U-16s earn deserved win against St Mary’s
GREYSTONES RFC ST MARY’S RFC 27 22
GREYSTONES U-16s faced a strong St Mary’s team in the final of the Metropolitan Cup played at Wanderers RFC Merrion Road ground last Sunday.
With some exciting backs on display Greystones started the stronger side and took an early lead with two tries in short succession from flying winger Indy St Clair Kenny.
The first was a solo effort after he weaved and ducked his way through to touch down in the corner.
Five minutes later, with good ball from the forwards and nice movement through the back line he was on hand to take the final pass and cross again for try number two.
Greystones extended their lead on the 20th minute when a great forward drive was rewarded with a try from second row Cameron Blair converted by Thade Shannahan, who also added a penalty to put a twenty point advantage on the scoreboard.
This was never going to be a one-sided final and Mary’s fought back as the half-time whistle approached and were rewarded with a try, but Greystones still looked comfortable at the break leading 20-5.
In a game of two halves, St Mary’s regrouped at the break and came back a more focused team, determined to keep play tight within their strong pack.
Their forwards stormed over for three more tries without reply to turn the game around as they edged into a narrow two-point lead and looked unstoppable as the clock edged toward full-time, with Greystones holding on thanks to a fierce defensive effort from all players.
With less than ten minutes to play the pendulum swung back in Stones favour.
Turning defence into attack with a sustained effort by the pack leading to a lovely break from the back line.
Showing real composure despite the pressure they were under the ball was moved swiftly through the players to winger Harry Fortune who stepped his man and touched down for what proved to be the winning try.
Shanahan converted to bring the score to 27-22.
The final minutes of the match were played at a ferocious tempo with admirable defence from both sides and Greystones held out for a deserved win.
U-14 Leinster Youth Premier
Clontarf 15, Greystones 8: Also on Sunday the U-14s featured in the final of the Leinster Youths Premier Division at Donnybrook, now called Energia Park.
Unfortunately they just failed to make it a hat-trick of cup final wins for Greystones sides as they were defeated 15-8 by Clontarf.