Malone u18 v Letterkenny u18 03.10.2015

Letterkenny under 18's maintained their great start in the Ulster premier division with a well deserved 26-0 away win in Malone on Saturday. The 7:30 am departure from Tobin’s was not a cause for concern as Letterkenny were well prepared and started the game at their typical high tempo. The game was played on Malone’s small training pitch in an attempt to subdue the Letterkenny back line. Unfortunately for the host club the travelling forwards led by Joe Dunleavy dominated the tight exchanges and gave their back line an ample supply of ball. Peter Scott at number 10 managed the game well and was ably assisted by Daniel and Matthew Faulkner in the mid field.
Letterkenny lead 12 -0 approaching half time with four penalties from Daniel Faulkner. All were secured through hard running by the very impressive front row due of Stephen Holmes and Douglas Doyle. Full back Kevin Grant then scored a typical solo try when he gathered a high ball inside his 22 meter line and then ran the length of the pitch side stepping with abandon to score under the posts.
The second half then developed into an arm wrestle between the two packs. Martin Molly, Dermott Gallagher and Daragh Toal were dominant in the line out with Louis Carson cleaning up at the breakdown. Stephen Holmes had a great stint at tight head before being replaced by the impressive Chris Green. The game was over as a contest after a great driving maul resulted in a penalty 10m out which was taken quickly by Connor Cannon who powered over with Dunleavy in support.
This was a very controlled and disciplined display by this Letterkenny team who showed great unity and spirit in a game that at times threatened to boil over. Great credit to the forwards who showed massive improvement from the previous week with loose head Doyle the pick of the bunch. Ballinahinch at home next week will see them back on a good wide pitch more suited to their style of open rugby.

Letterkenny team: Stephen Gibson, Stephen Holmes, Douglas Doyle, Martin Molloy, Diarmiud Gallagher, Lewis Carson, Darragh Toal, Joseph Dunleavy,Ben Khavia, Peter Scott, Eunan Henry, Daniel Faulkner, Matthew Faulkner, Adam Quinn-Boal, Kevin Grant, Connor Cannon, John Fogarty, Chris Green, Oisin Toal and Jack McGarvey.