Connolly has the final say in U-12s’ triumph

RUGBY DUNDALK RFC Big effort against physical Birr

DUNDALK Under-12s travelled to Virginia on Saturday morning to start off a truly remarkable day for Irish rugby.

An enthusiastic squad assembled to play a physically imposing Virginia side, who straightaway sought to exert their physical advantage on a beautiful sunny morning.

Indeed Dundalk got off to the worst possible starting conceding an early score, after a period of pressure near their own line.

However their intentions were confirmed when they charged straight back down the pitch in great style, with some terrific running from Callum Lambe.

After a great scrum, anchored by Charlie Nel and Eoin Purton, Dundalk moved the ball brilliantly through the backs, marshalled superbly by their outhalf, Liam O’Connor.

Their ambition was rewarded when after a sublime pass from Donal Lavery, Daniel Gregory charged over the line for a deserved equaliser.

Heartbreak ensued when the ref ruled it out, but the TMO was on hand to confirm what the travelling faithful already knew, that there was no reason not to award the try.

Dundalk succumbed to another strong Virginia score through their huge pack, but were undaunted in their response.

Cian McGuinness could not be contained, and after Conor Whyte Scythed down the Virginia attack with a crunching tackle, McGuinness was on hand to take a pass, before unleashing Michael “van der flier” Carroll for the first of a remarkable four tries.

Slick handling from Dundalk’s livewire scrum half Jacob Dunlevy released Jack Mullen who took half of the Virginia team with him. Rory Wallace took a great pass, and made huge yards before Ben Cahill rounded off a brilliant team try.

There was no let-up, as Eamonn Donnelly stretched the Virginia lads with a searing break, leading to the next of Michael’s tries.

The pattern for the day was established in this compelling fixture, as Dundalk then conceded two further tries to level the match approaching full time.

But this team were like men possessed, and in the last play of the game conjured up the winning score, brilliant finished by Connolly. DUNDALK: Liam O’Connor, Dónal Lavery, Jacob Dunlevy, Cian McGuinness, Charlie Nel, Daniel Gregory, Jack Mullen, Eoin Purton, Ben Cahill, Michael Connolly, Rory Wallace, Callum Lambe, Conor Whyte, Eamonn Donnelly. DUNDALK Under-18 Girls started well against a much more physical home team in Birr.

Orlagh Conway opened their account with a try on four minutes which Niamh Belton converted.

Zoe Valantine made a break and crossed the line on seven minutes, with the score again converted by Belton.

Birr started to get into the game with pick and goes beside rucks and Dundalk tackled magnificently.

On 25 minutes Niamh Belton streaked clear to cross out wide but could not add the conversion.

Birr who were getting stronger and stronger got in for a try out wide before half time to leave the score 5-19 in Dundalk’s favour.

In the second half Birr’s greater physicality started to pay dividends with five unanswered tries.

Klara Hjalmers got one back for Dundalk to leave them trailing by 10 with five minutes on the clock.

Another try for Dundalk would have secured a bonus point, only for Birr to cross again on the final whistle.

Overall, it was a tough day out for Dundalk who did extremely well in the circumstances against a team who were bigger in every position.