Under 13 West Munster Cup Final
Abbeyfeale RFC 12
Tralee RFC 3
After several postponements, Abbeyfeale finally got to play Tralee in the final in Cullinagh Park Newcastle West on fri 02/05/08. Both teams arrived with full panels to chose from. Tralee had a few new faces from the team we beat comprehensively in the league in January. That said the Abbeyfeale coaches had their players motivated and well prepared for the final. As expected the game started with nerves tingling on both sides. Tralee kicked off, Dean Enright secured the ball and set up a maul. With support from the pack Abbeyfeale drove on for ten metres before Darragh Walsh released the ball to the waiting backline. Tralee’s new centres were up quickly to stop the ball going wide and a knock on from Abbeyfeale gave possession to Tralee. The resulting penalty saw Tralee gain 15 metres before their big centre was finally dragged to the ground. A long kick in behind Tralee from Dan G relieved the pressure on Abbeyfeale and the follow up from the Abbeyfeale backs had Tralee scrambling to clear their lines. Abbeyfeale won the lineout and again a fast delivery out from Darragh had the backs away. Tralee momentarily halted Abbeyfeale before the forwards again arrived, this time Darragh gave to James O Mara who burst down the blindside to go over in the corner with only four pulsating minutes gone. Dan G composed himself over the ball a metre in from the side line to split the posts with a conversion ROG would be proud of. Dean Enright again gathered the kick off cleanly, the forwards kept it tight to drive Tralee back before releasing to the backs where Adrian finally found some space to run at Tralee. But good defence and strong tackles stopped him from gaining too much ground. Again, with support arriving late the ball was turned over. Tralee’s kick in behind Abbeyfeale and the follow through showed they were here for a game. With some scrappy play on the ground Abbeyfeale conceded a penalty which was converted to get Tralee on the scoreboard. Both teams had a number of penalties awarded against them for infringements which slowed the game for a time before Philip Daly latched onto a loose ball on the ground for a great turnover which saw Chris Leahy race away from everyone to score in the corner to lead 12 pts to 3 at the half. With plenty of water taken on and advice from the coaches Abbeyfeale stepped out confidently for the 2nd half. Tralee threw everything they had but it soon became apparent that all ball was going through the big centre. He twice got to within touching distance of the Abbeyfeale line only to be denied by a very determined and resolute Abbeyfeale side who dug as deep as they had to all season to turn the ball over. Again a big relieving kick from Dan G had Tralee scrambling. Shane Murphy was first up to put in the tackles which saw Tralee go further back, aided by Chris and Jonathon, Tralee found themselves defending their own line. Initial pressure was got with a good kick, only to see Abbeyfeale fullback John Murphy weave his way past four Tralee players before going to ground. With the game clock now running low, Abbeyfeale continued to exert the pressure, Philip Daly putting in three big tackles driving Tralee backwards with each one. Abbeyfeale had a good claim for another try denied when Shane apparently went into to touch. With three minutes of injury time played the final whistle blew to the delight of Abbeyfeale who had just completed the double for an incredible season. James O’Mara accepted the Cup on behalf of the panel. In his acceptance speech he thanked Tralee for a hard sporting game. He thanked the coaches, all the players and those who have supported us all season. He also thanked the ref. and NCW RFC for their facilities. Head coach JD Harnett echoed these sentiments and also paid tribute to a fine bunch of players who we as coaches have had the pleasure of working with for the last two seasons. Many thanks from JD, Rick, Tom, Dermot & Aidan.
Scores by: James O Mara and Christopher Leahy ( 1 try each ), Dan G Harnett ( 1 con. )
Panel: James O Mara ( capt ), Philip Daly, Danny Harnett, Dean Enright, Jonathon Fitzgerald, Shane Murphy, Christopher Leahy, Jake Quirke, Darragh Walsh, Dan G Harnett, Stephen Cahill, Adrian Enright, Kevin Mahoney, Dean Harnett, John Murphy, Cathal Broderick, Jack Breen,Padraig Moloney, Jamie O Brien, Darren Foley, P T Fitzgerald, Levi Ryan, Keith Harnett, Brian Griffin, Liam O Connor.