31.03.2012 J5 XV v Normans (A)

And so the J5 Cup Campaign starts! This match was all about Club Rugby in Leinster. Big Club v small Club, City Club v Country Club etc. We played the Normans RFC away, in Knocktopher, Co Kilkenny. The Normans are a brand new Rugby Club, only incorporated last year and are located deep in the heart of Kilkenny Hurling Country. (Ballyhale Shamrocks are in the same parish!) We expected a tough game and we got one. The score doesn’t really reflect the game but does reflect on a patient, skilful and accurate approach by the St Marys J5 Team. On a small pitch, it became apparent early that the Normans were a strong scrummaging and mauling unit that had to be treated respectfully … or else we could have easily ended up in the wrong sort of game. The team was strengthened by the marvellous U21’s who were a great addition to the team. Balf rounded off an excellent individual performance at No. 8 with a four try haul. Padraig Fox, in his first year playing rugby, had his best match (so far!) in a blue jersey…good timing Foxy! Our U21s Olan Cleary, Conor Smith, Gavin Sheridan, Daniel Lyons and Adam Nolan all made a positive and energetic contribution to the game…our thanks to them also … I’m pretty sure the U21’s enjoyed the game …. and the unique J5 crack on the bus on the way home too! We scored 3 more tries to finish with a total of 7 well worked tries. There is a nice balance to this team now and we have (well) earned a semi final, away and against Bective RFC on the w/e 14^th April. Marco and Tahar’s contribution to the day should not be under estimated either. In typical country rugby Club fashion, the Normans invited us to a local pub for sandwiches and a glass of sherry (!) after the match. A good bunch of guys there.

Thanks to all who travelled. All focus is now firmly on the semi final.

Bobby