Despite the dire forecast the U13 Blues team enjoyed dry and bright conditions for their final game of 2018 against Westport last Saturday.

The game opened with a try by no 10 John Graddich which he also converted. Next it was a try from a blistering run from winger Alex Brown which was ably converted again by the out half despite the blustery conditions. The Wegians defence was solid throughout the half, with Westport rarely breaking through the blues defensive line.

Hooker Mossy Fitzgerald, flankers Jamie Connolly and Eanna McMahon and number 8 John Gibbs were all very solid in defence. John Graddich crossed for another try at 15 minutes in and then it was the turn of the full back Paul Sharkey who crossed twice before the break after some lovely passing from the remainder of the back line, including centres Conor Gibbs, Michael Hussey and winger Donncha Ganly.. John Graddich finished his kicking duties after his 5thconversion in the first half, an excellent outcome considering the blustery conditions.

After the break and whilst adjusting to some changes to the backline, the Blues conceded a Westport try which was greeted with great celebrations by the visiting side. Normal service resumed however when scrum half Luca Danjou crossed for a try which was converted by his fellow Kinvaraman Charlee Conneely. Alex Brown showed his amazing turn of speed once again shortly after with another try. Paul Sharkey completed his hat trick with a third try which was converted by the now calibrated boot of Conneely.

The replacements showed their defensive abilities with strong tackles by both replacement wingers Brendan O’Gorman and Ryan Murphy denying Westport any gains on the outside. Colm Marnell, playing out of position as a prop due to injuries to the normal front rows, was finally able to show his speed from a standing start and crossed for a try after a direct run through several defenders . Kicking duties fell to replacement full back Shane Moriarty who ably converted .

Finally it was the turn of Luca Danjou who sniped over for another try which he converted himself. All in all a very strong performance from the Blues with a lovely display of fluid running rugby.

The U13s take a well-earned break from their final training session on Saturday before the big home derby of Blue vs Black on the 12th of January.