Cobh Pirates – Under 12’s Trip to Seapoint Killiney County Dublin 27.04.14

Cobh Pirates under 12’s set off early from the Paddock on Sunday morning the 27th of April to play an international blitz at Seapoint R.F.C. home club of Munster’s Felix Jones. Nineteen players represented the Club on a sunny spring day in South Dublin.

There were over 2,000 participants in a truly international blitz with teams from Holland and France as well as the U.K. Pirates were drawn in a group consisting of Gorey, Kinsale and Seapoint.

Pirates showed grit and determination in their first game against Wexford’s Gorey. Using all the defensive skills they had honed during the season, they managed to withstand huge pressure from Gorey in the first half of this opening game. Once they got to grips with their opponents, they showed their attacking prowess and scored two magnificent long range tries after great work by the loose forwards in particular. There was a nail biting finish as Gorey got their own score, with Pirates squeezing through 2 tries to 1 in a highly entertaining game.

Next up were Kinsale who had stayed overnight in Dublin. Pirates went into a 3-1 lead on tries before Kinsale replied with 2 second half tries to draw level. So, another nail biter of a finish as both sides gave their best. Pirates held on after a “Stringer like” hand trip from Pirates’ second row saved the day and a share of the spoils.

Next up were hosts Seapoint. There was no let up from Pirates as they raced into an early lead with two quick fire tries. Seapoint came back to level matters just after half time before Pirates rallied and ensured a 4 tries to 2 victory.

It was a great effort from the players after a long journey to Dublin. They displayed all the skills which will allow them to make an easy transition to full 15 a side rugby next season as they finish their last year in mini rugby.

The long journey home was shortened by self-made entertainment, without an electronic gadget in sight! Great thanks to parents and coaches Jerry O’Driscoll and Niall Ahern, who gave up their time and missed out on viewing the Munster game. Roll on next season.