Down High 1st XV 20  Regent House 6

Down High 1st XV continued their progress with a convincing 20  - 6 win against a Regent House team who have already claimed several impressive scalps so far this season.

Down High kicked off playing with the breeze and after 2 minutes were awarded  a penalty when Regent strayed offside, Justin Rea converted the kick to give the home side a 3 – 0 lead. From the restart Down High committed a similar offence to allow Regent to tie the score with a penalty in front of the posts. Down High regained control of the match but mistakes prevented them from adding to their total until the 23rd minute when Rea kicked a second penalty from long range to give Down High a 6 – 3 lead which they maintained until half time.

In the second half Down High faced a stiffening breeze and conceded an early penalty after infringing at a ruck to gift Regent a simple 3 points to tie the score at 6 -6. This seemed to act as a trigger for the Down High boys to up their game and they strung together a few excellent phases of play, retaining the ball and eventually working their way into the Regent 22. From a lineout the forwards worked an impressive catch and drive and released the ball for the backs to run a well rehearsed move which, after good work from Rea, resulted in a simple try in the corner for Jamie Thompson. Rea added the conversion to give Down High a 13 – 6 lead.

Down High regained possession from the restart and following good carries by Jack Calvert and Kelvin Hamilton they worked their way deep into Regent territory and were awarded with a 5 metre scrum from which Ricky Gill danced his way over the line for a fine score which was converted by Justin Rea  to take the score to 20 – 6.

Down High played very sensible rugby to close out the game and were very good value for their victory after an excellent team performance.