Letterkenny produce superb result away to Newry
Letterkenny made the long trip to Newry on Saturday in the first league game of the season and sent out a message to the other teams in the league with a 60 – 5 win.
The game started in fine conditions with Letterkenny immediately applying pressure on the Newry line with a series of quick recycles resulting in a try from Michael Turvey under the posts. Conversion by Brian Peoples. The Newry kick off went out on the full and Letterkenny attacked down the right with Egan and Williamson making the space for John Anthony McFadden to outpace the cover and score out on the right, conversion missed. With Jason Daley in the sin bin Newry came into the game and spent some time in the Letterkenny half without looking like troubling the defence and it was Letterkenny who grabbed the next score when some great handling from Daley and Egan led to a score from centre Andrew Gibson who had started the move with some straight running in midfield.
An injury to a Newry player saw them reduced to 14 men and Letterkenny’s Shaun Dunleavy also had to leave the field for extensive treatment from Physio Ray Kenna. Newry defended strongly for the rest of the half but Shane Mc Art still managed to score after a powerful run down the left and with Peoples adding the conversion and also knocking over a penalty the halftime score stood at 30-0 to the Donegal men.
The second half was also a one sided affair with Letterkenny adding a further 5 tries from Liam McGlynn, Jason Daley, Damien Williamson, Michael Turvey and Conor Dunleavy but the Newry men never gave up and scored a fine try of their own before the end. Final score 60-5.
Letterkenny will be pleased with the result but wont be getting carried away with the scoreline and the boys are already looking forward to the next league game against PSNI on the 13th October at Derry YMCA. There were a number of fine performances with Michael Turvey impressing with 2 tries and Andrew Gibson made huge ground every time he carried the ball. Up front the Dunleavy brothers carried well and dominated the line outs and captain Karl Egan had a powerful display at number 8. Conor Roynane made his debut at tight head and is a welcome addition to the squad.
There is no game for the firsts next week but the 2nd XV play Tir Connail in the league, would all interested players please contact new captain Ronan O’Donnell or Tony McBride or David Doherty.
15.Brian Peoples 14.John Anthony McFadden 13.Paul Cassidy 12.Andrew Gibson 11.Jason Daley 10.Michael Turvey 9.Damien Williamson 8.Karl Egan(c) 7.Liam McGlynn 6.Shane MacArt 5.Conor Dunleavy 4.Shaun Dunleavy 3.Conor Ronayne 2.Rory McGonagle 1.Kevin McLaughlin
Friday 5th October – Mini Rugby teams Under 7s up to Under 11s have fixture on Friday evening in City of Derry RFC. Under 12s fixture to be confirmed please check website.
Meet at Ballyraine National School at 5.15pm. Matches start at 6.30 in Derry. Please note there will be mini training on Saturday morning as usual at 9.30am for all mini teams including the Under 6s.
Saturday 6th October – U13, U15 and U17 youth rugby teams are playing their first league matches at home against Carrick RFC. All players to meet at the club grounds at 10.10am for kick off at 11am. Under 19s are playing at 2.30pm at home. Please check website for details of all fixtures results and reports.
Club dinner is booked Saturday November 3rd for all club members. Please keep your diaries free.
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