A glance back at the first half of campaign by D. O’Brien – 16.12.2024
A glance back at the first half of campaign.
We came into the league with some optimism after an astounding 1B achievement of only one defeat all season and promotion; then encouraging results in the LSLC. On 21st September we opened our campaign at home to Clontarf. We led for long periods and were leading to the last play of the game, having played the last 20 minutes with 14 men after an unfortunate red card. It ended 27-31. Luc Culliton was the Manverton MoM
A week later 28th. September, on a lovely sunny day we went to Armagh and with the sun, the game shone and so did Ethan Baxter, who was Manverton MoM. He hyper extended his elbow joint but stayed on and demolished all in front of him with tackles and carries; a remarkable man. We led for most of the game and went home happily with a 22-32 victory.
On the 4th October, a group of 14 Marys’ men went to Ballynahinch spurred by the warm memories of previous visits, with golf and a wonderfully generous social evenings in nearby Newcastle. Declan Fanning and Paul Dean, led the golfing group; Garry Manning did a top-class job of the accommodation.
The next day after all enjoying lunch courtesy of Hinch. We all enjoyed a high tempo close game. We did not enjoy the outcome however, as we were pipped 36-33. Aaron O’Brien gave stunning performance and announced himself well and truly as a real future star. He has maintained that high level since. He was awarded the Manverton MoM
After a short break, as the league is arranged into tranches of three matches and then a break. On the 19th October we entertained Garryowen and in a ding dong game shaded it 25-22. To get the win here was significant for the league situation, and for retaining the coveted Shay Deering Trophy, thus ensuring that the bust of Shay would stay at home for another year, as the trophy is decided on the first match of the season, when both teams are in the same division. Today confirmed that in Greg Jones we had got a mastermind strategist, top quality player and dedicated member. He gave a master class and was awarded the Manverton MoM
The following week 26th. October, we went to the Belfield Bowl to UCD. There was a warm optimism, as we were welcoming back Skipper, Ronan Watters. The weather was fair and the temperature mid-teens. The squad put up a good performance in winning 21-29. Marys had led 7-26 at half time, after almost overwhelming the hosts. We benefited from greatly improved discipline, and indeed won several penalties, two leading to tries. UCD improved the second half but we won out. It was good to see the league table going well into the profit side. Jack Nelson-Murray, at hooker, exact in his deliveries, his general handling of the mauls, his contribution to the breakdown and support were all notable and invaluable. He scored two tries from mauls, once embedded, and once from a break out. He was selected to receive the Manverton MoM Award.
On the 9th. November, we took a step up as we entertained Terenure. This was a particular case, made unique with seven seasons since our last 1A clash and much has changed since. The two squads that played are the epitomes of club rugby, club rugby which does not always receive the accolades it deserves. Still there is none better than the South Dublin Derby that unfolded. It was a titanic struggle of skill, guile, determination and nerve between two trenchant tribes. We will have round two next February. St Marys prevailed 32-22 and all knew we were back and brimming. Myles Carey who has been astral this season He had a superb game and was rewarded with the Manverton MoM Award; later presented by Irish Captain, Caelan Doris, back to cheer on his club.
Confidence climbing, on the 16th November we headed down the M8 to Cork. Seven years had passed since last we had visited Temple Hill and champions Cork Constitution FC, in AIL 1A. With heads spinning and minds buzzing from the previous week’s utopian event, we hoped all could forge the steel to meet the immense challenge laid before our burgeoning blues. It was a herculean struggle and an intriguing game. We left with a well-deserved draw, 27-27 and were anything but overawed or outplayed. A marvellous break on 72 minutes by Richie Bergin, gave us the draw. 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.
It was clear we had another real test on our hands when Young Munster came calling on 7th December. A big crowd turned up and were not disappointed. To go from mid table 1B directly to top of the table 1A, is a most estimable achievement, an awe moment, so giant congratulations went to Skipper Ronan and his squad. Of course there is a long way to go yet but all worries about survival have well dissipated. The modest smile on head coach, Mark’s face was a joy to see. Mark, who never seeks limelight nor praise, is showing what an outstanding coach, person and Marys’ man he is. Outstanding too on the field was Dan Goggin who had been a YM man before he came to us in Dublin. He just never stopped carrying and tackling and scored a try and deserved his Manverton MoM Award. The game could not have been closer; a missed conversion being the difference when we won 26-24. Overall however, it was a fair result.
Finally for this half of the league we went to Lansdowne. It was Friday 13th December. Fridays have never been kind to us before, not suiting the working or studying situations of the players and management. Happy to relate it was not so this time. We came to Lansdowne with some unease, given the history, the nature of the surface and surrounds and that it was Friday. There was no need to fret, our lads were at home straight away, it was clear the blue side were comfortable and once again scored first. Seldom has there been a performance so full of concentrated determination, fearlessness and adventure, as tonight. It is always easy to find faults, here there were none to find, and here was not one below performance and all excelled. Ciaran Scott, tighthead prop, made his debut off the bench last week and tonight he had his first start. Under such high pressure conditions it was difficult for him; did he shirk? Not for a moment. He found the first few scrums difficult, he just kept working and performing with industry and to good effect. Soon he was in carrying and rucking with power and scrummaging strongly. His defence was solid and for his overall contribution to the team and the match he was awarded the Manverton MoM Award to the acclamation of his teammates. He has a promising future without doubt.
St Mary’s College RFC sit proudly on top of AIL Division 1A at Christmas time and half way through the campaign. It is not I hope, tempting fate by mentioning that this season the 25th anniversary of the 1999-2000 season when we first won AIL.
Even if it sounds boring or repetitive it should be stressed at this stage, that we as supporters must acknowledge the hard graft and outstanding work done by so many, to make it all happen. Ronan and Mark who are the genesis, development and embodiment of the squad. They have been supported, encouraged and enabled by admirable Alan Shirley DoR, and his evolving Rugby Council. Mark’s fellow coaches, Jamie Cornett, Marcus O’Driscoll, and Robert Sweeney and Eanna Clynes. The way the diligent management of Paul Pender, Conor O’Neill, Paul Conlon, Ian Bloomer Harry Ebbs, Darren Walker and Garry Manning, so effectively administer and supply seamlessly, makes all possible. Previous Presidents, since Covid, Patrick Crawford, Gareth Roche Bobby O’Connor and current president, Paudge McGill and their committees have also been fundamental in facilitating the progress.
To those of you who still read the reports, in spite of streaming, blogs and Social Media, thank you, and I wish you a very enjoyable and relaxing Christmas. I also specially thank those who, encourage and engage on the reports. I will be back to finish my last season as your reporter, with the second half of the league, commencing on the 11th January 2025 V Lansdowne again. See You!
D O’Brien.