Killarney U18 Girls shine at Aghadoe – A match report with a difference…

Poem by: Liam Murphy

Photos by Anne Gabbett and Mark Kelly

Last Saturday, a home game, the third match of our 18’s league.

The sun shone bright in Aghadoe, a true spring morning feel.

The place abuzz as the minis left, happy after their morning’s toil.

Cookies, buns and sandwiches piled high, the kettle’s on the boil.

All kitted out and ready to go, our captain Millie leads us out.

To the pitches for the warm up, it’s so nice when the sun is out!

Coaches put the players through their paces, a nervous chatter all around.

The ref tells us “5 minutes”, final calls and plans abound.

Then we’re off, as Kayleigh kicks the ball under the midday sun!

The backs and forwards go together – like a marauding army run!

However, after the first few plays, it’s the visitors who strike first.

A well worked try through the hands, maybe now we have them sussed?

Orna leads the home team’s charge, making hard tackle after tackle.

Today’s match will be fun alright but it will be one tough battle.

A second try from the visitors, do the heads begin to drop?

Under the posts the resolve builds, its time to stop the rot.

The battle lines are drawn, the forwards led by Millie face them down.

As Olivia makes herself a nuisance, pushing to make every ball her own.

Out on the wing is Cara, who tackles like a woman possessed.

While Elena puts in a phenomenal display, hers and our team’s best!

The game ebbs and flows as scrumhalf Aisling really finds her feet.

A well worked lineout, Becca’s throw to Kayleigh is a sight to see!

Through the hands, we protect our rucks, driving always forward.

A sniping run from Aisling – two fantastic tries her just reward!

We get the ball out to Molly, who kicks, giving another fine display.

The visitors push us all the time, but it’s not going all their way.

A try from Becci who runs all day long, with top class tackles and attitude.

And Jennina stops a definite try with a pure grit and fortitude!

Becca scored two lovely tries, to huge cheers from all around.

A pure feast of awesome rugby on display for all the eager crowd.

The clock is ticking as Millie’s crew challenge for every single ball.

Then the final whistle blows – we may have lost but we gave our all!

Elena played right out of her skin, a well deserved player of the match.

The cheers when her name rang out was truly a sight to watch.

Clodagh was great to help us out and to loudly cheer on her own.

While Lily was unable to play but cheered the girls on from home

The coaches are so proud of the girls and the passion shown that day.

Though we lost, we found our feet, it could have really gone our way.

Onwards and upwards, back to training on Wednesday night we go.

We plan ahead for our next game, another game on the road.

Poem By Liam Murphy

Pics by Anne Gabbett and Mark Kelly

 

Published at: March 10, 2022 00:34