Shannon 21s show second half sparkle

U21 Southwestern Conference AIL:

Shannon 16, UCC 3

A SUPERB second half performance in Coonagh gave Shannon's U/21 side a second victory this season over traditional contenders at this level UCC last Saturday.

It was a game that could easily have been dominated by the strong breeze, which should have given either side a 40-minute advantage, but as it turned out, both sides played their more productive rugby when facing the elements. Crucially though and ultimately match defining, it was Shannon that accumulated the points in the second half that gave them a 16-3 win.

The boot of Ben Sargent was called upon a few times throughout the game to secure additional Shannon points, and while he did miss, two in the first half, three sublime efforts in the second 40 sealed a well-deserved Shannon win.

The home and away format of this league saw UCC come to Coonagh seeking a reversal of the November encounter, but despite fielding a traditional strong side, they were outmatched and outplayed throughout Shannon's commanding second half performance.

The students did look the better side for much of the opening half and will rue their lack of penetration which left them with only a successful penalty for their efforts, especially as Shannon were reduced to 14 for the 10 minutes. Shannon looked a tad lethargic for much of the first half and looked to play a containment game for long periods. They were awarded 3 kickable penalties in the 10 minutes prior to the break, one of which Sargent landed to level matters, but it still looked a difficult task for them to hold the beefy looking students at bay.

It was hard to imagine that the UCC would fail to register another score at the break, given the wind advantage, but that's what transpired. Shannon seemed to flick a switch at the resumption that automatically increased their work rate, and perhaps their desire.

A controlled and patient approach served them well and after 47 minutes, Sargent tacked over a cracking penalty from the right hand side to give his side the lead. More woe was piled upon the Coonagh visitors when Shannon's momentum gave them position in the '22 almost 10 minutes later. A quick tap free from a scrum and Shannon's prop Mark Corby ploughed his way over from 12 metres.

Aspirations of success are often defined in the briefest of moments, and that was the case for UCC, especially when Sargent added the conversion with an exquisitely judged kick.

There was still nearly 20 minutes to play, but a defensive line that solidified as the game progressed saw Shannon outwit, and effectively outmuscle any UCC fringe and wide attack.

While Sergeant's third successful 66th minute penalty could not be described as the match winner, it did continue the trend of confidence his colleagues were playing with.

UCC were never a beaten side and tried admirably to get back in contention, but even when presented with several attacking scrums in the final quarter the controlled ferocity of Shannon in defence ensured a scoreless second half for the students.

Shannon were worthy 16-3 winners, and can reflect on a topsy turvy performance. A less than effective opening half was counteracted with a passionate and intelligent second half which lead to a unique 2 from 2 win rate over UCC this season. The League is still a long way from its conclusion, but such a morale-boasting win will give Shannon U/21s plenty of confidence going into the latter stages.