There’s one thing that we can say without question after our senior teams
exploits in our last few AIL games and that’s that they certainly know how to
leave the faithful exasperated and sometimes frustrated. Clontarf appeared to
be struggling last Saturday and then we give them a break through a mistake and
look what happens, they damn well go and win the game. Not a very pleasing
outcome, and yet again we must experience another last day of anxiousness in the
league to decide our fate. It should never really have been like this though. A
series of last minute defeats, for various reasons, coupled with one or two
poor performances sees us linger in such a precarious position, but thankfully
we are still in the hunt for the playoff place, which at the start of the
season was of course the ultimate goal. We couldn’t really ask for a more
difficult task in the last game with Garryowen coming to Coonagh with,
depending on their result on Saturday, an eye on one of the playoff places
also. There will be vast improvement required from Last Saturday’s result,
especially the second half performance when Clontarf almost ran us ragged with
some slick handling. Despite this we were still leading until near the end of
the game, but another mess at a scrum saw the visitors pounce on a loose ball
and score the winner. For the record it finished 32-26 in our favour and the
only consolation we garnered was the fast that a lat drop goal effort from
Clontarf drifted wide and thus ensure we secure the losing bonus point.
That loss at senior level was the only defeat throughout the club over the
weekend with all underage and adult sides deflecting the disappointment
somewhat.
Whilst the senior game was taking place, the U/21’s were in action on the well
pitch in the All Ireland Quarter final against Terenure. Thankfully they
advanced to this Saturday’s semi final, but it was by the skin of their teeth.
A very late try from Luke O’Dea brought parity to the side at 18-18 and then a
super conversion from Ben Sergeant gave us a rather unlikely victory given the
preceding events. Terenure can justifiably feel that luck was not in their
favour as it was they that looked the more likely candidates to advance from as
early as the 5th minute when they scorched away for a break away try. Our lads
struggled at times to match the physicality of the Dubliners, but thankfully
the never say die attitude has been instilled in them from the management. The
visitors held all the advantages in the opening half including the very strong
wind and predictably turned around at the break with the lead and despite the
reversal of the elements; they continued to force the pace for almost the
entire second half. For a few brief moments we threatened and on one of those
occasions. No.8 Sean O’Brien barged over to leave a glimmer that looked a bit
faded until Luke’s excellent late flurry and Ben’s magnificent conversion. . A
little lucky perhaps, but nonetheless a semi final against UCC was secured and
no one needs to inform either the team or the management the task that lies
ahead. It’s not all that long ago that the students inflicted our only defeat
of the season with an absolute trouncing, albeit against a depilated side, and
atonement will certainly be a motivating factor this Saturday. Kick off in
Coonagh is at 2.30.
I must apologise to our thirds for downgrading their game with Waterpark as a
mere friendly in last weeks notes. It was in fact a crucial Webb Cup game and
thankfully they didn’t take it too badly as they went out and took the spoils
in yet another tense battle. Last minute heroics, even for the opposition,
seemed to be a recurring theme for our sides last Saturday as it took an almost
herculean effort from the lads to secure a 24-22 win. Looking to clear away the
frustration of their Gleeson League Final defeat they started strongly and Jon
Lynch went in for an early try which was converted by Fergie Curtin, That’s as
good as it got for the first half as we struggled to contain a robust Waterpark
side who took a 16 -7 lead .It was mid way thru the second half before we began
to get to grips with the game and a great individual effort from Paddy Reidy,
again converted by Fergie Curtin brought us back into the game. It looked
however if the revival would falter but, with the clock running down Jimmy
Doran turned over a great ball deep in our own half and set up Denis Giltenane
to give us back the lead at 19- 16 The drama was far from over however, and
Waterpark somehow managed to score two penalties to swing the pendulum back in
their favor. Back in Limerick Injury time was not a friend to our seniors, but
the sunny south east was a different kettle of fish with one last throw of the
dice, Jon Lynch set off on his way from deep in our 22. Jim Henniger had the
supporting role and took the glory when he touched down for the winner. A great
win, for a great team and I’ve no doubt that result will restore their
confidence. The lads have asked to convey their gratitude to Eamon Butler who
provided a meal for them on the return journey which was greatly appreciated.
The games seem to get bigger for the thirds as the weeks progress as this
Saturday the play Old Crescent in the Mc Inerny Cup final in Coonagh at 12.30.
It promises to be a great day’s rugby in Coonagh so get well feed prior to the
thirds game and stay for the U/21’s.
The ladies completed their league campaign on a positive note when they beat
Young Munster by 12-5 in Coonagh last Sunday which ensured they secured third
place in the league. This must be considered an achievement by the ladies who
after a stuttering start to the season regarding player numbers, turned the
corner through excellent coaching and management skills. They have produced
some excellent performances throughout the season and all involved deserve
immense credit for their efforts. On Sunday it was tries from Catherine Buggy
and Therese Heartly that paved the way for the win while Lynda Tracey knocked
over the only conversion of the game.
It was a 100% weekend for our underage sides with the U/13’s beating Bruff, the
U/15’s and U/17’s beating Ennis while the U/14’s progressed to the League final
with a win over UL/Bohs.
Fixtures this week will be relatively quite with the Easter Break , but next
Wednesday the 14’s play Old Crescent in the league final in Coonagh at 6pm.