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Mallow Come up Just Short in County Cup Final Thriller

Mallow Come up Just Short in County Cup Final Thriller

Michael Sweeney9 Apr 2019 - 18:41
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Match Report - 1st XV vs Bandon RFC - 07/04/19

Mallow RFC 24 - 32 Bandon RFC

High-flying Mallow arrived at Irish Independent Park brimming with confidence last Sunday, and deservedly so. Having overcome two Division 1 sides (Crosshaven & Skibbereen) en route to this County Cup final, they had every right to be optimistic. Not only that, but nine players from the north Cork side had recently been asked to join the Munster Junior squad in preparation for their upcoming Interpro's, a very proud feat for the club. In addition to that, only last week, Mallow were confirmed as Munster Junior Club of the Year, as a result of the clubs accomplishments on the pitch during 2018/2019. With all these talking points providing momentum, Mallow were still very much up against it in this particular decider. Bandon, fresh off the back of a lofty finishing position in the league would provide extremely stiff opposition.
With a swirling wind providing difficulty throughout the contest, Mallow found themselves on the back foot early on. Bandon, through Ben Ridgeway and Cian Buttimer scored early tries for the west Cork side to put them into a 14-0 lead after 20 minutes. With several attempted offloads not going to hand inside the opening quarter, Mallow only had themselves to blame for the 14 point concession. Their defense was also found wanting for both counter attacking tries and were Mallow to drag themselves back into this tie, it would require a mammoth effort. As the half wore on, Mike Lenihan, Timmy Fitzgerald, Chris O' Regan and Owen Glynn carried with gusto and repeatedly drove Mallow over the gain line for important yards as David Breen also threatened, keeping the Bandon back-row honest. The breakthrough eventually came from John McCauliffe's side as Sean Glynn stole over for the opening try. Numerous pick-and-go's put Mallow into a strong position before scrum-half Ronan McCarthy found Glynn who barged over from 5m out. Shortly afterwards, the powerful Mike Sweeney bulldozed his way over the line, only to be held up, while Jimmy Glynn danced his way through, coming agonisingly close, to be denied by a last gasp tap tackle. With the last play of the half, Owen Glynn demonstrated his power and bowled over the try line over from 15m out, thanks to a muscular leech from Tysone Stephens and Sean Glynn. Mallow went in at half time with a renewed sense of belief, having dragged themselves back into the game with a strong second quarter showing.
The second half began with the game beautifully poised at 14-12, but with Mallow in the ascendancy. Indeed, the second forty began just as the opening forty finished, with Mallow asserting their dominance and stamping their authority on proceedings. Sean Glynn caught the restart and powered through the onrushing chasers before putting boot to ball and finding an excellent touch inside Bandon's 22m to really notch up the pressure. Within minutes, the north Cork side recovered possession and Sean Glynn stepped up to the plate again. An almost identical try to the previous 7-pointer, this time, Owen latched onto younger brother Sean, to shove him over the try line from 10m out. Jimmy Glynn added the conversion as Mallow amassed 19 unanswered points to go into a 5 point lead. Bandon however, were not about to throw the towel in just there and responded with 2 penalties from the boot of Ridgeway to go 20-19 to the good. He then extended the west Cork side's lead with another try to open the gap to 6 points. Mallow demonstrated their steely determination and managed to stay within touching distance of their opponents. Their man-of-the-match, Sean Glynn bagged his hat-trick on the hour mark. McCarthy changed the point of contact and flung it blind to Glynn who identified a weakened defense and marauded his way over the whitewash at the Sundayswell end. Jimmy Glynn just missed with the conversion that would've put them into the lead. Bandon then upped the ante to close out the game showing too much in attack for the Mallow side. They demonstrated their firepower, adding an excellent kick return try with 5 minutes remaining in the second half. This again came from a poor kick chase and fatigued defense from the men in green and yellow. It was not to be for Mallow as they tried in vain to close out the game with a final score. It was a scintillating contest for all who witnessed this 8-try final as the 4G surface really brought out the best from both side's attack.
Mallow's hugely successful 1st XV season draws to an disappointing close, however there are 2 remaining opportunities for silverware for the 2nd XV, with a Cup semi final and a final on the horizon in the coming weeks. It goes without saying that Mallow's season to date would not have been as successful were it not for the fantastic input of the coaching ticket of John McAuliffe, Frank Thorntan and Christy O' Connell. Their unrelenting passion and contribution all season long has been consistently evident on the pitch. Notable mention also goes to physio John O' Sullivan for his ability to have players fit and ready each and every match day. Great credit must be aimed at the incredibly vocal support shown by the Mallow contingent week in week out and has been a prominent factor since October. Long may it continue for the rest of this season and through to next year.

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