Thurles 34 Nenagh U16 31
Thurles ran out 34-31 winners over Nenagh in a fiercely contested ten-try game in round 2 of the U16 Munster Conference. Nenagh were slow out of the blocks and Thurles took full advantage. Their kicking game had Nenagh in trouble and they scored two early tries to take a 12-0 lead. Nenagh's response was impressive. They dominated the remainder of the first half. Scores from Oscar Griffin, Dara Boland and Aaron Walsh helped Nenagh to a 26-12 half-time lead. In a tight second half, Nenagh's ill-discipline proved the decisive factor, they were pinged at the breakdown in both attack and defense a few too many times. This allowed Thurles a foothold in the game, and they scored two tries to level the game at 26 all in the middle of the second half. Then Nenagh managed to maintain some possession and put Thurles under pressure and Oisin Gleeson scored Nenagh's fifth try. Charlie Talbot added the extras to put Nenagh 7 ahead with 10 minutes remaining. Unfortunately, from a match winning position Nenagh's game fizzled out. While in possession on the halfway line they turned over the ball and Thurles raced away to score and level the match with 5 minutes left. Nenagh were then penalized for offside in midfield and Thurles slotted the penalty to take the lead. From the restart Nenagh carried up to the Thurles 22 and threatened to score the decisive try but the Thurles defence held firm for a deserved win. Nenagh will look to get back on the horse when they host Cashel in round 3 next Sunday. Training continues every Wednesday and Friday at 8PM in Lisatunny. New players born in 2009 are welcome.
