MON U17 (7) – DERRY U17 (12)
MON kicked off the game with 3 u15’s into the team, M.Savage, D.Wilson and O.Cambell and they did not let the side down. Unfortunately, M.Savage had to leave the field after 20mins feeling unwell. MON forwards scrumed well and did well in lineouts but around the field they were found wanting especially at rucks when numbers were too slow getting there. MON opened the scoring when after a few phases of pick and go, MON Capt. D.McGregor burst onto a pass and from 5m out, and crashed over the line, conv. J.Graham. After this MON team were all over the place and too many missed tackles and no support left Derry in for a handy try.
In the 2nd half, there were some good running from O.Cambell now switched to outhalf and also from D.McConkey, Emily, A.McKenna and D.McGregor, and also some good runnning in the backs from S.Mooney and R.Metcalfe. But time and time again MON lost the ball at the breakdown and eventually Derry got over for their 2nd try to win the game.
If MON are to compete in the Plate, fitness levels have to increase and players are asked to do their own training as 1 night per week wont make them fit, also we need more commitment at training and players that are eligible to play U17’s Rugby to turn up.
Match AWAY to Rainey this Sat 15th, players are to let coaches know if they are AVAILABLE or NOT.
MonaghanRFC U-13 34 v City of DerryRFC 0
MonaghanRFC U-13’s picked up from where they left of against Donegal a fortnight ago when they entertained a strong City of DerryRFC side. A typical February morning, cold, wet, windy and heavy underfoot left playing conditions very tricky. MN kicked off and CoD received just outside their 22. MN made their intent known very early when center Ben Sheridan aka Paddy Jackson, made the first crunching tackle to turn the ball over for MN. Back rows, James Mc Adam, Jack Madden and Simon O Connell had the ball protected which allowed scrum half Conor Smyth get into his stride very early to set up an attack. Second rows Daire O Reilly and Eoghan Treanor were on hand to receive, Smyth then brought his backs into play finding out half Jack Brannigan, who then passed to Sheridan and then out to his center partner Donal Mc Kenna who ran in the opening score. MN 5 – 0 up after 5 mins. MN received from the restart and played some very good rugby, the forwards carrying the ball when the opportunity was there and the backs making ground out on the wings. Full back Kevin Tibby made an impact on 8 mins when he received the ball out wide and ran down the touchline only to be pushed out at the opposition 5m line. From the throw in MN secured possession and it was Donal Mc Kenna who who touched down to increase the home side advantage, MN 10 – CoD 0. City of Derry kicked off and applied a lot of pressure, MN were putting the ball through the hands but conditions lead to accidental knock ons and allowed CoD time to settle and set up in the MN half. But MN were up to the task with some fantastic tackling and counter rucking from front rows Niall Carville, Troy Jennings and James Hughes to win back possession. Eoghan Watters and Gareth Mc Cafferty were working hard on the wings stretching CoD defence which created the space for MN’s two centers Sheridan and Mc Kenna who combined to score MN’s third try and Mc Kenna’s hat trick. Eoghan Treanor converted in very difficult conditions to leave a half time score MN 17 – CoD 0. Second half was more of the same from the homeside with every player working hard for each other. MN were now using their experience when in possession again using the forwards when needed and putting the ball out through the backs when a scoring opportunity appeared on. It was second row Eoghan Treanor that set up the next MN score with a lovely grubber kick forward and Kevin Tibby on hand to touch down, Treanor converted, MN 24 – CoD 0. MN made a few changes which saw Daire Maguire, Ryan Wilson, Kevin O Reilly, Danial Smith and Gene Donaghue come on with 15 mins to go. Each of these replacements playing their part in MN next score which was a great team effort and resulting in Mc Kenna scoring a fourth try, MN 29 – CoD 0. Credit must be given to the travelling team who never give up but it was MN that finished the stronger with Niall Carville scoring after a great scrum and a pick and drive. Final score MN 34 – CoD 0. A brilliant performance from the Monaghan squad who worked hard all day in tough conditions. Training continues as per coaches instructions.
