Clanwilliam win the Garryowen Cup

Clanwilliam F.C. (20)  – Waterpark RFC (14)

On Saturday 09 April, Clanwilliam F.C. travelled the short distance to Cashel and took home the spoils, following a tough match with Waterpark RFC in the Garryowen Cup Final.

Clanwilliam had the ideal start to this game when after five minutes and a number of phases of play, Shaun Whelan finished a back-line move to score the opening try, with Niall Leahy kicking the difficult conversion.

Clanwilliam continued to put pressure on Waterpark but the Waterpark defence held firm. Waterpark, playing with the wind, settled into the game and created a number of chances when moving the ball through their back line.

After twenty minutes Waterpark were rewarded for their work when Gary Walsh slipped through a few tackles to score near the posts. Ten minutes later Waterpark stretched their lead when Jamie Kiersey made a break in midfield to score and leave Waterpark 14-7 ahead.

Clanwilliam worked hard and managed to stop the Waterpark momentum and get back into the game. Clanwilliam’s efforts were rewarded close to half time when Niall Leahy kicked a penalty to leave four points between the teams at half time.

Clanwilliam upped their game from the start of the second half. The forwards were providing quality ball and good use of the wind kept Waterpark on the back foot. The Clanwilliam set-piece was in control and solid tackles limited the Waterpark opportunities.

Twenty minutes into the second half, Clanwilliam got the all important try following a quick tap penalty close to the line. After a number of attempts at the Waterpark line, Shaun Whlean was the player to get over for the try under the posts.

Ten minutes later, Clanwilliam extended their lead to six points when Niall Leahy kicked a long range penalty.

Waterpark came back at Clanwilliam looking for a winning score, and spent most of the final ten minutes camped close to the Clanwilliam line. Superb defence from Clanwilliam, with a number of quality turnovers ensured Clanwilliam held out for a deserved win.

Captain Sean Walsh, who led by example throughout the game, accepted the Garryowen Cup in front of the enthusiastic Clanwilliam supporters to finish off a very successful season for the club.

Congratulations to all the players in the Clanwilliam squad, and to all involved, on retaining the Garryowen Cup.