Two under 8 teams made the short trip up the road to Harrow rugby club to participate in the Tara Go Games blitz. Team C was coached by Colin and Team T coached by Tim.
Team T played their games at the lake end of the grounds , very close to where the under 6’s had pitched base camp, whilst Team C headed in the opposite direction near the entrance where their group games were being played.
Team T report
Team T got off to a shaky start against a strong North London Shamrocks outfit. During the first third we struggled to get the ball out of our defence zone. However to their credit the young Parnellians did improve and showed a lot of character to establish a more equal share of possession in the last third of the game. Harry Kilker was playing a blinder and was certainly keeping the NLS players busy! A special mention also for Carrie Rattigan, drafted in from the under 6’s to fill a vacancy, who showed no fear and applied herself with the usual enthusiasm and fearlessness. Well done Carrie!
Next up was St. Kiernans and this time Parnells boosted by the arrival of Ronan Cummings hit the ground running from the start. Josh Kilker, Finn Steward and Jake Roache were now getting into the groove and having great battles with a game St, Kiernans side. However this was Ryan Bailey’s hour and he proceeded to give a masterclass in ball retention and excellent score taking which galvanised his team mates and particularly Eric Zoica who continued to make himself available at every opportunity despite a bruise to his side which he had sustained earlier in the week.
Our final game saw us come up against a confident looking Tara side. Once again our boys stepped up to the mark and matched their opponents step for step in what was a very close game. The scales may have tilted slightly in our favour when late arrival (party-goer) Tadhg arrived and straight away made his presence felt with some timely tackles and blocking. The day’s activities ended on a high note as Jake slotted over one of his long distance specials and proved the old adage that if at first you don’t succeed then try, try and try again!
Team C Report
Meanwhile Team C were also performing well down at the other end of the grounds. They took on Tir Chonaill Gaels, Round Towers and St. Colmcilles. It’s fair to say that our lads proved themselves to be very strong in all the games they played in.
Ryan Moran collected a number of excellent scores and Harry Morrissey was very prominent in all positions and was winning a lot of ball. Evan O’Sullivan continued his good form from the NLS blitz and his defending was tenacious.
In our most competitive game against Tir Chonaill Gaels it was our younger trio of James Montgomery , Joe McGuinness and Eoin Murray who caught the eye combining superbly for some well taken scores. Of course we must not forget the elder statesman of the team, now in his third year of under 8’s , Lorcan Moriarty, who played a leadership role and was strong and skilful throughout.
