Munster Express Online

It was a perfect day for rugby as Waterpark and Newtown ran onto the pitch for the 4 o’clock kick off. The first Daunt cup encounter for five years.

Newtown had the kick off to start the game and an immediate penalty was conceded by Waterpark for holding on while on the ground. The penalty hit the post and play resumed. Newtown won their own lineout and eventually spread the ball wide for the first try of the game. The conversion went harmlessly wide.

Waterpark struck back straightaway with two well worked penalties both converted by Tom Kiersey. However Newtown struck back with a penalty of their own. Bringing the score to 8-6 in Newtowns favour.

With half time looming a fantastic try was tucked into the corner by David Fitzgerald with wonderful hands from Kieran O’Neill and Kevin Conway to send him in. The half time score line made pleasant reading for Waterpark at 11-8.

Conner Molloy stepped onto the pitch in place of David Walsh for the second half as a tactical substitution and it proved to be the right move as Waterparks game became more fluid. Waterpark continued their good form from the first half. A well worked scrum, a beautiful dummy and some good pace put Tom Kiersey through under the posts for Waterparks second of the day. The conversion was kicked by the try scorer to bring the score to 18-8.

Waterpark went to kill off the game as yet another drive up field resulted in Scott Hornibrook scoring in the corner. With the conversion missed the score line read 23-8. Newtown struck back straight away with fierce pressure being put on waterparks defensive line as Newtown entered Waterparks 22 for the first time in the second half. Waterpark held up well until Newtown broke through the line and put Brendan Perkins in for Newtowns second try.

There were a few tense moments for Waterpark as Newtown pressed for a third to try to close the 10-point deficit but they left it too late and the final whistle was blown. This was the first time Waterpark had beat Newtown in 9 years.

Waterpark made full use of their subs bench with the likes of Jack Bishop, Geoff Power and Dean Hepburn holding their own in their respective areas.

The cup was lifted by Captain Greg Staff and Connor Molloy. My first commendments go to the Waterpark front row as they superbly held their own against a strong Newtown scrum, even wining one against the head. I would also like to congratulate all who participated in what was an extraordinary match. Waterpark will remember this win for a long time