LETTERKENNY 10-6 STRABANE (Armegeddan!)
After the last few weeks of free scoring games, the Letterkenny team knew this encounter was going to be a completely different type of match. With the Strabane team having key players who had played at a higher level than Q3, it was always going to be a tough game with every point needing to be earned through hard work. Defence was the predominant feature of the game, with both sides finding it difficult to get the quick ball needed for the backs to express themselves. But, after 10 minutes, Letterkenny made the break-through. Good movement from the backs gave John Anthony McFadden some space to break the defensive line, he off loaded to Jason Daly, who in turn, gave a nicely timed pop pass to Liam McGlynn to run through and score under the posts. This was converted by Paul Cassidy. The rest of the half was taken up with some strong forward and back play from Strabane, who recycled the ball very well. This was countered by some very dogged defence, which was interspersed with some excellent handling on the counter attack by Letterkenny. The pressure from Strabane did eventually count though, and they got a penalty on the stroke of half-time to bring the score to 7-3 to Letterkenny. The second half started pretty much as the first ended, with Strabane on the front foot. But, with Letterkenny knowing what they had to defend against, there was little ground made from the Strabane attacks. However, after some continued pressure through the forwards, Strabane were awarded another penalty in the 51st minute, and the score moved to 7-6. The Strabane pack seemed to tire with around twenty minutes to go. With a concerted effort from the Letterkenny pack at the breakdown, a penalty was awarded after the Strabane pack were judged to have gone ‘over the top’ which resulted in a penalty converted by Paul Cassidy. With time running out, Strabane pushed a little too hard. Piling in around the side a ruck, they clattered scrum-half Damien Williamson to the ground. They were penalised for being off-side, but this, unfortunately, also resulted in the number 9 needing to be stretchered off and taken to hospital. After a twenty minute delay for the ambulance, the game resumed, with Letterkenny keeping the ball for the majority of remaining 5 minutes, for a deserved win. A tough game for Letterkenny, as expected, with some excellent defensive work. Just as pleasing was the counter attacking by the outside backs, and the ‘in your face’ runs of Michael Turvey, from out-half. Although, as always, things to work on, this was a good performance from the Letterkenny team and the whole 15 should be happy with their afternoon’s work.
15.John Anthony McFadden 14.Paul Cassidy 13.Derek Daley 12.Andrew Gibson 11.Jason Daley 10.Michael Turvey 9.Damien Williamson 8.Mark Scott 7.Liam McGlynn 6.Karl Egan(c) 5.Conor Dunleavy 4.Shaun Dunleavy 3.Conor Ronayne 2.Rory McGonagle 1.Kevi (we presume this is Kevin, sorry for typo mate)
Well done to The Ladies team who travelled to Newry and returned with a win. Tries scored by Cheryl Laverty (2), Donna Redmond, Laura Kenny and Carmel Egan, conversion by Edel Melaugh! Great game by the Ladies!!
