Letterkenny U13s 5 v Donegal Town 38 December 12 2009

Oh that venue! How are you supposed to concentrate on playing rugby when over the wall you have the Atlantic Ocean and Donegal Bay? Anyway, enough about the most scenic grounds in the game.

Letterkenny headed through the gap to Donegal Town on Saturday morning for a return match against the historic town boys. On the last occasion the two teams met, Letterkenny had won, and confidence was high going into the contest. Donegal Town, however, had other ideas and made their intentions clear after thirteen minutes with a convincing try. The conversion was wide, but the game was definitely on!

Due to a number of absentees on both sides, it was a ten-a-side match on a full pitch which really tested the fitness of both teams. Both stood up to the challenge admirably. The first half was hotly contested, with no further score until the final minute when Donegal Town ground their way over the line for a second time, this time with a conversion to give a half-time lead of 12-0.

The second half kicked off with the same energy. Donegal Town forged ahead in points with three tries in quick succession, while Letterkenny had little to show despite some great play and good passing. Nineteen minutes into the second half, Dermot Dunleavy decided enough was enough and charged over in the corner despite being accompanied by most of the Donegal Town pack. Well played!

The match continued with strong and reliable tackling from both teams. The new age structures are beginning to gel, and there are less easy wins as the season progresses. Two minutes from the end a kick ahead with now tired legs not quite able to follow (remember it was a full pitch with 10 players) allowed the Donegal backs to collect and run in a final try two minutes from the final whistle.

Final Score: Donegal Town 38,  Letterkenny 5

FR