J1 XV — Season 2012/13

Today was not for sun worshippers or desert orchids, more for bog snorkelers and water lilies, but the two teams were not of the former type and set to with a will giving those who attended an entertaining, tough and uncompromising encounter to view. The score indicates that it was an easy win, in fact it was a close, hard, fair contest and the bonus point was only earned with the last play of the game; a spectacular Nelly try. This was a game where a bonus point win was nigh on essential to Marys retaining viable league prospects. There were a team of committed performers andin the pack Peter Starett, Mark Donnellan, Kevin Sheahan and Dylan Fawsitt stood out while behind them Ryan O’Loughlin, Nelly and Joe Burns all did exceptionally well.

The game was played in unremitting rain and invasive cold,not that that deterred either team, both of which played withfast-paced endeavour and some good skill under the circumstances. In the first half, both teams scored two tries. Marys’ first one came from a skilful break from outside the Stones’ 22, by young promising scrumhalf Robbie Glynn and the second saw prop Sean (Bisto) Preston standing off a ruck and taking a ball on with determination and driving over the line. Greystones scored a forward surge try and a block downtry. All the time we looked more potent out wide, while in the set pieces, honours swayed.

The second half showed the importance of kicking for position, credit due to clever and valuable footballer, Joe Burns, who played at outhalf today and showed his ability to play as required. We got three penalty chances and Ryan O’Loughlin did especially well to convert each one. Then, very late in the game, Mark Fallon filling in at centre after the highly influential Conor Donohoe had to withdraw injured,late in the first half, control-kicked on a loose ball in mid field, followed up fast and got the touch down, then well into injury time Ian (Nelly) O’Neill picked up the ball deep in his own half and split the Greystones defence, slalomed along the wing leaving all trailing and nearing the 22 he cut in towards the posts, a covering defender, got a hold on him but Nellywas not about to capitulate and had the strength and balance to burst free whiz on and skid in under the posts. With Ryan’sconversion, it brought the score to 31 – 10.

Jonathan Garth and Paudge Mc Gill were extra pleased under the circumstances, as they had to call on a J4 prop Alan Godfrey, to fill in and how well he did that; he came in for special praise from Paudge. In addition, a player had not turned up, for this important game, leaving them perilously,without any backs’ cover (well done to Mark Fallon for leaving his 6 post and filling in so well ).

Often in J1 rugby, there is an almost reckless flair that can only be admired and enjoyed. It was like that today, full of helter-skelter excitement and close calls; credit must be applied to both well-matched teams. Those of you who do not usually attend J1 games and who enjoy high-paced exhilarating rugby should make the effort so to do; you will have true treat in store

In fact, the game was almost not played due to a number of players not being available. Great praise must be given to team manager, Paudge Mc Gill, who with the support and assistance of Kevin Conboy filled the empty spaces. Credit and thanks are due to promising prop Gareth Hennessy, subbed up from a more junior team; he did particularly well too, Ian Kelly who agreed to start, although partly injured, to give Gareth time to get there. A bonus for all those who attended was to see senior club coach and last year’s club captain, Hugh Hogan, help the team by playing the second half, when the admirable Joe Burns had to withdraw, [injured] near the end of the first half. Others to agree to fill in at short notice were Mark Fallon at Four, Rory O’Donovan at hooker and Cormac Treacy on the wing; and all contributed significantly to the victory.

What a crop of lads there were on both sides, ready to play seriously but also to enjoy their game. The referee, Brian Montayne did a fine job in harmoniously joining the tenor of the game. The display was topped of by a brilliant individual try early in the second half by Ryan O’Loughlin who looked like a Baby BOD and who was my man of the match, as every time he got the ball he was threat and was ever looking for work. He made a major contribution to what was in essence a great team performance, finished off by a superb successful long-range penalty effort from cool, talented Ray Crotty. In the forwards there were many good performances with Peter Starett particularly prominent in the loose and from touch. Sadly, the game was held up for ten minutes due to [an injury] to a Belvo player in the most innocuous looking accident.

It did take a few minutes to get up to pace but soon it did with close exchanges. Then Belvo went ahead with a fine penalty on 10 minutes. Three minutes later Ray Crotty evened the score only for Belvo to move ahead again on 18 minutes and another penalty on 38 minutes made it 3 – 9. And so it was at half time.

When eight minutes had passed in the second half, a series of phases by Marys led to Hugh Hogan taking on ball just outside the Belvo 22, it was fed back and Ryan O’Loughlin exploded into action. He went right,then left and put on the boosters, willowing through, leaving the Belvo defence gasping and grasping behind him as he bewitched them, to score a brilliant try, which Ray converted, 10 – 9. Belvo went to 10 – 14 with a try far out on 20 minutes. A mauled try by Marys, from a penalty kicked to the corner and a lineout, made it 15 – 14.

Then in injury time and 43 minutes gone, Belvo appeared tohave won with a long-range penalty, 15 – 17, but there was one more twist. Almost from the kick off Marys got a penalty just on half way and with a breeze against, it looked a dim hope. Up stepped Ray cool and relaxed and stroked the ball; it soared, dipped, dropped a bit more and made it over by 1.743 Cm. Hurrah went up and the whistle followed. Well done to all.

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 followingRobbie 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.

This was a mixed game where Marys were overall a better team but went into lapses of low concentration now and then. Coolmine did very well on occasions, could not build consistency although they kept working to the end and theyscored two tries during the last five minutes. They had aninteresting and promising young scrumhalf who came on as areplacement late in the game, Keith Moloney, nephew of the great Jonny Moloney.

There were several good performances on the Marys’ side,with the backrow of Mark Darby, who scored a good try, Mark Fallon scored two tries and Mark Donnellan, the skipper, was evident throughout. The halfbacks of Robbie Glynn and Andrew Bourke also did well. However, I felt that Joe Burns, usually at scrumhalf, but playing on the wing and who scored two tries, showed leadership and high work rate. He was my man of the match. A boost was, to see Club Captain, Richie Sweeney, come on for a cameo performance to build on his recuperation and he scored a try.

It would be important for the team to be aware of the difficulties ahead in the next round of this notoriously difficult competition.

The game was only seven minutes old and the players just warming up on a bitterly cold afternoon when a good lineout led to the ball going from left to right and Mark Darby was on hand to go over and Andrew Bourke who had a wonderful afternoon with the boot converted, what was to be his first of six conversions, many from difficult positions.

On 14 minutes, promising scrumhalf Robbie Glynn went over. On 18 minutes Coolmine opened their score with nice converted try and then on 23 minutes Mark Donnellan got a neat intercept on the Marys’ 22 and he made good ground then passed on to Andrew Bourke who sent it on to Joe Burns who did the rest. The score was 21 – 7.

The second half had seen 17 minutes pass, when Mark Donnellan broke from a scrum and passed to Mark Fallon who scored well and it was 28 – 7. Then Richie Sweeney who had just come on, scored on 25 minutes, 35 – 7 and Joe Burns got his second on 30 minutes Andrew made it 42 -7 and then Mark Fallon scored his second, to make it 47 – 7; Andrew having his only miss on the conversion.

Coolmine scored two converted tries and the final score was 47 – 21.

It seems as though J1 rugby is ever bright and exciting with lots of running rugby and happiness. Maybe the stakes are not so high or the pressure is not so great, but it has a lot to recommend it and could be used a recruitment tool for rugby generally.

Tonight we had a helter skelter of good standard rugby and lots of skills [Maybe I should not say skills for the modern rugby player does not have skills he has skill sets]. Indeed, there were mistakes too, but who cares when the overall display from both teams was so entertaining and tumultuous

There were some excellent performances too especially from the evergreen captain, Mark Donnellan who seldom fails to rise to heights when he plays for his team. He, as ever, took most of the high balls, he ran with vigour and verve and commanded the field and led his men. He also scored a try. Two pals and school team mates of other times Nelly and Razor, (O’Neill and Crotty), were in super form, Nelly scoring two fine tries and Ray, scoring a try and converting all seven tries scored from every angle possible.

Others to score were, the excellent Conor Donohue, promising rising star Chris Lilly and the versatile committed Joe Burns,

Most of the game Marys held the edge, although Trinity were never outclassed and near the end when Marys lost some concentration and shape they put a lot of pressure on and scored a good finishing try.

Marys led 28 – 7 at half time and ended the game 49 – 14 winners. The league winners now face the semi final with justifiable confidence, especially considering the team has had no game for a number of weeks. The fact that this team is still involved is of great importance to the senior team as these are the standby men and those who train with the seniors and without whom their task would be nigh on impossible.

Tonight Jonathan Garth and Paudge Mc Gill used the rotational substitution system well and having such players as Hugh Hogan, Mark Sexton and Mikey Houlihan to call on was a real bonus. .A deserved win and a fine game from both teams, that heated the cold souls who attended.

Who can deny that St Mary’s College RFC deserve a paean, having this season won Leinster League doubles at J2, J1 and senior levels. And, the J1s can be particularly proud. Having won the league seven times since the turn of the century with captain, Mark Donnellan, involved in all of them and captain for the last three of them.

On this final of the Metro Cup at Donnybrook, it must be said that Lansdowne were worthy opponents and indeed having been almost out of sight after a burst of scoring just before half time they had a redivivus second half and only great spirit and composure inoculated by the introduction of the great Hugh Hogan mid second half kept the lead and ultimate victory in the hands of Marys. Other judicious rotations of players, by Coach Jonathan Garth and Manager Paudge Mc Gill, played strong part in the victory. What resounding credit is due to both, for the unremitting work done all season. I often saw them in searing winds and sleet on the touchline when stronger mortals were supping hot drinks indoors. The wonderful warrior that is Mick (the Medium) O’Connor also deserves great gratitude, as do of course the senior coaching/management team.

Most of all the team, throughout the year they have played some sensational rugby, full of invention and adventure coupled with skill and bravery. To win a double is ever difficult, and Metro cup is a particularly difficult one to conquer.

Lansdowne having won the AIL, showing extravagant ability, were well fancied and showed why, as they had a formidable pack which on occasions gravelled the Marys’ scrum and their maul marched defiantly on occasions, on occasions too in the scrum only Mark Donnellan is in the top Number 8s at scrum time and took ball that defied reason, Marys may have had a real problem. However, Marys were never cowed and continued to look for open space and invention. And they had an edge there. The game did credit to the competition and gave a demonstration of rapid joyful rugby and a sporting vista.

There were many top performances, in fact each player made a vital contribution, but none more so than that from scrumhalf Joe Burns, who demonstrated skill, in attack and defence, judgement and decisiveness, and most of all, verve and style. He ran the game, made several defining tackles, and produced a lancing break to set up a brilliant try. He was my man of the match. The captain was not far behind and Chris Lilly when moving into 12, had a superb afternoon that included, a great individual try, and all round performance. Another who has to be mentioned is the most skilful of players who is ever at ease in his role, Ray Crotty his positional play was excellent, but his kicking from hand and off the ground was sublime. Another who kicked ever so well, and kept the pressure off on occasions when needed, was outhalf, Hugh Mc Donnell. The team is peppered with talent, with young developing players, like Ryan O’Loughlin who scored a fine try, Mark Fallon, Ian O’Neill, Neil Murphy and many more all ensuring a good future for St Marys’ rugby. It may have been goodbye to a remarkable person and player, Large Logie (Gareth Logan) who has been, like Mark Donnellan, ever present at senior or J1 level for over a decade; parenthood has called and he has answered.

Lansdowne also showed many talented young players, with their halfbacks, Conor Crowley and Andrew Geraghty, their winger Stuart Mc Carron, hooker Kilcoyne and flanker Mathews all outstanding.

Sadly, on a lovely spring afternoon, the attendance did not reflect the quality or intensity of the game, but those who did attend got great value for their efforts.

St Marys playing from the Bective end with the wind in the first half got the game’s first score, a penalty form Ray Crotty and soon after, on 12 minutes, Andrew Geraghty levelled, but on 17 minutes Ray hit a difficult one to make it 3 – 6 and on 24 minutes increased it further to 3 – 9. Lansdowne got a fine try from Conor Crowley, converted by Geraghty, but on 34 minutes Chris Lilly made a sizzling break slaloming through the Lansdowne defence and scoring close in, 10 – 16. On 38 minutes after a half break by Lilly, Joe Burns picked and dummied, he sliced through the defence swerved found alert Ryan O’Loughlin and he went over, 10 – 23. Then it was half time.

The second half saw Lansdowne have their turn with the wind, and they used it well and if anyone thought they may have been daunted, they were wrong for they raised their game and put enormous pressure on, especially forward-wise, using a good lineout and scrum to hold possession and march forward. Marys stabilised and with Hugh Hogan exhorting and carrying forward, Marys held fast. However, on 18 minutes from an offside, Geraghty made it 13 – 23 and then on 32 minutes after a lot of pressure they ran it wide to score in the corner, having gone close just few minutes earlier. So, at 18 – 23 it was game truly on. Lansdowne came calling, and calling, they came in close, hand-to-hand stuff, they went in twos and threes, Marys tackled in twos and threes. They took short frees, they took it to the corner and drove. Mark and his men were almost on their faces as they tackled; still they came in waves, wide waves, short waves. Firmly the blue line held. A ball was dropped just at the kill; up field it was hacked and the chase was on. Back down Lansdowne came, one last heave. Again they came and blue line held, the whistle went and the sighs of relief and sorry both escaped. A mighty contest worthy of two top teams.

Well done to all and for those volunteers in the Leinster Branch who arrange these competitions and give us great days like these.

Well done to all.