Grammar face Banbridge in Schools’ Cup opener

Larne have found it difficult to get wins in the course of the current season, although they battled well against Regent House away in a recent outing.

Larne Grammar coaches Jonny Lowe, Peter Dundee and Barry Kirkpatrick know they are working with a squad of players that deserve more than their current record would suggest.

Team captain, Marc McAllister and prop forward, James Bacon, are vital members of the pack. Back row trio, Al Black, Conor Connolly and former Ulster U18 player Terry O’Donnell are also influential.

The backline, led by Calum McKay, is youthful, but talented, and boasts Ulster U17 RDS squad member, Alistair Burke as well as Adam and Jack Ringland, nephews of former Ulster, Ireland and Lions winger, Trevor.

Banbridge, meanwhile, have won seven and drawn one of the their 17 games this season.

Skipper Rory Thompson, has scored a number of tries as has full-back Daniel McElderry, who is also an effective place kicker.

Vice-Captain and No 8, Rory Carson, is joined by his brother, Ben in the team.

There is a great sporting DNA in the Carson brothers whose father, Jimmy, a former pupil of the Academy, is a Donacloney cricket legend and a well-known rugby coach at Clounagh Junior High.

Outside of Jonny Campbell and Rory Carson in the Banbridge Academy back row, is Ethan Harbinson, son of former Ulster star, Bill.