Clonmel Warriors

by Luke Lonergan

The Clonmel Warriors hosted the South-East Strongbows, based in Co. Waterford on Sunday July 11th. It was the Warriors’ third match of the year after wins over Tralee and Edenderry. The Strongbows reformed for the first time in several years to play the game. The Waterford team ran out winners over the disappointing Warriors, 26-6.

The Warriors first possession of the game didn’t advance and the ball was duly turned over on downs. The usually adept and successful Warrior offense spluttered on the day – a problem which would hurt the team. The Strongbows, using a mix of passes and runs found the end zone off the back of a long drive. Simon Whelan connected deftly with Eoin Reinhardt for six points. The extra point was successful to give the Strongbows a 7 point lead. The Warrior offense commandeered by Dean O’ Regan moved up the field on their next possession but again were stopped by the tough defense they faced. The Strongbows were stopped on their next drive but the Clonmel offense continually failed to get moving. Whelan found Cian Reinhardt for the touchdown. The extra point was no good to leave the score at 13-0. Quarterback Dean O’ Regan was intercepted on the next drive as receivers Kevin Cunningham and Adam Gillesson were covered. The ensuing drive was stalled by the Warrior defense. Linebackers Luke Lonergan and Chris Noonan stopped several runs and placed pressure on Whelan – Cunningham eventually came up with an interception. The teams broke for halftime witht Clonmel down 13-0.

The Warriors playing defense to start the second half were not able to contain the Strongbows as the points came thick and fast. Micheal Kavanagh raced into the end zone to cap off a long drive. The extra point was stopped. Quarterback O’ Regan was intercepted again by Aaron Walsh. The Strongbow offense failed to generate points off the turnover. Wide Receiver Cunningham then moved to Quarterback after O’ Regan suffered an injury. He moved the Warriors offense but was intercepted by the hawkish Strongbow defense. Whelan connected with Eoin Riendhardt again and the ensuing extra point was successful. The Strongbows now had an insurmountable 26-0 lead. Dean O’ Regan on the next drive found his receiver Cunningham for a long catch-and-run touchdown. The touchdown failed to start a scoring trend as the Warriors crashed to their first loss of the season while the Strongbows proved victorious in a tough game in Clonmel. Both teams now look ahead to the away game in Waterford with anticipation of another great flag football game.

The Clonmel Warriors on the day suffered heavily. Missing some players from their lineup – notably Declan O’ Halloran, Alan Duddley and Gary Crowe – they lost some of their offensive and defensive capabilty. The Warriors – noted for their successful and high scoring offense were held in check by tough opposition. Despite the loss, the Warriors were notable in some areas. The game was considered closer than the score suggests. Cornerback coverage and Linebacker play was considered a bright spot. The rookies Adam Gillesson and Eamon Quinlan also got a taste for the action that they’ll hopefully see throughout the season. The Warriors are looking forward with anticipation to more games this year and hopefully several tournaments.