1st XV v Garryowen (H) by D. O’Brien 16.09.2017
St Mary’s College RFC v Garryowen FC
13 7
AIL Division 1 A
(Shay Deering Trophy)
Templeville Road
Saturday 16th September 2017.
Welcome Back
We are all aware that the holidays, picnics, barbecues and long, hot days (well not too cold) on the beach, were just to pass the time while we awaited the return of AIL. Now it is back, the start of the campaign, and for us, it is back with a bang. A deserved, hard fought win it was and a super start for the team and coaches. A big well done to all, especially Peter Burke the new head coach and his colleague, Steve Bradshaw, who has been at the club for 11 years as a senior player and last year as J1 coach. They make a formidable partnership and have worked immensely hard with the admirable, Ciaran Ruddock, pre-season, to get a fit, adventurous squad together.
We must not forget, that this game was also played for the Shay Deering Trophy. Nor must we forget Shay himself, one of the greatest Marys’ men off and on the field and the determination shown today by the Marys’ lads was right in line with Shay’s way of playing and thinking. The performance was also consistent with another one of our greatest ever players and members, who sadly died very recently, Sean Cooke. Neither must ever be forgotten by St Mary’s College RFC; and welcome home Shay.
Afterwards there was justifiably, joy unbounded but gracious, from our president, David Fanagan, a great start for him, manager Paudge McGill et al, and DoR, Alan Shirley, all of whom have worked very hard, off- season in many respects.
Overall
For the time of year and the weather conditions, it was a satisfying performance. Garryowen started the stronger and put a lot of pressure on our defence. They have a big pack, a much strengthened scrum from last season and a smart backline. The one constant all game was the strong Marys defence across the field. Already, the midfield has locked together in defence and attack and our young wingers showed maturity and courage. Young Craig Kennedy, Frank’s son, looks like a quality winger in the making; like a Kennedy. Tim Maupin too looks like he could do damage.
The pack took a little while to settle and the scrum needed adjustment before it reversed early misfortune to dominate. The work-rate of the pack was impressive, the skipper, Ciaran, “Rudds”, led and inspired, and everyone in it can be proud of his performance. The backrow was virulent in the tackle and drive, and in Jack Dilger Marys had a torpedo in attack and defence. He had a mammoth game at Eight.
This season, SoftCo our main sponsor, are again presenting a generous award for MoM each week. This week, the skipper’s partner in the row, David (Doc) O’Connor, was the recipient of the SoftCo MoM award. He has that molecular structure that makes him an inferno, an incessant, irrepressible directional force. David soared in the lineout with skill and effect, he tore through immoveable walls of players and he drove back all comers in defence. He also scored the Marys’ try. He is a highly intelligent rugby player and an invaluable committed, member of the squad. Speaking of squad, it was the squad in its entirety that won the day. Their spirit, selflessness, bravery and “teamness” that kept them probing, covering, and fighting until the end. It was encouraging too, that all new members of the squad contributed handsomely to the overall performance. Welcome on board lads. It should be borne in mind too, that there were several top class players missing due to injury, these included, David Fanagan (son of the president, David Snr), Ryan O’Loughlin, Robbie Glynn, Mathew Oppermann (son of Paul), David Aspil, Nick McCarthy (son of Noel), Conor Dean (son of Paul) and Marcus O’Driscoll, (both returning from long-term injury) and all our contracted players.
There may well be tougher tests ahead, but all will know now that Rudds and his men will not be found wanting, in true Marys’ tradition.
The game
It was clear from the start that to have success against a large lump of a pack, we should have to play at pace, with sustained concentration and composure. We implemented that strategy and the results started showing late in the first half and throughout the second half. The first ten minutes saw Garryowen run hard at the home defence and their large pack controlled possession and put harsh pressure on our line. That was the first indication of the organised brave defence, with not a man shirking. This was a vital stage and proved crucial in the home win. It was ten minutes gone, when the invaluable Seanie Kearns converted a fine penalty towards the Road End. However, soon afterwards Marys were penalised on the line and Garryowen opted for a scrum. Marys were penalised four times before the referee lost patience and awarded a penalty try, which now under the new laws, gives an automatic seven points. It also gave us a yellow card. Credit to the home team they kept the visitors out during the entire ten minutes and as it transpired, the rest of the game.
In the second half the home players stepped up the pace and it was evident the big Garryowen forwards were puffing a little. Seanie was controlling the game well and the pack were humming. A scrum in the opposing 22 towards the cabbage patch end, terrace side, was won well, as indeed our scrum had taken control. As the scrum broke up David O’Connor broke for the line and with the energetic Mark Fallon on his shoulder he forced his way over for a try which the impeccable Seanie converted from 35 metres.
It was spirit, concentration, determined tackling and spatial awareness that carried St Marys over the line.
D O’Brien
Team
15 T Maupin, 14 M Timmons, 13 D Moroney, 12 Paddy 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 A Coyle, 2 H Kean, 1 E Ferron, R Halpin, T O’Reilly, B Cullinane, D McDonnell, R Glynn.