U16s De La Mary’s tour to Galway

U16s De La Mary’s tour to Galway

Early Saturday morning 25 players and 12 parents hit the train lines for Galway. Apologies to any travellers trying to relax on the service as the chat level was off the charts on the train. A quick stop and drop off at the hotel as well as some much needed hot food saw the touring side well set up for the afternoon ahead.

Togged and boarded for a short bus journey to Corinthians there was lots of excitement! A 3pm kick off on one their side pitches, while the 1st team played on the main pitch. There was a great buzz around the place and surprisingly the rain stayed at bay for the duration.

Playing up hill in the first half the visiting team chose to receive from the start, giving them a good phase of possession. The opening exchanges were tough and the travelling side had to work hard to get up the pitch. But scored well just wide of the posts through some great backs hands. The score stood at 7-0. Not to be disheartened the home team worked hard from the restart and eventual pressure led to a penalty turn over. With a couple of very strong and capable carries the Corinthians girls were making inroads up the park.

Some superb rucking saw the DeLaMarys team manage a turnover on their own 10m line. Working well through the centre before eventually seeing Charlotte get across the line. The range wasn’t in favour of Ava but the score 15 mins in was 0-12 to the visitors. A knock off from the restart saw the home team camped in our half for the proceeding 10 minutes. Despite some super defence they deservedly crossed the line in the centre of the posts making adding the extras easier and the score sat at 7-12.

Although under pressure the DLM’s took the game back to the visitors with some super pressure from the restart say them regain possession! A fantastic break for first cap Joanna saw her break through a number of tackles and bring her side toward the oppositions 22 before being brought down. Ava managed to get the ball out wide before some super wheels from Zara and an offload to Lucy K saw Abi cross the line between the posts. Ava added the extras and with the score sitting at 7-19 with the closing minutes of the first half the travelling team were caught off guard by the push from the visiting team and some fantastic carries from their backrow saw them bring themselves to our 22m. Working well around the corner they eventually crossed the line out wide before scooting in and dotting down just outside the posts. With the extras added half time blew up at 14-19 to the Dublin side.

Although the coach held her hands up for not having the half time goodies (Sarah promised never to forget the jellies again) the team regrouped and with changes across the park on both sides the restart went well for the visitors and the advantage of playing downhill soon reaped its rewards with an early score in the second half. Scores 14-26 to DLM’s. The home team wouldn’t be sat down though and some fantastic wheels from their winger say them break from inside our half from a loose ball and carry the length of the pitch to get the ball over the line to the right of the posts – unusually (given her strikes so far) the home team kicker couldn’t add the extras on this occasion and the score stood at 19-26 to us.

Considering the significant amount of changes on both teams and with all but one of the visiting team either in a DML’s jersey or Corinthians jersey the game played out well with the final score standing at 19-38 to the touring side. Delighted with the game as well as having really enjoyed the opposition players (who were so lovely and encouraging and offered all of them a place should they ever relocate).

After some much deserved treats the time and task master of the day (Sarah) ordered all back to the bus. A quick wash and change saw 25 muddy teenage girls transform into 25 preened teens. Off to Elephant and Castle for a lovely meal which although louder than the rest of the patrons probably would have liked was delish and welcomed by all of the travelling party. After eating the Christmas Markets in Eyre Square were enjoyed by the players for a couple of hours while the parents enjoyed the France V New Zealand game.

With a very happy Sylvie onboard (who swore she supports Ireland now when we play France) everyone decamped to the hotel for a check in before rooms were filled with chats and laughs by the players while the parent were treated to a surprise show from the London Welsh Mens Choir who sung for hours in the bar/lobby. Despite some tired heads for breakfast the following morning after a quick swim in the hotel facilities and a tidy up of the rooms. The group were back to the markets and shop street for an hour before a much quieter train journey brought them back to the capital.

A fantastic trip was organised by Sylvie, Aundrea, Ben and Sarah. The players, parents and all involved really enjoyed themselves, made new friendships and some brilliant memories for everyone.

Thank you so much to our host Corinthians and we look forward to seeing you for the return fixture next year. Thanks also to the lovely Galmont Hotel who’s facilities and service were second to none! We look forward to replicating the trip for the other youth teams in the coming months!