Tries rain in for Down High lads

Tries rain in for Down High lads

16 November 2011

ON a perfect November morning the U-13 Down High rugby team journeyed to Wellington College full of determination and relishing the impending encounter.

A few hours later they returned triumphant after a 52-0 win at the Carolan Road pitches, which included eight tries from eight different players.

From kick-off the forwards secured quick ball for the backs and within the first three minutes William Annett ran from 40 metres out to score the first try. It was an easy conversion for Paddy Browne.

Shortly afterwards a simple two-on-one allowed Johnny McCoubrey to speed in for the second try, Browne converted again.

The Wellington team fought back and started to creep into Down High’s half, but strong tackling from Michael Harper and Matthew Porter secured ball once more for the boys in green.

A few minutes later Zac Ward received the ball on the 22 metre line and ran in for another try which Browne again converted. The Down High boys continued to exert huge pressure on the Wellington side which resulted in two exciting tries by wingers Angus Ferris and Marcus Graham, both boys displayed pace and agility before sliding in to add to the scoreboard.

The Wellington boys showed great character by manfully sticking to their game plan in the second half and a good amount of play took place in Down High’s half of the pitch.

Despite this, the Down High team were able to work their way back into a scoring position and three more tries gave them an unreachable lead. Firstly, Hugo Finlay showed great strength, grinding over the line to score from close range. Browne hit the post with the resulting conversion. Shortly after Clayton Milligan drove over to plant the ball under the posts, this try was safely converted by Marcus Graham.

Finally, in the last play of the game, Jack Gibson made a good run from the 22 metre line to score the final try, Marcus was unsuccessful in converting this time.

A sound victory and a clinical performance from the boys. The sun shone even more brightly on the journey home. Man of the match: Paddy Browne.

Wellington High School U-13 0

Down High School U-13 52