U 15 Cup v Skibb
Old Christians 20 Skibbereen 19
This Saturday, 10th April, saw our side host Skibbereen in the semi final of our Cup campaign.
Our lads entered the pitch looking calm, collected and ready for the task ahead of them. The visitors spent the majority of the opening 20 minutes deep in Old Christians territory but thanks to our strong defence, who immediately put pressure on Skibbereen, the visitors to conceded a penalty. Up stepped Tim Healy and slotted over the 3 points with ease. Threat over.
Our lads then fought hard and gained ground to make their way up to the visitors 22. The boys got a maul going and we saw Phillip Purcell break off and ram his way past three defenders to go over for a try in the corner. John Purcell stepped up to the take the conversion from the touchline at an awkward angle and was unlucky to miss it. 8-0 and the supporters were starting to get very excited and vocal.
The second half opened with Skibbereen going on the attack with a chip ahead kick but luckily for us John Purcell was on guard and touched the ball down before the Skib attack got to it. We also saw John block down a kick on Christians 22 and then run the length of the pitch only to finally succumb to a tackle on the 10 metre line. Hard luck John!! Emmett Crotty then stole possession of the ball to go over for a superb try bringing us up to 13-0. Shane O’ Connor was unlucky to miss the conversion.
Skibbereen then went over for both a converted try and an unconverted try which brought the score up to 13-12. Nerve wrecking times for everyone on the sideline! We were then unlucky to lose Scott to an ankle injury and we saw Dylan step up and slot into the front row.
Christians quickly regrouped and fought hard for dominance and were rewarded with a try scored by Stanton. Tim Healy stepped up to take this conversion and slotted it over taking us to 20-12. Again Skibbereen fought back hard and got a converted try which meant we were up by a single point 20-19. Thankfully though we were in the dying minutes of the game and our lads retained possession and ran the clock to emerge victors by 1 point, final score 20-19.
As usual, thanks to all who turned out and now we look forward to a day out in Musgrave Park where we will take on Cobh in the Cup Final. Details of this to be announced shortly.
Finally, if parents could contact me on 087 9754659 regarding the Cup Final day arrangements I would appreciate it. We are organising special match banners/flags and also a session up in the clubhouse on the evening of the final for all the lads.
Deirdre
Pics later