Lansdowne J1 v St. Mary's College RFC J1

Match Report

If those who were at Lansdowne thought the first game was exciting and uplifting, they were in for a treat of similar intensity and resilience as the senior game. It also showed that there is little to worry about for player succession. These lads showed that there is blue blood flowing freely as they gave their grit and guts and grind to the cause and had the supporters enrapt. It was entertaining, frantic and skilful. As you will note that once again the scores ended with one point difference. In this case it looked like Lansdowne were going to prevail, but a brilliant and courageous Coda, snatched it for the blue/white starred men. The match will have been didactic for these young tyros.

Looking at the team sheet, there is more than a hint as to why the team might be infused with staunch loyalty and courage. The names ring loud from great Marys’ parents, Kennedy, Potts, Jennings, Hassett, Halpin, O’Neill, McHugh, Foley.

There was a top class, young front row, the three of which have big futures; indeed, all have had senior experience. Cillian Jacobs scored a hat-trick, from mauls, the final one was the winning try, Adam Mulvihill had a big game as ever, and Ciaran Scott had been on the bench for the senior team immediately beforehand, great attitude and great delivery. The two second row players too, Cillian O’Neill and Leon Potts could easily fill 4 and 5 on a senior team, two large lumps full of attitude and action, and a backrow led by feisty and fearless Lucca Jennings which never took a step backwards nor shirked the hardest tasks. Sadly the 8, David Leane, of great ability and potential took a head bang early on and had to withdraw. George Hassett is normally a prop, he showed he could make the switch, covered well and never flagged.

The encouraging thing was that the bench was full of endeavour and potential too. This deep commitment is endogenous, but clearly, it has been harnessed and nurtured by the coaching and care of two admirable and talented Marys’ men, Eanna Clynes and Paul Brennan. They both deserve the highest appreciation. They have put together an ambitious and dedicated group of young players who can develop and prosper. There are many reasons why a happy and successful J1 squad can be a major factor in a happy and successful rugby stream and ultimately club.

The two halves showed class and appetite, with Ethan Kenny’s kicking skills an additional bonus, while partner cool-hand Luke McGill, varied his game well and was not afraid to take on the defence. The midfield was sparkling. Max Whelan and Thady McKeever. Special mention has to be made of Thady. He was pancratic, he exuded energy, appetite and ability. He has been playing at a lower level, this lad has potential to be a top player, he can take the ball up with power and security, he has terpsichorean feet and good hands. He worked to a standstill yet, never stood still!

The back three were goluptious, Gavin Foley showed good balance, pace and positional play and scored a fine try, Jack Halpin is almost a clone of his dad Garth. He has everything needed to make a highest quality 15, balance, pace, position, foresight and a good pair of feet. He showed, on a few occasions how to get out of tight spots with his natural talent.

Craig Kennedy at 11, was outstanding, back to his best after that terrible injury. He showed his leadership, anticipation, elusive running, intuitive covering, fearless defence, excellent hands. He scored a most commendable try, having to slalom through deep cover with power and acceleration. He saved situations on a number of occasions with astute cover and tough tackles...

Let it be said that they were up against it, with a Lansdowne 15 filled with quality too, and so it was at times frenetic. As in the senior game, there was never rancour or poor sporting play, and both teams were a credit to their clubs. The score line tells a story; it was tit for tat all the way, with high pace and high-quality play. It was an exhilarating game, as the tempo built to crescendo in the second half the atmosphere on the pitch and in the crowd who had stayed to watch, shimmered. The Lansdowne and Marys support were equally fervent and proud of their young teams. Coming near the end Lansdowne got ahead and it looked as though it was over. Oh no it wasn’t! This was when the deep gnawing feel of must, of team, of club and self, suffused the team and they drew breath, closed in and went again, they worked their way and got up to the road corner. They won a lineout and locked into a maul, it went, it swayed and slewed sideways, then it broke and so did Cillian, and drove over. Oh glory! that was it. It was also another important 5 points in the sack. That definitely sealed it as Stephen’s Day

Full time: Lansdowne 31–32 St. Mary’s.

St. Mary’s J1 Team

Replacements

D. O’Brien