Newry U13’s made the long trip to the Holmses for this Ulster Plate Semi Final on Saturday 7th of April. Conditions were perfect for rugby and there was a large crowd there to cheer on the local lads.
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Donegal got off to the better start with ten minutes of sustained pressure on the Newry defence paying dividends with a try from flanker Dan Meehan. This was converted by Thomas Mc Gowan. Donegal had a couple of chances during the remainder of this half but could not get past the stubborn Newry defence. Half time score Donegal Town 7 points, Newry 0.
The second half saw Donegal exert more pressure on the Newry defence to be rewarded with a well worked try by out-half Kevin Woods. This try was converted by Thomas Mc Gowan. More pressure on the Newry defence resulted in a third try for Donegal scored by number 8 Tom O’Grady. This was again converted by the accurate kicking of Thomas Mc Gowan.
Newry were now 21 points to nil down and they threw everything they had at the Donegal Defence. Donegal brought on Oisin Reid for Karl Finnerty and Dermot Mc Glynn for Liam Smith. Newry finally got over for their first try on the 20 minute mark after Donegal had held them up 3 times. This try was scored by out-half Ryan Mc Partland who also scored the conversion. Now it was game on as Newry took the game to Donegal with some fine carries from their big centre Kasper. Donegal defended bravely but as the clock ticked into to final minutes of the game the defence began to tire. Mistakes were made and Newry got in for their final try almost at the death. Ryan Mc Partland also scored this try and conversion.
Donegal did not panic and held off a gallant Newry team as Paul Martin the referee blew full time. Final score Donegal Town 21 points to Newry’s 14 points. This was a fine team performance from the home side and they deserve their place in the final in two weeks time. Rainey will provide the opposition at a neutral venue to be decided. Many thanks to all the parents and supporters for coming down to support the lads on Saturday, home support are definitely the sixteenth man.
Donegal Town U13 team photograph.
Front row: Joshua Boyd, Garreth Lypsett, Liam Smith, Freddy Cullen, Kevin Woods Captain, David Woods, John Relihan, Oisin Reid, Conal Timoney and Katie Timoney.
Back row: Paul Timoney, Dermot Mc Glynn, Thomas Mc Gowan, Tom O’Grady, Dan Meehan, Cian Mc Grath, Patrick Forde, Jack Murray, Karl Finnerty, Matthew Mc Clay, Kieran Murphy and Paul O’Gara.
