“Brimming with anticipation and not without a healthy tinge of nerves, Charleville U14/U13s had their first match of the season on Wednesday night at Shandrum with Kanturk the visitors.

Although billed as a friendly challenge match, the team took to the field with no doubt about the key messages of doing their basics well, backing each other and giving total commitment. And that is exactly what they did.

It was a tight game throughout the three segments of 20mins. Both sides trading tries after decent spells of possession.

Charleville impressed particularly in the protection of their ball at the breakdown and recycling it through successive phases. This patience with their own ball was the platform for their scores.

Kanturk ability to get the ball to strong runners to counter from deep was the marginal difference in the end.

The blending of new Charleville players was a standout feature of the night, both those new to the sport and new to full 15 a side with set positions.

When we consider that Kanturk are one of the strongest teams in this division, have been in pre season for two months and already played three matches, Charleville boys losing 17-24 gave themselves and the coaches a clear message:

Building on this commitment and continuing to strengthen our skills is going send a roll of thunder across West Munster this season.”