Ormond outmuscled by powerful Pirates

RUGBY: Munster Under 18 Club Cup Semi-Final

 

 

Cobh Pirates 18

Nenagh Ormond 5

 

It was bitter disappointment for Nenagh Ormond as they were defeated by a very strong Cobh Pirates team in the Munster Under 18 Cup semi-final played in Cashel last Saturday.

In truth, there were no excuses on the day as Cobh’s power game was too much for a brave Nenagh team who defended magnificently but ultimately could not withstand their opponents’ sheer physicality.

The tone of this game was set from the off, as Cobh gained control and were camped on the Nenagh line within minutes. With a significant size advantage, the rampant Cobh pack launched wave after wave of attack, only to be held out valiantly as Nenagh defended for their lives. The early siege was only lifted when Cobh decided to opt for an easy three points as Nenagh were forced to concede a penalty under the posts with ten minutes on the clock.

With four Munster representative players in a huge forwards pack, Cobh had a very clear gameplan which, although not pretty to watch, proved highly effective as they managed to continually break the gain line and eke out valuable territory.

The opening try for Cobh arrived on 16 minutes as they were finally rewarded after a number of powerful drives close to the line - the successful conversion by winger Ray Keating pushing them into a ten point lead.

 

To read more, pick up a copy of this weeks Nenagh Guardian locally or subscribe to our e-paper to access it online each Wednesday.