Highfield 12 - 24 Old Christians

Our u13s travelled to Highfield today to face off against the phase 2 undefeated league leaders. In what was going to be a very tough match, we asked the boys for their performance of the season.

We started on the front foot, and after some great tackling, we turned the ball over on our 10 meter line. Some strong runs from Jay and Eoghan brought us deep into their half. After a break in play for an injury, we had a scrum inside their 22, a pick from the back of.the scrum and Jay broke through for the 1st try of the game. Conversion slotted over by Kayden.

We kept our foot on the gas from the restart and the team worked the ball into the Highfield 22, with runs from Fionn, Oisín Kav, Luke and Shayden, after some titanic rucking and running we were on their 5. We worked the ball well and a great team try resulted in a pass from Edmund to Kayden who touched down for our 2nd try.

Highfield had some possession and territory from the restart but our back 3 of Patrick, Luke and Donnacha were at hand any time the ball got out wide, while the forwards defended brilliantly eventually winning a turnover after a brilliant jackle by Odhran. We worked the ball up the pitch again with some fantastic team play. Jake and Aaron on hand to defend the ruck. We found ourselves on their 5 again and after some patient play, we finally got our rewards when Edmund touched down.

At half time , we told the lads to expect a backlash from Highfield and that they needed to keep the intensity up. After the restart Highfield came at us, but we defended really well. Some great tackles by Martim and Oisín Whooley kept their big men at bay. The physicality of the game increased but our lads never backed down. Highfield were made work very hard for every inch. Eventually Highfield made their pressure pay and went over in the corner.

Our lads weren't phased and still defended like warriors with great tackling by subs Maddox, Malachi and Ethan outwide. After soaking up some more pressure, we got turnover ball and a bursting run from Martim saw him reach their 5 before being tackled. We were quickly up in support and after a great run by Cody, he offloaded the ball to Malachi who duly touched down. Kayden added the extra two points.

Highfield again came back at us and everyone of the players fought tooth and nail to protect their line. After a massive battle between the packs where Old Christians would not budge , Highfield moved the ball across the pitch and back and eventually found a breakthrough to score their second with minutes left.

The last few minutes were a real tussle between the two teams with both battling ferociously for terrority and possession with neither team giving an inch. The final whistle blew and Old Christians had secured a well deserved 24 - 12 win.

Man of the match goes to all 19 players with every one of them giving their absolute all. We couldn't have asked for more. Wishing a speedy recovery to Patrick who suffered a broken nose today.