09/09/2008 7:30pm Cup Kildare 0 – 22 St. Marys 1st XV Away
Cill Dara 0 St Mary’s College 22
This match had been originally scheduled for last weekend but because the lads were on their away training trip to France it was re-fixed for tonight.
As has been the norm in recent weeks and months, the rain came belting down – particularly so prior to kick off. All the rain in the world however wouldn’t appear to have any impact on the pitches in Cill Dara – they have all weather type pitches that can take all the rain we’ve had and still look perfect.
There were a few interested Marys’ supporters there afterwards enquiring as to who did them, how much they cost etc etc.! ! That’ll have to be next on our shopping list.
As for the game itself – we got off to a crackin start with an early try from Conor McPhillips after capitalising on a mistake by their winger, he snaffled the ball and put on the after-burners leaving all behind him – Shaun Added the convert and we were 7 points to the good.
The game ebbed and flowed and to be fair given the wet conditions, both teams had a mind to open it up. This however led to some ball handling errors in their attempt to fling it about. Our penalty count was also far too high, causing us to have to turn over possession at key stages – critically a few on their line.
Some wonderful interplay and passing by all the players made for a very attractive game, but at only 7 – 0 we couldn’t just get comfy on the sideline.
After a reasonably entertaining 1st half we turned round still 7 up despite them having an easy penalty in front of the sticks – he missed it.
In the 2nd half it was more of the same, but you did feel that we would turn on the heat and blow them away in the 2nd half. Credit to Cill dara though – these guys are used to a tough brand of rugby in the Leinster league and Towns Cup etc so no they never gave up the ghost. 5 mins or so into the second half we got a pently and Shaun slotted it with ease.
A few minutes later after more good interplay, Ronan Doherty got the ball and having eyed the corner flag he showed the opposition a clean pair of heels and scored. Again Shaun struck a majestic conversion to make it now 17 – 0.
They started to sense more scores to come and so began to cough up some penalties of their own including 2 yellow cards for some “afters” following Ronans Try. That didn’t actually help the game – being 2 men down.
Soon after again Louis Burke was in for a score but lost the ball in his attempt to ground it “mid dive”..
Shaun McCarthy wrapped off a good evenings work for him and finished off Cill Dara’s chances when he blocked down a kick, gathered I, and waltzed in for the final score. He seemed to strike the conversion perfectly and we were all sure it was over – even Will Heffernan’s Video reply seemed to concur. Either way, the TJ’s said no so the score remained at 22 – 0.
We manfully battled to get the bonus point try but alas despite many brave efforts we just fell short – especially of time.
An entertaining game, ruined somewhat by the weather but enjoyable nonetheless..
TEAM
Philly Brophy – CAPT, Conor McPhillips, Stephen Grissing, Mark Sexton, Ronan Doherty, Shaun McCarthy, Matt Darcy, Colm McMahon, Matt Duggan, Chops Sweeney, Gareth Logan, Fergus O Sullivan, Barry O Flanagan, Louis Burke, Paul Nash.
Subs (That I saw) Chunky Carroll, Conor Donohoe, Dave Kilbride, Conor Hogan, Kevin Sheahan,