Tralee U15s travelled to Skibbereen yesterday to take on the home side
in a challenge game prior to the J1 game between Tralee and Skibbereen. The squad was depleted due to injury and other commitments
which focused the spotlight on the depth of the panel. Tralee began well and although the first 10 minutes were scoreless with
both teams testing the other, Tralee scored
first following some good play by both backs and forwards, the try excellently
converted from out near the sideline by Padraig Lyons. Tralee’s
second try was for the forwards and showed how far the pack has come as a
group. Eight phases of picking and driving inside the Skibbereen 22 yielded the
score.
Skibbereen scored and converted to leave the score at 12 to 5 while
further injuries to captain Mark Walsh and flanker Coleman Moore just before
half time further tested Tralee’s resources.
However, we need not have worried, all the players stepped up to the mark and
the second half was all Tralee.
Joe O’Kelly, who had an exceptional day, showed leadership in the
backline while the front five kept Skibbereen under constant pressure both in
the set-piece and open play. U 14s Glen Brazil and James O’Connor who had
turned out at short notice both had strong games and are clearly at home at
this level. Jonathan O’Halloran and Conor Moore, both showing the benefit of
their recent specialist coaching sessions with Gareth Walsh and Andy Brace
(thanks Jo) were a constant threat, while Padraig Lyons kicked superbly both
from hand and the ground. Special mention must go to those players who have
persevered and yesterday had a chance to shine – Michael Healy has come a long
way and was defensively very sound, Ciaran Moss had a very strong game in the
back row, Dylan Sheehy, Alan and Jeff Boyle all put in good performances, while
John Hayes had a sound game in a number of positions.
Tralee added three further tries in the second half while Skibbereen
scored with the last play of the game to leave the final score Tralee 31 to Skibbereen 14. This was a victory for the
squad and in many ways was the most heartening outing of the season.
Many thanks to Skibbereen for a good, sporting game and for their
hospitality. Thanks also to Glen Brazil and James O’Connor (and their parents)
for turning up at very short notice. Back to West Munster matters next week with the first round of the Cup away to Kenmare.
SQUAD: Ross Coffey, Kevin Harty, Aidan McQuinn, Glen Brazil, Edward
Nolan, Coleman Moore, Mark Walsh, Ciaran Moss, Jonathan O’Halloran, Padraig
Lyons, Joe O’Kelly, James O’Connor, Dylan Sheehy, John Hayes, Conor Moore,
Michael Healy, Alan Boyle and Jeff Boyle
