Lansdowne v St. Mary's College RFC

Preamble

It is the 36 years this month since the AIL commenced. Even with its changes in format, a curtailed season and a lost season during Covid, it has improved in quality and competitiveness, endured and grown and is more loved than ever. And for fans it is compelling and addictive. Without it over the summer, there is a gap that feels like missed daily dinner. For all clubs, there are wonderful memories and some sad ones, of great wins, near misses, (we were robbed) there were rivalries built, careers made and above all indelible friendships made. For us Babs got a punch for being too strong, and he made not a move, just beamed a smile on receipt, Pottsy got a kiss, Jemmo got a fan club, Noel Mc Carthy and Mullers got lacerated, Jonno got to Leinster, Ireland and Lions and Jack was denied an AIL medal but he too got the Lions. Many myths and stories arose from it, a favourite was when a certain club was relegated, the consoling president assured them with passion, that “they would rise again like the Pheasant from the ashes; and when informed that it was a Phoenix, he replied: - Oh Jesse, I knew it was something started with F” . Let us hope this is a special one for us, but most all that is a happy one, particularly for our President Stephen, our Captain, Deano, his squad, and Coach Mark.

Overall

The sun sparkled and danced on a dream day; the two games did likewise. As a spring plant bursting forth, so too did the assemblage, opening up with joy and anticipation of the new crusade. Two games followed. The ethereal energies of existence and actions suffused all; players and supporters. The air crackled, and joy shimmered and eyes shone a smile of nature; and interlinked hands trembled. It was fitting that we played Lansdowne.

Beforehand, President Stephen Shirley, and his officers, on his first AIL outing, met with his counterparts, Graham Quinn et al. The two had been Lansdowne mini rugby friends as boys, and the giant screen there, showed an angelic Stephen as a young blonde boy playing minis. Both gave highly entertaining and amusing speeches, setting the scene for an astral afternoon, with two matches of sporting rivalry and friendship, the results finally proving it was actually Stephen’s Day.

The Proceedings

The opener was a high-octane match of the closest margins and highest skills from both sides, pitting two top quality teams. The pace never dropped. It has to be said the Lansdowne team, led by the impressive Bobby Sheehan were worthy rivals. The first half their big powerful pack caused some challenges and tested our renowned scrum. Our lineout had returned to its usual high efficiency. The rapport between Richie Bergin, who had a fine game, and his jumpers was clear. The partnership between the hard-working Leaner and Braemar is strong and our fast-rucking game was effective. The fitness and high-speed game of Marys eventually told against the heavier Lansdowne team. The Marys defence was exceptional when Lansdowne sent their powerful runners on rockets for the line.

Early second half, the visitors increased the intensity a little and so confidence in play grew, the sidelines sensed it. At no stage, however, could either side feel complacent or relax. The performances were all creditable and with leaders all at their best it is hard to make comparisons. Seldom has the captain and supreme leader, Deano been more animated or inspiring. Other leaders like Dan Goggin who as well as winning his tough backrow skirmishes, was a perfect sweeper, cleaning up long-range missiles and directing traffic. Former Captain, and derring-do flanker Ronan, had been ill last week, but still as usual, had a superlative game and led in all ways. The work of the backrow trio was gasping.

Our backs looked harmonic and sharp, Rob at 9, covered the field like bloodhound, then there was midfield magic and zinger wingers, with a flying fullback behind. On wingers, Leandro was a constant concern for the home defence as he tore through two or three at a time, his partner on the right wing Aaron O’Sullivan was majestic, constantly a threat, with his pace, and strength in defence, with one try saving tackle and, in the end, scoring a difficult try, breaking a swing tackle and diving in the corner, effectively to win the game. He received the Manverton MoM Award.

The bench made an important impact and helped keep the intensity and pace up. It was reassuring for the future to see some of our , recruits introduced. It is right and proper that we should remark on and congratulate Paul Neary and Max Egan who came on and who are just out of school at St Marys College, having won SCT medals a few months ago. They join David Kenny in having received an invitation to join the Ireland U20 training group.

This was a deserved win and a positive sign for the road ahead. It is noted that the three non-Dublin based clubs lost, although on the first day of the league programme little can be inferred. it would be a surprise, if having seen them twice already, Lansdowne were not in the top four play-offs. So, we look forward to meeting them again at least once, possibly twice depending on both clubs progress.

As we are accustomed to now, the game started at high pace and the visitors adapted well to the artificial surface. After seven minutes when we gave away one of several first half penalties, Moloney put Lansdowne ahead but two minutes later, Ro Watters flowed down along the right touch, line ripping the defence and putting the onrushing Ruairi away; he used his zip class acceleration and outright pace to leave the defence flat. Magic Mick converted from way out. 3-7. Shortly before half-time McGlynn scored for Lansdowne and so the score at half time was 10-7. It was finely poised.

Eight minutes into the second half Marys worked a well engineered maul, over the line with Richie touching down, Mick again did the honours, 10-14, Lansdowne hit another long-range penalty and the score then stayed for a long period at 13-14.

In the last quarter, when we had camped on the home side’s line for several minutes, Deano swung the ball out and hit athletic Aaron who did as Aaron can; it was then 13-19. It was not over, as expected, and Lansdowne put on hard pressure. Our defence was adamantine, and it took ten minutes before Lansdowne, following a lineout after a penalty, mauled and drove and then sent out fast ball to their right corner and flying McGlynn got his second, the conversion hit the post and heart beats too hit skip. Good to relate Marys, instead of holding on, did what they do best, went looking for a bonus try. They did not make it but got a beautiful victory.

We are up and running. Clontarf are coming for lunch next Saturday. Oh yes did I mention, there will be a rugby match too. a big one so see you there and hear your Marys-Marys-Marys. Do it for Deano

St. Mary’s Team

Replacements

D. O’Brien