1st XV v Clontarf (A) by D. O’Brien 22.09.2017
Clontarf FC V St Mary’s College RFC
33 16
AIL Division 1A
Castle Avenue
Friday 22nd September 2017
Overall
We were hoping for a similar result to last season’s visit to Clontarf. However, it was not to be and after a poor start it always looked unlikely. We had an early period which lacked concentration, during which Clontarf scored 14 points. Then gradually we increased concentration and tempo and by half time we were only behind, one point and with the hill in our favour for the second half the signs were propitious. Alas, it was not to be and two yellow cards in succession, some missed tackles and concession of numerous penalties saw our challenge fizzle and die. The loss during the game to injury of two hookers, was also an impediment.
There are 16 games to go, the season is embryonic and so much will change over the season, it would be a very foolish person who would made predictions in any direction at this stage. We still have players out, and new ones are only integrating, so there is much to come. This game showed that this squad has the ability to compete with the best in AIL, however it would be wrong not to concede that improvements in concentration, defence and discipline are required. Head Coach Peter Burke is an astute planner and innovator and will work tirelessly on solutions. The players will be seething and determined to amend and improve. It is clear from results so far that a big challenge, in the form of Terenure’s visit next week and how we respond, will tell much.
Clontarf presented a stiff test, with a big pack and strength out wide, where they ran straight with power and pace. Their support play was also good. That said they looked vulnerable around the fringes and in mid field, where we exploited them deliciously on one occasion, leading to an exquisite try. We had some good performances, the pack generally worked hard and were mainly competitive in the set pieces. Captain, Ciaran Ruddock worked incessantly and led by example all through; he was well supported, particularly by Hugh Kelleher, who deservedly received the SoftCo MoM award.
The Game
The early stage of the game was definitive, when as mentioned, concentration appeared sub optimum and too many tackles were missed. It was only ten minutes gone when Tarf scored a fine try following a turnover in the middle of the Tarf half. Eight minutes later another turn over in their own half and a hard straight run right down along the verge, ended a try under the posts. Soon after, a scrum in our half saw Paddy O’Driscoll feed Sean Kearns then Ryan O’Loughlin, just re-acclimatising after absence, came in from his wing looped, and severed the midfield defence, he fed Tim Maupin who burst through the defensive remnants to score. Sean who converted, added two penalties before half time to leave the score 14 -13.
The second half was still an infant when we had our first yellow card for an altercation and during that period Tarf scored again; and it was 21-13. Soon Sean made it 21- 16. The yellow had just expired when we got another for a high tackle. Tarf then got a yellow for a late tackle, so both teams were down to 14. Although, Tarf scored another try to make it 26 – 16, it looked as though we had a good chance of securing a losing bonus point, however before the end Tarf scored again putting an end to that hope and so made the final score 33 – 16.
Marys V Nure
For almost 70 years of our 117 years, our history has been inextricably linked with that of Terenure RFC. There has developed a close and warm friendship on a club and personal level between us and frequently our neighbours and friends are of the other club, even families have split allegiances, some of our leading families, like the Fannings, Crawfords and O’Deas have/had members of both clubs.
Yet under all this genuine friendship, there is an intrinsic and intense rivalry on the field that is electric. In the early days of the rivalry it was often explosive and almost virulent. Matches at senior level attracted very large partisan crowds, that heaved and swayed with raucous roars and shattering shouts, the players were combatants, almost gladiators competing for their very existence, when to lose was terrifying and almost shameful; and to win was heroic. Challenges and clashes were crushing, steam rose from scrums and mauls and fortunes often swung incessantly up and down the field of play, crowds following, with triumphant hoots or woeful wails.
After games there was an uneasy truce awaiting the next encounter.
Happily, the rivalry remains but the imperative is not as compelling or obtuse, and friendships are more robust and enduring. Losses are graceful and wins gracious; as they should be. We have much in common and share all the values of the area and its heritage. We will welcome Nure as our close friends and neighbours, and will wish them well ever. However, much would be lost if we did not greet them on the pitch with that inherent and healthy almost breathless desire to succeed. We know each other now and know that anything less, on either side, than 80+ minutes of relentless fearful action will fail. We know and respect them as they enter our arena, but we will close gaps, tear open our lungs, throw ourselves under boots and empty our powers to our last calorie for our team. If it seems that all is lost, then is when we will find our deep loyalty to our team and our club, we will inspire each other and we will rise to heights not seen. This more than any other match, defines our character and our ambitions. No one wants to see the old spectator days, but if we as supporters, do not come in our hordes to will on and impel our team to astral heights, we shall not prevail. We must as Marys, put all else aside next Saturday and cram our terraces to carry our team.
Later we shall share our friendship; during the game we show our colours.
D O’Brien
Team (Rolling Replacements X12)
15 T Maupin, 14 R O’Loughlin, 13 D Moroney, 12 P Lavelle, 11 C Kennedy, 10 S Kearns, 9 P O’Driscoll, 8 J Dilger, 7 H Kelleher, 6 M Fallon, 5 D O’Connor, 4 C Ruddock (Capt), 3 B Cullinane, 2 H Kean, 1 T O’Reilly, R Halpin, E Ferron, D McDonnell, R Glynn, M Carey.