U14 Boys Match report , Port V Portlaoise
Bradley Cooper (C) led the lads out onto the field for a rollercoaster of a game full of everything you would expect from 13-year-old rugby players. Port kicked off and were immediately put under pressure by Portlaoise but they held well. The game went both ways with some great breaks from Sean Fitzpatrick and Tommy Walker along the left wing. Just on 9 minutes, Luca Hynes broke the deadlock with a great run down the right wing with two defenders in tow to cross the line. Port were on a roll and at 12 minutes Sam Petriw stepped up to add the second score from a stolen loose ball just over halfway — he put his head down, tucked in the ball and pumped his legs to get past three Portlaoise defenders and crossed the line comfortably. Portlaoise then stepped up a notch to claim two tries and a conversion in answer to Port’s attacks.
A well-deserved water break allowed both teams to catch their breath and regroup. At the restart Portlaoise piled on the pressure, but some great try-saving tackles by Michael Owens, Sam Lyons, Charlie Merriman and Ciarán Moore with some great turnover ball, kept Portlaoise from scoring. Sam Petriw stepped in again to cause havoc and received a lovely phase-two ball which set him up for his second try of the day. Bradley Cooper (C), who battled the blustery wind, added the extras. Portlaoise pushed forward and kept Port in their own half for the next five minutes, but Bradley Cooper (C) joined the back line after a penalty ruck to break through the Portlaoise defence and run in a well-deserved try to close the period.
The last period saw a different Portlaoise side; equally, Port also found it difficult to gain the upper hand. Michael Owens, who was on fire defensively throughout, received a lovely offload to set him off down the right wing and crash over for an outstanding try. Portlaoise replied by getting as far as Port’s 22 and remaining there for the final seven minutes, keeping the pressure on and were rewarded with a try in the dying moments. This was a great opportunity for Port to gain extra game time ahead of their upcoming semi-finals.

Awards
Men of the Match: Michael Owens & Sam Petriw
Brilliant Performances: Charlie Merriman, Sean Fitzpatrick, Tommy Walker, Sam Lyons, Pierce Milner, Oisín Geoghegan (VC), Luca Hynes, Finn Costello, Bradley Cooper (C), Aidan Scully
Great Overall Play: Ciarán Moore, Thoma McGrath, Sean Kiernan, Tadgh O’Connor, Arran Dunne, Eoin O’Connell, Michael McCallum, Jack McDonald, Harry Robinson
Full Squad
Jack McDonald, Ciarán Moore, Tom Coen, Finn Costello, Luca Hynes, Charlie Merriman, Pierce Milner, Oisín Geoghegan, Thoma McGrath, Tadgh O’Connor, Michael Owens, Sam Petriw, Tommy Walker, Sean Fitzpatrick, Bradley Cooper, Sean Kiernan, Michael McCallum, Aidan Scully, Sam Lyons, Eoin O’Connell, Arran Dunne, Harry Robinson.