Newport RFC retain Carroll Plate
Newport retained the Munter Junior Carroll Plate trophy with victory over Bruff in their own backyard of Kilballyowen Park on Sunday.
The first fifteen minutes were extremely tough. Bruff came flying out of the blocks and had put Newport under serious pressure. They were sharper early on, winning the collisions.
However, there was no panic. Newport dug in and kept fighting. A few changes were made, the energy lifted, and slowly but surely, they started to settle. You could feel momentum beginning to swing ever so slightly. Every tackle, every carry and every bit of pressure started to build belief.
As half-time approached, Newport needed something to keep the contest alive. The pressure kept coming, phase after phase, and eventually the gap opened for a try to cut the half time deficit to 12-5.
The second half was one of the best displays of character Newport has produced all season. They came out with massive intensity and endless pressure. The tackles became bigger, the carries stronger and suddenly Bruff were under pressure everywhere on the field.
Another try brought the score back to 12-10 and from that moment on, you could sense Newport were not going to be denied. They found their mojo completely and started playing the rugby they are capable of. The work-rate was unbelievable, the support play excellent and every single player emptied themselves for the jersey.
Then came the scores. Try after try, wave after wave of pressure, Newport took control completely. What looked impossible after the opening quarter suddenly became reality as Newport ended up winning comfortably.
An unbelievable achievement for this group of players, coaches and everyone involved around the club.
Massive credit must also go to Bruff. They put in a tremendous effort and played their part in a brilliant final. Finals are never easy to lose, but they showed huge quality and spirit throughout. Newport hung in there when things looked difficult and showed unbelievable character.
The noise, encouragement and the backing of the supporters gave the team made a huge difference. What a way to finish the season. Back-to-back O’Carroll Plate winners.
Memories made once again. A club that keeps fighting. A club that keeps believing. Up the Port.
Newport: Darragh Bourke; Chris Egan, Tom Allen, Conor Barry, Alex O’Neill; Mark Nicholas, Jack Nicholas; Eoghan Browne, Owen Powell, David O'Toole; Danny O'Keeffe, Seamus Carey; Rhys Whyte O'Malley, James Jones, John Lee. Reps: Robbie Murray, Diarmuid Cantillon, Paul Burke, Conor Sweeney, Shane Murray, Ben O'Dea, Michael Ryan, Oisin Holmes
Bruff: Matthew Daly; Patrick Kilcoyne, Dean O’Shea, Cal McCarthy, Mark Fitzpatrick; Jamie Ahern, Tommy Carroll; Patrick Clery, Michael Tierney, Tomás O'Riordan; William Fitzgerald, Barry Laffan; Eamonn Cooke, Patrick Dooley, Dylan O'Leary. Reps: Dylan-Richard White-Lee, Michael Carroll, John Hayes, Michael Keane, Adam Kelleher, Shea Dunworth, Bradley Riordan, Anthony Neylon.