THERE ARE rugby matches that build character and there are games which show the real character of a group or individuals and Saturday’s cup game against Ballyclare was one.
Letterkenny u18s 20 Ballyclare u18s 12
A real arm wrestle where game plans and systems went out the window and sheer determination and the desire to win was key.
In particular the Letterkenny pack stood up to be counted. A much lighter, smaller and much better looking forward unit refused to be bullied or beaten and indeed ensured that the Ballyclare forwards went home knowing that size and brawn are not the only skills required in rugby.
After an early penalty scored by Peter Scott the game developed into a real battle with the visitors applying sustained pressure to the Letterkenny line but wave after wave of attack foundered on the determined tackling of Joe Dunleavy, David Ward, Chris Green and Diarmiud Gallagher.
Daniel Faulkner was playing a captains part both in defence and attack with a couple of nearly line breaks.
The scrums were proving difficult for either side to dominate and with both defences doing well the game was being played mostly around the middle third.
Letterkenny were enjoying dominance at line out with Martin Molloy back to his best.
The pivotal moment of the first half and probably the match was on the 30 minute mark with a great break from Daniel Faulkner from just inside his own 22 meter line to about a metre short of the Ballyclare line.
The captain had the presence of mind to set the ball for his supporting winger Oisin Toal to gather and touch down near the post. Scott kicked the conversion to leave the score at half time 10-0 in favour of the home team.
An early try in the second half from Stephen Holmes after a quick tap penalty from Faulkner helped to put Letterkenny in a commanding position on the score board but a try from a determined and very motivated Ballyclare team meant nothing could be taken for granted.
A Scott penalty made the score 20-5 but Joe Dunleavy was then sin binned and the visiting forwards drove over for a converted try in his absence.
The final 12 minutes were played out in the Ballyclare half with James Roulston, Diarmuid Gallagher, Martin Molloy and Conor Cannon working hard in Dunleavy’s absence.
The referees whistle brought to an end an entertaining game which again demonstrated the belief and desire of this u18 squad.
Letterkenny now look forward to playing Virginia RFC at Dave Gallaher Park on Saturday 23rd April in the Ulster Cup semi-final.
Letterkenny: A Boal-Quinn, D Toal, M Faulkner, D Faulkner, O Toal, P Scott, B Khavia, J Dunleavy, M Molloy, L Carson, J Roulston, D Gallagher, C Green, S Holmes, D Ward, D Doyle, C Cannon, S Gibson, A O’Neill, E Henry, J Lafferty, J McGarvey.
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