1st XV v Cork Constitution (A) by D. O’Brien – 16.11.2024
Cork Constitution FC V St Mary’s College RFC
27 27
Energia AIL Division 1 A
Temple Hill
Saturday 16th November 2024.
Overall
Seven years have passed since last we visited Temple Hill and champions Cork Constitution FC, in AIL 1A. With heads spinning and minds buzzing from last week’s utopian event, we hoped all could forge the steel to meet the immense challenge laid before our burgeoning blues. Although no bus went. there were quite a number of well-seasoned men of blue along, including perennial pals, Paul Brady (driving), Tony Burke-Moran, Mick (the Medium) O’Connor, Louis McMullan, also Dermot [Barney (Rubble-Trouble)] Barnewell along with Victor O’Connor. The parents were there, including Brian and Laura Watters, Paul Dean, Gerry (G-Mack McCormack), Niall O’Brien, Mylo Carey and Bill Hopkins. Prof Mick Farrell as animated as ever, was there, as was Spike. It was a nice touch that the former presidents, Frank Kennedy and Niall (Rynner) Rynne were guests at the pre-match lunch of their presidencies, counterparts in Cork Con. Nice it was to see Donal Lenihan, true Cork Con Legend, there in support of his club and happily renewing acquaintances.
Last time we visited this old respected club, with which we have had a warm, competitive friendship going back well into the last century, we left with a losing bonus point, 34-27; this time after a swirling draw, we left with two deserved points.
After the metronomic and mesmeric match last week, this one had its own excitement and tensions. However, it was more staccato, at times busting into a frantic frenzy of attack and defence then subsiding somewhat. Both teams showed a high degree of skill and intent in a well-balanced test. Con had the heavier of the two packs. Once again, Marys gained success using width and fast support play, neat off loads, and attacking the breakdown. Likewise. our defensive lineouts, devised by Greg Jones, were generally impressive as was the maul defence. On the negative side, there were too many penalties conceded and some hiatuses in the high tempo game. Many of the problems of the first half, including at scrum time, were remedied in the second half and, there was a positivity in the later stages which was commendable. The team has grown weekly in innovation and confidence, and after the break for next two weeks we head into the final two matches of the first half of the campaign, confident but warily respectful, versus Young Munster at home on December 7th, and Lansdowne away on Friday 13th under lights. The league returns for the second half then on 11th January.
The camaraderie and commitment of the entire squad and their play, have been remarked upon by many. All this week prop and former Club Captain, Tommer O’Reilly, was in bed ill. He knew was needed, so he got up and played with his usual indomitable style. His dad and mum, Michael and Antoinette O’Reilly, drove there to whisk Tommer away and get him back to work his rota in the fire service. That epitomises Tommer and indeed, what Ronan’s group stands for.
Again, every one of the 21 players gave of his all today and there were many who will be especially happy with their contribution. Once more, the back row was pivotal to the performance, each being exceptional. If ever the importance of a high quality leader was evident, today was it. Skipper, Ronan Watters gave a superb personal performance, bursting through defences and supporting each foray, always to be seen when an extra hand was needed in defence. He was clear and decisive. There were times when the high intensity flagged, and it was Ronan who rallied his men and drove forward. His importance to his team was never more evident and that was why he received the Manverton MoM Award. Later he received his award from, high office, IRFU and Marys’ man Niall (Rynner) Rynne. (See photo).
The Game
The game was less than a minute old when the maestro, Conor Dean, who is critical to almost every backline movement and ploy, alertly did his Deano Dab across field and Conor Hayes who has come back to his best soared above the defence to secure the ball and went over in the corner. He then converted it 0-7. It was eight minutes and after a scrum penalty Con went to the corner, took the lineout and mauled, try 5-7.
On 16 minutes a kick ahead by Con was fielded but lost, and Con 8, Kelleher, picked up the ball and galloped over. 10-7. On 38 minutes, the home side added a penalty. We lost a man to the bin and the half ended 13-7. At this stage Con were looking slightly the stronger side, although as the half had gone on, Marys were coming more into it.
The second half was only two minutes old when we Marys added a penalty through Conor Hayes, 13-10. Soon after, 45 minutes, Con scored a fine three phased attack try and went ahead 20-10. Conor Hayes brought the score to 20-13 with a fine penalty. At the 55 minute mark. Con had an excellent move and were heading over the line when Mark Fogarty, who as ever in top gear got back brilliantly, and brought off a superb tackle just on the line to save the day. We were now finding our gears and going through them smoothly. Shortly after that close call, Marys had a lineout near the half way line, a good take led to the sweetest of passes from Richie Fahy, then on from Deano, and Dynamic Dan swept out a whizzer to Mark who drew his man and whipped it on to Myles. Myles swayed past the cover hit the turbo, and went in behind all and popped it down behind the posts, 20-20. Now we’re threshing! Con were not finished, being the champions they are, they attacked again and again but Ronan was winning ball, Aaron was battling back sorties and Exocet Ethan was smashing runners. Eventually they won a penalty and from the lineout they mauled a try on 68 minutes, 27-20. Our turn to raise the pace we had what looked a try from Myles, possible knock on, then after a beautiful break from Richie Bergin on 72 minutes, Aaron, who had been top class, was on hand to take it on and dive over for a clear try. However, the referee got caught in the human tangle and unfortunately could not see it, so could not give it. Marys showed the maturity they have brought to their game. And so they kept attacking. Nearing the end and a bonus point probable, the visitors got a penalty in the Con 22 and took a kick to the corner. Then calmly, a Greg, called lineout, and a Panda protected maul, went over and Conor once again converted, 27-27. Now it was two precious points, a noble draw, and celebrations for the night. That was a hard earned result against an estimable team. Well done to both teams. Once again Club Rugby was the winner. Ronan and his squad deserve next two weekends off. Then welcome Young Munster on 7th December. Make sure you are there.
Come on Roar on Ronan.
Team (12 changes during the game)
15 C Hayes, 14 M Fogarty, 13 M Carey, 12 D Goggin, 11 M Silvester, 10 C Dean 9 R Fahy, 8 R Watters (Capt.), 7 E Baxter, 6 A O’Brien, 5 L Culliton, 4 G Jones, 3 T O’Reilly, 2 J Nelson-Murray, 1 J Reidy-Walsh. 16 R Bergin, 17 A Keating, 18 P Deeny, 19 D Leane, 20 A McEvoy, 21 Zach Hopkins.
D O’Brien