Due to Queens’ victory over them earlier in the season, this turned out to be a very important match for Downing – win, and stay up; lose, and go down. Their final league match will now see them face fallen giants St John’s in a match which will decide who comes for runner-up in the league.

This inspired them to start with a bang against the Division 1 new boys. The Downing pack immediately asserted their dominance, scoring two early tries from driving mauls. The first half was keenly contested at the breakdown, with frequent turnovers. Queens’ will regret that they did not take full advantage of the wind, which was in their favour for the first half.

As the game headed towards half-time, Queens’ managed to get some sustained possession, spending phase after phase in Downing territory. But, good work from the Downing defence and a lack of clinical finishing by Queens’ prevented them from scoring. With the wind helping Downing in the second half, they went into the break with the lead and a psychological boost.

The second half started, and it was clear to see Downing’s tactics – use the wind. Most of play was spent deep inside Queens’ half. As the players started to tire gaps appeared in the defence, allowing a much more open half of rugby to ensue. The Downing backs were able to run more freely, and then link up with the forwards to pick holes in the Queens’ back line. As the game progressed, Downing made good use of their substitutes and the injection of fresh legs proved invaluable. They were able to earn turnovers, recycle quickly, and turn possession into points. They scored a further 5 tries in the second half in a period of utter dominance. Although there were periods where Downing conceded several penalties in a short space of time, which resulted in them being marched back up the field, the superiority of their pack enforced turnovers. A slightly scrappy end to the game was cut short due to a Queens’ injury, which would have had them finishing with 13 men, having had only 16 to start with.

Overall, a strong performance by Downing earned them a much needed win. They will be confident of carrying this form into Cuppers.