New boys dominate U16 selection

Munster U16 coach Stephen Sweetnam has named 15 first-timers for this season’s interpros, which take place from November 19-21 at Newpark School in Dublin. With just three players returning from last year’s squad, Sweetnam must mould a lot of new talent, but can take solace in the fact that the engine room of the team contains plenty of experience.

Ireland U16 Gary Wilkinson and Richard Sweetnam are both playing their third years at this level, and should form a serious midfield triumvirate with Alex Burns, with Owen Chambers and Max Van Haastrecht also in contention. Midleton College’s Daniel Moore and Peter Coulter of Ashton will slog it out for the goalkeeper’s spot, while Robert Johnson of Midleton, Villiers’ Ian Gibson, Bandon Grammar’s Colin Kingston and Ashton duo David Whittaker and Clyde Buttimer have been selected in defence. At the other end, Simon Wolfe is the most experienced forward in the squad – and is the third returnee from last year’s panel – while Riyad McCormack is coming off the back of  an impressive season with Catholic Institute. They are joined by Bandon Grammar pair Mark Kingston and Julian Dale, Midleton’s Alex Deane and Phil Brownlow of Ashton. The side will be hoping to fare better than last year, when first-day beatings by Ulster and Leinster began proceedings badly, before the group recovered to record a notable 2-1 victory over Leinster. MUNSTER U16 BOYS 2010/11 (captain TBC): Daniel Moore (GK, Midleton College); Peter Coulter (GK, Ashton); Robert Johnson (Midleton College), Ian Gibson (Villiers), David Whittaker (Ashton), Clyde Buttimer (Ashton), Colin Kingston (Bandon Grammar), Max Van Haastrecht (Ashton), Richard Sweetnam (Ashton), Gary Wilkinson (Ashton), Alex Burns (Midleton College), Owen Chambers (Midleton College), Mark Kingston (Bandon Grammar), Julian Dale (Bandon Grammar), Simon Wolfe (Ashton), Phil Brownlow (Ashton), Riyad McCormack (Catholic Institute), Alex Deane (Midleton College). Coach: Stephen Sweetnam Manager: David Harvey