1st XV v Dungannon (H) by D. O’Brien – 01.12.007
St Mary’s College RFC V Dungannon RFC
26 3
Templeville Road, December 1st 2007
“Does any man dream that a Gael can fear…………” Well yesterday at Templeville Road, the St Marys’ boys feared not the Gale that they played into in the first half and were for our eyes a delight to watch. That first half saw a team composed, controlled and working in harmony like a well conducted musical ensemble. The ball was won and guarded zealously, with clean rucking remarkable mauling and sweet passing and the line-outs were a joy to watch. They looked as though they liked having the ball and were not going to give it or kick it away if they could help it. Dungannon have not a great record here and it was clear from early on that they would find lean pickings this time too, they found the ball hard to come by and our defence ungenerous. We have a long history of friendship with Dungannon and the game was clean and sporting as should be. Our own Shane Jennings, fresh from his marvellous Leinster game on Friday, at the behest of Steve, presented the jerseys to the team before the game and gave them some words of inspiration.
The team, en bloc, played to a high level and all can be proud of their performances, the result of the non-stop work, all week, of Steven and Peter and this was clear to be seen on the pitch, however there were some noteworthy performances, including the debut, at Twelve in AIL, of Mark Sexton who was composed and aware, strong and skilled in all he did and looks a natural inside centre, he had a number of fine breaks and linked well with Keith Douglas. Darragh Fanning and Rob Gannon, who looked very much at home at full back, were other young tyros who impressed, while Matt Darcy is an admirable player who must have some Duracell in his ancestry.
The pack played really well all game, with wonderful control and power, the backrow again were in top form, Hugh Hogan settling into Seven very well now and Kevin Sheehan was tremendous at Eight, with skill and high work rate, a lovely personal try and would have been strongly in contention for man of the match had he not had to retire with injury, early in the second half. Conor Mc Inerney at Six was again superb, it is seldom you will see a better line-out operator, he can take any ball with ease and anticipation and his athleticism is as impressive as is his work rate. At one stage he took two in a row from Dungannon throw-ins and robbed several more during the game. His contribution was colossal. For me again he shaded man of the match, on a day of many contenders and in mentioning the line-outs earlier another contender was Richie Sweeney who never missed a throw and his blonde head was seen popping up all over the pitch with ball in hand or hitting rucks or tackles con brio. Of course mention must be made of Juan Francesco Gomez, prop, who made his debut coming off the bench and who showed a strong presence and commitment, afterwards he sang a song for his debut. I am glad to report that he is a far better prop than he is a singer.
First Half: – We started off as we meant to continue with pace and power and did most of the pressing only to give a penalty away for going off the feet and when it was put into the corner and we managed to spoil their line-out, we came in on the side to give them another penalty which they gladly converted. Although we had most of the possession it was not until 17 minutes when an offside in front of their posts gave Frank Lynch, who in all respects kicked well all game, converted. Then on 23 minutes a maul which was starting to show its potency ground its way over the line for inspirational skipper Logie to touch down and it was 8 – 3. We continued to control the game and a scrum on the 22, after 44 minutes had been played, gave Kevin Sheehan the chance; he picked sweetly, straightened, flicked off the tackles and zoomed in to score. Half time, it was 13 – 3.
Second Half:- Dungannon played better in the second half and got much more possession, but could make no headway against an organised and confident defence. Although the intensity did dip slightly we opened the game a bit more, having the wind, and when we got into striking distance we moved the ball to good purpose. After ten minutes Marc Aboud came on for Kevin Sheehan and did very well too, while still recovering from a neck injury and Eoin Keane replaced Gareth Logan; Keaner also getting stuck in as he always does. However it was not until 32 minutes that we got a penalty, which Frank put over and four minutes later he repeated the action to make it 19– 3, that we were breathing more easily and starting to probe more, while putting phases together. A fine move, after a quick tapped penalty, led to Victor Ryan, who had toiled all game, being on hand to cross out far; and Frank made a magnificent conversion (Religious man that he is). So that is how it ended 26 – 3. Well done to the team and well done Steve and Smythy.
The patience was worth it wasn’t it? After that win and the way of it, confidence will be high for next week when Shannon come visiting.
After the game there was a happy feeling all round and we could have turned off the electricity with the glow of delight that lit up the President’s face and the atmosphere afterwards in the bar was great. Now don’t forget next week, and maybe you would think of getting a few together and having lunch at Templeville Road, as it will be a Christmas lunch, which will be a little special. After the game Mowldsy will be laying on music from 6.00PM onward. Come on, make the effort, forget the shopping come along enjoy the game and join in afterwards. The weather will be better too; maybe.
D O’Brien
Team:- 15 R Gannon, 14 P Lane, 13 K Douglas, 12 M Sexton, 11 D Fanning, 10 F Lynch, 9 M Darcy, 8 K Sheehan (M Aboud), 7 H Hogan, 6 C Mc Inerney, 5 G Logan (Capt) (E Keane), 4 V Ryan, 3 R Sweeney, 1 M Duggan (J Gomez).