A converted penalty in the first period of extra time was the difference between the two sides after 100 minutes of cup rugby. With the sides level at 19 apiece at the end of normal time it was going to be a fine margin which would decide this game.

Letterkenny started the game very brightly and the PSNI side were struggling to contain the strong runs of Conor Dunleavy, Chris Digimas, Rae Clarke and Gary Canning. Unfortunately a handling error or breakdown in discipline would let the PSNI off the hook and when the game settled down PSNI missed two attempts at goal.

Letterkenny were first to make the breakthrough when Stephen Devine harried and chased a kick ahead by out-half Ryan Mortimer to touch down wide on the left. The Letterkenny pack kept the pressure on with ever increasing dominance at the scrum and line out and more strong runs at the PSNI defence. Winger James McLaughlin took a great line to punch a hole in the defensive line and Kevin McLaughlin followed this with a strong run to cross for a converted try.

A cross-field kick found the wide Letterkenny defence wanting just before half-time and the PSNI winger touched down for a converted try to leave the half-time score 12-7. At the start of the second half both teams had periods of possession but the Letterkenny defence was solid with Ben Mortimer outstanding in the tackle all afternoon. Unfortunately a mix up in dealing with a speculative kick allowed the PSNI in for the simplest of tries and to draw level on the scoreboard. Before long the PSNI were in front following turnover on the Letterkenny 22 which was quickly exploited on the right for a converted try.

With plenty of time left on the clock the Donegal men who were looking the fitter of the two sides had several opportunities to get back on terms but lacked the necessary composure close to the line to score. The vital score came through another period of sustained pressure following a break by Dunleavy. Captain Digimas blasted over from close range and Ryan Mortimer added the extras to bring the two sides level.

Sean Morris joined the fray for the injured Clarke and was soon a disruptive influence on the scrum and running well with ball in hand. Unfortunately for Letterkenny PSNI lost their hooker through injury and didn't have the required front row replacement. The referee had to award uncontested scrums to the disadvantage of Letterkenny and PSNI were able to relieve the pressure from their own 22.

No further scoring took place during normal time and twenty minutes of extra time was called. After conceding the penalty in the first period of extra time Letterkenny threw everything at PSNI but those little handling errors at the end of promising periods of play meant that the necessary breakthrough just didn’t happen.

An appeal to the result has been lodged by Letterkenny as PSNI did not have the required front row replacement and the outcome as to who will proceed into the ¼ final is in the hands of the Ulster Branch.

Letterkenny 1sts have a week off this Saturday, whilst the 2nd XV are away to neighbors Strabane 2nds. The 1st XV and then resume league action at home against Lurgan on the 31st January. .

Training continues on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8.30pm. All are welcome.