1st XV v Ballynahinch (H) by D. O’Brien – 22.03.2025
St Mary’s College RFC V Ballynahinch RFC
34 21
Energia AIL Division 1A
Templeville Road
Saturday 22nd March 2025
Overall
Emanating from the environs of the club, an aestheticism of being infused the eclectic crowd to bring an almost intoxicating joy, lingering enigmatically long into the night. This was due to real sharing of sociability, sporting endeavour and convivium. The weekend was undoubtedly in many respects copacetic. We will have a look at it in its entirety, and dear reader you can pluck just what you want or leave all.
The Match
This game was once again a palette of rugby excellence and sporting play, which showed the quality and appeal of AIL rugby at its best. The teams were closely matched. Probably the difference, though slight, was in speed of action, variation of play due to the brilliance of outhalf, Deano, and security of ball retention. The game was well refereed by Peter Martin. This is a Marys’ team (Ferrari Fifteen) an ebullition confidence and character. Although the incomparable Skipper, Ronan was still hors de combat, his presence and influence was evident. Once again the set pieces were exemplary with Greg Jones (who also had a very fine game) directing the lineouts and mauls to perfection. The close defence was commendable. The scrum was granite, lineouts near perfection, with the excellent Lucas Culliton and Daniel Leane soaring and free running in open play. The mauls were cohesive and compelling. When a team reaches this stage it is a team and therefore, each player hums along in tune to the overall harmony. It is almost invidious to single out players, however, a man who has played well over a hundred senior games, and maintained highest standards for over 15 years, demanded special note today. Tom (Tommer) O’Reilly was part of that granite scrum and played the full game with concentrated grit and ability. In the lineouts he was an immoveable pillar and active lifter, his defence was impressive and he was seen throughout the game, carrying like a hyper hippo and effectively effodient at rucks and mauls. His performances are inspirational to his teammates and he received the Manverton MoM Award. (See Photo of Tommer receiving his Manverton MoM Award from Head Coach Mark McHugh.)
The backline is now at its zenith, all vital components of the Ferrari Fifteen and all were sparkling today, with exhilarating play, superb vectors, direct defence, defensive obfuscation when called, and clever kicking. The half backs drove and steered, the mid field were menacing in attack and repulsive in defence. The back three, held the game vice-like in their grip. Every game they seem to excel; yet again today, did they.
The interchange of roles and actions was clear today and called for frequently, as Hinch have a fine fast outfit who defended well, worked wide with clever outside players and determined interplay. They pressed hard to the end and may have been unfortunate not to gain two losing bonus points.
Scores
There is little need to be highly detailed as everyone who has stayed at home has watched more closely than attendees, the streamed service.
From start to finish, this was a really fine competition between this two exciting teams. The game got off to a flying start with superb Silvo taking the Marys kick off on the run and making ground. It was see-saw then, until on six minutes, when a Hinch prop picked up a loose ball close in and crashed over at the Cabbage Patch End and made it 0-7.
Marys put on pressure and on 13 minutes had a lineout in the Hinch 22, From Jack’s perfect throw Greg sailed up and took the ball, set a maul and when stopped, Richie sent out the ball to Mick O’Gara, who is now back to his best in all respects, he flicked it on to Deano and he sent out a 20 metre menace, Hazer on the whiz, took it, went through two, then was half caught, shook off the tacklers, regained balance and over he went in the Gate Corner. His kicking has become remarkable and from the corner he converted his try and it was 7-7. There was 14 minutes of a top class joust. It was 27 minutes when a ball came back to that prestidigitator Deano in the Hinch 22, he spotted Flying Fogey on the right wing and he did his Deano dink into Carvill Corner the defender thought he had is covered but he did not know Fogey, who just exploded into action whipped the ball from the almost grasp of defender and scored. He just is never beaten, no wonder he is top try scorer. Yet again from the edge Hazer whipped the conversion over, 14-7.
On 31 minutes, Silvo who was a constant threat, from his own 22, ran back a kick ahead by Hinch, he drew the cover and gave the ball to Magic Myles, he scorched through the defence along the left touchline, fed Hazer, he put on the Turbo and then when tackled in the 22, he off-loaded to Richie, backing up like the top 9 he is, he feinted and went inside on a sharp vector to score a marvellous try in the Gate Corner; super! From way out, Hazer did the business again 21-7. Could we relax, No fear, not when playing Hinch anyway.
They went on the attack and three minutes later, after a sustained attack, the ball went through hands and their Nine, McKee, showed fine balance and pace to beat our cover and score a good try at the Cabbage Patch End. 21-14. That was the score at half time
The second half continued at the same hot pace and was 12 minutes old when Marys had a scrum near the visitors’ line. The scrum with precision and power, moved towards the line and Dan Goggin showing his remarkable and complete conversion to an Eight, controlled the ball, then gathered and dived over at the Cabbage Patch end. 28-14, thanks to Hazer’s conversion kick.
When on the attack, Hinch won a penalty in the Marys’ 22, on 65 minutes and went to the corner, from the ensuing strong maul, McCall got over and Rankin converted. 28-21. Although Hinch continued to work hard, they were unable to score again. Outstanding Hazer added two more penalties on 67 and finally on 81 minutes, to end chances. It finished, 34-21.
There was of course big joy at earning five points and consolidating the second spot on the league table. Head Coach Mark McHugh, was beaming, but as is his nature, he is calm and never in the slightest exultant. He has forged, along with his colleagues, Jamie, Marcus, Robert and Greg, a squad of ability, mobility, flexibility, pace, determination and camaraderie.
The back-up they have from the DoR, Alan Shirley and his Rugby Council and management of Paul, Conor, Paul, Harry and Ian, makes for an unshakable group dedicated to their charges and their club. We are indeed very fortunate to have them.
Complementary Matters
What gives rugby a special place in life are the complementary parts outside the pitch. The interaction between all the members and supporters and between clubs makes membership a lifelong voyage of commitment and enjoyment. This weekend has never more so exemplified this, with the pre-match lunch, post-match mingling and weekend interclub sociability.
Friday
Since 2004-05 season the alickadoos from Ballynahinch and St Marys have had a warm friendship and when our AIL orbits coincide, we have ensured an eve of match golf outing, a meal and sing-song together. Earlier in the season, for the game at Hinch we had a most hospitable and enjoyable shared golf and an evening at nearby Newcastle Co Down and pre-match lunch at Ballymacarn Park.
Last Friday Deano led his men out to meet Budgie and his team at Rathfarnham GC. Rumour hath it, that the men from Ulster shaded the matter. It did not dampen spirits, for we all met in high good humour at the Dropping Well for a splendid meal and most uplifting and raucous sing-song led by Rynner and Budgie. Deano proved his magic did not cease after his rugby career. Prof Farrell arrived on his bicycle, Frank arrived late but welcome. Our President Paudge (a fine singer he is too), was at his gregarious best as he welcomed our counterparts from Hinch and Dec, Gareth, Logie and Darren starred along with Paddy Hutley, Dave and Emlyn in the great Dodder-Dream Sing along. Needless to say Spike told his vintage jokes. He sponsored the wine too, while Morgan Crowe also generously supported the night. It was a joyous night that riveted our two clubs friendship together for generations to come.
Pre-match Lunch
All met up again for the lunch, with the club resplendent, due to Gillian’s and Tony’s meticulous preparations. Once again the president welcomed his Hinch counterpart Trevor Patterson and his alickadoos, with his commendable succinct speech and received a most gracious reply from Trevor and a wet memento.
The atmosphere was sizzling, as the president welcomed a young group of visitors from Germany and the former 2004-05 Leinster Senior Cup winning team. It was very special as it included some of our most iconic players, such as the peerless Jonno Sexton, Philip Brophy home from London, Paul (Nasher) Nash home from the North Side! The Captain, Dave Clare, and our current Vice President Gareth (Logie) Logan. (See programme for all there) it was organised by Brian (Rollo) Rowntree, manager of the team with his colleagues Brian Grimson, Peter Horgan and Tony Burke Moran. Present of course two of our greatest ever players and coaches, Steven Hennessey Coach and Peter Smyth, Assistant Coach. They also brought the club back up from 1B to 1A. Sad to relate the president, 2004-05, John Carvill has since died.
Post-Match
Walking into the radiant atmosphere of the clubhouse it was good naturedly letabund. Everywhere there were players from both sides chatting together. The current executive committee were there as were all the 2004-05 lads, in top form by now and it has to be said there were players and members from many decades back present lots from the 70s, 80s and 90s, JB Sweeney, and his son Dr Richard, several Potts, Mick Corcoran, Frank Kennedy, Noel O’Dea, Declan Fanning, Niall O’Brien, Eoin Quinn, JVP Stephen Shirley, Spike, and many of our current players at all levels. I saw Victor up from Waterford with glass in hand. David Lyons and Kevin Conboy were chatting happily, John Bainbridge after manning the gate pre-match, Mark Donnellan was looking ready to play again after an injury. Sarah Fallon and Robbie O’Neill were there, Frank Brennan, Prof Mick Farrell (he left the bike outside) and Prof Niall McEniff, also busy Bronagh Logan, Aoife O’Donnell and the Fanagan brothers. Many of the players’ parents, The Watters, Mylo Carey, G-Mack, the O’Reillys, the Hayes’s the Nelson-Murrays, over from New Zealand and many more, Big Tony Flynn, over again from Scotland, what a supporter.
Young Aaron O’Brien, who was star player up to Christmas, before an injury put him out of St Marys and the Irish U20s. He is still in a neck brace and will not play again this season; a great loss. Admirably, he was up in support of his teammates, with his dad Niall, a former senior scrumhalf. It was impressive to see Conor Pierce, just off the field, and straight after a shower he was behind the bar helping Tony all night. Many others of the regulars were there too. It was almost like being inside a gyroscope of vibrating joy and happy noise.
Good it is to report that part of the overall squad, the J1s had a fine win over MU Barnhall to gain a semi-final spot V Clontarf in the Metropolitan Cup (See Report), in addition to having already reached the final of the Metro 1 league, which is on next Sunday in the Aviva. Get there.
Next Saturday we are again home, this time to Armagh, who we beat 22-32, in a tough match, our second game of the campaign. The win today means if we could possibly gain five points, we should be guaranteed a home semi-final, no matter what other results there might be. However, Armagh are a fine team and likewise in need of points to ensure their retention of 1A rugby next season, so a tough battle ahead. I feel you will need little encouragement to come up and Roar on Ronan.
Team (12 changes during the game)
15 C Hayes, 14 M Fogarty, 13 M Carey, 12 M O’Gara, 11 M Silvester, 10 C Dean (Capt.), 9 R Fahy, 8 D Goggin, 7 C Pierce, 6 G Jones, 5 L Culliton, 4 D Leane, 3 M McCormack, 2 J Nelson-Murray, 1 T O’Reilly, 16 R Bergin, 17 C Scott, 18 P Deeny, 19 I Wickham, 20 A O’Neill, 21 L Ramirez.
D O’Brien