As the bus trundled into a wind and rain swept Tralee hopes were high, we would continue our good start to the season.
With 4 changes to the pack and 2 in the backline we travelled with a strong squad emphasising again the strength in depth of this squad.
We started on the front foot and notably the high tackle laws are still making their way to Tralee as 2 early clothesline attempts were punished by the ref. We capitalised from close range as MOTM Mark ‘Buzz’ Gleeson forced his way over a helpless defender who was left pancaked to the floor. Conversion successful 7 – 0.
Old Christians continued to dominate play with some slick interplay between backs and forwards throughout, a huge improvement from the week prior. We moved the big pack around but could not find the breakthrough. Some great handling from the 2 props who should nimble handling belying their size almost put Ivan over, but the ball was spilled close to the line. Another knock-on close to the line shortly after led to some exasperated reactions on the sideline. This proved costly as moments later Tralee got in for their first try. Tough conversion missed so it was 7 – 5 to the visitors.
Straight from the kick off OC put the pressure straight back on the home team and forced a 5-metre scrum. A big carry from Sean Kelly got us go forward before great handling from Dave and Conor set Ivan Tripp free to dot down. Conversion just slipped wide but 12 5 was more realistic on what had happened so far in the game.
In the 35th min OC kicked to the corner having been awarded a penalty at scrum time and a maul was set up. Gleeson hungry for the Domino’s pizza as well as his 2nd try latched onto a strong drive before powering over from 1 inch. Conversion from inside the 15 was good by Johnny. The first half ended, but it was a strong half with Jack Lonergan again to the fore ably assisted by Aaron Coade who worked relentlessly in the 1st 40 and has really improved game on game for his first season at junior level. Scoreline did not reflect the dominance.
19 – 5 HT
52 points were added in the 2nd half. 40 by Old Christians and 12 more for Tralee.
3 mins into the 2nd half OC had their 4 try bonus with Laz powering over following some strong carrying from the veteran warrior Cian Smith. Con successful 26 – 5 for Johnny and 43 mins.
From the kick off OC went on the attack down the right side through some neat interplay with elder statesman Smith and Carty down the right wing. Gleeson and Coade nearly got over from close range before Walshy was able to get over much to the dismay of Coade. Conversion slipped by to leave the score now 31 – 5.
The restart from Tralee went out on the full and they were duly punished from the scrum, where some excellent running by Johnny, Laz and Sean led to Kelly getting his name on the scoresheet. This one was straight from the training ground no doubt delighting the coaches. Difficult conversion added by Johnny. 38 – 5
Reinforcements were added soon after. Ben Mc and Nibbler on for Jamie Hayes and Dave O Connell who had both worked tirelessly to this point taking a well-deserved break. A re jig in the backs meant Ivan returned for Dolan with Oscar moving to the centre. The game unsurprisingly was scrappy for a bit with all these changes and Tralee capitalised adding a nice try into the corner having showed some good handling skills in the conditions. No conversion from a tough angle. 38 – 10.
Tralee tails were up, and they sniffed a try bonus, shortly after adding a Pen try. A kick to the corner was descended upon by players from both sides before squirting over the end line. Deemed a slap back by the ref 7 points were added for Tralee. 38 - 17
In what was now becoming and end to end game OC responded through some individual magic. What is fast becoming the norm Dave Ahern weaved his way through the defence to add another 5 to his season tally. 10, 11, 12 & 13 now on all getting a piece of the try time action. Conversion from the left successful 45 – 10.
Darragh Cole, Shane Foley and Emmet ‘Badger’ Hurley made their way on for the final 15 mins for AC, Walshy and Ryan Butt who had all played their part in what was a very commanding display thus far. Great to see 2 ends of the spectrum enter the fray with Cole another 18s player from last year stepping up and Foley still going strong at 47.
In the final ten mins, ably led by Ben Mc and Ruari Casey who had come on for Gleeson driving the team forward Nibbler powered over to bring the score over 50.
Conversion was added by johnny for his 6th of the day putting scores to 52 – 17.
Conversion was added by johnny for his 6th of the day putting scores to 52 – 17.
OC rightly had the last say as Nibbler powered over from 5 yards stamping his authority on the final few mins of the game it was good to have the law enforcement officer back in OC colours. The Tralee defence wishing he stuck to crimefighting for the day. Hopefully, Waterford remained safe for the locals while Nibbler was causing havoc in Tralee.
59 – 17 Final Score.
A good day out for the squad and the bus journey back was very quiet with plenty of tea and book reading taking place.
