’STONES’ METRO MAGIC
Greystones U-14s see off Suttonians in final
DESPITE a spirited second half comeback from a gallant Suttonians, Greystones U-14s won the Metro Cup in an absorbing final played in perfect conditions before a large crowd at Coolmine RFC last Sunday.
This completed the league and cup double for the second season in a row following similar victories last year as U-13s.
Having opened up a 15 point lead in the first half on the back of a dominant Greystones forward pack, there was little to suggest that the second half would be any different.
However, Suttonians had other ideas and fought back bravely to score 10 unanswered points and ensure a nail biting last 10 minutes. Greystones however held on with a strong defensive performance at the end to secure the victory.
Oliver Haydock opened the scoring after 5 minutes when he kicked a penalty from in front of the posts after Suttonians infringed at a ruck.
This was followed shortly after by a try from hooker, Jonathon Landers, who powered over close to the posts following a series of pick and drives by the pack. Oliver Haydock added the extras.
Greystones attacked strongly for the rest of the half using their typical high tempo game of backs and forwards combinations but the Suttonians tackling was first class and their defence held firm.
Approaching half time however scrum half, Conor McAleer, kicked ahead intelligently, the ball was retrieved and following a long series of phases between backs and forwards, prop and man of the match, Harry Noonan, burst over in the right corner to score a fine team try.
The conversion was missed to leave the half time score at 15 points to nil.
Suttonians were a different team after the break and began to win a steady stream of possession which they put to good use.
After five minutes, the Suttonians out half kicked a penalty from in front of the posts after a ruck infringement to reduce the lead.
Greatly aided by a string of penalty concessions by Greystones, Suttonians scored a try 10 minutes later when their impressive left wing forced his way over to the left of the posts after intense pressure.
The conversion was added to ensure a grandstand last 10 minutes.
The majority of this however was played in the Suttonians half and a suffocating Greystones defence ensured that Suttonians were well contained before the referee blew the final whistle.
Both teams showed great commitment and skill in a match worthy of the final.
Team: Harry Noonan, Jonathon Landers, Darren Magee, Sam Dooley, Liam Lupton Smith, Charlie Byrne, Zach White, Rory Wilson, Conor McAleer, Oliver Haydock, Conor Doyle, Callum McNulty, Sean O’Brien, Jeremy O’Donovan, Ethan Baxter, David Furey, Conor Lacy, Lochlann Dougan, Richard Slevin, Jack O’Caoimh, Tommi Happonen, Darragh Rochford.