We are not overawed says Grammar coach

Ballymena boast four Ulster schools players and an Irish schools player and are counted as one of the leading lights in Ulster schools rugby. But, Grammar School coach, Stephen Barr said his players will not be intimidated despite their status as underdogs. The Limavady Grammar players have two Ulster schools players of their own.

Mr Barr said: "Ballymena are favourites but the boys here will be well up for it. We did beat them here 10-5, at home. We will not be intimidated."

Should the Roe Valley teenagers produce the right result against top eight seed Ballymena, they will be through to the quarter finals. Mr Barr believes if they can get past this very difficult hurdle, the Roe Valley students would fancy their chances against any team.

He said: "This current team is on a par with any of the teams we have produced in the past. If we can overcome this huge challenge we would be confident against any team. We aspire to reach about the quarter final stage with the Limavady Grammar rugby team every year. This team is no different. We would be very confident against any team in a one-off game."

Mr Barr identified a number of key areas where Limavady will need to be successful. He paid tribute to a number of his players and the strength of the whole team. "Our back row and our half backs will be key. They will need to control the game. Our back row are very good at getting the ball down and getting on to it. We have Shay McIntosh and Robin Craig and Peter Wilson has been in great form for us. A team like Ballymena are strong right across the pitch. We will need to cut them off at set pieces and if we can get into them from there we will have a chance. We had the edge in the scrum when we last met."

He continued: "They have players like David Whann, the number eight Peter Wallace, number six George Dennison, they have Charlie Simpson. If we are going to beat them we will have to match them up front. We will have to be disciplined. The pack of forwards who control the ball will win the match. "

Mr Barr is well aware of the size of the challenge faced by his students, but said that his players are not afraid. "Ballymena are one of the kingpins of Ulster schools rugby. We know that. We are not over-awed."