Bruff 13 Ennis 8
Ennis’Â U18s were unlucky in defeat in the U18 North Munster league final, which was played under lights on the 4G pitch in UL on Friday, December 23.
In a strongly contested first half with both team showing strongly in attack and defence Ennis managed to nudge ahead through a long range penalty from David Mescal, strong attacks through the pack from Cathal Talty, Aaron Hennessy and Gavin McGonagle were defended well by Bruff.
The second half continued in much the same vein with two extremely evenly matched teams neither asking for nor receiving any quarter.
Bruff drew level through a penalty in front of the posts after a long period of pressure and eventually took the lead through another penalty from further out.
The game remained at 6-3 for a long period when Bruff scored a long range Intercept try just as it looked like Ennis might get across the line at the other end. The try was converted to bring the Bruff lead to 13-3.
Ennis responded strongly however and spent long periods in the Bruff 22 and only some last ditch defence held Ennis out. Eventually though the pressure told and Ennis got a deserved try through Morgan Garry to bring the score to 13-8.
Ennis continued to pound the Bruff defences and looked to have broken away for a decisive score only to be called back for a forward pass. The Bruff defence held firm for the last few minutes to close out the victory.
This is the 1st loss of the season for this Ennis team, but there is a lot more rugby to be played yet with Tralee visiting on the 8th of January in the Pan Munster Cup.
Ennis:Â Conor Cahil , Darren O’Loughlin, Ikem Ugwueru, David Mescal, Nialll O’Brien, Morgan Garry, Eoin O’Ceallaigh, Cathal Talty, Alan Culligan, Keelan Butler, Gavin McGonagle, Ronan Corey, Hugh Black, Jack Colleran (Cpt), Arron Hennessy. Subs Used – Ben Quinn, David McNamara, Joe Connaughton, James Vaughaun.