U-15s hang on for victory

ATHY’S missed conversion attempt with the final kick of the match proved decisive as Boyne hung on to win this U-15 Leinster Cup first-round tie at Bryanstown.

The heavy conditions didn’t suit either side as they normally play a running style of rugby, but Athy still managed to score within the first two minutes.

Boyne reacted well as Stefan Borrs broke and released Calum Sterio who did well to touch down out wide and the difficult conversion was brilliantly converted by Borrs to give the home side the lead - 7-5.

Athy converted a penalty shortly afterwards, but the next score - for Boyne - was forwards based and after a series of pods Danny Little went close before the ball was recycled for David Hobbs to drive over the line. Again, Stefan converted, but just before half-time Athy touched down for another try that cut Boyne’s advantage to 14-13.

The second half was equally close, with some great moments of back play by both sides, and it was Boyne who scored next as Marcu disrupted an Athy lineout, allowing the forwards to set up the back line, with Alan Foley touching down in the corner.

A second Athy try meant the gap was back to a point, but then Caolan Nulty then did brilliantly to touch down in the corner after another fine backs move - 24-18.

From the resulting drop out, Athy won a scrum and this gave them territory and eventually resulted in a try, giving them the opportunity to win the match with a successful conversion - the last kick of the game. However, to Boyne’s relief the attempt was missed and the hosts progressed to the next round by the narrowest of margins.