(pic’s courtesy of Liz McManus)
The u18’s are North Munster cup champions after a comprehensive 50-12 win over Thomand in Sundays decider.
Played in glorious sunshine on the back pitch in Thomand Park the ‘Soda Cakes’ got off to a flying start scoring a converted try under the post with only a few minutes gone on the clock. The response from Bruff was quick with Kevin McManus touching down for the first of his three tries nearly immediately after the restart. Thomand who got to the final via a walkover from NCW/Estuary in the Semi were rattled and leaked a second try when Bruff took a scrum against the head in the Thomand 22. Bruff No.8 Dylan Reeves-Wasik was quick to pounce on the loose ball and went over for the score. John Bulfin who was on kicking duty for Bruff made no mistake with the convert to make it 12-7 to Bruff. Flying winger Mattew Lockart-O’Dea who had an outstanding season for Bruff added a third try before half time with Bulfin adding a penalty to make it 20-7 to Bruff at the short whistle.
Bruff added 4 more tries in the second half. First up was captain and centre Conor Fitzpatrick who was on hand to finish a free flowing move which went from one side of the field to the other before Fitzpatrick touched down. Kevin McManus completed his hat trick with two more tries to make it 45-12, the elusive full back finishing well worked team tries, with Cian Clifford adding the last of Bruff’s scores to make it 50-12. Bulfin and McManus shared kicking duties in the second half scoring 10 points from placed balls closing 40..
Bruff captain Conor Fitzpatrick collected the cup on behalf of the team and gave a fine speech thanking all involved with this double winning side. Eoin Cahill who guided the back-line, Martin O Rourke & Timmy Quirke who looked after the forwards, Johnnie O Connor who worked on defence and team Manager Tony Clifford.
He also thanked all the parent who give up many a long evening to make it possible for these young men to play ball 🙂
