This is why it's better having your gear phallus erected in the middle of the dashboard. Better feel for what gear you're aiming for! 3rd to 2nd is pretty impressive considering you only need to click it down wouthout any sideways pressure.
Could have been using a short shift kit that rediuces horizontal movement though, which is pretty dangerous given the nature of the engine tbh. Still not forgiving him for ruining it, but a great excuse for a sexy rebuild on a new engine.