ACADEMY    V    BHSFPRFC

High School travelled the short distance to Academy for this local derby game with the team unchanged from the previous outing.

On a day when the wind would have an influence on the game the visiting team started facing the elements and were soon under considerable pressure from an Academy side that was clearly fired up for the occasion. It wasn’t long before the first penalty was awarded to Academy in a very kickable position but the ball was put wide allowing High School an opportunity to regroup. Pushing back up the field and into Academy territory High School spilled the ball and with the elements in support Academy kicked deep once more. Immediately a further penalty was awarded to Academy directly in front of the sticks .This time the Academy kicker secured the points but needed the upright to lend a hand.  

During this first period High School defended well and weathered the initial threat from Academy. Unfortunately with the game twenty nine minutes old Phil McKeown was yellow carded and High School again found themselves with little attacking opportunity. The High School scrum was however dominant throughout the game and it was from that avenue that the visitors put their first points on the board. Strong running from the backline, particularly by Neil Hastings, brought play deep into the Academy 22. The resultant series of scrums and driving mauls eventually saw Andy Morrison go over for the points. The conversion was missed.

Academy were soon to come back again and four minutes later secured a try when High School were unable to tidy up loose ball near their own line. The Nippy Academy winger who was a continual threat throughout the match got the benefit of the bounce and went in for the points. With the conversion successful Academy were in the lead as the first half drew to a close. High School finished the half knowing that they could have played better but were confident that with the wind advantage in the second half the match could be won.

HALF  TIME        ACADEMY  10   -   5  BHSFP

As the game got underway it was clear from the first half that the referee was not going to take any nonsense and with eight minutes of the half gone another yellow card was produced and the Academy prop found himself on the sideline for ten minutes. While Academy were a man down uncontested scrums were introduced which did little for High School who were in full control in this department and effectively lost this attacking platform.

For the third quarter of the match both sides were intent on running the ball and honours were fairly even. It wasn’t long however before the third yellow card of the match was produced and High School scrum half Jonny Mayne retired behind the posts. For the period Jonny was off the pitch fullback Matthew McNutt deputised.

Despite the disruption with players from both sides in the bin and a succession of injury stoppages the rugby continued and it was High School who next secured points. This time it was through the boot of outhalf Tim Murphy who saw an opportunity to drop a goal from just inside the Academy half. The ball was struck sweetly bisecting the posts to applause from the watching crowd.

At this stage as the game moved into the final quarter High School were still behind and having to fight hard against the Academy side who were playing well into the stiff wind. The majority of the time High School were in defensive mode dealing with the Academy backline who ran hard at every opportunity. High School though managed to keep their line intact and Academy had to settle for a penalty with the half twenty five minutes old.

Academy were now 5 points ahead but High School went on the attack and soon brought play into the Academy 22 . As was the case in the first half it was the driving forward play that allowed High School to take the lead at this point in the match. With the scrum secured the ball was moved wide allowing Tim Murphy to cut inside only to be stopped short . With Andy Morrison and Chris Mills in support along with the rest of the High School pack Tim was driven over the line for the points. The conversion was good .

As the game moved towards a conclusion High School had two further long range penalty attempts which were missed but Academy were kept in their own half as the clock ticked away. With a considerable amount of injury time to be played High School again found themselves defending for the last few minutes with a man down after Jonny Terret was the subject of a yellow card, the fourth of the game. Academy also lost a player when the No 6 had to leave the field following an injury.

The final whistle blew with High School the victors by the small margin of 2 points in what was a disjointed performance. The home side could feel aggrieved at having lost when they had most of the attacking possession in the second half. However, good defence by High School prevented Academy from scoring any tries in the second half and this was crucial in winning the match.

FINAL SCORE      ACADEMY  13    -    15  BHSFP   

Our thanks go to Academy for their warm hospitality before and after the match and we look forward to returning the compliment at Greenisland in the home fixture.

Labor Ipse Voluptas