J1 XV v Clontarf (H) by D. O’Brien – 20.01.2013
St Mary’s College RFC J1 V Clontarf FC J1
27 23
Metro J1 League
Templeville Road
20th January 2013.
This was a magical muddle, a game of mad misses and brilliant bites of rugby; and a victory, which in a way was really a dacoitage. To think, Clontarf led by 23 to 6 and were pushing hard for a fourth bonus point try. The Marys’ lads repelled them and from then to the end they bewildered Tarf and ended up 27 – 23 winners. Mark Donnellan’s team now look to be in the strongest of positions to win again the J1 Metro league. Rugby Director, Kevin Conboy, commented afterwards that the J1s do not seem to know how to lose; long may it last. It ended with three tries and two penalties each, but whereas wonderfully reliable Gavin Dunne converted all three, Tarf converted only one. Coach Jonathan Garth was stunned and manager Paudge dazed in joy.
Clontarf had a strong team with Killian Lett and young Trevor Merrey to the fore and controlled the game for long periods. It was clear that, if Marys were to get possession and move it wide it could be profitable, however it was easier said than done and to add to problems, the tackling was sometimes flawed. But they never gave in and old heads Mark Donnellan and Gareth Logan kept them at it; and young promising Robbie Glynn at 9 kept pushing and probing. He had a brave game, scored the first try and was my man of the match. It was good to see Darren Hudson back from injury and he made a couple of class plays that turned the game, he was well supported out wide by another high quality up and coming young player Chris Lilly.
The first half was dominated by Tarf, as they pushed us around and made it almost impossible to get the ball. They used their maul well and that led to two tries, one converted and two penalties to two penalties and so at half time it was 6 – 18.
The second half started and it looked just as bleak, as Clontarf pushed forward keeping the ball well and dominating in the forwards. Although it looked unlikely, we never gave in and even when they scored another, we did not despair.
Our first try came when Mark Darby, who had just come on and did really well, made a strong break up the centre brushing aside a number of tacklers, he got the ball to Logie who slipped it on the Skipper Donnellan, he galloped on and then gave it on to fast following Robbie Glynn who put on the burners and went in under the posts. Then after a number of strong drives from an improving pack, the ball came back to Mr Magic, Ryan O’Loughlin, and he did to the defence, his diabrotic dazzle and scored a try close in. Then after a couple of threatening runs by Darren, he got the ball deep in his own half on the right and beat two defenders, then when challenged, he chipped neatly and ran at top pace to collect the bounce, he made further ground before being faced by two Tarf men, so he chipped again and straining every muscle he regained the ball by his finger tips got his balance and passed to Chris Lilly, fast supporting. He used his skill and speed to beat the defence, wisely, continued his run behind the line to make it easier and once again, Gavin converted.
Clontarf put on real heavy pressure but by now, the steel was there and there was no moving them; giving a memorable win, with the home team showing no enantiopathy.
D O’Brien
Team (with rolling substitutions)
15 G Dunne, 14 C Lilly, 13 D Hudson, R O’Loughlin, 11R Mc Mickem, 10 A Bourke, 9 R Glynn, 8 M Donnellan (Capt), 7 D Keller, 6 M Fallon , 5 G Logan, 4 P Starett, S Preston, 2 R O’Donovan, 1 A Lyons, P Barrett, M Darby, R Lennon, E Moriarty .