LARNE   V   BHSFP

Here we are again , the start of a new season and the first League game away to Larne. 

With a few changes in team personnel from last season the Club welcomes those new members who have elected to play their rugby with the Former Pupils. 

The game was played in dry warm conditions on a hard pitch with a stiff breeze blowing continually throughout the game. High School were on the receiving end of the kick off and soon got into the rhythm of the match taking play deep into home side territory. 

With the match ten minutes old High School were 6 points to the good through the boot of Tim Murphy who slotted over the two penalties with ease. Unfortunately, although still very much on top High School were guilty of some poor passing while attacking the Larne line which resulted in an interception and try by the home side. The try was converted giving Larne a one point lead after thirteen minutes play.

High School fought back strongly and were unfortunate not to score almost immediately but again the final move fell down. 

As so often happened last season High School found themselves a man down when prop John Balmer was forced from the field with a back injury. Uncontested scrums were introduced as John was unable to return and the side was reduced to fourteen for the remainder of the match. 

Despite this High School continued to play hard and were rewarded after thirty five minutes with a good try by scrum half Kenny McCullagh. This followed some good work by the forwards who took play to the Larne line following a lineout and drive. The conversion was secured by Tim Murphy with an excellent touch line kick. 

With the visitors now in the lead no further points were scored before half time but High School knew the second half would be difficult against the strong breeze and a man light in the pack.

HALF TIME     LARNE  7    -    13  BHSFP         

The second half saw Larne start strongly and dominate the possession in the first period. Despite a very committed defence from High School the Larne side secured a further try some ten minutes into the half. With the conversion successful the home side went into the lead by a point with all to play for. 

High School fought back but were again thwarted by some poor handling which was the reason for the next Larne try. This came from a poor pass which went to ground, was picked up by Larne, and the try was scored and converted. Larne were now well in the lead with a comfortable cushion of points. High School were not to lie down however and strong work by Michael Lavery Andy Morrison and Pete Taylor up front brought the side back into contention providing ball for the backs to run with. As a result, with the second half twenty five minutes old team Captain Chris Kitchen scored an excellent try following the best handling move of the match. With the conversion missed the home side were now only 3 points in the lead.  

For the rest of the game Larne fought a rearguard action as High School continually ran at the home side. With Jonny Murphy and Chris Kitchen threatening on every occasion it looked odds on that High School would secure a further try as Larne lost their winger through injury with 8 minutes left on the clock. It was not to be however as the game came to a close with Larne running out winners with a three point margin.

Next week its CIYMS at home. 

Your support is welcome. 

Thanks to Larne for the excellent pre match lunch which was much appreciated.

Labor Ipse Voluptas