Dundalk Under 9s excel at St.Brigids

Dundalk Under 9s excel at St.Brigids

Dundalk U9s headed up the road on a beautiful Sunday morning to Foxrock to face the local St Brigids team. The Dundalk Sharks travelled with a squad of 24 players (3 teams) which contested three matches each. The dry and sunny conditions really suited Dundalk’s fast paced play and resulted in some great rugby.

Team 1, marshalled by Aidan Reilly, flew out of the traps in their first match with DD Reilly and Liam O Connor leading the way. Some exquisite passing by Ewan Kelly and Daniel Cartwright paved the way for an easy victory. Eoin Purton and Moss McDonald led the tackle count in the second match as the opposition couldn’t cope with the Shark’s physicality. In the last game, Dundalk recorded another win with Euan McArdle chipping in with a great score and a feature of the game were a couple of barnstorming runs by Enda Dooley.
Team 1: DD Reilly, Moss McDonald, Eoin Purton, Ewan Kelly, Euan McArdle, Enda Dooley, Liam O Connor, Daniel Cartwright.

Damien Norton led Team 2 into their three matches. St Brigids were on the back foot immediately as ferocious rucking by Oisin Nash and Rory Wallace turned over possession on numerous occasions. Oisin McBride was the one to benefit as he notched up a hat-trick of tries as the Sharks ran out easy winners. Twins Thomas and Liam McNamara excelled in the second game with some tremendous passing interplay that yielded some great scores. But St Brigids came back and exerted concerted pressure but some fantastic tackling by David Coyle ensured the match ended level.
The lads eased to a facile victory in their final match with notable performances from Max Valentine and Iarlaith Connolly in particular.

Team 2: Oisin McBride, David Coyle, Max Valentine, Thomas McNamara, Liam McNamara, Rory Wallace, Iarlaith Connolly, Oisin Nash.

Team 3, under the stewardship of Niall Lavery, got their day off to a flying start with some super tries from Theo Connolly and Donal Lavery. Some wonderful tackling from Darragh Collier paved the way for a comprehensive win. In the second game, some great rucking from Josh Spaight coupled with fine passing from Ryan Martin, allowed Michael Carroll put in a performance that had the appreciable crowd present in rapturous applause. Again the final game followed in a similar vein with some very powerful running from Cian McGuinness and some fantastic tries from Luke O Connell.

Team 3: Cian McGuiness, Ryan Martin, Luke O Connell, Michael Carroll, Darragh Collier, Donal Lavery, Theo Connolly, Josh Spaight.

Training continues at Rugby Club on Tuesday at 6.15 sharp.

Under 9s Vs Boyne 6/10/2013

Dundalk U9s kicked off their season with a match against their neighbours Boyne on Sunday morning. Favourable weather conditions really encouraged some fine rugby from both teams. Dundalk fielded two teams from a very healthy squad of 25 players.

Dundalk A opened proceedings a little sluggishly and Boyne scored a couple of early tries. Dundalk finally got on their game with some surging runs from Cian McGuiness and Luke O Connell with Oisin Nash and Enda Dooley taking advantage and scoring some fine tries. The match ebbed and flowed and finally resulted in a draw.
The lads started their second game much better with twins Thomas and Liam McNamara to the fore as Dundalk took the lead early on. Some stout defending by Ryan Martin and Eoin Purton kept Boyne at bay with DD Reilly and Eamonn Donnelly scoring some fantastic tries as Dundalk ran out easy winners.
Dundalk A: Cian McGuiness, Tomas McDonald, DD Reilly, Ryan Martin, Oisin Nash, Eoin Purton, Liam McNamara, Thomas McNamara, Enda Dooley, Luke O Connell, Eamonn Donnelly, Josh Spaight.

The other team got into their groove right from the off with Daniel Cartwright and Jacob Dunlevy scoring some brilliant tries. Rory Wallace and Michael Carroll disrupted Boyne expertly at the breakdown with Euan Malone and Jake Kenny reaping the benefits.
Dundalk began their second game in a similar vein with Adam McCoy and Ewan Kelly notching up tremendous scores. Boyne mounted a comeback in the second half but resolute tackling from Donal Lavery and Theo Connolly kept them at bay.
Dundalk B: Adam McCoy, Rory Wallace, Donal Lavery, Darragh Collier, Jake Kenny, Ewan Kelly, Daniel Cartwright, Jacob Dunlevy, Max Valentine, Theo Connolly, Euan Malone, Michael Carroll.
Training continues at 10.30am in the Rugby Club.

Dundalk Sharks U9 “Invincibles” Finish Season with Clean Sweep in Skerries

Dundalk Sharks Under 9s made the early Sunday morning trip to Skerries RFC for an end of season blitz. It has been well documented that the Under 9s have been on fire this season, winning all their matches in the Metro League, however Skerries have proven to be their bogey side in the past so the boys were determined to put in a good display and prove their credentials beyond doubt. Dundalk fielded 2 teams initially, the Black Sharks and White Sharks, but a third team ~”the Silver Sharks” were thrown together at the last minute following a suggestion from Sherries coach Shane.

The Black Sharks were first into action against a very physical and powerful Boyne side. Boyne made their presence felt from the off, but some slick passing and running lead to Jack Gilbourne opening the scoring making it 1-0 Dundalk. From the restart some fantastic tackling and ripping from Laurence Jones and Ronan McDonnell set up Sam Malone for a trademark effort to make it 2-0. A swift Boyne reply made it 2-1, immediately answered when Fiacra O’Gorman drove through the Boyne defence with Sam Malone recycling the ball from the ensuing ruck and making it 3-1. Again Boyne responded swiftly using the direct route and taking advantage of their vastly superior physicality, reducing the deficit to a solitary try yet again. Kieran McArdle then announced his arrival into the game with an excellent solo run try to make it 4-2 and after another Boyne riposte, he scored again after great forward play from Ronan McDonnell to make the score 5-3. In keeping with the pattern of the game Boyne scored again, reducing the deficit to 5-4 at half time. An absorbing and bruising encounter for both sides. The Black Sharks started the second half in style, with 4 unanswered tries coming from Sam Malone and Kieran McArdle, who scored two each as the Sharks moved into a commanding 9-4 lead. Although Boyne rallied hard in the closing stages, they would only add two more tries, leaving a final score of 9-6 to the Black Sharks and a commanding victory.

Match 2 for the Black Sharks was against Navan and the scoreline probably disguised a competitive, bruising encounter. However it can’t be denied that the Black Sharks were superior from start to finish. The first score in the match came late into the match which typified how fiercely fought it was, but when the first one came, scored brilliantly by Conal O’Callaghan, the second soon followed, a brilliant run and finish by Sam Malone. Navan then pulled one back but it was all Sharks from then on with Robert Malone getting an excellent try and Kieran McArdle finishing the scoring making it 4-1. Laurence Jones and Ronan McDonnell lead from the front with some fine tackling, turnovers and competing at the breakdown.

The final match was against old nemesis Skerries and the Black Sharks showed how far they have come under the guidance of Jason, Fergus and the team. Fantastic rucking by Laurence Jones and Ronan McDonnell created a great try for Laurence Jones. Skerries barely had time to draw breath before that man Kieran McArdle touched down yet again to make it 2-0. Then Ronan McDonnell got a well earned third for the Sharks to go 3-0 ahead which capped off a good performance on the day for him. Skerries then came back into the match with 2 unanswered tries to make it 3-2 and they were starting to sense an unlikely comeback. However, Kieran McArdle was having none of that, the man of the match capping off a fine days play with 2 excellent tries and although Skerries did manage to pull one back, the score ended Dundalk Black Sharks 5, Skerries 3. A clean sweep for the Black Sharks!
The White Sharks commenced their proceedings against Balbriggan and showed no mercy. The final score of 11-1 didn’t flatter the White Sharks as they finished off their opponents with clinical ruthlessness. Notable for the White Sharks was fantastic competing at the breakdown, rucking, turnovers and tackling from the likes of Fionn Duffy, Lorcan Ticehurst, Jonny Jones and Aaron McGuinness Smith. The tries in the match were scored by Ciaran Tiernan (2), Fionn Duffy (2), Niall Brennan (3), Leo MacRuairi, James O’Connor (2), Aaron McGuinness Smith (2),

Next up were the Boyne side that were fresh from a bruising encounter with the Black Sharks and were sure to provide a sterner test, and so it proved. Lorcan Ticehurst continued his excellent play on the day with the first try of the match, but in a typically bruising encounter Boyne just edged a 2-1 half time lead and it was up to coach Hugh to inspire his troops for the second half. His team talk worked as the boys came out inspired as a sumptuous try from Lorcan Ticehurst and further tries from Aron McEvoy, James O’Connor and Fionn Duffy, together with some outstanding defensive play when their backs were against the wall lead to an excellent 5-3 win for the White Sharks.

Onto the final match of the day against Navan and once again the White Sharks ran out convincing winners. Like the Black Sharks earlier the 4-0 scoreline didn’t reflect the ferocity of a competitive match and the tries from Fionn Duffy, Aaron McGuinness Smith, Aron McEvoy and James O’Connor were scored on the back of excellent rucking play, tackling and mauling from the likes of Jonny Jones, Fionn Duffy and Leo MacRuairi, who had a fantastic game. A clean sweep from the White Sharks, which made it 6 out of 6 for Dundalk on the day.

The Silver Sharks were assembled late in the day and had little time to prepare, but nonetheless coach Paul McEvoy and the lads put in a good showing with 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss from their 3 encounters.

Overall the year finished on a high for the undefeated “Invincible” Under 9 Sharks and the boys are looking forward to next season already, every one of the boys this year have been a credit to the coaches, their families and the club.

Dundalk u9′s V Balbriggan

It was another successful Sunday morning for the Dundalk under 9’s as they welcomed Balbriggan RFC to the Mill road. The pressure was on Balbriggan from the start as only 16 travelled to face a 24 strong, Dundalk side. The sharks were divided into three even teams and fought out two games each, leaving Balbriggan in no uncertain terms as to who was the strongest side, winning outright on each occasion. The tackling, rucking and passing of these lads at such a young age has to be commended. As the season draws to a close the boys have one more chance this coming Sunday in Skerries to prove they are ‘unstoppable’ as they face the final Blitz of the year.

Under 9 Sharks Show no Mercy with Ruthless Display at Old Wesley

Dundalk Sharks U9 who faced Wesley in Dublin on Sunday:
Back Row left to right: Luke Andrews, Eoghan Staunton, Aron McEvoy, Joseph Pheifer, Alex Gregory, Peter Rice, Jack Gilmore, Laurence Jones, Aaron McGuinness Smith
Front Row left to right: Ronan McDonnell, James O’Connor, Luke Clarke, Robert Malone, Sam Malone, Edward Finnegan, Conal O’Callaghan, Lorcan Ticehurst
Absent from photo but played on the day: Mark Leavy, Kieran McArdle, Brian McCahill, Jonnny Jones

 

The all conquering unbeaten Dundalk Sharks under 9 side made the long journey to South Dublin for their final Metro League match of the season hoping to finish off the season in style and maintain their “invincible” unbeaten record for the year. Despite the long journey, 23 Sharks turned up and after a few weeks without a match they were champing at the bit to get going. Even before kickoff it was looking ominous for an Old Wesley side that were short on the numbers who made the trip to Mill Road for a competitive reverse encounter before Christmas.

First up were the Black Sharks against Old Wesley A, guided by Hugh Pheifer and almost immediately Mark Leavy benefitted from some great forward play to give a sublime pass to Leo MacRuairi who finished with trademark aplomb to make it 1-0. Shortly thereafter Aaron McGuinness Smith won the ball after his own tackle, before passing to Kieran McArdle to make it 2-0. The 3rd for the black Sharks was scored by Kieran McArdle after a great break from Niall Brennan, but it was created by the wonderful forward play of Jonny Jones, who was having his best match of the season for the Sharks. This was further exemplified when he created the fourth with a fantastic turnover and pass to Luke Andrews, who showed fantastic pace to run half the length of the field to make it four. It was that man, Jonny Jones once again, who forced a turnover, offloaded brilliantly to Niall Brennan who after great work found Aaron McGuinness Smith who completed a 5-0 route for the visitors. It was more of the same for the Black sharks in their second match against Old Wesley B, the Mill Road men running out comfortable 5-1 victors with tries from Aaron McGuinness Smith, Brian McCahill, who had a great game, Mark Leavy and a brace from Kieran McArdle. A very satisfactory end to the metro league for the Black Sharks, who had certainly laid down a marker for the White Sharks and Silver Sharks to follow.

The White Sharks had their first encounter against Old Wesley A and after seeing what their counterparts had done in the earlier match, needed to careful not to be complacent. This was evidenced in the first play of the game when slack Shark play led to a swift Wesley break and what seemed like a certain try, but for the heroics of Lorcan Ticehurst, who made a wonderful try saving tackle, which was to pave the way for an outstanding personal performance from the Ravensdale man. Thankfully it was lesson learned from the White Sharks and they didn’t look back from then on. They went one better than the Black Sharks running out 6-0 winners, with tries from Aron McEvoy (2), Ronan McDonnell (2) and Edward Finnegan (2). But that only told some of the story as the White Sharks put in a complete performance with fantastic forward play from the likes of Laurence Jones, Eoghan Staunton and Ronan McDonnell, sublime passing from man of the match Lorcan Ticehurst, Robert Malone and Jack Gilmore and incisive runs from the likes of Aron McEvoy, Robert Malone, Edward Finnegan, Laurence Jones, Ronan McDonnell and Lorcan Ticehurst. The second match saw more of the same from the White Sharks who ran riot surging into a 7-1 lead against Old Wesley B, before taking the foot off the gas with the match ending 8-3. The White Sharks tries were scored by Aron McEvoy (2), Lorcan Ticehurst, Edward Finnegan, Ronan McDonnell (2), and Laurence Jones (2) and with a bit of concentration it could have been more. A fantastic way to finish off the Metro League for the White Sharks!

All eyes were now on the Silver Sharks who didn’t disappoint. Their first match was against Old Wesley B, running out comfortable 4-0 winners with two sublime tries from James O’Connor and one apiece from Alex Gregory and Conal O’Callaghan. These tries were backed with fantastic rucking and competing at the breakdown from the likes of Joseph Pheifer and passing from Sam Malone. The final match for the Silver Sharks against Old Wesley A was a more competitive affair, but the Silver Sharks still ran out comfortable 5-2 winners following two tries from Sam Malone and one each from Alex Gregory, Joseph Pheifer and Conal O’Callaghan. The Silver Sharks were delighted to have made it a convincing clean sweep against the south Dublin side.

After the convincing rout, Head Coach Jason Malone and Mini- Co-ordinator Fergus O’Callaghan were delighted with the boys display, despite not having been tested too severely by a below par Wesley outfit, but proud nonetheless, as they were with the unbeaten run through the entire Metro League. There are 3 North East League fixtures to look forward to before this year’s rugby draws to a close; the future certainly looks bright for these talented young Sharks.

Under 9′s Unbeaten in the Metro League

Dundalk under 9’s travelled to Wanderers RFC for their Metro league encounter, on what was a bitterly cold Sunday morning.

However the temperature did not deter the boys, with the Aviva Stadium as a backdrop the Dundalk sharks proved strongest on the day.

 

A strong panel of 25 players were split into 3 even teams playing 6 games in total, winning comfortably on all.

With an abundance of tries scored by all teams in every game there are a few worth the mention, Kieran Mc Ardle, Ciaran Tiernan, Fionn Duffy Mark Leavy, Mark Lawless & a handful from Joseph Pheifer.

Highlights from the games were great tackling and rucking from Robert Malone, Luke Clarke, Alex Gregory, Fiachra O’Gorman, Peter Rice, Eoghan Staunton  & Luke Andrews.

To date under 9’s are unbeaten in the Metro league, well done & keep up the good work.

Under 9 Sharks Stroll to Victory against Newry

Dundalk Sharks U9s Back Row (left to right): Eoghan Staunton, Peter Rice, Jack Gilmore, Luke Andrews, Joe O’Donnachadha, Fionn Duffy, Kieran McArdle, Mark Leavy, Joseph Pheifer, Mark Brennan, Aaron McGuinness Smith, Leo MacRuairi, Luke Clarke, Calum Grant, Aron McEvoy; Front Row (left to right): Ronan McDonnell, Edward Finnegan, Brian McCahill, Sam Malone, Conal O’Callaghan, Robert Malone, Lorcan Ticehurst, James Lucas, James O’Connor, Niall Brennan, Ciaran Finnegan

Fresh from their tough encounter with Navan a week earlier, the Dundalk Sharks Under 9s welcomed Newry RFC to Mill Road for a cross border clash on Saturday morning. The Dundalk Sharks were typically strong in numbers with almost 30 sharks turning up and they were split into 3 even teams, the Black Sharks, the White Sharks and the Silver Sharks. It was clear from the outset that there was a gulf in class between the two sides with the Mill Road outfit at a different level of development to their Newry counterparts. There were some glimpses of great encourage from Newry with some good individual moments and performances, but they were never a match for the Sharks, with Head Coach Jason Malone and Mini Coordinator Fergus O’Callaghan having drilled the boys into a well oiled machine at this stage.

All 3 Sharks sides strolled easy wins against the Newry side, 5-1, 8-1 and 7-1 respectively, with Jason and Fergus encouraged by many aspects of the boys play. Worthy of a mention in attack among others were Leo MacRuairi, Kieran McArdle, Sam Malone, Luke Andrews, Jack Gilmore, Conal O’Callaghan, Mark Leavy, James O’Connor, Calum Grant and Niall Brennan. Tackling, rucking and competing fiercely were Aaron McGuinness Smith, Lorcan Ticehurst, Fionn Duffy, Ronan McDonnell, Robert Malone, Joseph Pheifer, Aron McEvoy, Eoghan Staunton and all the rest of the boys, none of who let the side down on the day. That being said there were periods of complacency, missed tackles, poor passing and decision making that on a different day the boys mightn’t have gotten away with, so plenty to work on in training on Tuesday evening, before a big away trip to Wanderers, where the boys will attempt to emulate the senior side and beat them in their own back yard, which will be a tough assignment indeed.

War of Attrition for Dundalk Sharks U9s in Navan

Dundalk Sharks Under 9s travelled to Navan on Saturday for what was always going to be a tough encounter after the reverse fixture in Mill Road left the boys with a point to prove. The boys went in with great spirits after an excellent run of form since the turn of the year and were confident of winning away to a strong Navan side. 30 Sharks made the journey and were split into 3 even teams of 10, the Black Sharks, guided by Head Coach Jason Malone and John McDonnell, the White Sharks guided by Mini Coordinator Fergus O’Callaghan and Paul McEvoy and the Silver Sharks guided by Hugh Pheifer and Stuart Jones against 3 Navan teams.

The Black Sharks sprang out of the traps with a 7-0 demolition of their Navan counterparts, tries from Ciaran Tiernan (2), Kieran McArdle (2), Edward Finnegan, Leo MacRuairi and Ronan McDonnell. However that only told half the story with ferocious rucking, tackling, line breaks and exquisite passing from the likes of Conal O’Callaghan, Robert Malone, Edward Finnegan, Ronan McDonnell and Peter Rice among others nullifying their Navan threat and building a solid platform for the try scorers to run riot. After the match Ciaran Tiernan and Joe O’Donnachadha went to the silver sharks and James Lucas and Ciaran Finnegan joined the Black Sharks.

Match 2 for the Black Sharks was a much tougher affair and Navan had a very strong and physical side who were determined to make their presence felt, exemplified by their large Samoan. The Dundalk lads rose to their task well with again O’Callaghan, Finnegan, Malone and Ronan McDonnell, who was having arguably his finest match in a Sharks shirt dominating the physical battle and nullifying the Navan threat. This set the stage for a comfortable 5-1 win with Kieran McArdle scoring 4 fantastic tries and Ronan McDonnell with the other for Dundalk. This set up a finale with the third Navan side, who were determined not to let the Black Sharks complete a clean sweep. A ferocious battle ensued with Conal O’Callaghan, who was in inspired form, Robert Malone, Edward Finnegan and Ronan McDonnell excelling at the ruck, but Navan were excellent too. The game fluctuated right to the death with the final score 4-4, Conal O’Callaghan, Ronan McDonnell. Leo MacRuairi and Kieran McArdle with Dundalk’s tries. Although the Black Sharks were disappointed not to win all three matches, Head Coach Jason was delighted with the team’s display.

The White Sharks were finding it tougher going against the team that proved to be the best of the 3 Navan sides. Although the Dundalk men gave a good account of themselves and competed well, Navan were winning more of the battles competing at the ruck and making their tackles. The Dundalk lads weren’t out of the match at any stage and showed glimpses of great potential, not least in two excellent tries scored by Luke Andrews and Laurence Jones, however the final score line of Navan 4 Dundalk White Sharks 2 was probably a fair reflection of how this one went. The lads moved on, determined to put in a better showing in game 2. And that they certainly did, with the ranks bolstered by the arrival of Ciaran Tiernan and Joe O’Donnachadha they went about their task manfully, with 2 brilliant tries from Ciaran Tiernan and one each from Aaron McGuinness Smith and Mark Leavy answered by a solitary reply from Navan, the game ending 4-1 and a fantastic performance from the White Sharks. Onto game 3 and the White Sharks were by now in full stride determined to come out on top in their final encounter. It was a ding-dong affair which, although in the balance for a large part of the game eventually went 4-3 in favour of the White Sharks, two excellent tries from Joe O’Donnachadha, and one each from Aaron McGuinness Smith and Ciaran Tiernan. After a tough first match Dundalk RFC Mini Coordinator Fergus O’Callaghan was delighted with the boy’s commitment, skill and will to win which eventually resulted in the White Sharks emerging victorious in two matches out of three.

On to the Silver Sharks and their first match was a bruising encounter which was a contest between Dundalk’s better ball handling and running skills against the Navan sides increased physicality, power and commitment. The match started positively with Dundalk going 2-1 and 3-2 ahead thanks to excellent tries from Cian Burns, Niall Brennan and James O’Connor. However the Dundalk Sharks faithful never felt comfortable as there were too many tackles being missed and Navan dominating the physical battles. Pressure told in the end with Navan going 4-3 ahead and although another fine James O’Connor try levelled proceedings at 4-4, Navan dominated the closing stages of the match with two unanswered tries resulting in a 6-4 final score line in favour of he home side. Game 2 was a much better performance for the Silver Sharks; although up against an excellent Navan side they were finding it tough. However for much of the match they were giving as good as they were getting with the match delicately poised at 5-5 entering the final stages, Dundalk’s tries coming from James O’Connor (3) and Jack Gilmore (2). However like the first match some slack defending at the death undid much of the fantastic work and the final score ended Navan 7, Dundalk Silver Sharks 5.

It was a credit to the Silver Sharks and coaches Stuart and Hugh that they didn’t let the heads drop and approached the final match more determined than ever and, although still plagued by some of the slack defending that had heretofore cost them dearly, they were very much having the better of things. By the end of the match the Silver Sharks were in full flow, the final score ending 6-3 in favour of the away side with tries from Sam Malone, Niall Brennan, Milo Moore, Fionn Duffy and 2 from Jack Gilmore, who coach Hugh Pheifer was hugely impressed with and felt he was overall the Silver Sharks best player on the day.

All in all it was a very tough, but ultimately satisfying, war of attrition for the Sharks at Navan, on a bitterly cold morning where the boys acquitted themselves very well. Mini Co-ordinator Fergus and Head Coach Jason were delighted with proceedings and although there is still plenty to work on, the progress from the boys has been exceptional and is there for all to see.

Dundalk Under 9s Beat Ardee Under 10s at Mill Road

Dundalk Under 9s continued their outstanding recent form, this time punching above their weight against the Under 10s of near neighbours Ardee. It was a beautiful, crisp February morning at Mill Road on Sunday and the Sharks knew they would have to stand up and be counted against an Ardee side a year older and physically stronger. Dundalk fielded 3 equal teams, The Black Sharks, the White Sharks and the Silver Sharks who each faced Ardee with the Black Sharks lining up first.

It was tough going in the early stages for the Black Sharks, finding the physical presence of the older Ardee boys tough to handle, and Ardee duly took the lead after some strong resistance from the home side was not enough to keep the visitors at bay. The lads rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in with some excellent forward play resulting an a superb break and try from Ciaran Tiernan. Ardee capitalised on some slack defending shortly after the restart to retake the lead, however the home side were now wrestling control of the match and a superb try from Kieran McArdle levelled the match going into half time. The home side had by now more than adjusted to the physical early threat of the Deesiders and were actually winning the physical battles in most areas of the pitch. This dominance told in the second half with two more tries each from Kieran McArdle and Aaron McGuinness Smith and a solitary reply from Ardee, meaning the home side defied the odds and beat the older away side comfortably by 6 tries to 3. Superb performances from the Black Sharks, with Luke Clarke, Robert Malone, Ronan McDonnell and Fiachra O’Gorman but a few worthy of a mention in a sterling effort.

Enter the White Sharks who, buoyed by the heroics of the Black Sharks in Game 1, were determined to put in a good showing. Like the first match, the White Sharks found the enhanced physicality of the older team tough to come to terms with in the early stages, going behind 1-0 and 2-1 before levelling at 2-2, both tries coming from the lightning quick James O’Connor. This inspired the White Sharks who began to assert their authority on the match with 3 unanswered tries from Jack Gilmore, Luke Andrews and Lorcan Ticehurst stunning the away side. To their credit Ardee regrouped and responded valiantly with a good try of their own, reducing the home side’s advantage to 5-3. That proved to be little more than a consolation however, with James O’Connor having the final say and finishing what he started, completing his hat trick and a final score in game 2 of 6 tries to 3 in favour of the White Sharks. A great performance all round with Joseph Pheifer, Milo Moore an Laurence Jones singled out by coach Hugh as having had a good game.

It was over to the Silver Sharks for the final game of the day and they were determined to make it a clean sweep. Similarly, Ardee had put in a great effort and had been largely unrewarded and were determined not to go down without a fight. It duly turned out exactly as expected with both sides fighting to the death in a very close encounter, the Sliver Sharks eventually completing the whitewash for Dundalk by the odd try in 11. The result was in the balance until the final whistle with the balance of play shifting to and fro, until referee Stuart Jones finally blew the whistle with the hosts scraping home, 6-5. It was a great performance by the home side but slightly harsh on a committed away side who never stopped competing right to the end. Among the try scorers were Alex Gregory, Sam Malone and Conal O’Callaghan and coach Paul saying all the boys put in fantastic performances including Peter Rice, Aaron McEvoy and Brian McCahill.

Head Coach Jason was especially delighted with the passing, distribution and all round teamwork that is permeating the squad and the boys are developing at pace. It’s onwards and upwards for the boys, whose season continues to go from strength to strength.

Friday Night Lights for Dundalk Sharks Under 9s at Mill Road

Dundalk RFC Under 9s welcomed Boyne RFC to Mill Road for a 7pm kickoff under floodlights on Friday night. There was a fantastic turnout from both sides, with both sides fielding 2 teams of ten and alternating subs throughout the games. Dundalk fielded 2 equally talented teams, the Black Sharks guided by Mini Co-ordinator Fergus O’Callaghan and head coach Jason Malone and the White Sharks guided by coaches Stuart Jones and Hugh Pheifer.

The Black Sharks started under pressure and were pinned back in the early stages, defending admirably and resisting wave after wave of attack from a physical Boyne side, who had the edge in terms if size and strength. After resisting wave after wave of pressure Boyne eventually crossed the Dundalk line to make it 1-0. This spurred a fantastic response from Dundalk with Leo MacRuairi crossing to make it 1-1 shortly after. Dundalk’s defence was standing up manfully and Ronan McDonnell made a crunching tackle on Boyne’s behemoth “wee Johnny”, which typified Dundalk’s resistance on the night. On the stroke of half time Boyne crossed to make it 2-1 which was harsh on the home team. The second half was a much different affair, with the home side having very much the better of it, on the front foot from the off and taking a 3-2 lead with tries from Conal O’Callaghan and Sam Malone. It stayed 3-2 until stoppage time where Boyne crossed to level the game at the death which was harsh on the home side, honours even after game 1.

The second game was a much different affair Dundalk’s game clicking and having much the better of proceedings and running out comfortable victors. Fantastic attacking prowess was shown by James O’Connor, Sam Malone, Conal O’Callaghan, Leo MacRuairi, Robert Malone and Cian Burns. Crunching tackling, rucking and powerful line breaks from Ronan McDonnell, Fionn Duffy, Fiachra O’Gorman, Eoghan Staunton and Aron McEvoy. A fantastic win for the Black Sharks against a good Boyne side.

The White Sharks were also performing admirably under the guidance of coaches Hugh and Stuart, winning their first match and narrowly losing their second, but competing fiercely to the death. Among the fine performances for the White Sharks were Lorcan Ticehurst, who competed fiercely in the rucks and at the breakdown and Kieran McArdle who showed his customary speed and skill. Among the try scores for The White Sharks were Milo Moore, who had a fine game, Peter Rice, Jack Gilmore who only recently took up rugby and has certainly hit the ground running, Kieran McArdle, Ciaran Tiernan and Laurence Jones who had a fine game stealing ball and imposing himself at the breakdown.

Overall it was a very satisfying night watched by a big crowd and the parents all made great efforts to put on a fantastic spread of tea coffee, sandwiches, cakes and buns after the match. The Boyne coaches were at pains to point out how impressed they were at the performance of the guys which is testament to the work of Fergus, Jason and the team. A great night all round under the floodlights at Mill Road.

 
 
 
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