballyclare had the upper hand and secured victory but not without a great spirited performance from the boys.
Fantastic season and it needs to mention that the Director of Rugby Mr Hughes and his Coaching staff deserve a massive thank you for what was a super season and also to the support staff who provide much needed pre match breakfast nutrition, thanks to all.
To our injured players who have gone through the rehabilitation program well done.
To our Sponsorship Partnerships and touch line support we proudly like to say thank you and value your support in helping LGS rugby grow!
New Season… here we come!
Mr W.Smyth