Down High go down fighting

Down High go down fighting

25 March 2015

DOWN High School left the Kingspan Stadium last Thursday defeated, but proud.

They were the first Down High team in 33 years to reach the Subsidiary Shield final and their performance on the day, in front of a buoyant travelling support, was of the highest order.

Down High dominated the opening exchanges, with Zac Ward and Luke Sandford particularly prominent around the park.

But Ballymena were resolute in defence and they were able to launch some attacks of their own, although they couldn’t cross the try line.

Both sides were unsuccessful with penalty opportunities before Ballymena out half Andrew McGrath registered the first points of the game from the tee on the half hour mark.

Down High full back Joe Bingham kicked a penalty two minutes later to draw level, but there was still time for McGrath to push his side ahead with another three-pointer on the stroke of half time.

Both teams had opportunities after the break, including a missed penalty from Down High, but it was Ballymena who made the first breakthrough in the 42nd minute.

Joe Thompson and Jonny McKeown were involved in the initial burst, before McGrath sent Angus Kernohan racing clear to score under the posts. McGrath added the conversion for a 13-3 lead.

The next period of the game was played in the middle third of the pitch and despite some good phases by both teams, the defences were on top.

The result was sealed for Ballymena when captain Josh McIlroy started and finished an attack five minutes from the end, with McGrath’s conversion extending the advantage to 20-3.

In a fitting finish to what had been a tighly contested fixture, Bingham got a consolation score for Down High at the death when he collected the ball in his own 22 and outpaced the tiring defence to touch down for a fine individual try. His conversion reduced the gap 20-10 as the final whistle sounded following an excellent game.

Down High School 10

Ballymena Academy 20

DANSKE BANK SUBSIDIARY SHIELD FINAL