Down 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.

Down 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

Match 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   

Down 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

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.

Carrick 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

DOWN HIGH U13S 52 DROMORE HIGH U13S 0

Report by Zac Ward

On Monday afternoon Dromore high school UI3’s travelled to Down High school to play the U13’s at the Mount Crescent venue. The match kicked off in what could be described as very blustery afternoon. Lewis Canning claimed the kick off and good work by the forwards saw the ball spun to Jonny McCoubery who showed amazing pace to out gas the opposition to score the opening try. The strong wind meant Paddy Browne was unable to convert and the score remained 5-0. Dromore awoke from their slumber and played with excellent intensity for the middle part of the half. However with five minutes left to play in the first half Lewis Canning rumbled over for the second try of the game which was then converted by Paddy Browne. This left the half time score 12-0.

The second half started with Ward showing his power to drive over the line to score, which was once again converted by Paddy Browne. Dromore came back fighting strong but they were no match for the sheer pace of William Annett who was tackled on the 5 metre line but managed to give a Sonny Bill Williams offload to Marcus Graham who just had to fall over the line. Paddy Browne put over a superb conversion from the touchline. Shortly after Zac Ward was on the scoresheet again when Terry Hutley tossed the ball out to Paddy Browne who then fed the powerful flanker to score a try which Browne again converted. From the restart Jonny McCoubery weaved his magic through the Dromore defence to get his second try. Unfortunately Browne missed the conversion but the score was now 38-0 to the boys in green. With 5 minutes of the match to go Marcus Graham showed everyone his speed and strength to shimmy his way past the defence and break out of several tackles to score under the post to leave Browne an easy conversion. Dromore then had their best moment of the game but just when it seemed their flanker was about to score a great tackle caused him to drop the ball over the line and Eoin Moag cleared the danger. The last play of the match saw Zac Ward show his strength to bounce past the Dromore defence to score in the corner which bagged him a third try of the game; Browne again converted a difficult kick.

The Down boys deserve credit for fronting up in a physical battle and they continue to improve in all facets of the game.

Man of the Match: Zac Ward

Killicomaine Junior High School U13s 0 – Down High School Under 13s 52

By Paddy Browne

On Saturday Down High Under 13 A's travelled to Killicomaine Junior High hoping to add another win to their increasing tally.

The first score came from a 'crash ball move' executed perfectly with powerful running by Zac Ward; Paddy Browne converted. Ward was soon on the score sheet again with an intercept try which Browne converted. Try number three began with a five-metre scrum from which Terry Hutley received quick ball and proceeded to dance his way around the Killicomaine back row to score a fine try. Paddy Browne was unable to convert this time. Shortly afterwards Rory Horder unfortunately had to leave the field with an injury, but was replaced by Michael Harper. Further tries were scored by Angus Ferris, Marcus Graham and Jonny McCoubrey - all showing great pace; Browne added the extras on each occasion.

The second half started with a period of Killicomaine pressure which was dealt with by the ever-abrasive back-row trio of Porter, Canning and Ward. However Down High were quick to cross the line again with tries by Paddy Browne, Adam Brown and Clayton Milligan; Browne converted all three.

Credit must be given to the Down High 'pack' who week-in and week-out work tirelessly to produce quick ball for the backs. This was another satisfying result for the Under 13 boys who returned to County Down in great spirits.

Man of the match: Paddy Browne.

Regent U13A - 0  Down High U13A – 36. 

Report by Marcus Graham

On a bright and crisp November morning the Down High boys travelled to the fortress of Comber Road under the shadow of Scrabo Tower to do battle against a strong Regent team. Despite the wet ground and long grass some great rugby was played with Down High U13As returning home to Mount Crescent victorious again with another resounding win.

Regent won the toss and chose to kick off.  The Down High pack caught and drove forward and provided good clean ball for scrum-half Terry Hutley to release the backs. This strong link between the forwards and the backs became the solid base of the Down High game plan.

After five minutes with Terry getting continuous quick ball to the backs, Jonny McCoubrey made a trademark run through the centre, running through the Regent defence to score Down High’s first try in the corner. Up stepped Paddy Browne for what was his most difficult kick of the match, and kicked the conversion beautifully through the posts.  Down High were up and running.

After a superb passage of play by the Down High boys, with the ball being passed cleanly through the hands of the backs, the forwards dominated the resulting maul and the ball was again moved out to the backs, this time reaching Marcus Graham who outran the opposition to score in the corner. 

It was obvious the Regent team were not going to take this lying down and began to get stuck into the Down High boys.  Tempers began to flare in a number of off-the-ball incidents, but the referee calmly took control and both teams got back to playing rugby.  Sam Rickard, Lewis Canning and Zac Ward drove through the Regent boys from the front, setting up attack after attack, and soon the ball reached Angus Ferris who raced to score Down High’s third try before the half-time whistle was blown.

Regent came out fighting in the second half and the Down High defence was tested time and again, but each time stood firm. The notable defence tackling by Marcus Graham resulted in his Man of the Match award.  Further tries from Jonny McCoubrey and Angus Ferris, and a couple of conversions  took the game beyond the reach of Regent. One of the last passages of play was a chip through by Paddy, chased by William Annett, who despite being tackled was able to pop the ball up to Paddy for him to get over the line for Down High’s final try.

Thanks to Aaron Cairns and Andy Ward for their touchline coaching throughout the game, and to the parents who travelled to Newtownards to shout for DHS!

Man of the Match: Marcus Graham

The Under 13B’s completed a fine morning for the Year 9 boys with a convincing win over their Regent counterparts. There was a hat trick of tries from man of the match Christy McGuire along with braces by Michael McDowell, Stuart Burns, Jack Gibson, Alistair Ross and Harry Hitchens and a solo effort from Mark Herron.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THOSE PARENTS WHO TRANSPORTED BOYS TO NEWTONARDS ON SATURDAY

Down High U13 39 - 12 High School Ballynahinch U13/U14

The Down High men left school early on Monday this week to play  against Ballynahinch High; a school known for their hardness and this team definitely showed it.

From Down High’s previous match on Saturday against Wellington where they dominated throughout, the boys weren’t prepared for the blast that Ballynahinch had in store. The game kicked off and before long Down High were making mistakes including their decision making and as a result Ballynahinch took their chance and scored the opening try. After a motivating talk from their coach, Down High were ready to strike back, and soon after the boys scored a try in the corner when Jonny McCoubrey powered over the line. Paddy Browne, who had had a near flawless day of kicking last Saturday, struggled to get the ball through the posts. A few phases of play from the restart saw Jonny score another unconverted try. Down High kept the pressure on Ballynahinch and were soon rewarded with another try scored by Matthew Porter in the corner. This was more like the Down High we saw at Friends. Still Paddy was finding it hard to get his boot through the ball and narrowly missing the extra two points. Ballynahinch strengthened their team using a couple of U14 resources. By now the game was becoming extremely physical, but the Down boys maintained their scoring pattern and McCoubrey complted his hat trick to leave the half time score 20-7.

In the second half Harry Hitchens moved into outside centre and Adam Brown took the position of full-back. Rory Horder also came on for Michael Harper after missing the Wellington match from a chest injury. However, Down allowed Ballynahinch to take a quick penalty and one of their speedy forwards dived across the Down High line for the second time in the game.  The Down boys realised their mistake and after some great play from the Down High pack Clayton Milligan broke through two or three tackles and dived over the line underneath the posts. Paddy Browne capitalized on this and gave Down High the extra two points. Soon after Jonny McCoubrey got his fourth try by using his speed to break down the left wing and touch the ball down under the posts. The game came to an end with Jonny McCoubrey scoring his fifth and final try before Paddy converting the last kick of the game and giving them a convincing victory of 39-12.

Man of the match: Jonny McCoubrey