UNDER-13 RUGBY

ARKLOW RFC MULLINGAR RFC 27 25

ARKLOW’S under-13s secured an impressive away victory in the league against Mullingar last Saturday.

However, this result came as no surprise to those involved with the team.

This Arklow side has slowly improved with every game this season.

They have faced into teams with far bigger playing numbers and more than held their own. Despite some tough encounters they have stuck together and exuded a resolve that is the envy of many teams they play.

Arklow issued their intention from the off with a try from Stuart Bollard Troy.

However, Mullingar responded within 10 minutes with two more tries and a conversion leaving a scoreline of 12-5.

Playing away and having just conceded two tries other teams may have capitulated.

However, this Arklow team were galvanised. They responded within seven minutes when Tinahely’s own Harry Hadden crashed over, this was followed up immediately by a second try from Stuart Bollard Troy leaving the half-time score at 15–12.

As the second half began an inspired Mullingar responded again with a converted try inside 35 seconds.

While Arklow tried to re-impose themselves in the game again Mullingar once more took advantage and scored another converted try leave a scoreline of 26-15. At this point there was talk of a “moral victory” on the sideline amongst the travelling Arklow support given the journey.

However, the Arklow team were having none of it and when man of the match Stuart Bollard Troy snuck over for his third try they began to smell blood.

With ten minutes remaining a clever backline move released Gordon Prestage to score under the posts to leave the score at 2625 with the conversion to come. In these circumstances no conversion is easy.

Take a bow PJ Crotty who was calmness personified in securing the additional necessary points leaving a scoreline of 27-26.

This hammer blow was the death knell for a resilient Mullingar side that they could not come back from.

When the full-time whistle went minutes later it led to ecstatic scenes from Arklow players, coaches and supporters.

This Arklow team’s performance demonstrated many of the reasons parents encourage kids to play sport – character, bravery, resolve, team unity and of course fitness were in abundance on the day and in truth, for much of the season with this unique bunch of boys.

To borrow a quote from the Italian Stallion: “It’s not about how many times you can hit, it’s about how many times you can get it and keep moving forward – that’s what winning is”. Keep moving forward guys.

Team: PJ Crotty; Mark Kelly; Gordon Prestage; Stuart Bollard Troy; Charlie Graham; Finn Scott; Conor Healy; Louis Byrne; Archie Hadden; Neil Hanna; Ben Clancy; Earnest Kackas; Cead Van De Vyver; Josh Robinson; Harry Hadden; Ollie Purser.