Medallion marvels battle

Medallion marvels battle

30 January 2013

DOWN High’s Medallion Shield XV secured a fourth round tie against Coleraine Inst on Saturday when they came from behind late on to snatch a dramatic victory against Larne yesterday afternoon.

The pitch at Mount Crescent was adjudged playable at the 11th hour, but underfoot conditions were not conducive to flowing rugby and that suited a physically bigger Larne side.

However, Down High used the gusting wind to good advantage in the first half and skipper William Martin showed his troops the way forward when he ran in for the game’s first try after only 10 minutes. Charlie Power added the extras.

The locals were well on top at this stage, but scores were hard to come by and they paid the penalty for wasted possession when Larne scored an unconverted try in the 15th minute.

Down High went back on the offensive, but all they had to show for their diligence was a converted penalty from the trusty Power to give the home side a 10-5 lead at the break.

Larne, who now had the strong wind in their backs, played some smart rugby and they hemmed Down High into their own 22 with some well placed kicks.

The visitors were now in charge and a converted try gave then a 12-10 lead that they stretched to 15-10 with a monster of a penalty from the number 8, who converted from almost on the halfway line.

Larne looked comfortable in the lead, but they hadn’t reckoned on Down High’s indomitable spirit and with five minutes remaining the inspirational Martin popped up with his second try of the game to leave the sides tied.

It was left to Power to add the coup de grace when he converted the try to get his side out of jail and into the next round.

Final score: Down High 17 Larne Grammar 15.