Wonderful dry weather was the order of the day for Fethard minis who travelled to Thurles for an enjoyable morning of rugby.
Our U7s played really well and were well matched against Thurles to ensure an exciting game. Lots of tries were recorded for Gavin Neville and Charlie Walsh with fine runs and not to be outdone, Harry Barton and Sam Coen also recorded tries. Brothers Troy and Lee Delaney were fast taggers and great ball carriers. Ned O'Meara worked excellently with Sam Austin and proved fine pairing with great passing. Well done to an exciting team.
The Under 8s proved a strong force and not afraid to step up to the mark were Joey Fitzgerald and Adam Ruttle who had great games and tackled to beat the band. Liam Kiely had a great game with great tackling. Paraic O'Connor paired very well with Sam Rowan and both scored fine tries against a fine Thurles squad.
Fethard U9s played two games. The first against Carrick, winning 7-4 they played extremely well with great tackling from William Cleere, Robbie Noonan, Daithi Hogan and great running from Louis Ryan, Tomas Ryan and Jack Quinlan.
Next up was a big Thurles outfit but that didn't deter our lads with passing from Mark Neville and Matt Coen and some unbelievable rucking from David McCormack helped by Michael Blake. Great carrying of the ball by Andrew Wall helped us run out easy winners on a score of 11-2.
Fethard U10s had two great team performances against Thurles and Carrick with every one playing a terrific style of open rugby, without Connor Neville who was injured. We wish Connor a speedy recovery.
Our 11s showed no ill effects of their long lay off with a terrific display against both Thurles and Carrick. Everything from line out throwing to rucking was very good. We lost Rob Barton and Josh Rowan through injury. Hope ye’re feeling better soon lads.
The wind blew for our U12s in Thurles and a lively Carrick crew were two tries to the good while we were still yawning. Credit to the blue hoops who struck back with a nifty line-out steal. Down the hill in the second half and Ethan Coen started to motor. Eoin Walsh and Aobha Fitzgerald rucked hard to disrupt Carrick. Mark McCormack spun quick ball for Angus McDonald and Lucy Murphy to prosper. Good honest effort saw honours even when the whistle blew.
Thurles up next and Matt Burke’s sticky fingers held the ball well and Lucy Murphy blossomed and harried and hassled to great effect. Teak tough Angus McDonald refused to be beaten while Eoin Walsh squeezed through gaps invisible to others. Mark McCormack continued to impress. With the pace of Coen now bossing the rucks this squad will progress but a full squad is essential to fuel this progress.
Next week, Sunday, March 2, the minis from U7 to U11 are away to Clonmel for a Blitz at 10.30am kick off. Training continues on Friday evening for all at 6.45pm. New members are always welcome. U12s are away to Kilfeacle for their own Blitz on Sunday, March 2.
Please support our Fantasy Cheltenham festival fundraiser for the club. For tickets at €20 please text Polly 086 3394959. This a great chance to win a few quid and also raise funds for our club.
