After a disappointing second half performance resulting in a loss to Bective the previous week, the Seapoint U-20/U-21s got their first win of the season when easing past local rivals Greystones with a convincing well-rounded performance. The game was never in doubt, Seapoint had built a convincing lead of 24 points to nil by half time, and whilst Greystones did manage to score two consolation tries in the second half Seapoint were always going to win this encounter. Seapoint will now face Naas in what should be a much tougher test away from home in the semi-final of the Harry Gale Cup next Sunday September 19th.
At the start of the game, both teams lined up for a minute silence to mark the unexpected and sad passing of our beloved Seapoint colleague and clubman Peter Manning during the week. A staunch supporter, Peter would never have missed a match if possible and his son Stephen was in the match 22 today and came on in the first half for an injured Sam Cassidy.
Seapoint were comfortable in all facets of the game. Up front the scrum was solid, the tight five led by a big performance from Luke Dunne were on top for the entire game. The backrow of Liam Forster, Sean Finn and Hugh Ross were splendid, Liam Forster ensuring both the result and his selection as man of the match by scoring all three first half tries. Brindley’s task of converting all three was made easier by Liam’s insistence of scoring all three under the posts.
Brindley’s distribution at outhalf throughout was excellent and the centre partnership of Cassidy and Lawlor was solid both in defense and attack. The back three also put in an impressive performance. At full back Alex Lee was superb one of many good moments being when he executed a textbook tackle of the opposition Number 8 when a Greystones try looked certain.
After halftime Seapoint were again the first to score. An impressive line break and a professional pass and return pass between Hugh Ross and Louis Whelan resulted in fourth try for Seapoint. Manning narrowly missed the difficult conversion attempt. In the remaining 30 minutes, Seapoint emptied their bench and whilst Greystones proceed to score two unconverted tries the result was never in doubt.
So, after a solid performance against Greystones and with a talented and well coached squad, the Seapoint U-20s appear to be set for a successful and enjoyable season. It was heartening to see great support from many stalwarts of the club who thoroughly enjoyed the high standard of winning rugby served up by the team.
All welcome for the semi-final in Naas next Sunday as Seapoint hopefully continue to advance in this competition.
Team Sheet
15 Alex Lee, 14 Louis Whelan,13 Oscar Lawlor Plazas, 12 Sam Cassidy, 11 Logan Brady, 10 James Brindley, 9 Ross Gallagher,
1 Seamus Flannery, 2 Eoin Mahon, 3 Luke Dunne, 4 Jack Hand, 5 Jamie Culliton, 6 Sean Finn, 7 Liam Forster (capt), 8 Hugh Ross
16 Conor McCaul, 17 Diarmuid Dunne, 18 Jack Reynolds, 19 Stephen Manning, 20 Philip Bolger, 21, Jamie Balmaine, 22 Dara O’Grady, 23 Alan Casey
