*With thanks to Alan Good
Ulster claimed the boys’ U18 interprovincial title with a day to spare after a topsy-turvy set of encounters at Shaw’s Bridge today.
The northern province have built an unassailable six-point lead over nearest rivals Munster, while pre-tournament favourites Leinster are, amazingly, still pointless following another shock defeat.
That came this afternoon against Ulster, when the events of a controversial final few minutes scuppered Leinster’s hopes.
David Carson had cancelled out Stephen Dowds’ effort to leave the sides tied at 1-1, and Leinster thought they’d 
won a late short corner for a foot in the circle.
They remonstrated forcefully with the umpires, in turn leaving themselves wide open at the back, and Ulster gleefully took advantage, with Peter Purcell finishing off a breakaway goal to give his side a 2-1 win.
Meanwhile, Munster’s hopes faded in the last game of the day, as Ulster soaked up a ton of pressure before Niall Kelly hit the winner that sealed the championship for them.
There was better news for Leinster in the U16 tournament, which they have all but wrapped up following a 4-0 demolition of Ulster yesterday, with a brace from Fingal’s Mark Ryan taking his tally to three in two games.
Ulster and Munster later fought out a 2-2 draw, with Richard Lynch and Darren Sweetnam’s goals ensuring the southern province shared the spoils after going 2-0 down to
strikes from Matthew Rollins and Matthew Lecky.
That result means Ulster cannot catch Leinster, while Munster must better the 5-0 defeat Leinster inflicted on them on Friday night in the return fixture tomorrow - and hope Ulster sneak a win over Leinster in the final game of the day - to stand any chance of taking the title.
11 comments:
Congratulations to the Leinster U16 side - they were fantastic and thanks must go to management team for a job well done
Brian Simpson is a talent to look out for in the future. Will definitly represent. Has it all.. pace, skill, strong on and off the ball and a mean drag flick. Remember the name.
Reason behind leinster's poor performance, Andrews and Wesley can't play as a team.
thats wrong munster were 2 - 0 up then let in two!
Thought both the Cole boys were outstanding in their respected teams. Also Coley showed signs of be more than capable as a top level sweeper!
Leinster 18s were absolutely robbed
Think oth leinster u18 sides were tipped as they had plenty of Division 1 experience but perhaps this simply meant tired sides with a lack of focus on the interpro's?
Leinster Under 18's were not robbed, they did not play as a team, too many prima donnas - on the other hand the Leinster U16 side played as a team and won the tournament because of it - I will not single out one player after all it was a team effort - well done lads
Went to the Leinster v Munster u18 game on Friday.Good game ,really exciting.Karl Lynch outstanding for Munster.
shafted
Who was the Leinster keeper? Played really well on sunday!Score could have been alot worse against munster if it hadnt been for him!
the two keepers were daniel gribben and stephen west
Post a Comment