U16 OCRFC V Mallow RFC

U16’s hosted Mallow for our first home match in the Plate competition. We started brightly and played some decent rugby but a few unforced errors cost us as we pushed for a score. The windy and wet conditions told and a knock on ball 6 min in allowed Mallow to push up the field and result in a try against the run of play. This was followed by a soft penalty under the posts when we were pinged for an offside offence as Mallow were looking to breakout after another Old Christians attack. We kept pushing for a score, with some great carries with both Darraghs making plenty of yards. Unfortunately we again allowed Mallow in for a second try with missed tackles telling in the build up. We were very unlucky not to score in the corner with the Mallow defence ripping the ball on the line to deny us a try after some great back line play.

The second half was a right good battle, our breakdown improved considerably as we started contesting the rucks with more intensity, however still room for improvement as we did get isolated and turned over at times. We spend the vast majority of half in the opposition half and the pressure was eventually rewarded with a super try when Cillian duggan went over out wide. The Lineout worked well all game, some excellent lifting and fielding with Shane in particular winning great ball. The scrum was very solid all game and that against a bigger pack. To be fair to Mallow they defended well all half, it was a a game we should have won, too many unforced errors and missed opportunities, but not for the lack of effort from the lads.

Man of the match, Liam Hadlow, did a ton of work in the breakdown.

Next game against Dungarvan on Sunday 11.30 at home.