Munster Express Online

Amid emotional scenes, Tom Kiersey held aloft the IRFU All-Ireland Under-17 trophy following Waterpark’s historic 13-point success over Enniscorthy at Fournaughts on Saturday last.

This single victory will go down in the annals of the Ballinakill club’s history, and deservedly so.

Not only did this victory represent a new high-water mark for Park, but the composure and discipline of the team means they stand alone in black and red.

The coaching and management team of George Anderson, Brian McCarthy, Willie Walsh and Ro O’Hare deserve enormous credit for helping this talented group produce the goods week after week.

Enniscorthy President Charlie Kavanagh, while obviously disappointed, didn’t hesitate in congratulating the new champions (“The better team on the day won.”)

But he was surprised to learn that no less than 10 of the staring Park XV are eligible for this grade again next season – so the future certainly bodes well for Waterpark and for rugby in Waterford.

Playing with the breeze and with the sun to their backs, ‘Scorthy were ahead inside 60 seconds through a drop goal from out half Brendan Kearney.

Within four minutes, following a surging run from Park number eight Damien O’Dwyer, Tom Kiersey bisected the posts with a penalty from inside the twenty-two. A second successful kick in the 12th minute put Waterpark ahead for the first time.

Having sustained some considerable Enniscorthy pressure at the end of the first quarter, Waterpark’s defensive line was finally breached by speedy winger Dermot Breen. Kearney added the conversion to push their advantage out to four points.

But back immediately came Park, who surged 40 metres upfield thanks to some smart pick and drive work, finished off by flanker Kalani Moore.

Just two minutes before half-time, O’Dwyer picked the ball from the base of a five-metre scrum for a second Waterpark try, superbly converted from the touchline by Kiersey. At the break, Park led 18-10, a lead they were not to relinquish.

From the restart, Waterpark retained control and had a third try within five minutes.

The marauding O’Dwyer was hauled down five metres out after a great dive into the heart of the Enniscorthy defence, but Park successfully recycled the ball.

From the base of the ruck, Conor Haran produced a superb pop pass to hooker Darren Coady, who took the ball in full flight to blast his way over the line.

See The Munster Express newspaper for full match report.