DonegalRFC U-15’s 7 v MonaghanRFC U-15’s 25
On the 18th of January, Monaghan travelled up to play a cup game against Donegal Town. Monaghan had already played Donegal in the earlier rounds of the league and it was one of the toughest teams physically that we faced, and the same was expected in this fixture.
The match started 15 minutes late, to allow Monaghan a decent warm up after the long trip, but in truth we could have done with another few minutes more!
Donegal kicked the game off and Monaghan collected the kick and launched the first attack, putting Donegal under some early pressure. However, the big physical pack that Donegal possessed was out rucking their Monaghan counter parts and leaving our backs feeding of scraps. This meant that the usual fluency in the Monaghan back line wasn’t being seen to its full affect.
In saying that, it only took Monaghan six minutes to open the scoring. When the backs did get hands on some good ball, we looked dangerous and made inroads on the Donegal defense. The passing was accurate and forcing the opposition to be out of position. As the ball was spread out the line, James Briney was at the end of the move to touch down, like he has been all this year. Conversion was wide for Monaghan to lead 5-0.
The pressure that Donegal put Monaghan under at the breakdown was a major factor in the amount of penalties that we conceded. This was breaking the momentum and letting Donegal back into the game but were unable to punish us, which was lucky. Monaghan huffed and puffed for the rest of half but just couldn’t get a grip at ruck time, meaning it stayed 5-0 until the half time whistle.
The coaches made a switch at the interval, with James Cleary replacing Oisin Murphy, along with some harsh words regarding the rucking situation, it was very good all year up to this point.
It took one minute of the second half for Monaghan to add to their tally with the try coming from Dean Mc Guigan. After the opening thirty minutes and a half time rollicking, Monaghan finally warmed up and began hitting ruck like it was supposed to be done. The ball was presented much cleaner to Ethan Murphy at scrum half who was able to feed his backs a lot faster, and with quick ball there is no stopping Monaghan and Mc Guigan was the last man with to handle the ball in the move. Conversion was missed and the score read 10-0.
Ten minutes into the second half Monaghan made the second substitution of the game, Abdullah Sabri was off and Xavi Saki was on in his place. A non serious knee injury to James Briney forced him to retire early from the game and John Mallen was his replacement.
John Mallen made an instant impact when he came on, turning the ball over with his own aggressive rucking, showing the boys how it was meant to be done. Again the backs were fed and attacked the Donegal line, spreading the ball left and right. The attack broke down a few feet away from the try line and Mallen picked, went and bundled himself over the try line for five more points fifteen minutes into the half. No conversion left the score 15-0.
Three minutes later Monaghan was again on the attack and playmaker extraordinaire Oisin Campbell delivered a cross field kick for Michael Savage to chase, the kick was pitch perfect and the bounce was delightful, hopping like a dream in to Savages hands for him to canter unchallenged to open his account for the day. The extra two weren’t added so the score was 20-0.
During the game a Donegal player suffered a serious looking injury to the head/neck area and the paramedics had to be called which is something you never want to see. Everyone from Monaghan wish him a speedy recovery and hope he’s back in action sooner rather than later. Monaghan at this point emptied the bench, Stefan Mc Quaid, Jamie Sherlock, Henry Hipwell and Miguel all came on for Ciaran Winsryg, Dean Brennan, Karl Mc Kenna and Dean Mc Guigan respectively.
A tactic not usually seen or used by Monaghan much this year was implemented in the twenty-fourth minute when James Mallen picked and went, and the option was used twice more and John Mallen was again on the end for his second of the game, the conversion wasn’t added have Monaghan leading 25-0.
With two minutes remaining on the clock Donegal scored a try of their own. A clearance kick from Monaghan, five yards from the try line was charged down and the ball broke loose. It wasn’t tidied up by the defense and was pounced on by an attacking player and the try was given and the extras added.
Soon after the final whistle sounded and the end score read Monaghan 25 Donegal 7.
It was a pleasing result but far from a vintage performance. There are a few things need to be perfected in training for the next match. The new jerseys will soon be with us as well, so that’s something to look forward to for coaches and players alike. Should any player, family member or person in general wish to buy one of the new jerseys, they can be ordered.
Team: (1-8) Oisin Murphy (James Cleary), Darragh Todd, Kieran Mc Quaid, Abdullah Sabri (Xavi Saki), Ciaran Winsryg (Stefan Mc Quaid), James Mallen, James Briney (John Mallen), Dean Brennan (Jamie Sherlock). (9-15) Ethan Murphy, Jack Lynch, Dean Mc Guigan (Henry Hipwell), Stuart Allen, Michael Savage, Karl Mc Kenna (Miguel), Oisin Campbell.
