Donegal Town RFC U14s claimed a second successive title in the Ulster Shield on Saturday, beating Clogher Valley at the Meadowbank Sports Arena in Magherafelt by a score of 45-12.
On a bright, dry morning, it was Clogher Valley who initially took sustained possession of the ball, going through the phases well and forcing Donegal to make a lot of tackles.
The tide turned however when Donegal’s big No.8, James McGarrigle, surged through the Clogher defence to touch down between the posts.
It wasn’t long before he added a second, with both scores converted tidily by Gareth O’Neill. Donegal were now in control, and the rest of the half saw them control possession and territory with no small degree of maturity and poise.
Jenson Pingree showed pace to score a fine individual try; out-half and captain Gareth O’Neill added his side’s fourth score, before James McGarrigle completed his hat-trick with another powerful individual surge from deep. The end of the half saw a stirring defensive set from Donegal as Clogher Valley camped out on their line but proved unable to breach the whitewash.
Donegal started the second half with energy and some lovely phase-play. James McGarrigle crossed for his fourth try early on, but Clogher Valley showed huge courage and fight to bring the game to their opponents. They eventually got their reward, crossing over in the corner for their first score.
The match now became a more physical tussle, and Clogher were rewarded for their tenacity once again when they added a fine second try, this one converted off the tee. Unwilling to let their lead come under pressure, Donegal reacted. In the forwards, Callum Moohan, Kyle Leslie and Aaron Hanafin carried plenty of ball, and the pack pestered every breakdown, while out the backs, Senan Melly and Michael Gallagher made some vital interventions and showed neat hands.
The Donegal 9, Seigh O’Sullivan, ably linked his forwards and those outside him during this period of close-contact, front-up rugby. Gareth O’Neill and Jenson Pingree demonstrated their understanding more than once with lovely wraparound moves, the last of which resulted in the final score of the game by the captain, his second of the match.
At the final whistle, there were scenes of jubilation for the Donegal players and their coaching team, led by Head Coach Stephen O’Sullivan. A large and noisy crowd had come to support them, and both sides left the pitch to great applause, a recognition not just of the entertainment they had provided, but also of the wonderful spirit in which they had played the game.
Donegal Scorers:
James McGarrigle (4 tries)
Gareth O’Neill (2 tries, 4 conversions)
Jenson Pingree (1 try)
Senan Melly (1 conversion)
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