Metro League Division 7 – J4 vs Old Belvedere
J4 vs Old Belvedere
Metro League Division 7
Friday, 20th February – 8:00pm KO
Venue: Wanderers FC (All-Weather Pitch)
What a night under the lights.
Originally scheduled for Templeville, Friday’s fixture was thrown into doubt after a heavy lunchtime downpour rendered the pitches unplayable. A switch to Old Belvedere’s grounds proved futile for the same reason, and with Monday night floated as an alternative, the Leinster Branch ruled that the game must go ahead in Wanderers on their all-weather surface. In junior rugby, you expect disruption — but what you also expect from this J4 side is resilience.
And resilience is exactly what they delivered.
Coming up against the unbeaten league leaders — Old Belvedere R.F.C., 11 wins from 11 — this was always going to be a stern test. But this J4 team, led superbly by captain Dara Lynch, are a special group. They work hard, they back each other, and yes — they enjoy the celebrations too.
Under the guidance of coaches David Gardner, Fran Pander and John Miller, this squad has grown together over the past few seasons. On Friday night, they were bolstered by experience. Dom Coyle was immense at the breakdown and in defence. Chris Kane was involved in everything positive. Denis Daly and James McHugh added composure and guile when it mattered most.
Having narrowly lost 22–15 to Belvo earlier in the season, the hunger for redemption was clear.
First Half
Belvo struck early, crossing after just five minutes to lead 7–0.
But this team does not quit.
Strong carries from Gibbo (Andrew Gibbons) and Kyle Corrigan brought play deep into the Belvo 22. Quick recycling saw the ball worked back to Gibbo, who powered over the line. Dara Lynch calmly slotted the conversion: 7–7.
Conor Budds — who we’ll sorely miss when he heads to Australia next month — was outstanding. Rock solid under the high ball, intelligent with his kicking game, and fearless in defence.
A penalty in Belvo territory gave Dara a shot at goal. Long range — but on the tighter Wanderers pitch, he made no mistake. Over it went.
10–7 at halftime.
Little did anyone know — that would be the final score.
Second Half
Belvo came out with real intensity. The pressure mounted, and Henry Tracey saw yellow for intercept knock on , reducing us to 14 for ten minutes.
Belvo threw everything at us. Notably, they declined a straightforward penalty in front of the posts, opting instead for a scrum — a sign of their intent.
What followed was defensive grit at its absolute best.
From Dan McGill in the centres to Darragh Stapleton in the second row, bodies were thrown on the line. Kyle Corrigan chopped everything that moved. Gibbo won crucial penalties at the breakdown. Dom Coyle cleared rucks like a bowling ball through skittles.
Then came further adversity — Henry received a second yellow for a high tackle, resulting in a red card. Down a man again, and with prop Conor Gunn already off with a twisted ankle, uncontested scrums followed.
The final minutes felt endless.
When the referee called one minute remaining, we earned a penalty. The ball was kicked to touch.
Full time.
J4 10 – 7 Old Belvedere
We had beaten the unbeaten league leaders.
The result sees us move into second place, with our destiny now in our own hands. A potential final against Belvo looms — but as always, it’s one game at a time.
Next up: Blackrock at home next weekend.
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J4 Squad vs Old Belvedere
1. Henry Tracey
2. Andrew Gibbons
3. Conor Gunn
4. Dom Coyle
5. Darragh Stapleton
6. Cian O’Brien
7. Kyle Corrigan
8. Chris Kane
9. Conor Quinn
10. Dara Lynch (Captain)
11. Ben Rock
12. Barra O’Loughlin
13. Dan McGill
14. Jack Flanagan
15. Conor Budds
Replacements:
17. Matthew O’Connor
18. James McHugh
19. Alex Ryan
20. Daniel Martinez Dunne
21. Denis Daly
22. Matty Coughlan
