A one point win would have done. It was cup rugby after all. No one was looking
for heroics, just a win. As holders of the AIB cup, retention of the trophy was
the main task of the day, but we all knew there was a bit more to this
particular game than just that. Blackrock must surely have fancied their
chances after their 41-27 win on the opening day of the league.
Revenge was a word not even used in the pre match team talk, but what was
spoken about was the restoration of pride after that defeat. That day, in early
October the lads themselves knew better than anyone else that they failed to do
their ability justice. Well last Saturday, not only did they restore their
pride against Blackrock, but they did it in style. There was a lot of hurt
after the initial match and all the pent up frustration manifested itself in
our best performance of the season so far. Five tries was no mean feat and
while a lapse in concentration for a short period in the second half allowed
Blackrock two tries, one was very fortuitous. The progress, both physically and
mentally was demonstrated in abundance in the final quarter of the game. This
result was made all the more satisfying when one considers the plethora of
injuries we have in the squad. Fiach was forced to pull out on Friday, while
Mike Essex took the warm up, but failed to come through. The two players that
took their place did so effortlessly and both were outstanding. Ross O'Loughlin
was in for his brother and Jason Cronin came in for Mike and I don't think I've
seen either play a better game in a very long time. On a day when everyone
stood up and was counted it was perhaps Tadhg
Bennett's performance at outhalf that once again set the confident mood. 20
additional points to his previous 71 in the league tell only a small part of
his game. He controlled with kicks, he tackled like a lion and above all he
dictated the pace of the game on our behalf. The return of two time AIB League
winner Fionn McLoughlin from
Our reward for a win is a home tie (finally) against Ballynahinch and despite
the difference of divisions they will certainly prove a tough outfit. But
that's not until January 10th.
The three week break comes with mixed feelings. The momentum gathered recently
would have stood if we did have a game, but on the other hand the break will
allow injuries to heal and bodies to rejuvenate.
Not to be outdone by the seniors, the seconds were equally as impressive in the
league against Cork Con on Sunday in Coonagh. It's not often that any team at
any level puts up over 30 points against Con so to claim bonus point win was
very satisfying. Player coach Frankie Mc was in fine form at the base of the
scrum, while Mark Tuohy really strong in attack. It was close enough at the
start of the game with Gavin Murphy opening the account, but Con responded with
a try of their own. It was in the second half though that the real difference
in the sides told. While not entirely one way traffic, the lads were in control
with additional tries by Frankie Daly, Shane Mullally and a brace by
replacement Paddy O'Sullivan. A very encouraging display from every everyone
and several players put selection headaches in the watching Geoff Moylan's mind
albeit good ones, and with our seconds playing well it ensures that all our senior
squad will be kept on their toes.
This Sunday they host UCC at 2.30 in Coonagh.
Unfortunately the thirds had to make do with a friendly game against St Mary's
as the home side didn't have sufficient numbers to field a team in the Gleeson
League. With a big squad to choose from, our management decided to
"loan" a few players to Saints, so at least some sort of a game was
played. This Saturday they face possibly their biggest challenge of the season
when the play Garryowen in the Gleeson league in Coonagh at 12.30.
Our U/20's didn’t fair so good in the AIL against a very strong Buccaneers
side. The physical size of the visitors was immense and when you consider that
the Buccaneers side contained 12 Connacht U/20
players the task was enormous. The lads did battle bravely throughout, but just
couldn't counteract the deficiencies in size. It's a game that will certainly
stand to the lads as they continue to rebuild the side and hopefully they can
bounce back this Saturday where they are away to Bruff with a 2.30 kickoff.
The Ladies have a game in Youghal on Sunday.
It was a busy enough weekends for our underage with several sides in action.
Both U/13's had games and while the Blues put in a battling display against UL
hawks they lost, but he Blacks had a great win over UL Lions. The U/14's had
their first competitive match of the season and had a great 29-5 win over
Galway Corinthians. Jack McDermott was in superb form and scored three tries.
Evan Fitzgerald squeezed into the corner near the end to finish off the scoring
while Ronan McKenna added the remainder with his boot.
The U/18's recorded a win over Old crescent which was good preparation for
their big match against Newcastlewest this Sunday in Coonagh at
The U/13 blues are at home to Thomond while the blacks are away to UL/Bohs
hawks.
Finally, the news that Tony Buckley was selected to start for
ANDREW McNAMARA (PRO)