Lansdowne U13's travelled to Terenure on Sunday in what was expected to be a tough final league fixture prior to the Christmas break. 

 

Lansdowne started with the advantage of a strong wind at their backs, however it was Terenure who dominated possession in the early stages with resolute defence from Con McHenry, Eoin McHenry, Darragh McGovern and Calum Ghent preventing the talented Terenure backs from breaking the Lansdowne line.   

 

Lansdowne eventually regained possession following great work on the ground by Paddy McNamara and Zach Horgan and out half Max Gaynor skilfully launched a series of attacks that could have produced tries, but the final pass went astray in difficult conditions.  

 

Eventually the pressure would have to tell and after several phases of possession a wonderful sweeping back line move saw the ever-energetic James Tierney score a fine try in the corner. The difficult conversion went wide and Lansdowne led 0-5 at the break.

 

The second half began with the Terenure half backs using the strong wind to their advantage resulting in a series of lineouts close to the Lansdowne line with some heroic defence required from Lansdowne centre pairing of James Tierney and Joey Sommerauer. 

 

Terenure finally crossed the line after 10 minutes of concerted pressure with a well worked try to the left of the post. Their conversion went narrowly wide leaving the scores at 5-5 with 15 minutes remaining.

 

With 10 minutes on the clock, Lansdowne clicked into gear and took the game to Terenure. Showing great team spirit they began attacking in waves with barnstorming runs from Donal Noone, Michael Snodden and Paul Brennan, smashing holes in the defence and backs Camryn Boyd and Dylan Clarke testing the Terenure defence time and time again.

 

The game ended 5- 5 with Lansdowne finishing in the ascendancy, pressurising the Terenure line but unable to get the final score to win.  Overall,  it was a brilliant team effort from the Lansdowne boys which they can all be very proud of. 

 

Many thanks to Terenure who were gracious hosts and for an enjoyable and sporting game of rugby.