A fantastic squad turn out of 28 players saw Monaghan take on a potential banana skin in Omagh at Rafeenan this Saturday with a 1 o clock kick off. This in itself showed great determination and attitude amongst this group of lads to do well and work hard for each other.
Monaghan received the ball from the kick off and started strong driving forward setting up the rucks which sucked up Omagh’s defence and allow space in behind which was well spotted
by Michael Savage who chipped in behind and chased it down and then a delicate ground kick forward and was able to touch down after winning the race. This was followed by an extremely difficult conversion from the touch line by Alex Mallen. Monaghan 7-0 after 5 mins.
Monaghan had the bit between their teeth and continued in this manner for the remainder of the first half. Michael Savage had notched up a hat trick of tries after fifteen mins one of which was a great individual carry and the other set up from his centre partner Rory Mc Kenna who’s direct running style helped create space and offload to Robert Metcalf who passed to Killian Murphy and was well supported by Stuart Allen who eventually found Savage to go over for his third. Monaghan dominated the last fifteen which saw Rory Mc Kenna retire after a leg injury and Oisin Campbell replace him. Strong display from front rows Kristian Graham, Robert Metcalf and John Leonard second rows Fintan Sherlock and Ciaran Wynswg back rows Alex Mallen(c), David Mc Conkey and Daragh Todd and controlled every scrum. Jamie Sherlock at scrum half and Josh Graham at 10 linked up well, centres Michael Savage and Rory Mc Kenna/Oisin Campbell were solid and direct Killian Murphy and Dean Wilson on the wings and Stuart Allen at fullback. Stuart Allen, David Mc Conkey and Alex Mallen cross the whitewash after great intensity from the starting 15 to leave a half time score Monaghan 32 Omagh 0.
Second half kick off and after 10 mins Monaghan made a lot of changes bringing on the rest of the squad. Coaches Declan Savage, James Sheridan and Gareth Mallen looked at this as an opportunity for everyone to show their worth and give important game time to all members of the panel.
As it turned out continuity took a while with this amount of changes and on a very cold afternoon ball handling was difficult for the replacements. Monaghan were on the back foot for the remainder of the game which was now a more realistic match up. The home side were determined to keep Omagh to a no score and were resilient in their defence holding their opponents up on 7 to 8 occasions. This type of willingness saw Oisin Campbell, holding a high defensive line, intercept a pass and sprint to the posts to touchdown and Alex Mallen with the conversion. Monaghan 39 – 0 up with 7mins to play again defending their try line saw another breakaway try again from Michael Savage and converted by Mallen. Last play of the match indicated by the ref saw Monaghan in possession after a line out and instead of kicking it out Monaghan were eager to keep scoring but hats off to Omagh who never gave up and managed to turn the ball over and score under the posts in injury time to leave a final score Monaghan 46 Omagh 7.
Monaghan lads disappointed not to keep a clean sheet but lessons can also be learned that the game isn’t over until the final whistle. Credit must be given to replacements who defended well and even out scored Omagh 2 tries to 1 in the second half.
Replacements used:
Andrew Connolly, Omar Duffy, Shane Duffy, Oisin Sheridan, Conor Reilly, Stephen Doherty, Mark Allen, Karl Mc Kenna, Josh Kelly, James Treanor.
Last league game to be confirmed and thanks to all who come out to support. Next time bring some one with you and let them enjoy this talented team.
Finally the panel would like to wish no 6 regular Jamie Sheridan the best of luck as he is competing in the Leinster distance swimming gala tomorrow Sunday 13th in the NAC.
Training Wednesday 7 – 8.30pm everyone expected except for prior notifications.
Next game V Clogher Valley 19th January at home.
