Under 20s League Update.

The under 20s concluded the first phase of Prem 2 of the JP Fanagan league last Sunday with a high scoring bonus point victory over Galwegians in Donnybrook, coming out on top 52-34.  Joss O’Keefe picked up the player of the match award for his performance scoring and making a number of tries in an entertaining match played in great spirt by both teams. The win means we finish 2nd in our group and have qualified for the top 6 in Prem 2; a great achievement considering this is the players’ first season at 20s and each week they are playing against older and more experienced teams.

The league kicked off against Navan.  We trailed 27-7 at halftime and it looked like it could be a long afternoon, but the players showed real character and a never say die attitude by totally out playing Navan in the second half, coming out 38-30 winners.

Next up was a trip to the northside taking on Trinity.  Old Wesley ground out a 15-12 win, which could only be described as a dog fight.  But that win meant we had 2 wins from 2.

Greystones at home was the first defeat of the season losing 35-22.  The more experienced ‘Stones team took their chances while we were deemed to be held up over the line on a number of occasions.

UCD followed, a game which was switched at the last minute, due to an injury on the 4G pitch, to a bog of a grass pitch.  The disruption didn’t help and after a disappointing performance we lost 31-28 in a match that we could have and should have won having the majority of territory and possession.  The only positive was that we came away with 2 bonus points.

The second phase of the league will commence on the 7th of December and we are likely to have 2 matches before the Christmas break (check website for fixtures).  The squad, which is small, have bonded really well and are showing real signs of a team that are gelling together nicely and are showing real improvement week on week.  Training is well attended and the players are enjoying the sessions, which have been run covering the entire range of skills and tactics, whilst also passing on their experience and knowledge and improving player development.

Head coach Adam Curry commented, “The guys are getting to know each other and learn our plays and the manner in which we want to play the game.  We are improving every match but there are still areas in which we need improve”