U20s V Bective

On Sunday, 1st December 2019 the Coolmine U20’s travelled to Energia Park, Donnybrook to play Bective U20’s in Round 6 of the JP Fanagan Premier 3 League. Neither side could have asked for a better day as playing conditions were perfect and the fixture also brought out great support. From the start both sides went about typical 20’s style with a willingness to constantly move the ball. The game ebbed back and forth with both sides taking ball to the line but it was Coolmine who stared to gain the edge with good defence and turnovers.

It was 10 minutes in before the first score arrived when a well worked try down the touchline resulted in Coolmine getting on the scoreboard. Bective responded in competitive style but accepted a penalty kick to record their own first score. The second try for Coolmine came with some good interplay and handling down the flank. Despite this the game still failed really to spark … one spectator quipping that the game was going along like ‘Smokey Embers’. As if on cue, Coolmine then upped the pace and within a few more minutes another try arrived and by half time the 20’s were in a more comfortable position.

The second half saw Bective up their own game and for a good 10 minutes the took the challenge to Coolmine and were rewarded with a try of their own. Coolmine rotated on and moved players into different positions and while it took a few minutes to re-establish their patterns further scores came bringing the game to an end with a solid victory.

Next Sunday the 20’s have probably the most important game of the season as they will host UCD at home at 2pm in Ashbrook.

UCD always produce good teams so Coolmine will really need to hit the ground running and produce a top performance. While this task is immense, the 20’s squad have in all their games to date, demonstrated great skill, strong self-belief and courage… hope the keep it going for this final game of 2019.

Top of the League …. 20’s Rising!