RUGBY | U12 Dundalk Sharks shine against their Dublin opponents

Team Black and White record wins against Westmanstown

It proved to be a beautifully bright, crisp and cool November morning at the Mill Road on Sunday as Dundalk U12s took to the pitch against a talented Westmanstown squad.

The young Sharks have used the past three weeks since the bruising encounter with Navan to eliminate their weaknesses and build on their strengths in order to improve future performances.

On Sunday morning they displayed a freshness and a confidence that they had put in the hard work and were ready to reap the rewards. And reap they did!

Both black and white teams started their respective matches with an intensity rarely seen at this age group. They quickly settled to the task and built up a steady momentum that resulted in some well earned scores that saw them go in at half time with comfortable leads.

Team White registered five tries with the help of Finn Cumiskey, Justin Cooney and Conor Byrne. Meanwhile, on the adjoining pitch, there were impressive scores from Max Ward, Byron Carolan, Dara Osborn and James Corcoran that resulted in a 6–2 lead at the break.

Both Dundalk sides came out even stronger in the second half, wearing the opposition down with strong ball carrying from the forwards, effective rucking and accurate passing that facilitated more spectacular scores. The final scores were a competitive 12–8 for the Whites and 11–5 for the Blacks.

The young Sharks were equally impressive in their second encounter. Maintaining their high work rate, both forwards and backs stood up to the task, displaying control and discipline in their play and class in the scoring that saw them run out convincing winners in both matches.

Daire Thomas and Mark Donohoe added their names to the score list for Team White while Tom Holmes, Cormac McKeown, Cillian Cranny and Padraig Richardson got in on the act for Team Black.

Once again the Dundalk forwards were dogged and determined in their play. This tight knit bunch brought possession deep into opposition territory allowing time and space for the backs to run and score.

Worthy mentions must go to Mark Redmond, John Tennyson, Adam Prendergast and Daniel Boyle for Team Black while their colleagues Carl Meegan, Aidan Crilly, Owen Holmes, Cathal Walsh and Jarlaith Purcell paved the way for Team White. The final tallies were 10–3 and 10–5 respectively.

The U12 coaches were proud of their teams performances both on and off the pitch. A warm welcome was extended to all afterwards in the clubhouse and a delightful array of home baked goodies revived both players and supporters alike.

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