Minis are in the TV clip and U13 XV report & pictures below that
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WHAT A MATCH From the U13s! MALONE 13 : LETTERKENNY 14
FOR PICTURES CLICK HERE
Given Malone RFC’s reputation as one of Ulster’s finest rugby clubs, Letterkenny greeted the news that their first Cup game of the season was away in Belfast, with some trepidation. It was a strong squad of twenty-one that assembled at eight o’clock (ouch!) for the bus though, and putting the team together en route, it was clear that any points scored by the Belfast boys would have to be hard won.
It was a long journey, some Saturday morning traffic in Belfast, no room in the carpark for the
coach, and a few other minor hiccups, so after a very short warm-up at 11:04 it was Game On!
For what turned out to be such an exciting game it was a sluggish and somewhat nervous start. Both sides were guilty of early handling errors and an early over-cooked kick from Malone let Letterkenny off the hook for a 22 drop out. Malone certainly were applying the early pressure as Letterkenny struggled to find their form. It took a few trademark charges from Joe Dunleavy to shake off the Letterkenny cobwebs, and the rest of the pack started to support with some conviction.
Malone however, sensing some lack of organisation in Letterkenny were relentless, and denied the Donegal boys possesion for almost seven unbroken minutes. An early try for the home team looked almost certain until a superb tackle from Christian brought the advance to a halt five metres short.
The attackers were not held out for long however, and twelve minutes into the game they crossed the line in emphatic fashion to score the first try. Close to the left hand touchline the conversion was a bit of an ask and fell short. It was to prove a costly two points later in the game!
Letterkenny came back with gusto, but a series of unfortunate drops and a forward pass saw three promising attacks come to nothing. Switching from the backline to the forwards, James Roulston and Joe between them looked as if they might breach the Malone defence, but it was not to be, and the score remained stubbornly at 5-0 up to the break. It was an evenly matched half, with Malone applying constant pressure, and Letterkenny creating some good opportunities, but unfortunately not quite finishing.
The second half started at a higher tempo, and stayed like that to the final whistle. Fourteen minutes into the half, from deep in the Letterkenny half Noah chased and collected a kick to sprint the length of the field and score under the posts. Darragh Morrison converted.
Some might say the game lacked a bit of excitement up to that point, but not now …. as just over sixty seconds later Noah repeated the exercise after the re-start. 5-0 to 5-14 in just over a minute!- the atmosphere suddenly became electric!
Letterkenny bouyed up by two sucessful kick and chases, nearly threw it away with a few more notso-lucky kicks that gifted Malone possession. Fortunately some solid and impressive tackling held the attackers out, but it was close run. Nine minutes from time and Malone did breach the defence, and a try in the right hand corner this time brought them to 10 points. From the touchline the conversion attempt fell an agonising six inches or so under the bar. Eight minutes to go, and 4 points in the difference. Four minutes to go, and suddenly there was 1 point in the difference as Malone got a penalty under the posts when Letterkenny were judged to have held on in a ruck.
Never mind the players, the spectators’ hearts were thumping at the closness of this match. Malone set up camp in the Letterkenny 22 for the remainder of the game. Letterkenny U13 squad for their part showed what they are really made of – and it is impressive! Wave after wave of attackers were hauled down and kept at bay. Letterkenny’s solid scrum all morning, cemented. Sam, Alfie and Barry in the front row scrummaged as though their lives depended on it… full time came and went.
Another scrum, another minute. Another lineout, another minute. The tension was almost
unbearable. Then a turnover against the run of play, Jack McGarvey opting to go the blind
side…passed it out to … no-one there! …. and the balled travelled harmlessly over the touchline
Fulltime. Phew! Best match in a long long time. Well played all!
INTOUCH REQUEST – CHECK THIS OUT – THUNDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ireland Ladies Rugby I XV Are playing England this weekend and need as much support as they can get – please watch the clip below and feel free to share it, they are on the verge of a great VICTORY & with Ulster representation!
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