It was a dank November afternoon that welcomed the High School to Allen Park, home of Antrim RFC. After a lengthy break the High School were eager to put right recent defeats. Derek Wilson entered the fray at outside half following recent acupuncture on his right knee; David Scott maintained his position at prop relegating Johnny Balmer to wing forward on his return to the firsts. The game was played in an open, spirited fashion with concentration on discipline being the order of the day ( aided by the absence of Terret and McGreal). The game was however marked by poor photography from Best and Scott junior, the sin binning of Ben Hanvey for persistent infringements, and most remarkably by the absence of Atkinson and Mayne K. who were delayed by their search for a cut price off-licence at Antrims Junction one retail outlet.

Right from the off the school were eager to run the ball from all positions with C Kitchen in the centre making the hard yards. However in the slippy conditions mistakes were plentiful and the decision making poor from all quarters. Instead of feeling their way into the game both sides opted for open attacking play but all too often bad ball was shipped from one player to the next. The result was a game which swung on who could secure most ball in tight play and with the High school turning over some crucial Antrim posession whilst securing their own ball the outcome was never in doubt.

C Kitchen opened the score breaking through the centre to touch down under the posts. Antrim immediately responded with a penalty. And so the pattern of the game was set with both teams failing to assert themselves offering up scoring opportunities to both back-lines. Indeed in terms of field position Antrim had the upperhand for most of the game but the stronger School back line won the day with good finishing on the wings and periods of exceptional interplay from Frampton, Wilson and James.

Not until late in the second half did the School settle into their normal offensive and defensive patterns with Hanna, Morton and Hanvey setting the standard up front. With the back line more direct  in the last quarter and probing more for postion behind the Antrim defense the score differential increased and the School ran out worthy winners.

All in all a good performance after a long break but plenty more in the tank for next weeks return game with Ophir.

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Last modified: December 01, 2004