BHSFP 1st XV V MALONE 2nds ( JUNIOR CUP )

With a number of regular first fifteen players absent High School welcomed Malone to Greenisland for this round of the Junior Cup.

The game got underway in reasonable conditions with little advantage either way for the teams. Malone were first of the mark after eight minutes when a kick through was blocked and hacked on to give the visitors the lead against the run of play. The try was converted .

From then on until the half time whistle High School held the upper hand and were unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions. Poor handling or a misjudged decision resulted in opportunities lost. Strong work in the loose by Chris Mills and Andy Morrison continually upset the rhythm of the much bigger Malone pack. Supported by Aaron Breen and John Balmer the scrummage was sound and the lineout provided sufficient ball for the backs to threaten on a number of occasions.

Unfortunately despite these efforts the Malone side increased their lead by virtue of three penalties within ten minutes. High School were able to secure a penalty by Barry Taylor just as the half time whistle blew to keep the home side in contention.

HALF TIME BHSFP 3 - 16 MALONE

Malone took the initiative early in the second half with a breakaway try. Once again this came from a mistake by High School as they threatened the Malone line. The try was converted and it seemed as though Malone were out of sight.

High School continued to fight hard to secure some points and with scrum half Kenny McCullough taking the game to the visitors the High School side spent most of this half camped in the Malone twenty two. Unfortunately Andy Morrison was forced from the field through injury and was replaced by Stephen Heasley at number eight. Neil Hastings had already been brought on earlier in place of David Simms who had also been injured.

A further penalty to Malone increased the gap and with thirty minutes gone a further breakaway try saw Malone seal the game.

It was not over though as far as High School were concerned and with ten minutes left on the clock Jope Witi crashed through the Malone defence for a well taken and deserved try after some strong work throughout the match.

Some five minutes later High School secured another try with Aaron Breen taking the opportunity for his first try in a High School jersey. Again a well deserved effort after some good work by the forwards and backs alike.

There were no further scores and as the game came to a close Malone ran out winners.

FINAL SCORE BHSFP 15 - 31 MALONE