U18.5 Boys 41 – Carrick on Shannon 28

A strong opening quarter from the Blues saw our U18.5 Boys take a 14-0 lead.

First up was winger Charlie Garavan finishing off a slick passing move after some clever forward play. A series of powerful carries from Adam Finn and JJ Philips provided the platform for the lively Dara O Coiléan to crash over for our second try.

Carrick responded and it took some good defensive work from Cormac Murray, Daniel Clifford and Max Wall Cooke to keep them at bay. Eventually Carrick touched down and by half time had pulled level with 3 successful pens.

An early second half penalty from Conor O'Reilly pushed the Blues back in front before Carrick again responded to lead 21-17.

A clever kick in behind the Carrick defence by O'Reilly saw Bren O'Byrne and Dara Lowry force the Carrick full back over the goal line before Lowry brilliantly ripped the ball and touched down. A jinking run from James Coleman brought us into the Carrick 22 and the move was finished with aplomb by the impressive Micháel Walsh. But Carrick again responded and edged ahead 28-27.

After a penalty was kicked to touch inside the Carrick 22 the lineout was taken at the back and there was no stopping Emanuel Makinda from scoring and giving the blues the lead again.

Strong forward play in midfield from Barry Gavin and Alex Kavanagh created space for the electric Jack Barry to beat 3 men and crash over for another Blues try. The final kick of the game by Conor O'Reilly then pushed Wegians over the 40 point mark.

A lovely speech from inspirational hooker and captain Nathan Lee was greeted with warm applause before he accepted the sheild and presented his team with their hard earned medals.