The Touchline

On Sunday 10th November 2019 Coolmine U20’s travelled to play Greystones U20’s in Dr. Hickey Park. It is always a difficult ground to get something from and this time the Greystones U20’s we really for the contest. It was noted by both sides that a numbers of players were unavailable due to injuries, illness or having personal commitments. The referee stated afterwards that this was a ‘really competitive and good game of rugby’. From the reaction of the travelling Coolmine Support it is fair to say that they also enjoyed the occasion.

Five minutes into the game Greystones opening the scoring with a penalty but Coolmine with a number of strong performing scrums and lineouts were making serious inroads. After a few near attempts Coolmine breached the Greystones defence to record their first try. Further scores remained hard to come by as both sides had patches of attacks foiled through strong defence work. Eventually coming up to half time Coolmine extend their lead with a penalty making it 3-10 at the break. Coolmine commenced the second half with the intent of establishing greater control by ‘going more through the phases’ and from constant probing and the pack putting in a serious shift of scrums and lineouts scored two

more tries. Greystone’s responded with a try on their own and came again seeking a second one but some really strong Coolmine defending enabled them to clear their lines down field and close out the game with a fourth and final bonus try with a real statement of intent.

Final Score Greystones 10 – Coolmine 27.

With Coolmine only having the bear minimum of forwards it is a credit to the bench players, some having to play out of position, coming on and successfully closing out game. Squad numbers have never being more important.

Early days yet, still its four from four ……………….top of the league and 20s Rising!