CARRICKFERGUS RFC   V   BHSFP RFC

High School travelled the short distance to Carrick for this local derby league match.

The High School side was as selected with Michael Philips getting a well deserved opportunity on the wing having been promoted from the seconds for this game. The only other change was in the back row with Alex Noble coming in for the injured Jonny Price.

The game got under way with the home side taking the initiative. Early pressure told and with only 4 minutes on the clock Carrick put their first points on the board with a try in the corner. The conversion was missed and it looked like High School were going to have a difficult day.

Having rallied from the initial set back however the visitors regrouped and were soon putting the pressure back on Carrick. The High School forward pack were showing well with Michael Lavery in particular having a good match. With ten minutes on the clock High School got on the scoreboard with a penalty from the boot of Tim Murphy. This was followed up some eight minutes later with an excellent drop goal, again from Tim Murphy. The drop goal came from a situation where the referee had the hand out for a penalty and seeing this Tim took the chance which paid off.

The game continued with Carrick unable to follow up from their initial score as High School dominated this period of play. The backline were getting into their stride with David Mayne and Chris Kitchen looking sharp and Matthew McNutt having his usual sound game at fullback. The pressure from the pack resulted in a further successful penalty award on thirty minutes. This time the kick was well taken by Matthew McNutt as Tim Murphy had previously injured his ankle. Unfortunately David Mayne also pulled up with a hamstring injury at this point and was forced to leave the field.

With the High School side now down to 14 men the defence was stretched and despite their best efforts the visitors were unable to stop Carrick taking advantage of the situation and scoring a try in the corner. The try was rather dubious as it seemed to have been a clear forward pass. With the conversion attempt unsuccessful the game went to half time with Carrick in a one point lead.

HALF TIME        CARRICK 10    -    9  BHSFP

The second half got underway with High School restored to full strength with David Mayne taking up position on the wing but clearly struggling with his leg injury.

High School now had the slight advantage of the slope of the pitch and although they were a point down felt they could take the game, particularly if the forwards could continue to dominate proceedings. It was Carrick however who struck first with a penalty shortly after the restart.

With the gap between the sides now 4 points and the Carrick pack beginning to re assert themselves the visitors needed to produce a period of dominant play to ensure Carrick did not increase their lead further. The pack picked up the pace and led by Andy Morrison mounted an attack on the Carrick line . The Carrick team defended well but with 12 minutes of the half gone the pressure told as Andy Morrison crashed over for the score in the corner. This was a well made try with some good handling and rucking by forwards and backs alike. The try was well converted by Tim Murphy to take High School into the lead once again.

With the High School now well on top it looked as if they could stretch their lead but a lapse in concentration allowed Carrick to score a further try as the game moved towards the final quarter . The try was converted and the lead see sawed back to Carrick.

The game continued as a nip and tuck battle between the two sides but in the last 10 minutes High School again mounted an assault into Carrick territory. This forced Carrick to concede penalties and with seven minutes left on the clock High School clawed back three points from a penalty converted by Matthew McNutt. There was now only one point in it and with the pressure mounting on Carrick High School could scent victory. A further penalty by Matt McNutt took High School into the lead but the game was not over and anything was possible in this type of match.  The Carrick cause was made more difficult however when the referee finally lost patience and yellow carded the No 8 for killing the ball.

With Carrick now down to 14 men for the last few minutes High School continued to attack the Carrick line and were unfortunate not to score again .

A few minutes later the referee brought the match to a close.

FINAL SCORE      CARRICK  20    -    22  BHSFP 

This was a hard fought win by High School against a committed Carrick side. It was necessary for High School to win and bring to an end a losing streak. Hopefully this will provide the impetus to secure further victories as the season moves to a close.

Our thanks go to Carrick for their excellent hospitality on match day.

Finally we would want to wish Club Captain Chris Kitchen , Keith Kitchen and Matthew McNutt well as they leave us to go on their travels . We look forward to seeing you back in the not too distant future.

LABOR IPSE VOLUPTAS