1st XV v UL Bohemians (A) by D. O’Brien – 17.11.2007
UL Bohemians RFC V St Mary’s College RFC
10 3
University Of Limerick, Castletroy
17th November 2007-11-18
All are impatient for wins but please hold that patience. They are coming; for yesterday was a far better performance and promises better things to come. The starting pack had a look of solidity to it and putting Conor Mc Inerney at six was a bold initiative by Steve and Smythy and it worked well, and so did he in all respects, taking ball in the line-outs and taking it on from the loose as well as working in close defence. I think most would agree he was our man of the match. The pack had cohesion, hunted together aggressively, the backrow was more balanced and effective than previously and the necessary desire was there for the whole game. Of course we did not win, we could have, however UL Bohs are a good side with a strong pack and useful backs and they will be challenging for a play-off spot. Our scrums, except for a few lapses in concentration, were strong and line-outs mainly secure. Our discipline was also good. The backline also worked hard and Darragh Fanning was kept busy, covering grubber kicks behind the line, which he handled very well.
The game kicked off in drizzly rain and we played into a strong and wet wind. We held possession well and Frank Lynch who had a good game often breaking the line and continuously and adroitly slipping well timed balls to runners, on various angles, inside him. By this we kept the ball recycling and kept UL Bohs from mounting attacks. Later in the half they got more possession and our defence was assured and well organised. On 22 minutes we were penalised for going off the feet at the ruck and outhalf Lawlor, made it 3 – 0. Then on 27 minutes Lawlor slipped a ball to Mc Phail coming at strong pace inside, he found a hole in the defence and made over 30m metres before being stopped short of the line, the ball was instantly recycled giving Lawlor the chance to run in and then convert, it was 10 – 0. That was the end of their scoring.
Second half, our pack was working at a high rate, securing possession and as the tempo of the game increased so did the rain with black clouds and as sheets of water swept along with the piercing wind, it was difficult to see never mind play. Then Eoin Keane, who was grafting well, unfortunately found an old injury troubling him with increasing pain and had to withdraw, to be replaced by Victor Ryan seven minutes into the second half. Matt Crockett replaced Matt Duggan. Shortly afterwards our hard working captain, Gareth Logan, took on ball and three men crushing down on his back and he had to go off. Mark Donnellan came on to the backrow and Conor went to the row. Frank was using the wind well and keeping them mainly penned into their half and under pressure from our pick and drive policy. Except for his well taken penalty, on 27 minutes, there were no further scores.
The fair group of supporters who came on the coach, sponsored by Sean Jennings and Steve Bradshaw Snr (Steve Jr had his shoulder op and is determined to be back in the new year), were soaked and sodden and President Kennedy looked saturated and sad after it all.
As you will note, our injury curse continues with Logie and Keaner added to the catastrophic casualty list. How we could do with Philly Brophy, Rob Smyth, Barry Lynn and Ronan Doherty back. We do hope to have Mark Sexton, Marc Aboud and Nasher back soon. Talking to Logie today he said, although obviously in pain, “I will be there to take my place against Dungannon, if selected”. That shows the spirit now in the team.
As most are aware Steven Hennessy was selected some time ago to coach the Irish Colleges’ team. He decided today unselfishly to resign from that prestigious post to concentrate all his immense energies and skills on getting us back to winning. All he needs now is a break with the injuries and strong support from all of us.
D O’Brien.
Team:-15 M Skelton, 14 D Fanning, 13 R Gannon, 12 K Douglas, 11 P Lane, 10 F Lynch, 9 M Darcy, 8 K Sheehan, 7 H Hogan, 6 C Mc Inerney, 5 E Keane (V Ryan), 4 G Logan (Capt) (M Donnellan), 3 Rob Sweeney, 2 Richie Sweeney, 1 M Duggan, (M Crockett).