School made the headlines 130 years ago

HERE is a taste of that report from October 31 1888, which gives a very real sense of feel and enthusiasm for the developing game at the time:

FOOTBALL (Rugby) Bandon Grammar XV v Ballymodan School XV

‘THIS match was played on the Bandon ground on Wednesday 31st and resulted in a win for the former by two tries to nil. At 3 o’clock, De Burgh kicked off for the Grammar School, when scrimmaging ended in the Ballymodan territory. Shortly after a nice pass from Clarke, Belcher scored, which however De Burgh failed to improve upon. Levis then kicked out for Ballymodan, but Belcher obtained possession ran to the twenty five where he was thrown into touch. From the throw out De Burgh gained possession and scored a try. The kick at goal was a failure. On change of sides Levis kicked off for Ballymodan. The ball was well returned by Gash, and the Bandon Grammar School forwards followed up well, scrimmaging ensued close to the Ballymodan line but their forwards playing up better rushed the ball to neutral territory. There some nice passing and running between Clarke, Belcher and Sullivan brought the leather again to Ballymodan territory, where it remained until time was called.’

ANOTHER fine report by Mervyn Tanner outlining the quality of his team-mates appeared in the BGSA Newsletter in 1970:

‘OUR pack though light and inexperienced, developed a great appetite for the game and opposing packs are met by stiff opposition from Geoffrey Buttimer and Bertie Kingston. Leader, Mervyn Tanner and brother, Ivan combine to plough through the opposition. Our hooker Billy Wolfe is no chicken in attack and Sammy Jennings is quick to get his teeth into the opposition while in the back row. Derek Lovell always fights hard to come to terms with the opposition. Back home in the ‘68/’69 season the interest in games in general and rugby in particular was very keen. This can be mainly attributed to the leadership of the seniors and especially Leslie Roycroft and Bertie Smith, both of whom obtained Cork caps. The boys were on the pitch hail, rain or snow and everybody else followed suit. Our pack was ably led by Leslie Roycroft, and not far behind were Herbert Giles, George Ross, Carlisle Smith and Mervyn Tanner. Our Munster trialist, B Smith on the wing and occasionally at full back, took a lot of stopping and emerged as our outstanding player for quite some time. Who knows, he may wear the green jersey in the near future. Reggie Roycroft, our skipper and holder of a Cork cap is a sound ‘peg’ in defence and attack. Centre Penrose Hosford doesn’t leave as much as a hair’s space for the opposition to get through. The opposition couldn’t ‘budge’ John Stone on the wing and Jim Good is a driving force in the centre. Victor Smith at scrum half is showing considerable promise.’