BHS FP 2XV @ Monaghan 2XV

The Former Pupils travelled to Monaghan for their first away fixture in the league. Despite a shortage of bridges to the ground the High School 15 all arrived safely, all be it with a number of changes from the team that defeated Ballynahinch in the previous weeks game.

Donal O’Sullivan and Greg Elliott stepped into the front and second rows respectively, replacing Rory Beattie and Ian Scott. David Hannah’s deserved call up to the 1stXV brought Kris Porter into the pack from fullback, where Andrew Ervine came in to play this week. An injury to Phil Mckeown and David Wrights absence left positions ably filled by Gareth Adams and Kyle Brown, completing the backline. 

The strong sunshine and slight breeze into the Former Pupils faces did little to aid Monaghan to the first score of the contest after only 5 minutes. Straight running by the inside centre brought him in near the posts, the conversion was unsuccessful.

5-0 

Another 15 minutes had passed when a sniping break by scrumhalf Andrew McCormick set up a try by outside half Barry Taylor who proficiently stepped his opposite man to reach the line. The conversion was unsuccessful.

5-5 

Soon after Taylor’s try the powerful Monaghan outhalf battered his way through the Former Pupils’ defensive line to score a try of his own. The conversion was successful.

12-5 

10 minutes before the halftime Monaghan increased their lead by 3 with a well-taken penalty.

15-5 

Half Time - Monaghan 15-5 BHS FP

Barely 2 minutes of the second half went by before the Former Pupils narrowed the gap via an excellent try scored out wide by winger Kyle Brown. The conversion was unsuccessful.

15-10 

The Monaghan Number 8 came up with a reply less than 10 minutes into the half. The conversion increased the home scoreline by another 2 points.

22-10 

The High School immediately struck back through flanker Kris Porter, who crashed over from short yardage with a pick and go from a ruck. The conversion was unsuccessful.

22-15 

The Home side began to falter under increasing pressure from the High School and 20 minutes into the half a catch and drive from a lineout lead to another score. The try justly fell to prop Donal O’Sullivan who had a superb game. Andrew Ervine levelled the two sides with the conversion.

22-22 

The visiting High School were now looking the stronger team and frustration began to show in the Monaghan ranks, culminating in the outhalf being sent to the sin bin for foul play. The resulting penalty from just inside the Monaghan 10meter line sailed close to the post but on the wrong side to alter the score. 

The High School capitalised on the diminished home team and the unchecked backline promptly sent centre and captain Alan Magee up the wing and in for a try. Andrew Ervine successfully took the touchline conversion and the High School took the lead for the first time in the match.

22-29 

Monaghan were still reduced to 14 when the former Pupils once again exploited the frantic cover defence. Hooker Stuart Thompson carried from the base of a ruck and secured another 5 points for the Former Pupils, Andrew Ervine increased this to 7 with the conversion.

22-36 

After the return of the home 10 an individual effort from the Monaghan openside almost gleaned a try however the ball drifted out of the in goal area. At this stage in the game this momentary spark from the home team was entirely out of character and the High School were controlling the game with relative ease. 

The constant field position enjoyed by the Former Pupils resulted in a charge down by lock Greg Weir. Kris Porter took advantage of the situation and dropped onto the ball for the tenth try of the contest. The conversion was unsuccessful.

22-41 

Almost on full time flanker Randal Lavery utilised a halfback mix up to gather the ball and power himself over the line from 10 meters out for his first try in a Former Pupils jersey. The conversion was unsuccessful.

22-46 

Moments later the referee called time.

Full Time - Monaghan 22-46 BHS FP