Down High heading west

Down High heading west

30 January 2019

DOWN High school set up a mouth-watering fourth round Danske Bank Schools’ Cup confrontation with Enniskillen Royal on February 9 after getting the better of Omagh Academy in torrential conditions on Saturday. 

Omagh showed their intent in the opening minute, making the most of the strong wind to play in the Down High half, but the visitors held tight before opportunity struck.

With three minutes gone Greg Hutley chipped the ball behind the Omagh defence, allowing hooker Conor Moag to regather the ball. Scrum half Conor Gibson was on hand to move the ball quickly to Hutley, who put Luka Walsh in space for the first score of the game.

Omagh bounced back well, again using the wind effectively, and their pressure gave way to a penalty which they successfully struck to close the gap. 

As they continued to apply pressure, the home side had a chance to take the lead on the 20 minute mark, but their kick drifted to the right hand side of the posts. 

With 10 minutes left in the half, Down High extended their lead. Having forced Omagh deep into their own half, Luka Walsh capitalised on Omagh’s decision to play out from their own quarters when he intercepted the ball to score his second of the day. Hutley slotted over the conversion. Down carried a 12-3 lead into half-time.

With the strong wind now on their tails and a reasonable points buffer, Down High controlled the game well. Omagh continued to apply plenty of pressure, but the Down defence was hungry and with the exception of a few indiscretions they soaked up the Omagh onslaughts. 

With 20 minutes left the game took a critical turn when Hutley slotted a goal to take the Down lead to 15-3. 

As would be expected from the men from the west, they didn’t lie down, but they were forced to chase the game. This, combined with the ever-determined Down defence, enabled Down High to see the game out to a successful conclusion. 

This Saturday sees Down High Medallion take on Dalriada in the quarter-final of the Medallion Bowl at home. Kick off is at 11am.