Carrick U13s commenced the knockout section of their Connacht U13 Cup campaign with a home tie v Gort in Castlecarra last Sunday. Though the home side was shorn of some regulars from our first XV they were still eager to continue their successful and unbeaten topping of Group 1B.
Carrick made their trademark whirlwind start with both starting lock Scott Gilliard and Séimi Barry Murphy grabbing tries after surging runs.
Gort, who travelled short in numbers, but full of never say die, hit back with a try of their own soon after. Henry Gunn, the Elphin Express, bulldozed his way through the Gort defence to restablish our lead which was soon cancelled again by Gort to leave the score 17-14 at half time.
After some home truths from the coaches at half time Carrick regained control in the second half and through the introduction of fresh legs never relinquished it. Henry Kieran, Conor McGirl and a double from Drumshanbo’s Aaron Fee crossing the line for the home side. Gort, despite the 37-14 scoreline, battled to the very end and were a credit to their coaches and their club.
Despite the nerves at half time this was a very pleasing result, especially being short of some regulars. In addition, cameos by Sonny McGovern and the Dowra Destroyer, Donnacha McPartland, were eye catching showcasing the reserves on our bench.
Despite the result the early struggles were a timely reminder that there will be no easy games at this stage of the competition, and will get no easier with the quarter finals approaching.
Carrick Panel
Tommie Convey, Aaron Fee, Conor McGirl, Henry Gunn ( C ), Noah Connaire, Cillian McBrien, Sean Harte, Barry McGreevy, Joe Canning, Ryan Daly, Séimí Barra Murphy, Scott Gilliard, Henry Kieran, Eoin Christie, Donnacha McPartland, Sonny McGovern, Dara Roche, Dylan Nolan, Fionnan Kelly, Conor Beirne, Sean Óg Guckian, Hugo Butler, Kevin Keane, Jack Feeley, Keevan McTague, Niall Doyle, Jack Hughes, Jamie Keville
