Down High U13s playing in their new kits for the first time put in a fantastic performance against Wallace on Saturday past. The same Wallace side had comprehensively beaten them last season and to have closed the gap down to one score Down High clearly left the more encouraged team.
In fact, the Down side were superior in their ball retention, the tackle area and in their ability to move the ball to the wide channels. Wallace on the otherhand had a number of strong individuals who made a big difference and their strong scramble defence snuffed out Down's attack on numerable occasions.
The Down scores both came from Ronan Patterson who another fantastic day at the office. His first came after Robin Wilson executed a brilliant and precise chip kick over the Wallace defensive line which he then gathered before possession shifted to Patterson who was in a perfect support position. Wilson converted the score to give the visitors a 7-0 lead.
Wallace were soon to respond with a breakaway try off their own line, all the work of their strong running centre. The conversion was missed and left Down with a 7-5 lead at half time.
Despite Down dominating possession in the second half it was Wallace who scored two converted tries in the half, one the result of a failed clearance kick by Down and the other off a set piece strike from the strong Wallace centre.
With about 10 minutes to go Patterson's second try revived the visitors hope for an unexpected win when he picked off a ruck and broke through the defensive line for the score. The conversion was missed.
Despite a few last minute attacks Down were unable to cross the whitewash for a third time and the game finished with a home win. Down were inevitably disappointed with the result having come so close but they were equally encouraged to have played in such an attractive and improved manner.
In fact, the Down side were superior in their ball retention, the tackle area and in their ability to move the ball to the wide channels. Wallace on the otherhand had a number of strong individuals who made a big difference and their strong scramble defence snuffed out Down's attack on numerable occasions.
The Down scores both came from Ronan Patterson who another fantastic day at the office. His first came after Robin Wilson executed a brilliant and precise chip kick over the Wallace defensive line which he then gathered before possession shifted to Patterson who was in a perfect support position. Wilson converted the score to give the visitors a 7-0 lead.
Wallace were soon to respond with a breakaway try off their own line, all the work of their strong running centre. The conversion was missed and left Down with a 7-5 lead at half time.
Despite Down dominating possession in the second half it was Wallace who scored two converted tries in the half, one the result of a failed clearance kick by Down and the other off a set piece strike from the strong Wallace centre.
With about 10 minutes to go Patterson's second try revived the visitors hope for an unexpected win when he picked off a ruck and broke through the defensive line for the score. The conversion was missed.
Despite a few last minute attacks Down were unable to cross the whitewash for a third time and the game finished with a home win. Down were inevitably disappointed with the result having come so close but they were equally encouraged to have played in such an attractive and improved manner.
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