The Donegal Town Rugby Club’s Under 14s have clinched an impressive Ulster Championship victory.
They defated Cavan in emphatic fashion.
Thanks to Wayland McGarrigle for providing us with the match report, and to Christina Irwin for the photo of the winning Donegal Town lineup.
Donegal Town RFC faced off against Cavan at the Meadowbank Sports Arena in Magherafelt, contesting the U14 Ulster Regional Final. A bright, dry day proved perfect for both sides to display plenty of fluid, running rugby.
Donegal started strongly, big carries helping them to dominate the early physical exchanges, and although they fell foul of the officials at the breakdown on occasion, went in at the half 19-7 ahead, with team captain Ewan McCaughan the first man over the line for a score in the corner. This was followed by a brace of brilliant individual efforts from Jamie McMonagle, both converted in a tricky wind by Senan Gallagher, who enjoyed a fine game off the tee generally.
The second half saw Donegal come out seemingly more at ease with the occasion, as they quickly settled into a rhythm that more or less killed the game as a contest with quick tries from Daithi Walsh and Ryan Gee, both converted.
Although Cavan did well to disrupt the Donegal scrum and won a few penalties at the set-piece, it was Donegal’s passing and offloading game that came to the fore, showcasing the team ethic and skill levels fostered by their coaches this season. Further tries came from Ewan McCaughan and Jamie McMonagle, bringing up a notable hat-trick for the latter, after some great team phase-play. Cavan, to give them their due, never stopped playing however, and provided the game’s finishing score.
At the final whistle, Donegal could celebrate a 45-21 victory, and a trophy to take back home. Both sides deserve credit above all for the spirit and respect with which they played the game.
