Ireland do the double! (From Penarth Times)

Ireland do the double!

Penarth U-14s 7pts - Killarny U-14s 26pts

A SQUAD of 27 boys arrived at the Penarth Rugby Club from Killarny on the evening of Saturday, October 13, full of excitement and enthusiasm after watching their International side demolish Wales at the Millennium Stadium.

The squad from Killarny, accompanied by ex-Irish International Ronnie Hakin, were obviously fired up for their match against Penarth on the following morning.

Penarth have suffered some big defeats in recent weeks, but it was obvious to the coaches in the changing room prior to the match that the lads were ready for this one.

Penarth attacked immediately with the forwards showing a lot of aggression. However, Killarny also had the same idea with plenty of rucking and mauling in the middle of the pitch.

A couple of missed tackles by Penarth cost them two early tries against. However, they came straight back, showing some excellent ball handling by the backs and tremendous scrummaging by the pack who were up against a much bigger pack but still managed to hold their own and also steal some ball.

The second half saw persistent pressure bring another another two Irish tries.

With five minutes remaining, Penarth's gutsy playing paid off with a great team try, put down by Matthew Sibert!

This was probably Penarth's best performance this season, showing that the potential is there. This was confirmed by the Killarny coach after the game when he told the Penarth boys that except for a couple of missed tackles, they played the better rugby, with skill, communication and enthusiasm for the game.

Penarth squad: James and Thomas Thorpe, Kirk Harding, Paul O'Brien, Adam Burge, Gareth Mason, Lee Mears, Dan Jones (capt), Chris Coombes, Dan Andrews (vice captain), Matthew Sibert, Dwayne Ibbertson, Chris Roberts, Ross McKenzie, Mathew Corley, Llywd Herniman and Gareth Davies.

The club would like to thank all the parents who hosted the weekend, and also thanks to Sally and Kay for the kitchen.