U-15’s Ulster Cup pool match
Monaghan 49 Instonians 5
Saturday morning saw MN host Instonians in the second round of pool matches in Rafeenan. Sticky conditions left both under foot and ball handling difficult from the outset. Monaghan received from the kick off playing towards the club house in the first half and it was an early knock on from that kick which saw Instonians get an early scrum and the first test for the home side. Monaghan won the opposition ball in the scrum and attacked through the middle with good ball carrying from Fintan Sherlock, Jamie Sherlock starting at scrum half today picked up and moved it out to centres Josh Kelly and Michael Savage and out to winger Killian Murphy and back to Savage for the opening try MN 5 – 0 up after 5 mins. From the restart MN had a real desire to add to a good opening try and it wasn’t long before they doubled their lead. Again driving at the heart of Instonians front rows Kristian Graham and Robert Metcalf making good yardage and then ball out to the backs found Dean Wilson who crossed the line, MN 10 – 0 up after 10. Josh Kelly added his name to the scoresheet after good work from the MN pack and good strong direct running, MN 15 – 0 up after 15 mins. MN tails were well and truly up which shows how important a good start is in order to instil confidence throughout the team. Savage soon made it 20 – 0 for his second try and not to be out done Wilson collected his second and Alex Mallen converting MN 27 – 0 up. Back rows Jamie Sheridan, David Mc Conkey and Mallen were ever dependable and kept that solid midfield possession which allowed MN to dominate and allowed the backs to create space and it wasnt long before Killian Murphy kept the momentum going with another fine team try and David Mc Conkey adding the extras. Monaghan 34 Instonians 0. Monaghan made a couple of changes Ryan Jennings on for scrum half Jamie Sherlock and Andrew Connolly on for second row Fintan Sherlock with 5 mins left to halftime. And that’s how the first half ended with Monaghan in complete control. Monaghan 34 Instonians 0.
Monaghan’s ball handling was excellent considering the conditions and a massive team effort ensured the home side a comfortable half time lead. More changes saw Daragh Todd, Omar Duffy and Rory Mc Kenna replace Jamie Sheridan, John Leonard and Oisin Sheridan.
Second half was an uphill battle for Instonians but MN showed no sympathy as Killian Murphy kicked ahead twice and managed to control the ball and touch down to score his second try MN 39 – 0 after 8mins. More changes saw Stephen Doherty on for Josh Kelly and MN continued to kick on with Killian Murphy scoring his third and stretching the lead MN 44 – 0 after 20 mins. Credit to Instonians who never gave up which saw them go over to make it 44 – 5. From the restart Instonians carried into MN’s half but the ball was turned over and MN set themselves for another attack with the ball landing in the full backs hands and Rory Mc Kenna kicking a delightful ball over their back line and chased by Savage who picked up on the run to convert his third and arguably the score of the game under the conditions. Full time score Monaghan 49 Insonians 5.
John Leonard, Robert Metcalf, Kristian Graham, Ciaran Wynswg, Fintan Sherlock, Jamie Sheridan, Alex Mallen (c), David Mc Conkey, Jamie Sherlock, Josh Graham, Killian Murphy, Michael Savage, Josh Kelly, Dean Wilson, Oisin Sheridan.
Subs: Andrew Connolly, Omar Duffy, Mark Allen, Ryan Jennings, Rory Mc Kenna, Stephen Doherty, Daragh Todd, Shane Duffy.
Monaghan should be very proud of their display with an unknown entity travelling to Rafeenan in tricky conditions, the home side took control very quickly which settled the whole team early on from 1 to 15 and indeed it must be mentioned that all the replacements who came in had strong positive impacts. Training continues tues nights 6.45pm – 8.00pm sharp. Track suit bottoms and long sleeves advised and of course Gum Shields.
Please keep an eye on Monaghan Rugby Club Facebook page for updates and any late changes
