The senior rugby team faced Ardscoil Trionoide, Athy in the Leinster Development Cup quarter final on Thursday afternoon at Gorey RFC. With the prospect of a semi final and the entry into the higher division McMullen Cup competition, the squad were determined to make sure they weren’t going to leave anything behind. A physically strong opposition were hard to break down, but playing with the wind and rain in the first half allowed the CB players to keep the pressure on, that allowed Mark Hoare to cross the line, giving a 5-0 lead at half time. Playing against the wind in the second half proved difficult. The decision at half time was to keep possession of the ball rather than being drawn into a kicking game, working up the pitch slowly. With clever game management by the forwards, Keith Fanning who had a great match drove through with a try. Athy were not going to give up and pinned Carnew back into their own twenty two, eventually scoring a try. 10-5. Soon after, the Athy team were back on the Carnew try line attempting to level the scoreline. With very little separating the two teams and the weather against Carnew, it was simply a case of who wanted it the most. It was very encouraging to see such a determined defence keeping Athy out and with strong ball carrying, CB built their way up the pitch, allowing Jim Sharry to cross the line. Cian Hadden converted. With a scoreline of 17-5 with 10 minutes to go, Carnew continued with the pressure and Keith Fanning crossed the try line with a second well deserved try. Cian Hadden again converted in difficult conditions. The squad are now looking forward to a McMullen Cup clash against CBS Nass next week, and a Leinster Development Cup semi final in the coming weeks.
