J1 XV v Terenure (H) by D. O’Brien 06.03.2016

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St Mary’s College RFC J1 V Terenure College RFC J1

Metro League 1

Templeville Road

Sunday 6th March 2016.

Overall

Fighting a relegation battle, it was most important for Marys to win. However, Terenure were the leaders and it was not going to be easy.

Marys had much the better of the game in the first half and led 19 – 6 at half time, thanks to two fine tries from Pierre Rouchy and a penalty try due to a totally dominant scrum. Pierre was unfortunate in the second half not to get his hat trick, due to a forward pass. He and his French colleagues have contributed handsomely to the J1s this season, and today, Pierre was, due to his hard running, opportunism and all round effort a deserving MoM. Bravo!

Strangely, as the game wore on that scrum dominance was negated and on occasions in the second half, reversed. We did not score in the second half, while Terenure added two penalties to the two scored in the first half. Nearing the end Nure were pressing and pushed hard to get a score that could have drawn the game but for the determined defence.

With all the importance attached to the game it was not as intense as one would expect, but credit to St Marys for their efforts to play an open game especially in the first half and their determination in the end.

The Marys’ scrum, as noted, was strong, however the lineout was erratic in performance, and this prevented a couple of good opportunities to score be lost. The return of Steve Bradshaw, who has had a dreadful series of injuries was good news, but, number Six, rugged Hugh Kellegher, going off injured during the game was a loss. Michael Murray also had to leave the field injured. Every game, Peter Starrett, leads his team by example, he did again today, and he and his 2nd row partner were probably the standard bearers in the forwards.

St Marys will be heartened by that important win and the fact that Clontarf were beaten is good news for Peter, Gareth, John and Mick.

Well done to all.

D O’Brien.

Squad with rolling replacements
15 D O’Halloran, 14 M Tymmons 13 P Rouchy, 12 E Robillon, 11 , I O’Neill, 10, C Gilsenan, 9 B Hoey, 8 D Keller, 7 I Cullinane, 6 H Kellegher, 5 R Mc Phillips, 4 P Starrett (Capt), 3 E Ferron, 2 M Murray, 1 N Murphy, S O’Brien C Ryan, S Bradshaw, D Hickey, E Clynes.