Incident hampers Down High

Incident hampers Down High

8 February 2017

AN injury to Down High out-half Robin Wilson proved to be the turning point in a hard fought Schools’ Cup fourth round clash in Downpatrick on Saturday morning.

Down High were leading 8-7 when Wilson and Methody’s Ethan McIlroy collided while going for the ball early in the second half.

When play resumed after a hold-up of over 30 minutes Down High soon found themselves on the back foot as Methody scored a penalty and then a try to secure their place in the fifth round.

The  Belfast side had taken the lead with a converted try from a catch-and-drive maul after only ten minutes and could have gone further in front a few minutes later when a penalty attempt drifted wide.

However, the momentum shifted in favour of the home side. On the 18-minute mark, Down High pressure at the Methody end of the field forced a penalty after an indiscretion at a ruck and Marcus Graham slotted over the penalty — much to the pleasure of the large home crowd.

Graham had another chance a few minutes later with a long range effort, but this time his kick fell short.

Down High took the lead on the 25-minute mark when William Annett rounded off a great team try after a number of incisions by the dynamic Down High pack and some smart play by the backs. The tough conversion drifted wide.

As the half came to a close Methody piled serious pressure on the Down High line. The pressure was so telling that the home side lost a man to the sin bin for repetitive infringement. Despite this the 14 men that remained held firm and Down High led 8-7 at half time.

Following Wilson’s injury and the subsequent lengthy delay, it was the visitors who regrouped more effectively. In contrast Down High struggled to find their flow and lacked composure at times.

Within five minutes of the resumption Methody scored the penalty to regain the lead and added an unconverted try shortly afterwards. They also missed a penalty that would have extended their lead further.

 Down High did spend periods of play at the Methody end of the field in the final quarter of the game and hunted hard after the try that would bring them level.

One effective set piece play almost saw Marcus Graham cross the try line but he was stopped short and from that point on the Methody defence held firm.

The final whistle was greeted with great disappointment by all connected with Down High. The boys in green had put themselves in a strong position at half time but ultimately had struggled to maintain their focus following the break in play.

Down High coach John Gunson said afterwards: “We started the second half confidently, but after the delay we gave away three or four stupid penalties and that allowed Methody back into the contest.”

Even so, he was pleased with his side’s efforts. “We made a few mistakes in key areas and had chances, but we pushed them all the way.”

Down High now enter the quarter-finals of the subsidiary shield competition in which they have drawn Dalriada at home. This game will be played on Saturday, February 18.

Down High School 8

Methodist College 15

DANSKE BANK SCHOOLS’ CUP