On Wednesday, the Colaiste Pobail Girl’s Junior Cup team, looking resplendent in their new jerseys courtesy of Allied Fire Protection, travelled to Clonakilty to face Bandon Grammar. Bandon steamed into an early lead scoring two tries and a conversion in the first 10 minutes of the game. The girls from the Colaiste showed great character and steely nerves to regroup and begin their chase of this lead. Maggie Murray was a powerhouse as hooker in the scrum and robbed the ball during a put in by Bandon. Things began to look up! Caoimhe McCarthy, popped the ball to Belle O Donoghue who crossed the whitewash for the girls first try. Both girls were outstanding through out the day. Annie Doody had a strong performance operating as hooker in the lineout with CPB winning 3 of their lineouts. Caoimhe McCarthy won further balls during the opposition thrown in as she was lifted into the air by Muireann McCarthy and Leah Barry. Grainne Cronin, as scrum-half, and Abbey Connolly, as fly-half, working together for the first time proved to be a formidable duo and began to steer the game. The backs moved the ball quickly across the field from Serene Lehane on the right wing through Alice O’ Donovan and Ciara Kelly to Sophie O’ Shea on the left wing. Muireann McCarthy powered over in a forwards driven try to bring the score to 12-10. The forwards continued to carry hard and organise the attack. Lucy Donaldson was in the middle of the action as the ball moved from pod to pod. Gracie O’ Connor and Ellie O’ Connor competed in the rucks putting pressure on the Bandon girls. Abbey Connolly crossed the line and scored to put the girls in blue ahead, only to solidify this lead with a further try a few minutes later. With the score at 12-20 Bandon started their fight back, scoring a try in the corner to bring them within 3 points of CPB. Breaths were held during the final minute and a half of the game as Bandon steamed into the CPB 22. Belle O’ Donoghue made another try saving tackle, before Alice O’ Donovan turned the ball over and it was kicked to touch by Abbey Connolly. The players on the subs bench, supporters and coaches flooded the field in celebration.
Photos by TY students: Laura Cronin and Lucy Coppinger
