Inishowen lift Butler Shield
31.03.09
Second string to the
fore with Ravenhill result
by Simon McGeady, Inishowen
Independent
LAST YEAR it was the first team taking the Forster Cup,
but on Saturday at Ravenhill it was the turn of
Inishowen’s second string to shine as they lifted the
Butler Shield. The Carndonagh-based outfit showed great
determination to overturn a six point half-time deficit
against Malone. A converted Shaun Craig try and a Finn
McCormick penalty gave Inishowen a 10-9 victory. It was
the team’s first trophy in only their third season in
existence.
A jubilant team captain James McColgan climbed the steps
of the old Memorial stand to collect the Butler Shield
and speaking to the Inishowen Independent following the
win, he was proud of his side’s effort against a very
experienced Malone fourth string. |
“This is a great day for
the club, I’m really pleased for the boys. I’m
especially happy for [club President] John Merritt after
all the years he’s put in. You couldn’t wipe the smile
off his face on Saturday.”
Inishowen struggled to contain Malone in the early
exchanges, according to McColgan. “We had heard reports
that their pack were no so mobile, but far from it. They
were speedy and well able to spread the ball out to the
backs. They also forced us to change our game plan. Our
forwards would normally play a ‘pick and go’ game and
gain about five yards a carry, but we couldn’t do it on
Saturday and so had to spread the play out to our backs
instead for the likes of Mojo [Harkin] Oliver [Mc
Conologue] Shaun Craig.”
The change of attacking emphasis from forwards to backs
eventually paid dividends, Craig going over for the only
try of the game with eight minutes left on the clock.
Inishowen had to withstand a strong finish from Belfast
side.
“There was five minutes added time and they were camped
up near our line at the end of the game. We had a put in
at a scrum but they stole it and backed us up. We were
able to kick it up out. They won the lineout but we were
able to force a mistake,” added McColgan.
“This is a great day for this club, for Inishowen and
for Donegal,” said club president John Merritt. |
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“I’d like to thank Kevin
Gallagher our head coach for the work he has put in over
the last two years, to Steve Griffiths for his
contribution this year, to our players and supporters.
Thank you all.”
Kevin Gallagher agreed and added, “I’m especially
pleased for club captain Shaun Craig. He missed the
final last year, has had terrible injury problems this
year and for him to come here and score the winning try,
it is fantastic.”
There could yet be more glory for the club this year as
Inishowen still have an outside shot at wining the North
West Minor League.
For full coverage of all your weekend sport, read the
Inishowen Independent. |
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