The Argus

Honours even in heroic display

Grammar boys come through ‘Duff’ test

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DUNDALK/ARDEE U-18 Boys faced DLSP in the Metro Cup semi on a crisp spring morning at Navan and nearly pulled off a shock win.

One has only to look at the league table and revert back to their most recent encounter last November when they left DLSP grounds smarting from a 51-13 defeat to realise what a mammoth challenge this was.

From the start Dundalk/Ardee were the more dominant, although during the first half both sides struggled to gain sufficient ground to create a scoring opportunit­y.

However, the Dundalk/Ardee game plan appeared to change as the clock ticked towards halftime and following a superb pickup from the ground following a long kick winger Emmett Byrne crashed over the line for Dundalk/Ardee’s first try, coverted by Gavin Farrell.

It looked like pacy centre David Murdock had worked his magic following an offload from Farrell and was certain to increase the lead, only to be held up right at the line, but as the whistle blew the Louth boys very much in command.

There was no doubt that DLSP would come back fighting, but Dundalk/Ardee remained on the front foot, their kicking game keeping DLSP pinned back in their own 22.

Eventually, DLSP did create their first scoring opportunit­y and duly crossed the try line, and with the conversion the scores were tied.

Dundalk/Ardee looked like they were going to upset DLSP’s unbeaten record on a number of occasions during the half but were unable to capitalise on two penalty oportuniti­es.

The closing minutes required a tremendous defensive effort and discipline as the league leaders tried everything but could not break through the defensive fortress.

Dundalk/Ardee tackled like their lives depended on it, with the large crowd living on the edge as they urged their favourites to hold on.

That they did - the game finished 7-7 - and now Dundalk/ Ardee will have to do it all again in what promises to be a thriller.

It was obvious to the supporters that this is a special group of young men who, despite it being their first season together, have been playing very exciting rugby. Their style, strength, character and talent have caught the eye and establishe­d without doubt that they have a brave heart beating.

It is for this reason that despite incredible individual talent and performanc­es this team beats with one heart. They fought an epic battle against the odds. The club salute this group of players, their coaching team Conor Kane, Kieran McCabe and Kieran McCague and their extraordin­arily supportive parents. Dundalk U-14 girls travelled to Mullingar on Saturday for a Leinster 7s tournament. They played the hosts, Tullamore and Navan. On duty were Aoife Purcell, Bronagh Hughes, Jennifer McElroy, Isabel Holmes, Sharleen McCaughey and Sophia Murdock. The final game againt Navan RFC was the pick of the matches, with great running and rucking leading to tries for Bronagh Hughes and Sophia Murdock. New players always welcome, with training on Wednesdays at 7.30pm at Mill Road. DUNDALK Grammar School’s junior rugby team stormed into the Duff Cup Final last week following a thrilling 19-7 win over Gormanston at Ashbourne.

Despite the Beast From The East and Storm Emma thwarting preparatio­ns DGS relied on sheer hard work and the structures which have been a feature of their play all season to push past a strong and physical Gormanston side.

The Grammar took an early lead and despite the opposi- tion making gains on many occasions during the game the heroic defending by the Grammar boys ensured there was no way through.

It was an ultra-tight contest throughout, but the Grammar lads managed to steal victory at the death when their entire back line supported by the forwards seemed to pour forward in rhythm to release captain Harry O’Neill to cross the try line.

Dundalk RFC were proudly represente­d by Timmy Con- nolly, Aidan Kane, Charlie Murdock,Tom Corcoran, Jonah Power, Joshua O’Hare, Aodhan Fitzpatric­k, Gavin Meally, Aaron Spaight, Sam Dawson, Luke Andrews Walsh.

It was also a huge achievemen­t for Enda Murphy and Alan Norton who have now inspired both the DGS Senior Rugby and junior teams to cup finals this season.

This Wednesday both sides will be involved in a double header at Donnybrook Stadium as the juniors face CBS Enniscorth­y in the Duffy Cup final nd the seniors take on Gorey Community College in the McMullen Cup decider.

It will be a special occasion two set sof Dundalk RFC brothers - the Connollys and the Murdocks.

Jack Connolly and David Murdock will line out in the McMullen Cup final while younger brothers Timmy Connolly and Charlie Murdock will be bidding to win the Duff Cup. DUNDALK RFC U-14s have done a lot of travelling this year, gaining a lot of experience along the way, and this served them well when they played away to Longford in the Plate on Saturday and came away with a 31-0 win.

If ever there was a squad performanc­e this was it as every single squad member played a huge part in a good overall performanc­e. While there is so much to work on there were a lot of elements in their game that were great to see and the hard work done at training every week paying dividends.

Up front Adam Tomaszek carried some great ball providing a solid platform for others to work from with some of the rucking of the highest quality.

Equally imopressiv­e in this department was Ronan McDonnell who was rampant throughout and gave glimpses of what he is capable of.

Tadhg McElroy is also finding his way and rounded off a solid performanc­e with a try, while Joseph Pfeifer was always intelligen­t, particular­ly in defence. Twins Jonny and Laurence Jones showed moments of what they are capable, of but you always feel that there is a lot more to come.

Cillian Halpenny is becoming really dominant at scrum half and forming a sound partnershi­p with Conall O’Callaghan, while the strong and athletic running of Luke Andrews would yield three tries and winger Leigh Caldwell powering in for another.

Neverthele­ss, Longford were threatenin­g to get back into the game when centre Fionn Duffy produced a marvellous wrap tackle on his opposite number from which Dundalk would regain posession and their momentum.

While Dundalk will be happy with the result and their progressio­n to date they will be equally aware that a lot more is expected of them and this will undoubtedl­y be the focus at training in the future.

A big shout-out from the club to Halpenny Travel for the outstandin­g service they continuall­y provide - and of course to the smashing rugby players they help produce!

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