J1 XV v Old Wesley (H) by D. O’Brien – 02.03.2025
St Mary’s College RFC J1 V Old Wesley FC J1
42 24
Metro 1 League
Templeville Road
Sunday 2nd March 2025.
Overall
Over the past few seasons, St Mary’s College RFC J1 team has not been as successful as it had been, but this season, under highly motivated and talented coach, Eanna Clynes and Captain Aaron O’Neill, there has been an impressive turn around. It must be said that during those lean times, most personable Darren Walker the manager, stuck loyally and doggedly to the task, and this year his abilities and commendable determination, while working closely with Eanna and Joe, and with the support of Garry Manning, have been rewarded.
They have had access to, and gathered together a group of young ambitious players from the wider senior squad, to great effect. Today, although a number of eligible players were unavailable, the depth of talent shone through and in an exciting and exuberant game they booked their place in the final of their league. A bonus point win was required to ensure a place in the final. Old Wesley had their own needs, which ensured a high level of competition and excitement. It is imperative that the second most important team in the club has robust support to ensure recognised status and development of players.
The array and the play
A J1 team with half backs, Adam McEvoy and Aaron O’Neill playing together would always have an advantage and so it was. In fact Aaron’s leadership, game control judicious kicking and place kicking, ensured his team would thrive, he was outstanding. He was well and judiciously fed by Adam. The backline outside, with young adventurous centres (sporting famous Marys’ names, Carey and Kennedy), and back three (Alex Dix, Ross Moore and Mathew Blake) were potent and effective.
The pack too was impressive, with a young, star front row; highly rated senior tighthead, Jack Reidy-Walsh, loosehead Adam Mulvihill, who in 202-23, when just out of school, played the full AIL season with distinction (now back from injury), and a very familiar name as hooker Mark McHugh, son of top Marys man Bob. There was more to admire in the secondrow, a promising Potts, (Leon, son of Brian) and super-soaring Ian Wickham both excellent. Nobody exemplifies club spirit more than Joe Nolan a born leader, in the backrow, beside proven and versatile Dan Lyons and Daniel Cullen who was most impressive. The bench too, proved their worth and contributed well in this important win.
The set pieces were generally good, close defence was also very good, although the defence in open play needs some tightening as there were some loose tackles. The attack was focused and sharp, the intensity was sustained and the win was well deserved.
The game was played in excellent conditions and for the first five minutes Old Wesley were dominant and almost scored. Had they scored the tenor of the game might have been different. However, a break out on six minutes, a superb Aaron pass, then a kick ahead led to the Wesley fullback being caught behind his line by the fast following Alex Dix, Mathew Blake and Daniel Cullen. Off the ensuing maul, Daniel Cullen got over for a try in Carvill corner. Aaron converted from far out, 7-0. Then Marys asserted continuous pressure and this led to a try by Mark McHugh, on 17 minutes, in the Gate Corner. Another marvellous kick by Aaron. 14-0. On 21 minutes a pass reached Ross Moore on the wing, inside the Wesley half and he hit the burners, showing rocket pace, he left tacklers vainly grasping, and scored in the Gate Corner; super try. Aaron made it 21-0. It was 28 minutes, when Wesley got a try back, 21-5. And on 32 minutes, Marys had a scrum near the Wesley line, from the scrum Daniel Cullen broke hard and over for another and most important fourth try. Once again Aaron did the business and it was 28-5. In injury time Wesley got a mauled try in the Well corner and the half time score was 28-12.
The second half saw Wesley more effective and focused and they exerted considerable pressure. Marys rode the storm and on 68 minutes Jack Reidy-Walsh scored from close in, Aaron did it again, 35-12 and three minutes later, hard-working Joe Nolan got over, Aaron converted again to bring it to 42-12. Before the end Wesley added two consolation scores, giving them a four try bonus point and to make the final score 42-24.
Now Eanna’s lads face Lansdowne at the Aviva Stadium o the 30th March. This team deserves strongest support. Please make the effort to come and cheer on a team on the up.
Match Squad
15 M Blake, 14 A Dix, 13 S Kennedy, 12 E Carey, 11 R Moore, 10 A O’Neill (Capt.), 9 A McEvoy, 8 D Lyons, 7 J Nolan (VC), 6 D Cullen, 5 L Potts, 4 I Wickham, 3 J Reidy-Walsh, 2 M McHugh, 1 A Mulvihill, 16 G Hassett, 17 K Quinn, 18 J Lynch, 19 S McGrath.
D O’Brien.