Inishowen RFC U15’s 21 points Letterkenny RFC U15’s 10 points
Looking forward to their first U15 league encounter Letterkenny travelled to Carndonagh on Saturday. Letterkenny took to the field unprepared for their first game, four warm up fixtures had been cancelled by various opposition, and the lads had been given little chance to work together.
A howling wind from start to finish was a major factor in how the game would take shape and both teams sensibly kept the ball in hand.
Letterkenny had the early possession and continued to make good ground, moving the ball quickly and providing Daniel O’Driscoll the chance to round his opposite number and score a well worked try after just four minutes.
Inishowen, not having an experienced front row, had requested uncontested scrums which nullified that part of the battle, but bullocking runs from Jim Chambers and Mel Harkin provided the platform for the Letterkenny No8 and captain James Fogarty to crash over the line for a 10 nil lead after 28 minutes.
The visitors, having started so well, appeared to think the game could be won by individuals, whilst encouraging to see players wanting to take responsibility they were soon to learn that strength is in numbers. The Inishowen team began to gel and on 25 minutes the inside centre broke through some poor defence to run in from 50 metres for a converted try.
Just four minutes later the Inishowen fullback finished off a well worked move and scored unopposed to leave the home side 14 points to 10 up at half time.
Letterkenny made a number of changes at half time and started to play with a little more union, Cian Curran who played with great invention throughout was unlucky not to score, being held up short on two occasions.
Inishowen put their extra pace to good use, showing if you want to play individual rugby you need to be as quick as their right winger who was able to round his opposite line and score on 47 minutes.
There was still plenty of time for the visitors to turn the score around and they did start to play with more determination. Eoin McDaid, Adhemer McIvor and Mark Mulrine all followed their captains’ example but often good ball was turned over by the speed of the home side.
Spirited runs from Oisin McLaughlin and Gareth McGill were stoically defended as Inishowen managed to keep the door closed and hold on to their lead.
Inishowen were rightly delighted with the 21 points to 10 final score line and the visitors had learnt a good lesson with plenty to work on before the league visit of Donegal Town on Saturday. Whilst a disappointing result some less experienced players stepped up well and will have benefitted from the game.
Interested in playing? Training for those born 1993 to 1997 is on Wednesdays at 7.00pm and new and returning players are always welcome. |
