Down High School 20- 15 Carrickfergus Grammar School
Down High began their Northern Bank Medallion Shield campaign in the 3rd round on Saturday past in Downpatrick. They have been playing well throughout the year, only being beaten by a few teams. Could they pull it out of the bag against a strong Carrick side that had defeated them before Christmas?
The match had a positive start with Down High putting the pressure on the strong visiting side. They absorbed a lot of pressure until a good rolling maul slowly crept up to the try line with William Martin breaking off and scoring the opening points of the match.
Soon after Jack Patterson weaved his way through the Carrick defence with Luke Sandford, a last minute replacement at out half, converting to make the score 12-0.
The rest of the half saw an exchange of penalties, one from the Carrick fly half and the other from Sandford, leaving the score 15-3 to Down High at half time.
With an impressive first half performance could Down High keep up with the intense pressure? It started loosely with the ball being kicked up and down the pitch. After a break through Carrick’s defence Luke Sandford executed a pinpoint cross field kick with Jamie Gibson finishing it off and making the score 20-3.
Then the tide changed and Carrick came on the charge. Down High showed outstanding pride in defence but eventually the pressure told when the visitor’s outside centre crossed over the line making the score 20-8.
With this score, Carrick had their tails up and continued on their attack. However, Down High kept up the strong defence until the last play when Carrick were awarded a penalty try. The conversion that was to follow this would be the final act of the match and when the final whistle blew, the home fans erupted in cheers and applause. Bring on the fourth round.
Thanks to Carrick for a great match, the referee and a massive thanks to Mr Irvine and Mr Carson for all their commitment to coaching us.
By Ross Carlisle
Down High began their Northern Bank Medallion Shield campaign in the 3rd round on Saturday past in Downpatrick. They have been playing well throughout the year, only being beaten by a few teams. Could they pull it out of the bag against a strong Carrick side that had defeated them before Christmas?
The match had a positive start with Down High putting the pressure on the strong visiting side. They absorbed a lot of pressure until a good rolling maul slowly crept up to the try line with William Martin breaking off and scoring the opening points of the match.
Soon after Jack Patterson weaved his way through the Carrick defence with Luke Sandford, a last minute replacement at out half, converting to make the score 12-0.
The rest of the half saw an exchange of penalties, one from the Carrick fly half and the other from Sandford, leaving the score 15-3 to Down High at half time.
With an impressive first half performance could Down High keep up with the intense pressure? It started loosely with the ball being kicked up and down the pitch. After a break through Carrick’s defence Luke Sandford executed a pinpoint cross field kick with Jamie Gibson finishing it off and making the score 20-3.
Then the tide changed and Carrick came on the charge. Down High showed outstanding pride in defence but eventually the pressure told when the visitor’s outside centre crossed over the line making the score 20-8.
With this score, Carrick had their tails up and continued on their attack. However, Down High kept up the strong defence until the last play when Carrick were awarded a penalty try. The conversion that was to follow this would be the final act of the match and when the final whistle blew, the home fans erupted in cheers and applause. Bring on the fourth round.
Thanks to Carrick for a great match, the referee and a massive thanks to Mr Irvine and Mr Carson for all their commitment to coaching us.
By Ross Carlisle
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