Down High sail into Bowl final

Down High sail into Bowl final

20 February 2019

PORTADOWN College travelled to face a strong and ready Down High team last Wednesday with a place in the Medallion Bowl final up for grabs.

Both teams were up for the contest, as the winner progressed to face Omagh Academy in the decider.

The match began with Down kicking deep into Portadown territory, despite the strong wind. As both teams fought to get the first points on the board, Down High drew first blood.

With 10 minutes gone second row, Joseph Dooley added a well-worked try, but was wide with the conversion, 5-0.

Portadown kicked back to Down High with the aim of securing some points of their own on the scoreboard. Down High were not going to let this happen easily and with a strong attacking line, controlled by out half Alex Dobbin, worked their way up the pitch. 

After 20 minutes they increased their lead through flanker, Rhodri Phillips. Extras were missed due to the difficult wind, 10-0.

Once again Portadown kicked deep into Down High territory with the aim of reclaiming the ball in an attempt to score a try for themselves. After another sweeping Down attack, David Corrie grabbed another try, making the score 15-0 after 22 minutes. 

With half time getting closer, Down High cleared the ball from their 22’ with the hope of keeping Portadown in their own half. 

However, Portadown worked their way up the pitch and finally got their first score of the game after 25 minutes with a converted try, 15-7.

Down High defended well for the next five minutes with a tight defence marshalled by captain and scrum half Benjamin Hart to keep Portadown out.

Both sides came out after half-time hoping to set a marker down for the second half. 

With Down High receiving the ball, they worked well through both their backs and forwards to gain ground back up the pitch. 

Two minutes after the break, Down High extended their lead even further with a try through outside centre Cameron McCaughey, 20-7.

Down High were now fully in control of the game and once again gathered the kick, clearing their lines to move back into Portadown territory. 

This worked as three minutes later the home side added another try after an excellent move put winger Rory Wilson in the corner, 25-7.

For the next 20 minutes the game went back and forward, but Down High remained in control. 

Both teams battled hard to win a place in the final, but it was Down High who were confirmed the victors, as they put a final try on the board with inside centre Ross Graham scoring under the posts. 

Joe Dooley converted to leave the final score 32-7.

As the full-time whistle blew an ecstatic Down High team celebrated their well-deserved win.

Down High now play Omagh Academy in the final of the Medallion Bowl on Saturday, March 2, at Royal School, Dungannon All support would be very much welcomed.

This Saturday sees Down High 1st XV take on Royal School, Dungannon, in the quarter-final of the Subsidiary Shield. Kick off is at 11am in Downpatrick.