First ever U-19 title for Port as they overcome Naas

Portarlington’s U-19s captured the Osborne Cup for the first time last Thursday night in what can only be described as atrocious weather conditions in Cill Dara RFC.

This was the fourth time the sides have met this season with Port having taken the win, 18-10, at home on the first day out in the group stages of this competition last September. Since the originally scheduled date for this final had been ruled out due to a frozen pitch in late December the teams met twice, both in January with Naas victors each time, firstly 8-20 in the Leinster League in Portarlington and then 8-9 in the Cup 1st Round up in Naas.

So Naas looked the be somewhat favourites coming into this and when they pulled into a 0-10 lead just after the half hour mark they looked in a strong position to take victory once again. But this Port side are nothing if not resolute and with a great display of patient, controlled play and some sheer blood and guts rugby they fought their way back into the game.

Port started well and held position deep in the Naas half for long periods, the Port scrum was holding firm against the bigger Naas unit and the line out was back to something close to it’s best with hooker Fintan Murphy providing the imperious Robert Pigott and Dylan Maher with a constant supply of possession to attack off of.

Port were unlucky not to take the first score of the game when prop Ciaran Kavanagh’s try was ruled out for double movement. Naas reacted almost immediately to this let off when centre Niall O’Neill made a brilliant individual break through the centre to put Naas five points up. Naas had further attacks thwarted with brilliant cover tackles coming in from Pigott, Simon Doggett and Barry Higgins saving certain scores.

However they did double their advantage when a loose ball in the Port backline was pounced on and moved wide immediately to score in the corner. Thankfully on both occasions Naas failed to add the conversion and the deficit for Port was just ten points and not fourteen. #

A knock on from a Naas player from the kick off allowed Port take up position deep in the Naas half once again and it was here they were to remain for the remainder of the first half. Twice when it looked like a chance for a try was on Port opted for the safe option as out half John Tobin kicked them to a much improved 6-10 half time score line.

The message at the break for Port was quite clear, play to your strengths and this was here for the taking. This they did unerringly as they took a stranglehold on the game that they just refused to let go of. The introduction of Owen O’Donnell, Warren Murray and Luke O’Callaghan into the pack made a big difference as Naas already struggling to deal with the superior physicality of the Port unit just couldn’t match the fresh legs of these changes Port were able to make.

Reward for Port’s efforts inevitably came when 2nd Row Alex Whittle found a gap through the centre of a Naas ruck to put Port 11-10 up. The lead didn’t last for long however as a Naas penalty, at the second attempt, put them two points up but Port didn’t get flustered and just kept on with the task at hand. Workrate from the Port side was once again to the fore with Lee Brereton, James Henry and team Captain Jack Hennessy making massive contributions.

Self proclaimed legend Christopher McCormack was the hero for Port driving across the line with his third carry in five phases for what was to be the deciding score, Tobin added the points to leave the score at the finish 18-13. Naas to their credit did try manfully to work their way back into the game but the miserly Port pack and their possession based game just refused them the opportunity to do so.

The final whistle was greeted with wild celebrations and a rush across the carpark to where the ambulance was just about to depart with Port’s Mikey Boyhan for yet another trip to A&E!

Team: Barry Higgins, Aidan Bryan, Simon Doggett, Christopher McCormack, Stewart Maher, John Tobin, Jack Hennessy, Ciaran Kavanagh, Fintan Murphy, James Henry, Lee Brereton, Alex Whittle, Mikey Boyhan, Dylan Maher, Robert Pigott. Subs: Owen O’Donnell, Warren Murray, Sean Higgins, Cormac O’Hora, Luke O’Callaghan, Brendan Molloy, Sergiusz Budzikowski, Dylan Stronge.

On Saturday Port, with the added infusion of their schools-tied players, travelled to Donnybrook Stadium to participate in the Old Wesley Challenge Cup. For the third consecutive year Port finished in third place in the competition after an enjoyable day’s rugby was had by all.

Most of this Port team will now move on to Under 20s level where they will participate as part of the combined Cill Dara/Portarlington team in the end of season Harry Gale Cup.