Garryowen U19s played some superb flowing rugby to claim the Crystal Vase for the winners of the inaugural Tribes Tens sponsored by RDJ Glynn Solicitors in Glenina on the final weekend in March.
Caption: JP Gilmartin of RDJ Glynn presents the Tribes Tens trophy to Darragh O’Brien captain of Garryowen. Pic: Adrienne Deegan
Garryowen, Shannon, Ennis and host Galwegians were the participants in the inaugural event which it is hoped will become a permanent fixture in the under 19 rugby calendar.
The superbly organised event took place over four hours at Crowley Park in the heart of Galway city and players from all teams reveled in the extra space afforded to them by the ten aside format.
Garryowen proved to be the class act on the day winning all bar one of their matches but they were pushed all the way by the excellent Ennis side in the final which ended on a scoreline of 19-12 to the Limerick side.
Shannon and Galwegians played out the Bowl final which was won by the hosts, who were boosted by the late arrival of fresh legs to defeat a tiring Shannon side by 26-12 in an entertaining prelude to the excellent final.
Games lasted for 14 minutes and provided non stop drama from the very outset. Galwegians opened the competition against Shannon and despite Ronan Burke’s first half try Shannon bounced back with a second half intercept try from Conor Cunnane converted by Cormac Ryan for a 7-5 win.
Match two saw a spirited Ennis side defeat Garryowen 10-7 to cause the first surprise of the day. Shane O’Connor’s well struck drop goal sealed the game after both sides scored a converted try in each half.
Garryowen bounced back to overwhelm Galwegians in the third game 31-0 in what was their best performance of the tournament, Robin Healy scored two tries in the win.
Two edge of the seat draws between Ennis and Shannon firstly and then Galwegians and Ennis before Garryowen booked a place in the final by winning their last pool game 17-12 over Shannon with tries from Ben Sweeney and Robin Healy.
Ennis topped the table then along with Garryowen on four points. The Clare side were unbeaten with a win and two draws but were facing an electric Garryowen in the final.
The Plate final went to Galwegians who were boosted by some late arrivals in the shape of Tadhg Leader and Rory Cunningham who both scored in a 31-16 victory over a spirited Shannon side.
The final itself saw Garryowen prevail on a scoreline of 26-12 but they didn’t half it all their own way. Cathal Duggan scored two tries for a strong Ennis side but Ben Sweeney, Michael Dooley, Robin Healy and Andrew Moloney all scored for the victorious Garryowen side.
The day was deemed a great success by all and the organisers plan to run an even bigger event next season.