J1 XV v Lansdowne (H) by D. O’Brien – 11.01.25
St Mary’s College RFC J1s V Lansdowne RFC J1s
32 26
Saturday 11th January 2025
Metro League Premier 2
Templeville Road
Overall
Playing J1 games as part of a senior programme, all on one day adds to interest and opportunity for players and spectators and gives needed exposure. The 5.00 PM kick off meant that many of the good sized crowd for the senior game, remained to enjoy this whizzer. This was one of those games which enhanced the image of J1 rugby and exemplified the excellent work of talented young coach Eanna Clynes and that of managers Darren Walker and Garry Manning. The team were exactly that, a team, all working together; it also showed flashes of individual virtuosity. It showed the depth of talent in the senior squad and the potential of many of the young players who put in this admirable performance.
It takes two to tango and how well Lansdowne tangoed. It was a nonstop exhibition of determined quality rugby between two closely matched teams in a game that could have gone either way. The result just reflected the nice difference between the teams.
It was a boost for the team and pleasure to see three players with long-term injuries return. Conor Pierce, Joe Nolan and Jamie Harding, who exemplify the spirit and leadership qualities of special club players, were welcomed back and showed why they are so highly esteemed.
Looking at a pack with top-class Daniel Leane and Ian Wickham at its heart says everything about why it was so good. To see the rest of the pack too, highly competitive, cheered the heart. Brian Potts was there to see his promising son Leon play his part, as one would expect from a Potts. The backs too anchored by quality Adam McEvoy and Aaron O’Neill, and sporting names like Conway, Kennedy, Kilgallen and Carey showed why any of them could (and do) easily step up one place any time of asking. The scrum was solid and productive. The front row worked well, with free scoring Keelan Quinn, flying Howard Noonan and tireless Dan Lyons. Added to all that, some genuine future stars were also to be seen, young livewire Shane McGrath, Jack (son of Garth) Halpin, Luca Manselli, Peter O’Beirne and Cam Stewart.
The game got off to flying start and after only 8 minutes a successful lineout near the Lansdowne line saw Howard Noonan showing his pace and power as he came around, took the ball and powered over to open the scoring. It was all action from then to the end, with tit for tat scoring, with Marys scoring three more tries from Jamie Harding, impressive Stephen Kennedy, and eventually Steven Kilgallen who had a fine game rounding them off. Aaron O’Neill converted three and added two penalties to his impressive tally and indeed overall game. The match ended 32-26.
Eanna will have been pleased with the performance. Mark McHugh and Jamie Cornett were on the side line keeping an interested watch on proceedings.
Match Squad
15 S Kilgallen, 14 H Conway, 13 E Carey, 12 P O’Beirne, 11 S Kennedy, 10 A O’Neill (Capt.), 9 A McEvoy, 8 C Pierce, 7 J Nolan (VC) 6 D Leane, 5 L Potts, 4 I Wickham, 3 K Quinn, 2 H Noonan, 1 D Lyons, 16 J Harding, 17 C Stewart, 18 L Manselli, 19 S McGrath, 20 J Halpin.
D O’Brien.