DLSP crack combination in thrilling Metro clash
THE Dundalk/Ardee U18 amalgamation met their match at Terenure College RFC on Sunday when league leaders De La Salle Palmerston pipped them to a place in the Metro Cup final.
From the start both sides worked hard defensively, however it was DLSP who put the first score on the board with a try following a well-worked move by the backs. A missed conversion left the score at 5-0.
Dundalk/Ardee kept their heads and within a very short time won a penalty which was successfully kicked by Gavin Farrell leaving it 5-3 to DLSP at half-time.
It was already evident that this game was there for the taking for either side as there was little to separate the teams in terms of talent or skill.
Both sides came out fighting in the second half and despite terrific defensive work by Dundalk, DLSP crossed for a second try. This time they added the extras to extend their lead to 12-3.
However another Dundalk/ Ardee kept in touch with another penalty and it was still all to play for in a tense battle.
Dundalk/Ardee made the next major when a well-worked move by the backs saw Jack Hughes cross the line for his side’s first try of the afternoon.
The supremely accurate Gavin Farrell added the conversion to give Dundalk/Ardee the lead for the first time, 13-12.
We were back in the game and although the battle was epic we had many warriors to do battle.
However, DLSP are top of the league for a reason and they responded with a quick try in the corner to make it 17-13.
Despite great passages of rugby with great carries and immense tackling by David Murdock, Jack Connolly and James Reilly, excellent control of the lineout by Cathal Purcell and Conor Waters and Zak Coan’s level of accuracy Dundalk/ Ardee were held up time and again from breaking forward and creating any further opportunity to change the outcome.
The physical scars of this bruising encounter will remain with these players for some time as the game ended in DLSPs favour at 17-13.
On another day Lady Luck may well have been on Dundalk’s side, but this fine group of young men have represented themselves and their club impeccably both on and off the pitch this season.
They have continued to impress and have reached amazing heights to achieve at this level despite never playing together before.
Both the Dundalk and Ardee clubs have paid tribute to the coaching team of Conor Kane, Kieran McCabe and Kieran McCague.