Pirates weekly round-up

Friendlies; Cobh Pirates U14 (30) – Crosshaven (0)

Munster Clubs U16 Conference 4; Cobh Pirates (6) – Bandon (0)

Munster Clubs U18 Conference 6; Douglas/Carrigaline (12) – Cobh Pirates (36)

The U18s continue to build on their recent progress with a further impressive league win(36-12) away to a lively Douglas/Carrigaline side which fielded a number of the players who were successful against Cobh Pirates in the U16 cup played final last season. The early exchanges were evenly balanced however Douglas/Carrigaline took a 5 point lead with a try ten minutes in. Pirates immediately responded with some slick handling and support play ultimately leading to a try by Captain and No. 8 Mark Lynch, followed three minutes later by an excellent effort by Eoin Meaney again after some great continuity work by the forwards. Pirates recorded a third try before half time through Cormac Durnin who was Mr. Reliable all day at full back. Eoin Meaney converted two of the first half tries leaving the score 17-5 to Pirates at half time.

Pirates exploded into action in the second half with some devastating tackling by Dean Cronin who was excellent all day both in the tackle and at the breakdown and with Louis Kahn marshalling the forwards to great effect and distributing quick quality ball to the back line. Pirates again got on the scoreboard with a powerful effort from Eoghan O’Flynn on 42 minutes. Matthew McCarthy registered on 55 minutes after sustained pressure from the pack with Vince Baricaua and Calvin Mc Keown prominent. Eoghan O’Flynn notched up his second before the close. Eoin Meaney converted bringing his tally for the day to 14 points.The home side piled on the pressure for the last 10 but Patrick Carey showed his customary guile and quick thinking to neutralise the attacking threat. Pirates play Waterford City at home in the league next week and will hope to build upon the excellent displays of recent weeks.