Lansdowne U20s  ended 2018 with another on the road win which  consolidated third spot in Premier 1 league.

MU Barnhall  in Parsonstown is a venue where it is always difficult to get a result, and this time proved no differently.

Against a well drilled, resilient side, Lansdowne had to put in a concerted team effort to hold on as MU Barnhall exerted huge pressure in the closing moments of the game.

Playing with the breeze, Lansdowne opened brightly when Cillian Redmond, returning after injury, handled well to finish off and score out wide.

MU Barnhall then defended well before they finally broke out and were rewarded with a penalty just before half time.

Just after the break, after an MU Barnhall attack broke down, Cillian Redmond pounced to score out wide again. Stephen Madigan converted well into a strong wind.

Lansdowne then took the game to MU Barnhall but were unable to turn possession into points and with about eight minutes to go, MU Barnhall mauled well to score a converted try.

Lansdowne then in “backs to the wall style” , defended  their line bravely to come away with the points.

A great team effort, notably from our pack, where Daragh Murphy lead from the front. Great work also by  Luke Thompson, who had several key turnovers,  Conor Gleeson for starting for the first time this season and giving it 100%, Caolim Fassbender for mastering the lineouts.

In the backline, Garteth Fizgerald & Stephen Madigan controlled well at nine and ten.

However, Man of the Match this week goes to winger Cillian Redmond.

We wish all our U20s good luck in their exams, and  hope the enjoy a well deserved break.

Merry Christmas.