Belfast
High School Former Pupils RFC
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MATCH REPORT
COOKSTOWN 5 V 33 BHSFPTries : Gareth Adams 2, Johnny Terret, Phil McKeown, Ian Elliot Conversions : P Taylor 4 & DOTD Penalties : see below The High School team travelled to Cookstown in an optimistic mood following their recent comprehensive victory over Armoy. Unfortunately, due to traffic problems and the difficulties of some who obviously were never in the scouts and managed to get lost the game got off to a very late start.
The first ten minutes were fairly even with both teams probing the opposition defence. Cookstown had fielded a side with a large and formidable pack and it was clear that High School would have to win the up front battle to ensure sufficient ball to let the quality backline dictate play. And so it proved to be. The first try of the match came from good forward play as the ball was released from a classic rolling maul , moved across the backline to allow Gareth Adams to score well out on the left . The conversion was narrowly missed.
High School continued to battle it out up front with the Cookstown pack and excellent work by all forwards provided the possession leading to the second try . This came through a sweeping backline move as Andrew McCormick made a searing break leaving the Cookstown defence floundering. Andrew was unable to make the line but off loaded the ball to allow Ian Elliott to finish the move with a well taken try. Pete Taylor converted.
At this point the game was briefly interrupted as a young Bullock managed to invade the pitch. Thankfully the animal was quickly removed back to the adjacent field. Most were quietly amused by this little episode while others were heard to explain how it possibly might have affected the workings of their bowels.
Despite going behind by two tries Cookstown continued to make life difficult for the High School pack with periods of sustained pressure near their line. High School defended well and in so doing gradually took the upper hand in the forward exchanges. This hard working commitment was demonstrated by Alistair Best whose enthusiasm to get control of the ball unfortunately resulted in a minor misdemeanour at a ruck and subsequent receipt of a yellow card.
Just before half time the first penalty opportunity of the match arose. High School were awarded the kick in front of the posts which was unfortunately missed. ( D.O.T.D Pete Taylor).
HALF TIME SCORE COOKSTOWN 0 - BHSFP 12
The second half started in much the same fashion as the first with the High School pack working hard to secure possession. First time tackling was excellent with Peter Taylor , John Balmer and Jonny Territt to the forefront. This positive and committed approach saw the High School score again early in the second half . From a line out twenty metres out Jonny Territt broke away and with a bullocking run scored a well taken individual try. Pete Taylor converted. As the game progressed in the second half the High School backs continued to probe the Cookstown line and again this resulted in a second try in the corner by winger Gareth Adams after a series of handling moves. Pete Taylor converted from the touchline.
Cookstown followed this with a period of sustained pressure and through a well organised forward drive managed to score a converted try .
As the game moved towards the final whistle the High School backs again showed their superiority with a try by Phil McKeown in the last minute. This was despite having sustained a suspected broken nose earlier in the match . Pete Taylor again converted from the touchline.
The game was punctuated by a number of stoppages for minor injuries, yellow cards ( 5 in all ), Bullocks on the pitch ( yes Bullocks ) and discussions about the quality of Andy Mayne’s eyesight. It was however a very solid performance from the High School who can now go to the next match against Strabane on a high.
FINAL SCORE COOKSTOWN 7 - BHSFP 33Labor
Ipse Voluptas |
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