NUTTY KRUST FLOODLIT TOURNAMENT 2014
Wednesday night saw the culmination of this years Nutty Krust u19s Floodlit tournament played at Chambers Park Portadown with Dungannon playing Malone in the final.
The match was played in ideal conditions in front of one of the largest crowd seen at Chambers Park this season. The final failed to live up to expectations as both sides who had been free scoring in the semi finals cancelled each other out with both defences coming out on top with only two scoring opportinities for each side in the entire game.
The opening 15 mins were played between the two 10m lines as both teams tested each others weaknesses in order to find the first score of the game 17 mins played a fine break by Dungannon centre Andrew lee took play to the Malone 22 but the Malone defence held firm . Another Dungannon break this time by Marcus Mulgrew should have led to a score but he delayed his pass and Malone defence were able to clear there lines. The first half ended scoreless , it was like a game of chess with both teams trying to work each other out Dungannon 0 Malone 0
The second half started as the first finished with both teams probing to find the first score of the evening too many basic errors costed both team’s possession and territory. 8 mins into the second half Malone were harshly penalised for a technical offside and Dungannon were awarded a penalty which outhalf Marcus Mulgrew converted 3-0 to Dungannon . With 14 mins played Malone had the chance to level the scores when they were awarded a penalty at the breakdown with Dungannon coming in from the side. Ben Rodgers attempt went wide and the score remained 3-0 to Dungannon. The final stages of the game saw Dungannon control possession and territory but the Malone defence held out resolutely with neither team adding to the scoreline.
The final score ended up Dungannon 3 Malone 0
Congratulations to Dungannon on winning this year’s Nutty Krust Tournament and also a word of thanks to Malone for all there hard effort and play through out this year’s tournament. The game was a hard fought physical encounter and both sides took a few knocks and bangs and we wish a speedy recovery to all those players who put their bodies on the line for there club tonight.
Afterwards in the Clubhouse the Cup and Medals were presented by Sean Doyle Ulster Rugby to Dungannon and Malone players
Sean Doyle also presented the Man of the Match award to Dungannon no 9 Ross Devlin .
