The Down High School under 14’s travelled to Bangor Grammar School for their first match of the season. It was a cold, damp and blustery morning where the under 14’s were looking for a win to start the season. A late change was made with William McNamara replacing scrum half Dan Browne due to him feeling unwell.
Down won the toss and chose to kick. A clean catch was taken from the kick off and Bangor were on the attack. After a few phases of play the ball was knocked on. Down had a good scrum and after a good clearance and a penalty, they found themselves with a lineout inside Bangor’s 22. A good lineout saw flanker Ronan Patterson score under the posts after running a good inside line. The extras were added. After a solid take from the kick off from Callum Dunn, Down made quick ground and soon found themselves with a scrum just outside the 22. A good move and a well timed pass from Harris McConnell saw Rhys Patterson go over in the corner. The conversion hit the post. Bangor tried to get on the score sheet but Down’s defence seemed to be impenetrable. Another failed attempt from Bangor saw Down make their way up the pitch, and eventually letting Rhys Patterson score his second in the corner after some great hands. This time the conversion went over. At the end of the half Down were leading 19-0.
Bangor kicked off the second half and after some good movement of the ball, Down found themselves close to Bangor line. After a few attempts, Alexander martin made his way across under the posts. The extras were added. After that, both sides had their fair share of chances to score but neither side could execute. This was down to solid defence and plenty of dropped ball. Bangor had the best chance with a rolling maul from 5 metres out but Down held out. Subs were brought on and didn’t disappoint. Dan Browne was feeling better so came on and had a few great runs. During the last phase of play, Down decided to run it in their own 22. Good running and passing from Dan Browne and William Browne set up Robin Wilson to run down the wing and in under the posts. The conversion was successful. A good 33-0 victory over a strong team should hopefully set the tone for the season.
Down won the toss and chose to kick. A clean catch was taken from the kick off and Bangor were on the attack. After a few phases of play the ball was knocked on. Down had a good scrum and after a good clearance and a penalty, they found themselves with a lineout inside Bangor’s 22. A good lineout saw flanker Ronan Patterson score under the posts after running a good inside line. The extras were added. After a solid take from the kick off from Callum Dunn, Down made quick ground and soon found themselves with a scrum just outside the 22. A good move and a well timed pass from Harris McConnell saw Rhys Patterson go over in the corner. The conversion hit the post. Bangor tried to get on the score sheet but Down’s defence seemed to be impenetrable. Another failed attempt from Bangor saw Down make their way up the pitch, and eventually letting Rhys Patterson score his second in the corner after some great hands. This time the conversion went over. At the end of the half Down were leading 19-0.
Bangor kicked off the second half and after some good movement of the ball, Down found themselves close to Bangor line. After a few attempts, Alexander martin made his way across under the posts. The extras were added. After that, both sides had their fair share of chances to score but neither side could execute. This was down to solid defence and plenty of dropped ball. Bangor had the best chance with a rolling maul from 5 metres out but Down held out. Subs were brought on and didn’t disappoint. Dan Browne was feeling better so came on and had a few great runs. During the last phase of play, Down decided to run it in their own 22. Good running and passing from Dan Browne and William Browne set up Robin Wilson to run down the wing and in under the posts. The conversion was successful. A good 33-0 victory over a strong team should hopefully set the tone for the season.