Down power clear of Foyle challenge

DOWN High earned a bonus point in their convincing Danske Bank Schools’ Cup victory over Foyle College in Londonderry.

With their pack dominating the possession, the visitors soon took the lead when a poor clearance kick was gathered by Cameron McGaughey, who linked with Jacob Cross for the centre to run in.

Lula Walsh kicked off three of the first-half tries as Down raced to a commanding 31-0 interval advantage.

Following a forward surge, No 6 Stephen Campbell crashed over for the second before an excellent Matthew Edgar off-load led to a try from Johnny Graham. The winger then added a second and full-back Ross Graham joined the line to stretch the opposition for the fifth.

Aidan McAuley scored his first try in Schools’ rugby and fellow second rower Matthew Reynolds crossed following a line-out drive.

Foyle had a consolation try by scrum-half Callum Gillen for William Finlay to add the posts.

Down coach John Gunson thought it was a workman-like performance.

“Itwasmoredifficultthanthe scoreline would suggest but I was happy with the effort away from home” he concluded. SCOTLAND are questioning whether World Rugby has the right to charge them over their World Cup typhoon row.

Scottish Rugby Union chief executive Mark Dodson sparked anangryresponsefromthegoverning body last week over his comments ahead of Sunday’s storm-threatened pool clash with Japan in Yokohama.

He hinted at legal action if the match was called off after revealing he had sought the advice of a top London QC in a bid to force World Rugby to postpone

Legal action: Mark Dodson

the clash as Typhoon Hagibis closed in.

But that did not go down well with the tournament organisers, who have now confirmed they will convene a hearing of their independent disputes committee to decide whether the SRU’s “comments and behaviours” are a breach of rules.

An SRU spokesperson said yesterday: “Scottish Rugby once again expresses its sincere condolences to the people of Japan and all those affected by Typhoon Hagibis.

“Following receipt of correspondence yesterday from World Rugby, Scottish Rugby confirms that it has received a notice of complaint from Rugby World Cup Ltd.

“Scottish Rugby is querying whether the matter is an appropriate one for the bringing of misconduct charges.”