Nenagh U15   26     Shannon   21

Nenagh Ormond under 15’s played Shannon on Sunday last in the next round of the pan Munster U16 bowl.  Conditions were perfect and resulted in a very entertaining game. Shannon kicked off the game and on catching the drop off James O’Dwyer scored a brilliant individual try beating multiple defenders after a 60 yard run. That try seemed to settle Nenagh early, but like any Shannon team they came with intent looking for a score.  Shannon pounded the Nenagh line with their big ball carriers but in fairness to the Nenagh defence, it held firm.  Nenagh showed great determination to keep their number 8 from scoring on multiple occasions.  Nenagh scored again just before half time.  Play was a bit scrappy just outside the Shannon 22 and Nenagh were a bit disjointed.  Amidst the confusion, Anluan White picked at the base of a ruck and broke the defensive line. He then rounded the Shannon fullback to dot down under the posts. The conversion was added to leave the half time score 12-0 in favour of the hosts.

Nenagh kicked off the second half and were quick out of the blocks. James O Dwyer made a break from his own 10 metre line and brought play just outside the Shannon 22. Aleksander Monko made a great carry to keep the momentum going.  Cody Sheedy moved the ball wide to Cian Murphy who did very well to beat two defenders and then off loaded to Shaun Murphy who handed off the full back to score a great team effort under the posts.  Nenagh got a fourth try five minutes later. Off a lineout, which had a 100% success rate on the day, Ben Madden made a fine break in midfield. At the ruck Joe Fahy picked and gained a few more metres, and at the ensuing ruck the Shannon defense was not set.  Anluan White was alert to that, and he picked and broke through to score under the posts. That score seemed to spur Shannon on as they came back at us with real intent. The Nenagh defense held firm for long parts with some good tackling and one monster hit from David Mulcahy on their ball carrier.  Their powerful no 8 eventually got 2 tries and they also scored a third through their pacy centre.  Overall it was a good performance with Nenagh showing great attitude in defence. The final score was 26-21 to Nenagh.  Training continues on Wednesdays and Fridays.