17.10.2009 J2 XV v Blackrock (A)
| 17/10/2009 | 3:00pm | League | Blackrock College | 8 – 29 | St. Marys J2 XV | Away |
Blackrock J2 V St. Marys College J2
8 29
Even though the scoreline might suggest this was a comfortable win, it was far from it as it required a huge 2nd half defensive effort to keep a very commited Rock team from getting back into the game. We learnt before the game that Greystones had withdrawn from our league and our result last week against them was null and void which made a victory here very important.
We started strongly taking the game to our hosts and took an early lead through a good piece of opportunist play from James Dunne who gathered his own chip through and beat two defenders to score a try which he converted. We increased our lead awhile later when after a drive from a 5 metre lineout and a succession of pick and goes from the pack close in, Ollie McCormack muscled his way over for a try which again was converted. Rock scored a penalty kick to reduce the arrears 5 minutes later. But coming up to half time, after good work on the ground by Brophy and some good interplay between Crawford, Buggy and Conboy, Jack Ardagh was put over in the corner for a try which left the half time score 19-3 in our favour.
The 2nd half had barely kicked off when Graham Crawford sliced through their midfield and showed good pace to score a try and ensure the bonus point. But Rock came back strongly and laid siege on our line. The ref seemed to being penalising us for fun at this stage which resulted in them spending the best part of 20 minutes not more than 15 metres from our line but as mentioned, a huge effort and total commitment from the team kept them from crossing our line and eventually we cleared our lines. To make matters worse for Rock, we went down the pitch and scored another nice team try finished off again by Ardagh after strong phase play from the pack. Rock did finally manage to cross our line for a consolation try with virtually the last play of the game and although disappointed to concede a try after our earlier defensive efforts it was probably a deserved score for Rock and all their efforts.
Next up is Belvo at home in two weeks, who are the league leaders and beat us in a friendly at the start of the season so it will be our biggest game so far.
p.s. Thanks to Rory and the lads from the J3’s who came along and subbed and helped contribute to the win.
A. Shirley
15) A. Conboy 14) J. Ardagh 13) J. Buggy 12) G. Crawford 11) J. Dunne 10) A. Shirley 9) E. McCormack 8) G. Foran 7) R. Ryan 6) B. Brophy 5) G. McInerney 4) P. Foran 3) K. McInerney 2) B. Moran 1) O. McCormack
Subs: P. Barret, B. Short, G. Foley, G. Roche, S. Walsh