J1 XV — Season 2007/08

The 12.00 Noon kick off did not dampen the spirits of the teams or supporters even if the weather had tried hard earlier. The disappointment of the Leddin LSC postponement may have spurred us on and of course the admirable win over Old Belvedere by the J2s yesterday would have helped too.

Having won the toss, Mark Aboud decided to play with the wind in the first half and so the early part of the game meant we were attacking well but Greystones had a hardened defence and as the game wore on, all appeared fairly even although with the backline we had it always appeared as though we could cut them open, however it was not until the 30th minute when Davey Lyons (Dougal) converted a fine penalty having missed an easier one on the 18th minute. The Marys lineout was strong with Baby Killer throwing accurately and Victor Ryan and Niall Conway (returned to the game) securing well and the scrum was sound against the usual solid Greystones pack. The outstanding aspects of the first half were the support play of the backrow, the tackling of Keith Douglas and the covering and counter-attacking of Conor Hogan, who had a fine game and who has a “worth watching” future in the game. He runs with balance and whizz pace and is always looking for work.

Near the end of the half we started to put the phases together and after six of these we were unfortunate not to score. However a few minutes later in the 38th minute we had a series of mauls which ended with ball release to Ross Wynne, who read the game well throughout, and he slipped over. Dougal converted from far out. 0- 10

Second Half, we upped the tempo and although Greystones responded they lacked the backs and real guile to trouble us. The backrow continued to dominate the game with Jonny Ellis (great to have him back) outstanding and to my mind man of the match, taking on the ball, closely followed by Skipper Mark Aboud and Paul Nash. A series of drives near the Greystones line ended up with a penalty try for us at 50 minutes and we were humming. This was cue for Greystones to raise their game and this they did well and continual mauling led to a try for them, They converted. But we came back again and on 60 minutes a counter attack with Hogan, the promising 12, Rob Hudson and Keith Douglas again involved led to Jack Ardagh being on hand to take the pass and go over. Dougal had no luck, so it was 7 – 22. In credit to Greystones they ended strongly and attacked again; and near the end had their best move of the game with a try for their left winger. We just failed to get the bonus point, but three wins out of three and two bonus points in a league that is now,( happy to say) winner take all, is a marvellous start for a team so full of potential it must have true aspirations of a most successful season. The broad smiles on the faces of President Kennedy (no not him stupid!) Coaches Smythy and Des Jackson and manager Patsy Fogarty, said a lot. Reggie had a fine game as touch judge, never putting a foot wrong.

Well done all round. We now look forward to our senior game mid week against DSLP, when your support is needed.

Only missing were the buckets and spades, for it was a wonderfully warm sunny day. However, we did have an entertaining game, which was in doubt to the last whistle and this is what we want to see, rather than processions.

There were some news faces, some old returned, others finding new niches for themselves and these added to the interest of this game which leaves the J1s top of the table and facing nearest rivals Clontarf next week at Castle Avenue.

We started well and pressure brought a penalty, converted by Conor Nevin. We continued to attack with the breeze and hill and Keith Douglas, at 13, almost scored after a good break and he continued to cause problems for OB all game with his power running and natural balance. He is coming back to full fitness

New recruit, tight head prop Ian Kelly, who had started well, [was injured] and had to be substituted by at Killian Doyle, who also did well, after just ten minutes. Meanwhile across the scrum at number One, Niall Brew was playing his first game as prop and he will be marvellously pleased with this debut. Niall has already shown himself to be a very talented player at 5, 6 and 8. He is a big man with great strength and he fitted in really well and still contributed in the loose. I will be surprised if he does not challenge at senior level at prop if he dedicates himself to it. Changes in position have often led to great future fortunes for players.

Once again the back row were excellent and for me Mark Aboud, only slightly ahead of Jonny Ellis this week, just shaded it for man of the match, over number 9 Ross Wynn who had a fine game in all respects; he is an astute operator. Neither team had fully secure lineouts, but our rucking was very satisfactory throughout.

In spite of the pressure on them, OB continued to look for chances and a mix up in midfield and failure to read a hack through cost us dearly with a converted try, after 20 minutes. Conor got another penalty after 35 minutes and a neat break by number 10 Davy Lyons, after good work by Keith Douglas and Barry O’Flanagan, led to a try under the posts, converted, so it was 13 – 7 at half time.

Fortunes changed somewhat in the second half and their number 10 cut through on the inside break to score after 3 minutes and he converted, soon after he added a penalty from far out, with a fine kick to make it 13 – 17. What a bench we had and good to relate club skipper, Gareth Logan, made a most welcome return to the field after [injury] and his enthusiasm and presence helped the cause greatly as did the introduction of talented Mark Donnellan and later senior coach Peter Smyth. 30 minute into the half we mauled a ball outside the OB 22 and then on the short side Paddy Lane (good to have him back) got the ball gave a deft chip ahead and beat three defenders to the ball to score. It was not converted and then on 38 minutes a well controlled maul close to the line, ended with a try for Mark Aboud. Then we had ten more minutes to endure including 8 minutes of added time. This included a series of penalties near our line two sin binnings and two scrums against us with seven and then six forwards. The scrum led by Smythy held out. Well-done lads, in spite of touch judge Reggie being out [injured].

It ended 23 – 17.

Another good day in all respects and if yesterday we had some good fortune we needed none today. It looked a little rocky in the first ten minutes, before our scrum got on top and our maul moved into top gear. Five tries means a bonus point and puts clear water between the next team and us. It is not often we leave Clontarf with such a healthy score line.

This game was entertaining with some fine scores and good performances, especially form Keith Douglas, Joey Connolly, Jonny Ellis, the two props (Paul Collins and Chunky Carroll) and man of the match Mark Donnellan, who was dynamic from the back of the scrum and from loose play and got himself two tries.

After 18 minutes Joey Connolly got a penalty and on 30 minutes Clontarf got ahead with a try, then on half time we mauled 30 metres, released the ball and a good pass from Joey gave Dougie the inches he needed to go outside his man and straighten to go under the posts.

Half Time 8 - 10

In the second half we upped the pace and some good rucking and quick ball gave us a scrum on their line, a strong scrum gave Mark his chance and he went over and it was 8 – 17. On 15 minutes Davy Lyons made a nice break but was stopped short of the line, the ball came out from the ensuing ruck and went via Joey Connolly to Rob Hudson who scored under the posts. It was 8 – 24 Joey adding the points on each occasion.

We were not yet finished, for after 25 minutes, we worked our way to their line from a good break by Paddy Lane and from pressure we got a scrum and Mark pounced again, it was 8 – 29. Five minutes late they got a try back and it was 15 – 29, then Joey put over a penalty and on time, after fine kick by Conor Nevin and sustained pressure, Graham Mc Inerney went over. Mark Donnellan converted, it was 15 - 39. Fine team work all game and a good afternoon’s work.

First loss to for the J1s in the league this season and much of the cause was indiscipline, for we had a good lineout, a scrum with parity and some line breakers, but too often we were penalised. The number of errors and penalties took away from what was quite an exciting game which was enjoyable to watch. There were some fine performances too, with Simon Gibney, again sharp, Frank Lynch and Conor Hogan looking threatening and in the forwards Chunky Carroll excellent and Barry O’Flanagan, my man of the match, outstanding in the lineout, getting to the breakdown fast and first man in support and to the tackle.

From the kick off we drove Lansdowne back thirty metres or more with a charging maul and got a penalty which we missed, then on nine minutes they won a scrum and their out half sent a fine cut-out pass which found the 13 in space he delivered to the left wing who went over and it was 0- 7 then two minutes later Frank converted a penalty from an off side and after just under an half hour Paddy Lane held a very low long pass and switched to Conor Hogan who put the turbo on and went over, it was 10 – 7 but they got a penalty for indiscipline and it was 10 – 10 at half time.

Nine minutes into the second half they scored a try after four tacklers missed their centre and it was 10 -17. Ten minutes later Frank struck a fine penalty from far out to make it 13 – 17, they got two more converted penalties before a fine pass from Frank, gave Conor Hogan some space and he found Conor Nevin who ran in under the posts and it was 20 -23 and we were in the ascendancy only for more loose tackles to let them go in again for a final try and it ended 20 - 33. A chastening experience for these lads and they will, we hope, learn from this and get back to winning ways with the league there for them to win. It was good to learn that the U20s were beating Greystones well to put them into the play offs. This took the gloom off to some extent.

The second report concerns a more up to date game, the one between our J1/U23s and Blackrock and with a score line of 36 – 0 it is hard to be critical and indeed it was a fine performance against a somewhat lacking Blackrock side. They did have some good runners and were spirited, so the game was enjoyable and worthwhile and of course to score five tries, without reply and get the bonus point, was a happy extra.

Our line-outs were very good with Victor Ryan and Fergus O’Sullivan particularly prominent and indeed Victor had a strong game all round, never stopped working in the tight and loose and took the kick offs safely and confidently. Killer’s throwing in contributed to the line-outs (you could say he was DEADLY) and he too played really well, he was ably supported by his front row of Ronan Goode and Chunky, who continues to improve game by game. In fact our scrum was totally dominant and it was heartening to see two props on a bench strewn with talent. The backrow also had its talent including, Barry O’Flanagan who is developing into a fine Seven, Keaner who did lots of good things but was hampered by [injury] and Nasher, who, considering he is returning from injury, was remarkable and was my man of the match. The backline made an equal contribution, if some of the tackling was loose particularly in the first half.

Gibber is also getting back to his best and had a useful game, in spite of [a knock]; and his probing and prompting of his team mates are particular assets. Michael Skelton, with his first start at Ten, showed that, with some nurturing, he could have a real future there. His distribution and running were particularly impressive. It was pity he had to go off injured at half time, for another returning from injury, Mark Sexton, for whom the twelve spot may well suit, had to go to outhalf. He had a few understandably loose passes at the start but settled in comfortably, showing good hands and strength, he also landed a penalty, scored a try and converted it.

We started playing towards the road end with a strong wind and soon put pressure on, after five minutes Barry O’Flanagan following up fast, blocked down a kick which was swept out to Conor Hogan, another with real potential, who ran around the cover at speed, fed Keaner who took two men out, before getting the ball to Michael Skelton, who flashed in for a fine try, which he converted. On 19 minutes from a ruck on the Rock 22, the ball came out, was slipped to Conor Hogan going from right to left, who made -space with his pace- passed to Keith Douglas and he showed his natural class and strength by shaking off two men and scoring; given even minute space at 13, he has real talent. Then on 29 minutes we had a series of drives at their line before getting over. Skelton converted again to make it 21 – 0 and then on half time Paddy lane, on the left wing, slipped inside two defenders and gave the ball to Rob Hudson who took it in style. It was 26 – 0 at half time.

The second half started and required several changes, with Michael Skelton retiring and Mark Sexton coming in at 10, later Keaner left the field with Mark Aboud, thankfully recovering from [injury], coming on and showing again why he is such a good prospect with some hard and skilled work; and then Karl O’Brien came on for Barry O’Flanagan and Paul Collins for Chunky. This half Marys looked in control, with our scrums over powering Rock and Nasher and others making surging runs through their defences. One such surge gave us a penalty in front of their posts and Mark Sexton obliged, then on 38 minutes Rob Hudson took on a ball and when held up he kept his feet and his head and waited to slip the ball to Mark Sexton who did the rest, including converting from close in. It was 36 – 0. Not a bad afternoon’s work. Des Jackson and Patsy Fogarty were suitably pleased and even the inscrutable Reggie allowed himself a smile. Des and his charges were going out afterwards for some lemon tea and cream cakes. I hope they enjoyed their evening out.

Those of you old enough to remember the Harlem Globetrotters will understand how we played in this game against Wanderers and the score line will tell its own story. For a start it was clear it was never going to be a truly competitive match as Wanderers could not supply the requisite number of props and so it was uncontested scrums. It must be said that Wanderers tried to play and never stopped trying and we never stopped trying to be creative and innovative. So it was good to watch in spite of the continuing gales and squalls. Davey Lyons was in his element from the broken play. Simon Gibney was peerless he has F1 acceleration, with class and marvellous vision. Others to revel in the space were Mark Donnellan and Eoin Keane, Conor Hogan and Ronan Doherty [back from injury]. Given the lack of scrum pressure Chunky was determined to enjoy himself and he was super and indeed although he went off early in the second half still gets my vote for man of the match. His fellow front rower, Colm Mc Mahon, made a welcome return after injury. It was good to see a team enjoying themselves and doing the business at the same time. And they did enjoy themselves, Fergus O’Sullivan was around the pitch spinning passes and scoring a try and another to leave the field early, Barry O’Flanagan, was having a great time when he [was injured] late in the first half. Conor Nevin coming on late in the first half scored two tries.

Anyway with 52 points it is obvious that they got the bonus point before half time. At the end Des, Patsy, Charlie, Robbie and the (today) highly controversial Reggie were pretty happy and why not.

The sequence of scoring was as follows. 3 mins Ronan O’Doherty, 15 mins Davy Lyons, 28 mins Fergus O’Sullivan, 38 mins Karl O’Brien, 39 mins Eoin Keane,

Second Half.3 mins Simon Gibney, 8 mins Conor Hogan, 20 mins Wanderers try, 31 mins Conor Nevin, 35 mins Conor Nevin.

The omens were good when it was Peter Smyth who led out the team with seven on his jersey and his influence as leader and player were evident. Of course we had a rather easy win against Greystones in the first series of the league in September, away, and it looked as though it would be similar when after only three minutes a Davy Lyons’ kick ahead led to a scrum on their line and Mark Donnellan picked and went over for the first of five tries, giving a bonus point and an extremely strong position as league leaders. Greystones did improve as the game went on, but their traditional dominance in the scrum was not evident, in fact with a strong front row of Chunky, Baby Killer and Colm Mc Mahon and later Ronan Good we really had them under pressure all game. The ground conditions were poor but still we managed to play a lot of open attractive, if a little loose, rugby and Conor Hogan looked really class in attack with Ronan also enjoying the space in which to run. After 28 minutes we had a series of drives near to the line and then a maul led to Niall Brew getting his first of two tries which gave him one of Des’s Tayto man of match awards, the other one going to the rapidly improving Jack Ardagh at 13, who played really well all game. On 35 minutes a scrum near their line saw Mark Donnellan cleverly flick the ball out to Ross Wynn and that space allowed him give Ronan the opportunity to score. A few minutes later Greystones scored a good try from far out, exposing our lack of cover, and it was 15 – 5 at half time.

In the second half after 12 minutes we mauled over their line, but the ref gave a scrum five metres out to us and Mark did the job again. He was really enjoying himself and was showing outstanding class he had a fine game. Fergus also looked happy after his involvement yesterday. On 34 minutes Niall Brew, who is a most versatile and talented player, got his second from a maul. Our concentration fell away then and they scored two good tries in quick succession, converting both, so the game ended 25 – 19.

In the second half Graham Mc Inerney came on, as did Ronan Good, and both played well they are both good footballers and this year the depth of talent is evident throughout the club.

Reggie was totally uncontroversial this week, maybe big Charlie Barry kept him in order. Well done lads, you are part of a great weekend for Marys.

If the senior side had some rust, the J1s had almost corrosion, but still they won with four tries and the important bonus point so you might say I am being a little hard. However, it is as is said, the sign of a good side when they play badly and win well. Win well they did and indeed there were many good moves during the game and over the final five minutes when Colm Mc Mahon got the bonus try they were electric. There were also many squandered chances and lack of incisiveness on occasion.

There were some good performances today and few better than from Paul Nash who was returning from injury; also giving fine performances were Victor Ryan, Niall Brew and for me, man of the match David Kilbride (Baby Killer), who had a very sound all round game with accurate throwing, good defence and excellent support play. The front row was strong and the scrum powerful all game, the work that Peter Smyth is doing with the squad on the scrum, is showing right through. Unfortunately Mark Donnellan got injured early on and had to be replaced by Niall Conway, who did well.

After 12 minutes and heavy pressure on the OB line they tried to kick for the far touch line only to find the swift David Sweeney on the left wing (welcome back to this talented [Dublin] Hurler and rugby player) he said thanks a lot and ran in for a try from 25 metres. Soon after they got a penalty and then a dropped goal on 25 minutes, this woke us up and we got a mauled try after a won scrum, picks and drives up the field and a maul over the line, Simon Gibney converted from the touch line. It was 6 - 12.

Second half we were dominant but did not score until 20 minutes when we got a penalty form Simon and ten minutes to go Conor Hogan got an excellent try in the corner after a multi passing switching movement. Then in injury time a series of movement ended with Colm Mc Mahon powering over close in and Fergus O’Sullivan converted with a drop; it ended 9 – 27.

Reggie wore the look of an impatient panther all game and Charlie Barry looked benignly on with Robbie in attendance. Des and Patsy were pragmatic and pleased and so we roll relentlessly and inexorably onward.

Although there are a couple more games in this league we effectively won it today and with a lot of style over the course of the league. Before the game Clontarf, the nearest challengers, were 6 points behind us and so ended up 10 points behind after the game.

The pitch at Templeville Road was not considered playable by the referee and so we all walked (except the lazy Banana Joe, who drove over) across to play at Templeogue College, with the kind permission of Fr Noel Redmond CSSp. It was great to see so many turn up to support this team which has been fantastic, sailing emphatically through the league with style and adventure, leaving all in their wake. Their squad mates from the 1sts were there in great numbers today as ever led by our outstanding club captain Gareth Logan (Logie) and I believe he got as much joy from the win as did the team itself. Of course the proud president Frank Kennedy and his vice Eoin Quinn and junior vice Niall Rynne were there and lots of alickadoos, including even Barney looking for someone to shaft.

Today was a day for forward fervour rather than back brilliance and this team delivered as asked? Clontarf had several senior players returning from injury and presented a much firmer challenge than the one reported from Clontarf earlier in the campaign. That said we always looked in command and so much of that was due to the addition to the team on the day of Peter Smyth, who played at Six. He was inspirational, in the true sense, and the team responded accordingly. He has such wonderful appreciation of positions and the necessary actions; and he led from the front. He was my man of the match by far. Another for special mention is outhalf genius Joey Connolly, who was supreme in controlling the game and making the right decision. What a pity he will not take the game seriously. It must also be said that every man on the team gave his heart and soul to the game and indeed over all the course of the campaign and it was sad to see the injured Mark Donnellan who contributed so much over the league on the sidelines unable to play due to injury. One back from injury was Paul Nash who had played part of the game yesterday yet turned out today and was superb. Another returning in style from injury was the fine young open-side Barry O’Flanagan. The back three, Conor Hogan, David Sweeney and the evergreen Paddy Lane dealt with everything with aplomb and the mid field of Davy Lyons and Rob Hudson were like deadly guided missiles. The 2nd row outplayed their opponents handsomely and the scrum, with the front row to the fore (obviously), was ascendant. On the side lines and not brought into play but who were vital at earlier times were the versatile Ross Wynn and Conor Nevin. Kenny Mc Inerney and his brother Graeme did get their opportunities in the second half to add to the performance.

Clontarf played with the wind in the first half an put some pressure on us early. They also missed three relatively easy penalties over the firs t half, while Simon Gibney, the captain who game back to his best game and leadership today, managed to slot one after 15 minutes. On the half hour Fergus O’Sullivan soared in the lineout (as he did all game) and took a ball and the pack came in an irresistible phalanx and marched under the command of Smythy, 35 yards, to score. It was attributed to Niall Brew and no one could deserve it more for he played at prop and backrow during the game showing prominently at both and if he choses could be a fine prop forward, being immensely strong and capable. So it was 8 – 0 and so it stayed until three minutes into the second half when Simon got another penalty and then with ten minutes to go Joey Connolly dropped a cheeky goal to finish the scoring at 14 – 0.

Well the management can take a much deserved bow now. Des Jackson the coach has done a fine job with this group of players and the most popular Patsy Fogarty can be justly proud of his management skills and dedication. With Patsy you will always have a loyal management group and this time he had the former great player, now advisor and bagman extraordinaire Charlie Barry, the inscrutable Reggie who did the line and other things in his individual way, in all games, and gregarious Robbie Lyons to help with chat, logistics etc. a superb achievement and the celebrations were fully deserved. Well done to all to bring home this very coveted and important trophy.

This 2nd round cup game was an “all swinging all chancing” game with St Marys in celebratory form after winning their league so handsomely. As the score might suggest it was a rather one sided game with Marys dominant in all aspects of the match. The lineout saw Fergus O’Sullivan, Victor Ryan and Graham Mc Inerney in command. Skipper Simon Gibney controlled the game with a very fine performance. The scrum was also in control and all in the front row shone, none more so than Chunky Carroll and in the backrow Barry O’Flanagan gave a high tempo, skilled, pedigree number seven performance to be proud of. However for me the man of the match was Conor Hogan at full back, who put the jitters up the opposition every time he touched the ball. He ran in a couple of tries himself, one a brilliant solo effort from his own line, and was involved in others; he has great acceleration, balance, sustained high pace, spatial perception and has real potential. The entire backline looked sharp and potent.

After only a few minutes Eoin Keane had to withdraw injured and was replaced by Graham Mc Inerney. From the start we attacked and in a few minutes Simon had made a fine break and gave the ball to the supporting David Kilbride to score, shortly afterwards David Sweeney got his first of two tries Simon converted both and did the same for a fine individual try of his own just on half time, so the score was 21 – 0.

In the second half, another 44 points were added with tries by Hogan twice, Rob Hudson, Gibney’s and Sweeney’s second each; Simon converted three of them. Kenny Mc Inerney and Jack Ardagh joined the game in the second half and contributed well. Barnhall managed to maul in a try mid way in the half and they never stopped trying, but they would have needed Trevor on, who was spotted on the terrace, to have made any difference..

After the game the Leinster Branch IRFU, in the persons of Des Lamont and Hon Sec Dorothy Collins made the official presentation of the J1 Metro League trophy (St Mary’s win verified during the week), to captain Simon Gibney. Des paid tribute to the team and was impressed by the fact that they had won 10 of their 11 games and by the performance today in the cup game. He wished them well for the two remaining trophies. Simon spoke of his pride in his club, the team and the management of Des Jackson, coach, Patsy Fogarty manager, Charlie Barry assistant manager and bagman and Reggie Foley, touch judge, who was hiding from the media spotlight today (while celebrating his 50th birthday). He also remembered those who were not playing today due to injuries etc. but who had made telling contributions to the success, like Marc Aboud, Mark Donnellan and Ross Wynn

President Frank has a lovely trophy for the cabinet and was delighted with the whole occasion. Congratulations are due all around.

In the first half it looked as though St Marys would stroll away with this game and indeed a flying start and a hat trick of tries, the last, late in the half, when Simon Gibney intercepted and whizzed 80 metres to the line, gave a half time lead of 19 – 10; Clontarf, getting a mauled try and a penalty. All the first half, we put on the pressure with excellent lineout work, mainly by Fergus O’Sullivan accurately fed by David Kilbride, who ably backed by props Kevin (Chunky) Carroll and Ronan Goode, gave his usual honest and committed performance. It has to be added that Chunky, who has a great attitude, must be a strong contender for most improved player of the season. The pack supplied quick ruck ball, where the backrow of Louis Bourke, Barry O’Flanagan and Paul Nash were highly effective. Of course with halves like the shrewd Joey Connolly, who also did the kicking, and Skipper, super Simon; it would always be tough for Tarf. Simon was clearly man of the match with his fine individual skills and superb leadership, he is a truly class player. Outside Joey, the backline were hungry and defensively eager, with a blend of youth in Rob Hudson and experience with Ronan Doherty, Davy Lyons and Paddy Lane. Conor Nevin cleaned up nicely at 15.

The second half saw a remarkable transformation, Clontarf who had been sluggish and unimaginative in the first half , changed two gears at the start of the second half and playing at pace and running the ball they soon scored a fine converted try to make it 17 – 19 and save for a few errors they could have pulled away however, with Simon keeping his team working and Paul Nash and Louis Bourke, who was outstanding in the second half, driving themselves and others on, we stayed at it and eventually Joey put over two penalties to make it 25 – 17 and close out the game late on. An added problem for us, with which we coped very well, was losing bulky hard grafting Niall Conway after about ten minutes of the second half.

So the season ends with another trophy for the club; good for the club and particularly for president Frank Kennedy who greatly deserves that success. Also this win is a credit to the team and the coach Des Jackson and managers Patsy Fogarty and Charlie Barry (Reggie was under cover tonight). Well done to all.