Doyle try decides title destination after extra-time
IN UNDER-16 tag rugby, there were just three teams in action. Kilmore took on ClonrochePoulpeasty in the semi-final and it was a close game, with each side matching each other for tries.
At the end of the first-half, Clonroche-Poulpeasty just had the edge, ahead on a 5-3 scoreline thanks to tries from Cillian Doyle, Aaron Byrne, Tina Cullen, Lorna Crean and Robert Kinsella, while Kilmore's scores came from Shane Power (two) and Killian Dove.
The second-half was played at a fast pace with both sides showing some fine skills and knowledge of the game. Although Kilmore tried very hard, Clonroche-Poulpeasty kept that narrow lead and won out in the end on a 9-6 scoreline.
Their tries came from Aaron Byrne, Robert Kinsella (two) and Cillian Doyle, while Kilmore added tries by Killian Dove and Seán Hogan.
Kilmore were represented by Matthew Bates, Nicole Conway, Killian Dove, Róisín Shannon, Conor Whelan, Seán Hogan, Conor Moore and Shane Power.
Taghmon awaited the results of that semifinal and took on Clonroche-Poulpeasty in the final. This was a cracker of a final which went right down to the wire, with the sides level at half-time, at full-time and after extra-time, and then it was down to the dreaded 'sudden death' to separate the teams and declare a winner.
Clonroche-Poulpeasty were first to score in the first-half and notched up a 2-0 scoreline (Clodagh Kinsella and Aaron Byrne) before Taghmon replied with a try from Darren Carty. Alex MacKenzie levelled the match seconds later to leave them at 2-2.
Just before half-time, Robert Kinsella (CP) and Darren Carty for Taghmon scored yet again to see them level at 3-3. It was into a close, tight second-half with both sides giving their all in a very entertaining game, and the sides finished 4-4 at full-time with tries here by Aaron Byrne (CP) and Dylan Murphy for Taghmon.
Extra-time of five minutes each half was then played and both sides continued to up the tempo. Clodagh Kinsella and Lorna Crean scored for Clonroche-Poulpeasty with Dylan Murphy replying for Taghmon to see Clonroche-Poulpeasty ahead 6-5 at the break.
In the second-half of extra-time, Taghmon levelled the match again with a fine try from Alex MacKenzie (6-6), but neither side were giving in and with a try from Aaron Byrne (Clonroche-Poulpeasty) and Darren Carty (Taghmon) they finished level again at 7-7.
Sudden death came into operation and the game continued with the first side to score winning the match. Lady luck favoured Clonroche-Poulpeasty and, despite the best efforts of a very gallant Taghmon side, Cillian Doyle broke through their ranks and put down for that all-important try to take the county title.
Well done to both teams on a most entertaining match and for their total committment. Clonroche-Poulpeasty had Sarah Greene, Mikie Flood, Clodagh Kinsella, Robert Kinsella, Jack Kehoe, Stephanie Kavanagh, Christina Cullen, Lorna Crean, Aaron Byrne and Cillian Doyle on their panel, while Taghmon were represented by Alex MacKenzie, Darren Carty, Ian Carty, James Jordan, Leanne Murrary, Gemma Doran and Dylan Murphy.
