Sport
Shannahan ShaveCayman in Second Thriller
The Pennsylvanianplaymaker charges for the try line
Photos by Tara Bush
Saturday afternoon saw the second game inthe Easter tournament with Bishop Shannahan seeking revenge againstthe local U-19 side. Again, the game was played in three periodsand Cayman used the first period to give their younger squad membersa run out. Cayman struck in the first minute with a penalty fromSpike Anderson, but Shannahan immediately responded with an attackdown the left which, following some inexperience in the Caymanbacks, led to an unconverted try.
The young Cayman side was not intimidatedby this and kept up the pressure making several incursions deepinto the Shannahan half. Their determination paid dividends andAnderson punished Shannahan offences with two more penalty goals.Shannahan kicked deep following the third penalty and a hard runfrom their winger was rewarded when he charged down Cayman's clearingkick to score a second try as the first period closed. Cayman9, Shannahan 10.
The second and third periods were equallyexciting and had the large, knowledgeable crowd on it's feet.Both teams were fully committed and the skills in the ruck andmauls were a joy to see, although both sides need to tighten upon line out work. Shannahan scored a third try during the secondperiod after some lack of discipline and attention led to a tappenalty from close in. Cayman made every effort to clinch thegame but were held out and the game finished 15 - 9 in favourof Shannahan.
Coach Brendan Touhey said, "We area little disappointed with the result as our lads played someterrific rugby. It was almost a case of snatching defeat fromthe jaws of victory. However, in the grand scheme of things, thiswas another big step in the development of this young and skillfulside. If we stick to our training the victories will soon startto mount up."
Ontario Province Arrive
Ontario played ther first game on Sundayafternoon against Shannahan who were very tired following thegames against Cayman. They are clearly a team to beat, being aselect group from teams throughout Ontario. Fresh and skillfulthey handed down a 50 - 9 beating on Shannahan and should provea major challenge to Cayman on Tuesday, 5p.m. at the South Soundpitch.