31.10.2010 U20 Premier XV v Wanderers (A)
| 31/10/2010 | 3:00pm | J.P. Fanagan League | Wanderers | 3 – 40 | St. Marys U21s 1st XV | Away |
St. Mary’s V Wanderers (40-3)
The Squad:
1. Shane Kearney 2. David Callanan 3. Robert Ferris 4. Stephen Maguire
5. Gavin Thornberry 6. Darragh Keller 7. Thomas Lamboley 8. Mark Fallon 9. Chris Lilly 10. Colin Sheridan 11. Owen Moriarty 12. Ciaran Collins 13. Steve Toal Lennon 14. Ros Wynne 15. Ray Crotty
Subs: Sean Preston, Rory O’Donovan, Julien Cazabet, Quentin Audiffren, Simon O’Donnell, Maurice Walsh, Ryan O’Loughlin.
Now that was certainly better!!
Firstly I apologise for the lateness of this report. It has been one of those weeks!
What happened last Sunday in Wanders was nothing short of a total transformation, from an excellent group of talented individuals into a fully functioning team. While the whole squad on the day deserve huge credit, there is no doubt in my mind that the catalyst to for this metamorphosis was the return of Darragh Keller and Ray Crotty to the squad. Stephen Maguire (from Rockwell) at No.4 played a huge part in the game also.
For the first time this season we mauled the ball as a unit. We competed effectively in open play and particularly in the rucks. Our scrums were tight and dominant and most importantly we were patient. This gave our backs the frequency of ball and the platform with which to run riot over the Wanders backs who (including young Conor Gilsenan at 10) defended stoutly for as long as they could.
The first try came directly from an excellent maul form 10mteres out. It was controlled, patient and ultimately successful with Keller touching down for a well worked 5 points. On 38 minutes, again following excellent forward play, Robert Ferris (Wheel) crashed over from 10 feet and the conversion was well taken by Colin Sheridan.
The penalty kick by the Wanders No 15, from the 10 meter touch line, is worthy of mention as it was an excellent kick. Not only because it was successful but because it was perfectly struck and the clear result of many hours of dedicated practice. A lesson worth noting I feel.
Darragh Keller was immense in open play, disrupting many a Wanders attack and running wild with ball in hand. Darragh however, following an excellent 30 meter charge, unselfishly off-loaded to Shane Kearney who was up in support for a try under the posts.
Not to be out done, the backs created some excellent tries for themselves (Ciaran Collins, Steve Toal Lennon) and for the chasing forwards (Mark Fallon).
In summary therefore, the squad became a team last Sunday and not a moment too soon, with a critical match against the unbeaten Lansdowne coming up on Sunday next. They even got to sing the St Mary’s anthem for the first time this year and boy did they enjoy it!!
Call me ambitious but if we have the full squad and we approach the match in the same spirit as we did the Wanders match, I am quietly optimistic for a positive outcome.
See you there.
Dermot