05.01.2013 J2 XV v Stillorgan (H)

05/01/20132:45pmLeagueSt. Marys J2 XV26 – 8StillorganHome

St. Mary’s College RFC J2 26 Stillorgan RFC 8

The scoreline flatters us. We spent the entire second half in our 22 defending against a powerful Stillorgan side. Heroic defence and the odd infringement saw us reduced to 13 men at one point but we battled on and only conceded one score to the giant Stillorgan pack who got a good try from a maul. In the last play of the game Joey saw there was ‘nobody at home’ and kicked down field for Kieran Lewis to gather and expertly off load to Harry Norton to get the very important bonus point try.

The game was won in the first half where we scored three good tries. Captain McInerney bravely tapped a penalty under their posts and fed his rampaging brother Kenny to smash through and stretch out for the try. All, including me, were happy the decision to tap paid off… The second try saw some great passing and running from the backs which put Harry Norton away for his first try of the day. The third score was by Graham Crawford who ran a great switch line off first receiver to crash in under the posts. Crawford also did the defensive play of the day –  the Stillorgan out-half kicked a ball from a penalty into our corner. As it was heading into touch for a dangerous 5 metre lineout to them, Crawford jumped up and batted the ball back into play just around the try line. He then picked it up and booted it into touch –  on the halfway line. An amazing clearance.

Stephen Shirley.

15. Harry Norton (2 tries) 14.Richie McMickan 13. Kieran Lewis 12. Jason Verdon 11. Graham Crawford (1 try) 10. Joey Connolly 9. E McCormack 8. Brendan Short 7. Louis Burke 6. Rob Timmons 5. Graeme McInerney (Capt) 4. Gavin Thornbury 3. Kenny McInerney (one try) 2. Brian Moran 1. Peter Barrett. Subs: 16. Alan Shirley  17. Paddy Morris 18. Simon Gibney 19. Colm Barry 20. JJ Clarke