Sunday last turned out to be a day when many of the current squad of players "came of age".Weather conditions in Tipperary Town mirrored those in Sradey Park the previous evening when Munster prevailed over Llanelli .The Pirates needing a win to ensure they would not be dragged into a relegation battle,played with the wind (blowing to the clubhouse end) in the first half.Clanwilliam to their credit had the better start and retained possesion well for the first 10 mins or so ,before Brendan Ronan found a great touchline position from a penalty ,deep in the Clanwilliam half. Kevin Geary took a great lineout ,which was taken on by the forwards ,before Niall Walley from full back entered the line to touch down for the opening score. Captain ,Eamon Ronan converted 7-0 to Pirates.

 

Clanwilliam ,using their rumbling pack came back well and were rewarded somewhat bizarrely when ,from a penalty kick at goal, the Clanwilliam touch judge raised his flag confirming a score,meanwhile Pirates touch judge ,Joe Geary,kept his flag firmly by his side,the ball made its way to the in-goal area,players started to remonstrate with the optically challenged touch judge and meanwhile the Clanwilliam winger followed up the kick and touched it down for a try!The try was awarded by the referee and there were red faces all around.The conversion was missed and as one Clanwilliam wag remarked it should have been 8 points to Clanwilliam.As it was the score stood at 10-5 to Pirates.

 

Clanwilliam continued to attack leading up to half time and Pirates were thankfull for some great defence by forwards Phil Weir,Martin Clifford and Cillian Casey to keep the score at 10-5 at half time.Kevin Geary and Peter Cronin were magnificent at line out time also during the same period of pressure.
Pirates task looked daunting heading into the second half,facing a storm force wind.However this is when their true character came to the fore.Forwards Michael Keating ,Eoin Mc Coitir John O Malley took responsibility early on and took a leaf from the Munster copy book of the previous evening by retaining possesion and keeping the play tight.Clanwilliam began to give away penalties and Eamon Ronan used the touchline to put Pirates into Clanwilliam territory.After great work from Peter Cronin and Karl Keating Pirates were awarded a penalty on the 22.Into the wind it was no easy task ,but Eamon Ronan converted brilliantly to put Pirates 13-5 in front.

 

Clanwilliam kicked off and almost immediately conceded a penalty for "handling in the ruck" and Clanwilliam were back in the game 13-8.
The next 15 minutes of the half brought heroic displays from all concerned.Scrum half Ruairi Geary directed forwards and backs as great patience was shown by the experienced players ;John Barry-Murphy,Brendan Ronan and Niall Walley .The younger players showed no nerves and Jack Hickey making his first full start deserves a particular mention for his fielding of high balls ,outstanding tackling and classy running.Indeed Jack was to be rewarded with a ty with 15 minutes to go ,when Karl Keating ,having taken from number 8 Cillian Casey in a practised move ,showed all his skill and experienced in freeing Jack to run to the corner and score second try of the day.It was a great score made possible by all the hard work and team ethic appied in that second half .Eamon had an impossible task ,converting into the force 7 wind..18-8 to Pirates.

 

Coaches Ian Dunne and Colm Mc Coitir were anxiously looking at their watchs from here on in,but need not have worried as stout defence and cover tackling from Johnny Brennan and later Colm O Donovan kept Clanwilliam at bay.Young Tom Keaveney also came on as replaement at this time and belied his tender years with some super tackling and driving runs.Clanwilliam were awarded a penalty ,just on full time and elected to kick to secure a bonus point with a score of 18-11.

 

The fine combination of young players and those more experienced from Pirates league campaigns over the last few years,combined well to give Pirates a credible win and allows them to enter the festive season in good form.Special mention to Mugger ,looking after the gear ,Richie Mc Grath on first aid and strapping and unused subs Conor Anderson ,Joey Hind and Dave Lambe.Also Joe Geary for doing the line and all who travelled to support.