<![CDATA[Down High Rugby

<![CDATA[Down High Rugby - U13 Rugby ]]>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:51:18 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[Succesful Tour for U13's]]>Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:50:07 -0800http://www.downhighrugby.com/7/post/2012/03/succesful-tour-for-u13s.html(PHOTOS CAN BE FOUND ON U14 RUGBY PAGE)

On a crisp Wednesday morning, 44 boys and 5 staff gathered at Down High School to embark on a 3 day / 2 night rugby tour to Scotland. After an uneventful crossing to Cairnryan and a 2 hour bus journey to Glasgow, the touring party checked into their accommodation before setting off for their first matches against Glasgow Academy. Both teams recorded similar convincing victories with the Under 14s winning 47-7 and the Under 13s securing a 41-5 success. Special mention should go to Chris Beattie and Paddy Browne who were named man of the match in their respective matches. An interested spectator was Northern Ireland football’s record goal scorer and Killyleagh native David Healy who was there to support his nephew Ross Connolly who plays for the Under 14 side. The victorious group returned to the hotel and capped off a long day by visiting the local cinema.

Day 2 began with a hearty breakfast and a bus journey to Edinburgh where the group had the chance to visit the world famous Edinburgh Dungeons. This was an excellent opportunity to learn about life in medieval Scotland and the reaction of a number of the boys certainly dispelled the myth that rugby players do not have a soft side! A spot of sight seeing along the historic Royal Mile saw another encounter with famous sportspeople. As part of Sport Relief, a mile run was being held which finished at Edinburgh Castle and among the participants were Rugby World Cup Winners Martin Corry and Josh Lewsey along with Olympic Gold Medallists Chris Boardman and Amy Williams. Some of the boys took the opportunity to get a photo with the 2 rugby players.

The group then made their way to Boroughmuir High School where the Under 13s recorded a convincing 45-0 victory with Lewis Canning outstanding. Unfortunately the Under 14s conceded a late try and the resulting conversion gave Boroughmuir a 2 point victory. Ewan Keers was awarded the player of the match. The second evening was spent ten-pin bowling in the Xscape complex in Glasgow.

Day 3 began with a visit to the Braehead Shopping Centre for the boys to indulge in a little retail therapy. The good humour shown throughout the tour continued when a number of the Under 13 team decided to invest in fancy dress for the journey home. The long journey home then started and the coach eventually rolled into Downpatrick on the Friday evening to mark the end of a successful tour.

Credit must go to the boys on how they conducted themselves over the 3 days. They were excellent ambassadors for Down high School.

]]><![CDATA[Down High Under 13s victorious in local derby]]>Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:05:08 -0800http://www.downhighrugby.com/7/post/2012/03/down-high-under-13s-victorious-in-local-derby.htmlDown High Under 13s victorious in local derby

Down High U-13s 48 Ballynahinch U-13s 3

By Claytan Milligan

A perfect dry March morning saw Ballynahinch Rugby Club arrive at Down High to play their last Saturday morning match of the season. This is always a nostalgic game against Ballynahinch as it is the old club for many of Down high players.

Down’s early dominace was quickly rewarded when a text book pass from Paddy Browne to Claytan Milligan saw the prop spy a gap in the ‘Hinch defence and score. The second try came from another great pass from Paddy Browne to Harry Hitchens who dived over the line triumphantly. Two further tries from Milligan and William Annett saw Down take a 26-0 lead. Ballynahinch got on the scoreboard with a well struck penalty just before halftime.

The second half saw a number of Year 8 pupils get a chance to play and they certainly didn’t look out of place and superb handling from Robin Wilson, Rhys Patterson and Harris McConnell gave Marcus Graham a score in the corner. Zac Ward powered his way over the line for a further score and the last try was a popular one when Kaho Yim bundled over the line for his first try of the the season.

The team would like to thank our coaches Mr Doey and Mr Cairns and special thanks to Andy Ward for their fitness training.

Man of the Match: Claytan Milligan

]]><![CDATA[13's notch up another win!]]>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:32:26 -0800http://www.downhighrugby.com/7/post/2012/02/13s-notch-up-another-win.html

Down High U-13As- 26

Ballyclare High U- 13Bs- 12

By William Annett

On near perfect playing conditions the Down High U-13s made the trip up to Ballyclare knowing it would be a difficult match.

The home side kicked off deep into Down’s twenty two, and Down managed to control possession for a number of phases. As they main their way into Ballyclare territory, a training ground backs move saw the ball move to winger Marcus Graham to open the scoring in the corner. Unfortunately Paddy Browne missed the conversion. Almost from the restart, Browne saw space and a very good cross-field kick and a lucky bounce allowed Marcus to go over for his second of the day. Browne duly added the extras. The away side now knew what they had to do, which was to spread the ball to the wingers and after a few phases of putting the ball through the hands William Annett got the ball and ran to score a converted try near the posts. Down’s dominance continued and Angus Ferris made a great break down the wing but was extremely unfortunate to get put into touch at the corner. Ballyclare were starting to get frustrated and very good scrums by the Down High pack and good steals by Matthew Porter gave the backs all the ball they needed. The last play of the half saw skipper Paddy Browne dummy his opposite number and out pace the home side full back to score a try under the posts. His conversion made it 26-0 at half time.

A very strong half time talk for the home team definitely spurred them on. Instant pressure after the restart from Ballyclare and very impressive forward drive led them up to Down High’s twenty two. Determined play by the home forwards saw them rewarded with a score in the corner. Ballyclare took heart from this and before the end of the match managed a further consolation score.

For Down High this game was won in the first half and they will be looking to continue their winning streak next match.

Man of the match: William Annett

]]><![CDATA[Down High B's triumph in Ballyclare]]>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:29:42 -0800http://www.downhighrugby.com/7/post/2012/02/down-high-bs-triumph-in-ballyclare.htmlThis is your new blog post. Click here and start typing, or drag in elements from the top bar.

Ballyclare U13Bs 5

Down High U13Bs 22

By Adam Brown

Down High Under 13's 'B' team travelled to Ballyclare and produced a excellent all round team performance to record a comfortable 22 - 5 victory.

The Down High boys set out with high hopes and straight from the kick off they turned over the ball and spread it through the hands to Aaron Spence who powered over the line to open the scoring. From the restart the Down boys won possession of the ball and once again they spread it quickly through the hands to Adam Brown who used his pace to break the Clare defence and score under the posts, Eoin Moag converted. Towards the end of the first half Clare came more into the game and despite some good defensive work by Down the pressure eventually counted when Down conceded a penalty which led to Clare scoring an try and leave the away team 12-5 in the lead.

The second half kicked off with Ballyclare receiving. They used all their power to try and plough through the Down defence but couldn't break the line. Down forwards won good ball for Chisty Maguire to clear the line. After some good rucking from the Down forwards scrum half George McVeigh secured quick ball and the backs moved the ball to winger Adam Brown who once again used his speed to get around the Clare defence to score in the corner. Down continued to apply the pressure with the forwards dominating the set plays and winning good ball for backs to use. Lewis Mason made a number of good breaks and Eoin Moag had an excellent game at outhalf. It was fitting that the last score came from Adam Brown who once again scored in the corner to leave the final score 22-5.

Commiserations to Ballyclare who showed great skill at times and put pressure on the Down boys. A big thanks to Mr Doey for his support from the sideline and encouragement during his team talk.

Man of the match: Adam Brown

]]><![CDATA[13s triumph in local derby]]>Tue, 14 Feb 2012 02:45:30 -0800http://www.downhighrugby.com/7/post/2012/02/13s-triumph-in-local-derby.htmlDown High Under 13s triumph in local derby.

Down High U13: 31      Ballynahinch RFC U13: 5

Report by Lewis Canning

On a damp, windless morning, the Down High boys made their way to the High School, Ballynahinch to face Ballynahinch Rugby Club in a friendly fixture. The boys knew a lot of the players from the opposition, but this did not change their attitude towards their rugby.

From the start to the finish the Down boys played with great aggression and intensity. It was clear the Hinch lads had not faced this type of rugby this season. Trademark runs from the blind side flanker Zac Ward got the game started, as also did good runs by Marcus Graham and Claytan Milligan. The Down pack was struggling to get good, quick, clean ball for the backs in the 1st half and efforts by Lewis Canning and Rory Horder were not quite enough to push the Hinch boys back off the ball. With the game entering the second quarter, the pack were starting to get back to the usual and blowing out rucks with great aggression. This got good ball for the backs to work their magic and when the ball was spun out to Marcus Graham on the wing and he used his pace, acceleration and side step to get the first score of the match. This left the score at 5-0 to the down boys; Paddy Browne successfully put his practice to good use and placed the ball beautifully between the posts.

Now that the Down boys had ‘tested out’ Hinch they began to capitalise on their mistakes and kept adding to the scoreboard with tries from Marcus Graham, Sam Rickard, Paddy Browne, and William Annett. Although Hinch did have their moments and their second row forward was able to pick and drive from the ruck to get over for a consolation score to leave the Mount Crescent boys victorious by 31 points to 7.

Men of the match: Lewis Canning and Marcus Graham.

]]><![CDATA[Close encounter with Campbell!]]>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:51:05 -0800http://www.downhighrugby.com/7/post/2012/02/close-encounter-with-campbell.htmlDown High U13 15   Campbell College U13 21

With Down High School’s Under 13 team producing a number of fine performances this season, they knew the challenge of Campbell College would provide a good benchmark to their ability to compete with the best schools in rugby.

Down knew this would be a physical battle and from the start each and every player stood up to their responsibility and Campbell knew they were in for a tough game with some excellent hits being made by Lewis Canning and Clayton Milligan. The Down pack produced a level of intensity rarely shown this year and through some excellent work made their way into the opposition 22 and after a number of near misses, flanker Zac Ward scored an unconverted try in the corner to give the Mount Crescent boys the lead. As was expected this spurred the Belfast school into action and they scored a try of their own with a well controlled driving maul and along with the conversion Campbell now led by two points. As the half came to a close, Campbell infringed at the ruck to give Down’s out half Paddy Browne a simple penalty chance which he duly converted to see the boys in green lead 8-7 at half time.

The second half started with Campbell on the front foot. They had raised their intensity and produced a period of pressure deep inside the Down half. However the home defence stood up to anything that was thrown at them and in the process of turning over possession, a quick thinking Campbell back row player charged down a clearing kick to once again give the visiting team the lead. There was still time for Down High to come back and they certainly did just that. Once again it was Zac Ward who rounded off a series of phases with another try in the corner. This time Browne converted and the home side were 15-14 up and sensing a famous victory. Unfortunately Down could not gather the restart and no sooner had they gone in front than they were once again behind as Campbell punished the mistake with a final converted try. There was still a short time for the Down boys to reply but resolute defending meant that Campbell returned to the city with a victory.

The reaction of the Campbell team at the end reflected the fact that they knew they were in a tough game and on another day would not have won. Credit should go to them for capitalising on Down’s mistakes and scoring points at vital times. The home side can take comfort from the fact that they can compete with another top school in Ulster Rugby and if they can minimise their errors they can turn these close defeats into victories.

Man of the Match: Zac Ward

]]><![CDATA[13s Back to Winning Ways]]>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:45:44 -0800http://www.downhighrugby.com/7/post/2012/02/13s-back-to-winning-ways.htmlMatch report by Thomas McGarry

Larne Grammar Under 13s 0 Down High Under 13s 50

On a Saturday morning Down high U13s travelled to Larne Grammar School with their hopes set high due to their full squad being back. Their captain Paddy Browne also returned after a head injury. The match kicked off and Down forwards immediately set the tone for the match with great hits from Lewis Canning, Michael Harper and Thomas McGarry. This meant that Down high were able to steal the ball and set up an opening try for Marcus Graham. This try despite being at the very side of the pitch was superbly converted by Browne. Another two tries were scored by William Annett and Matthew Porter. Unfortunately Browne was unable to convert these, missing by inches. Clayton Milligan used his strength and power to get past the defence and score another converted try to leave the score 24-0.

The second half started with great confidence and this paid off as Johnny Mcoubrey was able to run through and get a try straight from the kick off. Marcus Graham scored a fantastic individual try showing his ability to side step his opposite number. Zac Ward was able to power over the line to get the 7th try of the day and the scoring was rounded off by Matthew Dougherty thanks to a good offload by Sam Rickard. Matthew was very pleased by this try as he had hurt his knee before the match. This left the final score at 50-0 in favour of the Mount Crescent men.

Another good performance by the Down High Squad and hopefully this could be the start to another winning streak as the boys take on Cambridge House this Saturday.

Man of the Match: Thomas McGarry

]]><![CDATA[13s Fall to Banbridge]]>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:16:22 -0800http://www.downhighrugby.com/7/post/2012/01/13s-fall-to-banbridge.htmlDown High School 0 Banbridge Academy 24

Down High Under 13s first match of the New Year resulted in a defeat to an aggressive Banbridge Academy side. The first half turned out to be scoreless but unfortunately Down High suffered injuries to two of their influential back row players Zac Ward and Matthew Porter. Before this Down matched the aggression of their opponents and it had the potential to turn into a very competitive game.

At the beginning of the second half, Banbridge exploited the naivety of some of the Down forwards to score a converted try in the corner. After this Down suffered another blow when talisman Paddy Browne had to leave the action with a head injury and fellow back Harry Hitchens had to retire also. With the Down sideline being like a scene from Casualty and the team being down to 14 players due to all subs being used, Banbridge scored 3 late tries to finish victorious.

It would have been interesting to see the outcome if the starting line up had been together for much longer but credit must go to Banbridge for their aggression at the breakdown.

Man of the match: Clayton Milligan

]]><![CDATA[Offical Launch of U13 Kits]]>Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:16:12 -0800http://www.downhighrugby.com/7/post/2011/12/offical-launch-of-u13-kits.html

The new playing kit for our U-13 Rugby Squad was officially launched this week.

A number of local business leaders very kindly sponsored this promising young squad and were present at the launch.
Included in the photograph are Patrick Hutley of Motis Shipping, Keith Graham of Lindsay Graham Estate Agents, Clarke Browne of Browne’s Gas Services and George Porter from GP Haulage. Absent from the photograph is Hugo Finlay of Hugo Thomas.

The School would like to thank all these businesses for their valuable support of the rugby programme.

]]><![CDATA[Down High Climbing Higher and Higher]]>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:32:57 -0800http://www.downhighrugby.com/7/post/2011/12/down-high-climbing-higher-and-higher.htmlCarrick Under 13s 0 Down High Under 13s 64

Report by Thomas McGarry

On a frosty Saturday morning the Down High U13 boys prepared to face Carrick Grammar School. This was probably the coldest the boys had ever played but this wasn't going to get them down. They played with as much confidence as ever and this paid off early when Jonny McCoubrey was able to get over the line and score the first try of the day. Paddy Browne was unable to convert this time. Shortly after Zac Ward was able to get Down High's second try which was converted. Zac scored another brilliant try afterwards. Unfortunately Paddy couldn't convert this try but this was the last unsuccessful attempt young Paddy would have. Jonny McCoubrey completed his hat trick with a further two tries in the first half.

The scoring continued in the second half when Marcus Graham scored two amazing tries which showed great handling ability and Marcus' unbelievable speed. Clayton Milligan, now captain because Paddy Browne was subbed off for Harry Hitchens, out paced Carricks winger to score a further try. Carrick did threaten the Down line but an excellent last ditch tackle by Thomas McGarry meant the Down white wash remained uncrossed. Terry Hutley then went over for his second try in 2 weeks and Angus Ferris scored the final try for the Down High lads to round off a convincing win.

Down High Under 13s will face a tough test away to Sullivan this Saturday

Men of the Match: Thomas McGarry and Sam Rickard

Report by Thomas McGarry

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