U13 Blue v Monivea

This year our U13 squad are fielding two balanced teams in the U13 league. The Blue squad took to the field on Sunday playing a strong Monivea team coached by former Galwegian Tony O'Sullivan.

The early exchanges were robust between two very well drilled squads who did not give an inch and played some exciting rugby. Right wing Brendan O'Gorman had some early defensive work to prevent overlaps on his wing and that set a tone for our defence thereafter.

Second rows, Gavin O'Hanlon and Eanna McMahon provided some great ball off lineouts, and worked tirelessly around the field to marshal rucks and defense. Our backrow of Will Mahon, Michael Hussey and Number 8 John Graddich were industrious at the breakdown and provided some strong ball carries off phased play.

Early season rustiness led to a number of scrums with our front row of Matthew Harty, Senan Flynn, and Colm Marnell making a mark with some strikes against the head. The scrum created platform for our out-half Calum Elwood to initiate some attacking options, and they were rewarded with a line break in the 20th minute.

From the resultant 5 meter ruck scrum-half Luca Danjou picked and dotted the ball over for the first score of the game.

Galwegians grew in confidence and attacked from the resultant kick off, and from a series of rucks and attacks at the defensive line, impressive loose head Colm Marnell broke free on the 22 and dotted down the ball under post. Calum Elwood continued in the family business and converted the try.

Just before half time, the Galwegians backline moved the ball wide with some deft handling skills from centers Conor Gibbs and Jamie Connolly and full back Charlie Connelly to put let wing Alex Browne free 10 meters from half way. His speed and side step set him clear to produce another touchdown under the posts, duly converted.

At half-time all six substitutes were slotted in, but as the second half began the substitutes were quick to add their mark to the game. Paul Sharkey on at full back showed early promise with a couple of strong runs and strong ball carries.

Right wing replacement Shane Moriarty looked like a seasoned professional with some searing line breaks, well placed hand-offs and a beautiful chip kick and catch that would not be out of place on the Sportsground. Certainly one to watch for the future.

Replacement John Gibbs on in the back row provided some really strong carries beyond the gain line, and from one of those forays, a deft pass to Paul Sharkey who broke free to score, much to the delight of Dad Daragh who cheered on excitedly. Mossy Fitzgerald on at hooker, carried a ball from a pick off the base a ruck and offloaded a sweet pass to scrum half Donnacha Ganly who then sold a dummy and put winger Padraic Conole free in space. The Monivea full back recovered just enough to put a stop to Padraic's gallop, and a certain try was averted.

This was a wonderful display from all the squad on their very first full pitch game. Well done to players and coaches, and especially to the parents who helped with the catering after the game and made the day a day to remember for all.