Congratulations to our combined Newport-Ballina-Killaloe RFC XV who traveled to Old Crescent RFC this morning for their U14 Conference match. In an engaging, see-saw contest of a match, OC were the first off the mark with a well taken try, converted, to lead 7-0 after 5 minutes. Not ones to hang their heads, our boys regrouped and playing to suit the heavy and wet conditions, they held on the ball through a series of pick and go’s, before man of the match Evan Wood burst through for BK RFC’s first try.
Another one was soon added on by Joe McGrath on the left wing, using his pace to get around the cover after great work by the forwards to create the overlap. BK RFC now led 10-7
OC however didn’t give up, and conjured a try themselves after some good work out wide. OC now led 12-10.
Once again BKRFC knuckled down and Evan Wood scored a lovely individual trademark try after breaking from a scrum on his own 10 metre line, brushing off the OC cover to score under the posts, BKRFC led 17-12 at half-time.
OC were not giving up just yet and after a series of probing pushes they were rewarded with a try, unconverted, to level up the scores, 17-17. The game now ebbed and flowed with both sides creating half breaks and chances, eventually, after a series of scrums and a couple of penalties, as OC strayed offside, MOM, Evan Wood crashed over for his 3rd try. James Frahill converted to give BK RFC a 24-17 lead. Never say die was the attitude of OC and they came back again to eventually score after a series of rucks, 22-24 to BKRFC with the game entering the final minutes. A long kick off saw OC counter but they lost possession out wide, BKRFC then managed a series of plays just inside the OC half, retaining possession and holding OC at bay. Final score 24-22 to Newport-BK RFC.
Well done to all the players from both teams in what was a great contest in trying conditions. Many thanks to Old Crescent RFC for hosting the boys