Down High in majestic form as Carrick fall

Down High in majestic form as Carrick fall

16 January 2019

IN their first outing in this year’s Danske Bank Schools’ Cup, Down High successfully managed the conditions and their opponents on a blustery morning at Carrickfergus Grammar to move into the third round and a trip to Omagh Academy. 

Carrick, helped by the accurate kicking of their talented out-half, who had the wind on his back, enjoyed the lion’s share of territory and possession in the opening exchanges. However, following a successful home-town penalty 10 minutes in, Down High went on to dominate proceedings.

Down High wing Jonathan Graham was first to score for the visitors, showing great agility in a pre-prepared play following excellent pressure from the pack. Greg Hutley fired over the straightforward conversion. 

It wasn’t long after the restart before Carrick were back under their own sticks when Luka Walsh intercepted the ball deep in Down High territory and showed great pace to run the length of the pitch for a converted try. 

Full back Christy Lindsay demonstrated superb evasion skills to run in for Down’s third try. Josh Hanlon then powered over for another converted try on the back of patient play over multiple phases by the Down pack. Down took a 26-3 lead into the half-time break. 

The locals didn’t hang about in getting their second half tally underway. Five minutes in Jakob Cross finished off some neat handling by the back line and then went on to score his second try a few minutes later, this time off a well-executed set-piece play. 

Christy Lindsay got his second try after chasing a well-weighted grubber kick from Greg Hutley after Down had built some pressure in the Carrick 22. 

With 20 minutes to go, Jakob Cross capped off a fine personal performance with his third try, showing excellent support play to take an inside pass from Christy Lindsay in the wide channel. 

Hanlon scored the final try for Down as he strolled in on the blindside off a well-timed pass from Walsh who had replaced Chris Gibson at scrum half. Replacement out half, Charlie Gibson knocked over the final conversion. 

With 10 minutes still on the clock referee Trevor Bradfield blew the game up, signalling a comfortable and encouraging win for the visitors. 

Omagh Academy will provide a sterner test. The two sides met in the opening fixture of the season with Down High leaving Omagh with a narrow 18-15 win. Fixture to be played on Saturday, January 26. 

Carrickfergus Grammar 3

Down High School 55

DANSKE BANK SCHOOLS’ CUP 2ND ROUND