1st XV v Clontarf (A) by D.O’Brien – 05.04.2025
Clontarf FC V St Mary’s College RFC
47 19
Energia AIL Division 1A
Castle Avenue
Saturday 5th April 2025.
Overall
The score-line may look a little discomfiting, we might prefer a different one, however, the young team that played today can hold their heads up with pride, for they were never overawed or reticent in their play, and for considerable periods they matched or surpassed their opponents. Injuries and knocks to several of our more senior players made it necessary to include several less experienced player; and that experience gained by them will stand to them well in future. It may be of interest to mention that the last time the two clubs faced each other at Castle Avenue in 1A, was September 2016 (season 2016-17) and our Tommer was stalwart (as he was today). That day too, a very young Mark Fogarty was on the bench, and today’s debutant starter, Stephen Kennedy’s cousin, Terry Jr Kennedy was fullback. Interestingly Tommer captained the side today and scored a try.
It must be said that Clontarf had a fine assemblage on view. They had a strong scrum, a secure lineout and played a hard driving game. This result, and the other results involving Lansdowne and Cork Constitution (16.30 hrs), determined that Clontarf will play Lansdowne and we shall face Cork Con (14.30 hrs) in our own cosy nest. Those games shall take place on Easter Saturday 19th April (both with IRFU streaming). And the two winners will meet at the Aviva on 27th April. Thinking about it brings a frisson of exciting anticipation. Our season’s campaign outcome ensures that the squad en bloc, feels respectfully confident.
With rearrangements of positions and introductions, it took some time to settle, but settle we did, and all played to their utmost. Our scrum had problems early in the game, but as time went by it stabilised, and our lineouts were very competent, with Jamie Harding back to his best in all respects. Dan Goggin, Lucas Culliton, Conor Pierce and Daniel Leane all stood out as did both centres Mick O’Gara and Myles Carey who were at top pace and kept pressure on their counterparts. It was good to see the two young talented wingers, Zach Hopkins and Stephen Kennedy on the wings and Leandro Ramirez at 15. Also behind the pack, the half backs Aaron O’Neill, 10, on his second start, and Colm Reilly, scrumhalf, combined well and both were notable. Colm took on an important leading role and he gave a superb service, varied his play wonderfully well to alleviate pressure. He has excellent pace, with hard vectors and links, and on a couple of occasions, his covering was salvation. His anticipation seemed to show he has telaesthesia. He received the Manverton MoM Award. (See Photo of Colm receiving his award from Vice President Gareth Logan)
Scores
It was a model April day, with bright warm sunshine, a firm breeze, and the pitch was in good condition.
From the St Marys kick off, Tarf attacked and made it close to the line, and with some fast drives they scored and converted. 7-0. It was 11 minutes and a scrum near the Tarf 22 saw Colm break, he gave to Mick O’Gara and he sliced through, passed to Myles who whizzed along, ball back to Mick who scored and converted 7-7.
On 20 minutes following a series of penalties conceded by the visitors from lineouts and drives near their line, Tarf got over when the ball went wide. 12-7. shortly afterwards, we got a yellow card and with reset scrums and penalties on the Marys line, Tarf earned a penalty try. 19-7. On 39 minutes we had a scrum in the Tarf half, near the 22, and following carries, tackles and rucks, Daniel Leane broke hard and cut through the defence to score close in and Mick made it 19-14. So, at half time we were in contention.
The second half was at four minutes, when Tarf scored again to make it 26-14 and they made it 33-14 at 68 minutes. 70 minutes we had a penalty to the corner followed by a maul and resolute Tommer got the ball in a vice grip and went over from the maul. It was then 33-19. They added two more scores before full time so it ended 47-19.
We will be hoping we have a full squad with charismatic Skipper, Ronan available. You will be kept informed of all the arrangements as the day approaches.
Team (12 changes during the game)
15 L Ramirez, 14 S Kennedy, 13 M Carey, 12 M O’Gara, 11 Z Hopkins, 10 A O’Neill, 9 C Reilly, 8 D Goggin, 7 C Pierce, 6 D Leane, 5 P Deeny, 4 L Culliton, 3 M A Keating, 2 J Harding, 1 T O’Reilly (Capt.), 16 R Bergin, 17 A Mulvihill, 18 C Scott, 19 H Noonan, 20J Durkan, 21 a McEvoy.
D O’Brien.