Once again the High School travelling band were on the road
, this time to Newry for the last match before the Christmas break. It was
important to go to Newry and come away with a win to maintain the pressure
at the top of the league table. The weather was dry but windy and the
pitch was in reasonable condition.
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The team arrived early at Newry with the exception of Neil
Hastings who got caught up in traffic on the way from Monaghan and an
early morning paint balling session. Neil arrived just before the start of
the match although Alan Magee had volunteered and was changed and ready to
take the field if needed.
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The game got underway with immediate pressure from the
Newry pack which , as expected , soon got into their stride. The High
School game plan was clear, to move the ball wide at every opportunity and
give the backs sufficient room to run at ,and around the Newry defence.
This was evident after 8 minutes when Neil Hastings received the ball in
his own half and set of like an exocet cutting the Newry defence to
shreds. After covering 50 metres of ground he was dragged down just short
of a score. Had he scored this would have been a contender for try of the
season.
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This was soon followed by another close scoring attempt
when from a 5 metre scrum the ball was swiftly moved right and then left.
Once again the Newry defence were at sixes and sevens. A chip through the
middle by Phil McKeown almost resulted in the try but the touch down just
eluded the roving High School backs.
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With such pressure the try had to come and sure enough on
12 minutes the forwards provided clean ball from a line out . The simple
move often proves most effective and so it was on this occasion . The ball
was moved straight across the backline to Neil Hastings on the wing who
went over for the try. This was not a day for kickers and unfortunately
the conversion was just wide.
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Things were not going all one way however and through their
strong pack Newry came back hard at High School to score from a set piece
scrum on 16 minutes. The score was assisted by some poor High School
defending and first time tackling.The conversion was missed.
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High School continued to exert pressure and were slowly
getting the upper hand in the forward exchanges. The back row were
dominating any loose ball available and attacked the Newry defence at
every opportunity. David Wright was to the fore in this regard and had his
best game to date. This effort was rewarded on 23 minutes when High School
gained possession and moved the ball back and forth across the pitch and
after what seemed like an eternity David scored in the corner. This was a
well deserved score but one which should have been taken earlier but for
some over elaboration. The conversion
was missed.
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Shortly after this and totally against the run of play
Newry came back with another try. This came as a result of a heavily
disputed refereeing decision. High School were in possession moving
forward when from a tackle it appeared a ruck had formed. The ball was won
at the ruck by High School who attempted to move it wide. The pass
was intercepted by a Newry 'lazy runner '. With the expected whistle for
offside not coming the High School team were caught on the back foot and
the try was scored. The try was
converted.
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HALF TIME NEWRY 12 BHS 10
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The second half saw High School take the initiative and
once again secure the lead from a penalty by Peter Taylor. As said earlier
this was not a day for kickers and Peter did well to put High School back
in the driving seat at a crucial time in the match.
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A lengthy period of attrition followed when High School
allowed themselves to get sucked into the Newry style of play. Both sets
of forwards battled it out with Newry pressurising the High School line on
a number of occasions. The High School forwards were up to the mark
however and let nothing past . Pete Taylor and John Balmer lead by example
during this period and ensured the team stuck to the task . Pete even had
to contend with the rigours of propping with Rory Beattie who decided to
reshape his lower lip.!!
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Into the last quarter of the match and High School moved up
a gear and once again found their rhythm. Pressure on the Newry line
resulted in a 22 drop out which was picked up by High School and quickly
moved wide to Gareth Adams for the try. This took High School into a six
point lead . The conversion was missed.
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The final points of the game were scored by Brian McGreal
who received the ball from a quick penalty . Brian was 5 metres from the
line, and nothing stops the big lad from this distance. A well deserved
try after a good days work. Pete Taylor converted from a difficult angle.
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The game came to a close with High School deserved winners.
It was a frustrating second half but the positives were there to be seen
and High School should feel content that the objective of the win was
achieved. There is a lot more in the locker and with a three week break
looming the momentum must be maintained for the challenges ahead. This
means training and hard work over the Christmas break. Everyone take
note!!
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MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
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FINAL SCORE NEWRY 12 - BHSFP 25
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Labor Ipse Voluptas
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Belfast
High School Former Pupils RFC
