Down High fall in Schools’ Cup

Down High fall in Schools’ Cup

13 February 2013

DOWN High’s run in the Danske Bank Schools’ Cup came to an abrupt end in the fourth round on Saturday.

Des-pite some periods of fantastic team play and a number of superb individual performances, Down High were outplayed by their classy opponents.

Ballyclare dominated the first half and had built up a 26-5 lead by half-time.

The visitors opened the scoring when their impressive captain, Jonny Darling, picked up from the base of a scrum won against the head and crashed over the Down High School line. Jack Irvine converted the try to put Ballyclare into a 7-0 lead.

Down High School responded almost immediately and took play deep into Ballyclare territory.

Following a series of picks and drives, Down High School prop Nathan Gibson eventually scrambled over for an unconverted try.

Midway through the half Darling scored his second try of the game when he took advantage of good work from his fellow forwards to touch down under the Down High School posts. Irvine converted the try to extend the Ballyclare High School lead to 14-5.

The visitors then scored two tries just before the interval. Irvine put a superb kick into the Down High School corner and from the resultant line out David Allen stole the ball and crashed over for an unconverted try.

The Ballyclare team really sealed the game on the stroke of half-time when man of the match Darling completed his hat-trick of tries. Irvine converted.

To their credit the Down boys started the second half strongly and asked questions of the Ballyclare High School defence.

Unfortunately for them, they found the Ballyclare defence to be well-organised and in a mood to give nothing away. The home team also gave away a number of penalties which assisted the Ballyclare team in clearing the danger.

The only try of the second half was scored by Ballyclare flanker Jordan McKinstry took advantage of a turnover ball won by his midfield defence to run in for the try. Irvine was again with his conversion kick.

Whilst obviously disappointed with the result the Down boys left the field knowing they had performed well in certain aspects of their play and with very clear ideas about areas that need developed as they move forward.

The focus of their attention now turns to the Subsidiary Shield fixture on Saturday, February 23, when they will play either Dalriada Grammar or Limavady Grammar at home.

Down High School 5

Ballyclare High School 33

DANSKE BANK SCHOOLS’ CUP