A winter sun shone brightly in Carrowholly, at Westport RFC, where Westport under 13's, met Monivea for the first time in a competitive fixture. There was hardly any wind and the pitch was in favourable playing condition. Both teams had good vocal support on the line to cheer them on in what was a competitive , entertaining game of rugby.
Monivea would win the match by 22, points to Westport's 5, although it was a decent score line to win by, Monivea had to work at it as it was competitive with good periods of play by both teams.
The first half had both teams going at it early on and holding their own in an even contest. Sustained pressure by Monivae would gain their first try on 8 minutes. Their number 12 broke free to run in a fine try in the corner. Good effort by the Number 12..
The conversion attempt failed to secure the two additional points.. Monivea were up by 5..
Westport got more into it and applied pressure to get up-field. Monivea were awarded a scrum , which Westport stole and scrumhalf, DJ Bourke got the ball out fast to Connor o Regan, who slipped his oncoming marker and ran at pace for the touchline to ground the ball behind the posts.. well taken try.
Ben Foy attempted the conversion, which tailed wide of the posts..
The match continued with both teams attacking and defending, vigorously, but on 23 minutes, Monivae with continued forwards pressure, broke through to score a second try.
The conversion attempt was on target but just fell short of the posts. Monivae were kicking strongly out of defence to relieve their lines with good effect..Their forwards, all being strong , big and burly units were tenacious in tackling and not shy at being physical about it...They proved to be the Key strength going on to win the match.
It finished at halftime. Monivea, 10. Westport, 5.
Westport took off five players and introduced five from the bench to play the second half.
Second half opened, being an even contest by both teams. Monivea's Forwards ability to press and carry ball had them to the Westport try line by the 7th minute of the second half and although , Westport held them out gallantly, persistent and Forward's power eventually got them over the line to secure the try. The conversion attempt failed to convert.
Continued pressure by Monivea after the restart had them , once again attacking and a strong run by their number 12, got them close to the try line, where they got over for their third try. The conversion attempt was successful and added the 2 points.
Two features of Monivae's game were evident and effective throughout the match, when in defence, they chose to kick upfield or at distance into touch to relieve their lines and gain territory and it worked well for them. Their Forwards really bossed the game, Tenacious and physical in the tackle. They played well off each other and on more than one occasion, had the better of Westport in the rucks. They attacked with purpose and intent and the Forwards efforts were to the fore in winning the match for them.
The second half had periods of good entertaining rugby by both teams with even pressure by both.
As the half was closing, Good pressure by Westport had them inside Monivea's 22, but effective tackling and boot to ball kept Westport at bay, and thus it ended.
Monivae 22.. Westport 5...
A word of mention for Monivea number 12. Eanna Poland. He was their main man, he can run with pace and rarely put a foot wrong , was always involved and could put boot to ball, and did to effect.. he scored their first try and played a influential part in the third try.
The boy is a Class act and one to watch..
Westport were missing a spark about them, which was just not evident on Saturday. Cancellation of rugby training and training pitch not available has a marked effect on preparation for these matches ..weather has been deplorable and unhelpful in training sessions being cancelled because of.. This has not helped the players to be at full potential.
Westport were best served by, Hugh Molloy and Barry Mc Donncha, who worked tirelessly for the cause. They left all on the field, but those two boys always do.
Connor O 'Regan and Connor Olson also shined and of Westport's subs, Killian Kelly and Patrick Scott , impressed as well.
All of the boys gave their best, but truth is Monivea are a damn good team with strong willed forwards , who will grind down most teams.
They have now won two of their matches and will be tough competition for their remaining Opponents... We wish them well, Going Forward...
Westport's next match is in two weeks time against , Galway Bay at home
Vocal support will be gratefully appreciated. Be there...
Back to the training ground.
Get back on the horse and go again...
HEADS UP !!
Monivea would win the match by 22, points to Westport's 5, although it was a decent score line to win by, Monivea had to work at it as it was competitive with good periods of play by both teams.
The first half had both teams going at it early on and holding their own in an even contest. Sustained pressure by Monivae would gain their first try on 8 minutes. Their number 12 broke free to run in a fine try in the corner. Good effort by the Number 12..
The conversion attempt failed to secure the two additional points.. Monivea were up by 5..
Westport got more into it and applied pressure to get up-field. Monivea were awarded a scrum , which Westport stole and scrumhalf, DJ Bourke got the ball out fast to Connor o Regan, who slipped his oncoming marker and ran at pace for the touchline to ground the ball behind the posts.. well taken try.
Ben Foy attempted the conversion, which tailed wide of the posts..
The match continued with both teams attacking and defending, vigorously, but on 23 minutes, Monivae with continued forwards pressure, broke through to score a second try.
The conversion attempt was on target but just fell short of the posts. Monivae were kicking strongly out of defence to relieve their lines with good effect..Their forwards, all being strong , big and burly units were tenacious in tackling and not shy at being physical about it...They proved to be the Key strength going on to win the match.
It finished at halftime. Monivea, 10. Westport, 5.
Westport took off five players and introduced five from the bench to play the second half.
Second half opened, being an even contest by both teams. Monivea's Forwards ability to press and carry ball had them to the Westport try line by the 7th minute of the second half and although , Westport held them out gallantly, persistent and Forward's power eventually got them over the line to secure the try. The conversion attempt failed to convert.
Continued pressure by Monivea after the restart had them , once again attacking and a strong run by their number 12, got them close to the try line, where they got over for their third try. The conversion attempt was successful and added the 2 points.
Two features of Monivae's game were evident and effective throughout the match, when in defence, they chose to kick upfield or at distance into touch to relieve their lines and gain territory and it worked well for them. Their Forwards really bossed the game, Tenacious and physical in the tackle. They played well off each other and on more than one occasion, had the better of Westport in the rucks. They attacked with purpose and intent and the Forwards efforts were to the fore in winning the match for them.
The second half had periods of good entertaining rugby by both teams with even pressure by both.
As the half was closing, Good pressure by Westport had them inside Monivea's 22, but effective tackling and boot to ball kept Westport at bay, and thus it ended.
Monivae 22.. Westport 5...
A word of mention for Monivea number 12. Eanna Poland. He was their main man, he can run with pace and rarely put a foot wrong , was always involved and could put boot to ball, and did to effect.. he scored their first try and played a influential part in the third try.
The boy is a Class act and one to watch..
Westport were missing a spark about them, which was just not evident on Saturday. Cancellation of rugby training and training pitch not available has a marked effect on preparation for these matches ..weather has been deplorable and unhelpful in training sessions being cancelled because of.. This has not helped the players to be at full potential.
Westport were best served by, Hugh Molloy and Barry Mc Donncha, who worked tirelessly for the cause. They left all on the field, but those two boys always do.
Connor O 'Regan and Connor Olson also shined and of Westport's subs, Killian Kelly and Patrick Scott , impressed as well.
All of the boys gave their best, but truth is Monivea are a damn good team with strong willed forwards , who will grind down most teams.
They have now won two of their matches and will be tough competition for their remaining Opponents... We wish them well, Going Forward...
Westport's next match is in two weeks time against , Galway Bay at home
Vocal support will be gratefully appreciated. Be there...
Back to the training ground.
Get back on the horse and go again...
HEADS UP !!
