U14 match report

On Sunday last NORFC u14s travelled to Fitzgerald Park to take on Thomond RFC in a friendly. In all 19 boys made the short journey to Moyross. Training had been going well, spirits were high, and we were hopeful of a good performance, and the boys certainly did not disappoint.

The game started at a strong pace, with Thomond running hard at Nenagh trying to expose defensive weaknesses but found none. Once Nenagh got their hands on the ball, a masterclass kick from out half Zac Keller put Jack O Callaghan into space, the bounce was kind and Jack scored the first of his 2 tries. With Fintan and John Mulvihill dominant in the back row and Cillian and Mikey bossing things up front, Thomond found it difficult to get their hands on the ball, and when they did they were met with some good tackling including a super try saving tackle on their dangerous no 8, by Jack O Callaghan. Nenagh continued to build the phases and following some nice interchanges between backs and forwards , Mikey (2) Sean Ryan and John Mulvihill all added tries. Sean continued his rich vein of scoring form and was a constant threat down that right wing, and his defence has improved immeasurably.

Mason Cawley came on at half-time and make an instant impact and got on the scoreboard twice.

This was a very positive performance, with much to be happy about. Whilst there will undoubtably be tougher tests, we are well placed to meet the challenge.

One of the most pleasing aspects was the performance of 3 of our newest recruits, William Murphy was rock solid on the left wing, Jack Harford on his very first day with the club came on at second centre and played really well, as well as Darragh McCarthy who started at 9 and later moved to the wing where his hard running, aggressive tackling and pace caused all sorts of trouble for the Thomond defence. To top off a fine performance Darragh McCarthy took the last conversion and from a difficult angle was unlucky to hit the upright.

With our regular full back Tadgh Gleeson unavailable Matthew Coffey deputised most ably. We wish Tadgh a speedy recovery.

Highlights of the day were the tactical kicking of Zac Keller which gave us go forward ball all day, Cillian and Mikey powerfully cleaning out rucks and hard running by lots of players but especially John Mulvihill and Jack mac. Competition for places has increased considerably recently and is very welcome ahead of our upcoming Cup match away to St Senans. Thomond were short a few of their regular forwards which resulted in uncontested scrums.

Our thanks to Thomond RFC for their hospitality and thanks to all our loyal parents who support us through thick and thin and of course our young players, all of whom got loads of game time.

Team

William Fogarty, Cormac Sullivan, Dylan Schweitnitz, Cillian Ryan capt, Mikey Morgan

John Mulvihill Fintan O Keefe Tristan Madden Darragh McCarthy, Zac Keller, WmMurphy Jack McNamara, Jack OCallaghan , sean Ryan, Matthew Coffey

Reps; Jack Harford, Josh Morgan, Darragh Spillane, Mason Cawley.