Down High 1st XV came up agonisingly short against a very physical and skilful Washington Loggers Under 19 state side. Down started promisingly with an early break by Nathan Gibson which the home side defended well. The Loggers then found their feet and took the lead with a penalty kick after ten minutes. The Loggers' physicality continued to trouble the boys in green and after another infringement they scored a converted try to lead 10-0. This spurred the visitors into action and after a fine break by Thomas Donnan and an intelligent kick by Paddy Wright, Down had great field position. A set move followed and Nathan Gibson scored a well worked try in the corner. Wright missed with the conversion. The last knockings of the half were scrappy and the Loggers led 10-5 at half time.
Down started the second half on the front foot but once again a mistake close to the line cost the Mount Crescent boys dear as the Loggers made their way up the pitch and spent a long period of time in Down's 22. Some fantastic defence looked as if the attack would be repelled but unfortunately continual infringements from Down allowed the Loggers to score an unconverted try in the corner.
Down played great territory rugby after the try but credit to Loggers whose defence stood firm. But great opportunism from firstly Darren Cheung and then Donnan taking a quick penalty to score under the posts saw Down come back into it with the scoreline at 12-15.
Down now had the momentum but once again little errors cost the tourists on two occasions. With time up, the Loggers winger deliberately threw the ball into touch and this meant Down had a chance to draw level. But Paddy Wright's long range penalty attempt hit the crossbar and Darren Cheung failed to gather the rebound and the sound of the final whistle was met by delight from the home team and supporters.
Down started the second half on the front foot but once again a mistake close to the line cost the Mount Crescent boys dear as the Loggers made their way up the pitch and spent a long period of time in Down's 22. Some fantastic defence looked as if the attack would be repelled but unfortunately continual infringements from Down allowed the Loggers to score an unconverted try in the corner.
Down played great territory rugby after the try but credit to Loggers whose defence stood firm. But great opportunism from firstly Darren Cheung and then Donnan taking a quick penalty to score under the posts saw Down come back into it with the scoreline at 12-15.
Down now had the momentum but once again little errors cost the tourists on two occasions. With time up, the Loggers winger deliberately threw the ball into touch and this meant Down had a chance to draw level. But Paddy Wright's long range penalty attempt hit the crossbar and Darren Cheung failed to gather the rebound and the sound of the final whistle was met by delight from the home team and supporters.
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