MATCH REPORT
DROMORE 3XV V
BHSFP 2XV
This was an important League fixture for
the 2nd XV who travelled to Dromore in the knowledge that a win
was essential to keep up the challenge for the League title. On the
Saturday between Christmas and the New Year there needed to be some
festive cheer by the end whistle and despite a comprehensive defeat of the
Dromore side in the home fixture nothing could be taken for granted.
The game got underway with High School coming under
initial pressure from a clearly fired up Dromore side. It wasn’t long
though before the initial points were on the board as the High School side
began to move the first ball that came into their possession with 4
minutes of the half gone. Good work in the loose by the forwards allowed
Jope Witi to cross the line following a strong tackle breaking run. The
conversion was good from the boot of Stephen Heasley.
Although High School were now leading, the home side
continued to attack hard in this initial period and their persistence paid
off with a try in the seventh minute. The conversion was missed.
As the game progressed High School became more
dominant in all phases of play and although the lineout wasn’t working
as well as it could the forward pack totally controlled the scrum.
Unfortunately with the U19 rules in application there was no reward for
the forwards in this area despite their obvious technical ability over the
hefty Dromore pack. The High School front row led by the experienced
warhorse Brian McKernon showed the way.
The High School backs were also the better of the two
sides and threatened every time the ball came to hand and was moved wide.
The next points were scored through good handling which started deep in
the High School half. Sweet interplay between backs and loose forwards
alike finished with Chris Morton going over for the points with twenty
minutes on the clock. The conversion was again good by Stephen Heasley.
High School had now opened up a gap between the two
sides but Dromore were not lying down and quickly retaliated with a
penalty after twenty five minutes.
The remainder of the half saw High School run
continually at the opposition but were unable to finish some good moves.
HALF TIME DROMORE
8 -
14 BHSFP
The second half got underway with High School having
the advantage of the light breeze.
Having secured first half advantage it wasn’t long
before the points tally was increased. With only three minutes of the half
gone good work by Jonny Birch catching the ball under pressure allowed him
to slip a pass to Keith Kitchen who was able to cross the whitewash for
the points. Stephen Heasley again converted and High School were now in
full control .
Unfortunately the Dromore number eight and High
School winger Jamie Doak were both forced off the field with 14 minutes of
the half gone. This had little effect in the scrum situation as again the
correct application of the laws negated any advantage to High School who
continued to dominate in this area.
The game continued with both teams a man down. High
School continued to attack the Dromore line in what was a very open and
fast moving match at this point. Their persistence paid off when out half
Phil Wright got the touchdown from a clever chip through by Keith Kitchen.
The conversion was missed as the match reached the twenty fourth minute of
the second half.
With the High School side now having secured 26
points against the home side 8 it looked as though further points from the
visiting side were inevitable as the match progressed into the final
minutes but the game was brought to an early close following an
unfortunate injury to a Dromore player.
At this stage the referee blew the final whistle.
This was a good performance by the High School side
against a strong Dromore XV. However the visiting team showed that their
natural running game is paying dividends along with the strength of a pack
combining both youth and experience.
Best wishes to the injured Dromore player.
NEXT WEEK :-
The 1st XV have no match . The 2XV are away to Monaghan
in the cup . All available travelling support will be welcome.
Labor Ipse Voluptas
