DOWNSHIRE LOSE HARD FOUGHT FINAL
DOWNSHIRE Under 16 XV didn't disgrace themselves against Dromore High School who were much bigger and stronger opposition.
On their Ravenhill debut, Downshire ably led by flanker and Captain Arran McNeill put up a spirited performance and in the end the 27-0 defeat did not reflect the pressure they had put their opponents under.
In the opening twenty minutes, with the wind behind them, Downshire constantly attacked Dromore and were unlucky not to score, being held up on the lien on several occasions.
They also had a penalty attempt from Jonathan Loughridge, which shave the upright.
Towards the end of the first half Dromore were able to break out of defence and after a period of sustained pressure were awarded a contentious try in the corner, this was shortly followed by a second just before half time leaving the score at 12 points to nil to Dromore.
In the second half Downshire played into a strong wind and battled bravely for long periods before Dromore managed to cross their line, and then again in the closing stages managed another two tries, leaving the final score at 27-0 to Dromore.
The fact that Downshire were able to put their opponents under so much pressure was due to solid scrimmaging and lineout work by the forwards, and sound tackling by backs and forwards alike.
It was indicative of the spirit of the team that in the final few minutes from within their own '22' Downshire moved the ball along the backline and left wing Aaron Sanlon was only tackled by the opposition full back or the result would have been a well deserved try.
The whole squad can justly feel proud of their achievements. Having played eight games to reach this stage of the competition.
Their hard work and effort put in at training was reflected in their 'final' display and their performance was one which they will remember for a long time and one on which they can look back with pride.
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Weather for Girvan
Sunday 26 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Heavy rain
Temperature: 6 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: South
