The class of 2013 aim to make cricket history

It is almost 40 years since ‘the Grammar’ last clinched victory, in 1974 when Herbie Parkhill captained them to victory over Methody.

In tomorrow’s final, Ross Allen will play for Limavady Grammar against Campbell College almost 40 years since his father, Bryan, played against Methody in Ballymena. Another whose father played in 1974 is Andrew Pierce, who turned in an excellent performance against Wallace High School in the semi-final. His Dad, John, was one of the key men in the Grammar’s 1974 side.

John Pierce who, like his son, plays for Eglinton, said: “I am absolutely delighted for Andrew, and for the whole team. I think one of the things about this current team is that, just like in ‘74, there is a very strong Eglinton cricket connection. There were six of them from Eglinton in it when I played, and there are seven Eglinton players in this team. The club connection is a big thing.”

The whole town is sure to be cheering the local lads on as they bid to make history.

It has been a challenging run to the final for Limavady Grammar School, having beaten one of the favourites in the quarter final and having come through a tough test against Wallace High School with flying colours in last week’s semi.

“We are still unbeaten throughout the season and we hope that continues in tomorrow’s final in Muckamore”, Limavady Grammar School Coach Stephen Barr said.

“We had a fairly convincing win against Wallace High School. It was a fairly comprehensive victory. Ross Allen was the real linchpin. He made 34, and he was ably supported by his captain Callum McGregor. Jamie W Miller got 29.

“We started off very well and made a number of early wickets - good tight wickets. Jamie W Miller and Jamie P Miller got two early wickets. Ross Allen was man of the match.”

The Grammar, captained by Callum McGregor have five Ulster Schools’ Trialists (Ross Allen; Andrew Pierce; Stephen Kennedy; Jamie P Millar; Jamie W Millar)

Asked about the last time Limavady Grammar reached the final of the Schools Cup, Mr Barr said: “We were talking about it and we had originally believed it was back in 1973, but after looking through the school magazines it appears to have been in 1974.”

Cricket appears to be thriving at the school at the moment, with the Seconds in the semi-final of the Duke of Abercorn Cup against Grosvenor on Friday and the Under 13s in the semi-final of the Slemish Cup. “We are going rightly,” Stephen Barr said.