J1 XV — Season 2016/17

A sunny afternoon and a sunny game, especially for St Marys with a clear win and a good performance. The one cloud was an injury in the second half to Mark Fallon. It will be hoped that talented Mark will not be out too long and everyone will wish him well.

The team that Steve Bradshaw, (now coaching the J1s), Gareth Roche and John Bainbridge put out was bubbling with talent and it showed as, after a slightly slow start against the wind on the second pitch, they played with pace and panache. Leading them in this and keeping that vivid pace on the game, was scrumhalf David Fanagan, who gave a super service to Hugh Mc Donnell at Ten, kept the pace up, and danced through the game, leaving tacklers with “wadges” of air in their arms. He was the star of the game and MoM. Hugh too had a strong game, scored two tries and converted three tries, not a bad haul for a Sunday afternoon. The pack was strong and from early on, took command, with the redoubtable Peter Starrett leading from the front, while well supported by the backrow; Darragh Keller, Ethan Conroy and Mark Fallon were rampant in attack and unmoving in defence. Sadly, talented Mark Fallon was injured halfway through the second half and may be out for some time. All will wish him well and a speedy recovery.

From about ten minutes, when the game settled, Marys had a decided edge on Rock, although throughout, the game remained competitive. After seven minutes Rock went ahead with a penalty, but on 11 minutes from a sprightly thirty metres run by David Fanagan, the fast recycled ball went out along the line and came to Zach O’Hagan, up in support. He took the ball well and went over in the corner. 5 – 3.

Darragh Keller, on 20 minutes, burst through four players in his own half, and the move carried on to the Rock 22, quickly laid back ball was transferred through three pairs of hands via JJ Clarke to Hugh McDonnell who skipped over far out. He converted his own try. The score was 12 – 3.

While we had a man in the bin, Rock scored a neat converted try on 32 minute. The score was 12 – 10 at half time.

In the second half, on 47 minutes, a fine inter passing movement between Darragh and Mark gained momentum for a sustained attack on the Rock line, then the ball came out to tireless Peter Starrett, who went between two defenders and under the posts; Hugh converted and it was 31 – 10. It was 61 minutes and just after a very good attack where Mark got injured, the ball went loose and alert Hugh, picked the ball skipped around a defender and added his second try and so it was 36 – 10. Near the end Rock got a consolation try and so it ended 36 – 15. A heathy win.

Four tries and two penalties, to one penalty, sounds a vast difference and while indeed Lansdowne well deserving of their win, the difference was not so profound. The disparity arose mainly from the familiarity with the synthetic pitch. The Marys lads took time to accustom themselves to the vagaries and bounces of the surface. Soon it was 20 – 3; thereafter, the visitors rallied and were competitive, so it ended as an enjoyable game for all.

Lansdowne, played in bursts at pace, and put a lot of pressure on the defence of the visitors. However, happily it can be reported that the defence was much improved from recent games and although missing several players from injury and commitments, the overall performance was laudable.

Lansdowne’s scrum was generally stronger, but Marys came to terms with that and managed it well. Our lineouts were sound and with a strong back row we were well in contention at the breakdown. Handling for both sides was unreliable which again may have been partly due to the pitch.

There were some good performances too. At the back, number 15, Ruahan Magee, was full of elusive running and seemed to enjoy the game. In the pack, Stephen O’Brien was lively, Hugo Diepman continues to develop and the backrow all did very well. Ciaran Ruddock, the captain, was powerful and led well, he gave a consistently good performance. Jack Dilger, likewise, was having a good game until injured and Darragh Mc Donnell at Number Six, shows good potential. He covered well and had some strong carries and big breaks. So lots to be hopeful for and with the return of several missing players there should be an overall strengthening of the squad. Soon we will see the smile back on Steve Bradshaw’s face.

Similarly to the senior game on Friday, the J1 game today at Anglesea Road, the Marys pack was dominant and produced some fine performances. Belvedere had a balanced side, with a good backline and deserved their win. They scored five tries to one, all of their tries were scored out wide. Marys had the majority of possession but could only on one occasion breach the Old Belvedere defence. Having a man sent off, for a second yellow card, did not help the cause.

The Marys’ collective determination and execution were greatly improved on recent performances and if they can, like the seniors, get back a few missing players, confidence will grow and results will follow. It is a pity that Colm Mac Donnell is not regularly available, as he is a fine player and today, at Seven, he had an impact in an effective backrow. Hugo Diepman contributed significantly in the lineout, was prominent in open play, and scored the only St Marys’ try; he was my MoM. It was in fact these two players who combined for the try in the 33rd minute, after a series of drives, Colm took on the ball well made four or five metres and delivered to Hugo who did well to force his way over for the try.

The set pieces were strong, and the pack worked effectively in loose play, with Emmett Ferron particularly active. The half backs combined well and worked hard, additionally, Hugh Mac Donnell at outhalf, converted the only St Marys’ try, kicked out of hand well and tried hard to vary the play.

For long periods Marys controlled the game, but could not score, Belvo on the other hand, although defending for a good part of the time, whenever they got the ball wide they threatened strongly. It was an entertaining game in good conditions and of course this was the curtain raiser for the AIL game next Saturday when we shall be looking for a reversal of the result.

Scoring sequence. 2 minutes try Old Belvedere (OB), 33 Minutes try St Marys + conversion, 34 minutes try OB, 57 minutes try OB, 65 minutes try OB, 72 minutes try OB, 25 – 7.

A nice one to win before the break and an important one too, to enhance the chances of maintaining the J1 Metro 1 status. On a mild misty night it was a real pleasure to watch these two well matched teams play at exhilarating pace and with good skill.

This was a completely different performance to almost all the prior ones by the Marys’ J1s this season. This was a team full of joie de vivre, enthusiasm and endeavour, structured and determined. The defence, with one only serious lapse, was unyielding and secure and the attack was high paced and accurate. Only the lineouts wobbled a little. The referee joined with the atmosphere and played his part in making it good to be part of; he deserves credit.

There were many fine performances too. En bloc, the pack played with power and skill and everyone, replacements included, enhanced their standing and will have been buoyed after the game. Jack Dilger showed his ability in a top class backrow that included dedicated captain, Peter Starrett, and mighty Ciaran Ruddock. Once again Colin McDonnell, (he is a fine player) although in the row, was to be found ubiquitously working and achieving. He thundered around the field, was excellent and was my MoM.

The backs were almost unrecognisable from previously. You could see Peter Burke’s touch. They performed well in both attack and defence, at pace. Young Ruadhan Magee, was full of guile and agility and scored a well taken try and the backline was well served by David Bowe, at Ten, who also kicked well from hand.

After an adventurous start from both teams a period of high paced play led to a lineout for Tarf on nine minutes, and on phase one ball the Tarf 12 ran lovely vector, straight and hard, to score. David Bowe got a penalty back two minutes later, to make the score 3 – 5. After two penalties and lineouts in the Cabbage Patch Corner on 28 minutes, the second maul formed, made good ground, then the lively Stephen O’Brien, took the ball at the edge and glided in nicely for a try, and so it was 8 – 5. Just on half time, Marys mounted a series of hard carries near the line, then the ball was moved wide and James Kennedy beat the cover to score in the carpark corner. The half ended 13 – 5. The game continued at pace in the second half, both sides attacking with skill and abandon. Both came close to scoring and then on 62 minutes, a ball kicked from defence by Tarf was fielded by David Bowe who swung it wide and Ruadhan Magee quite bewildered the defence as he scored in the gate corner. That brought the score to 18 – 5. And although both sides continued to attack and fortunes swung and swayed, there were to be no more scores. The team, Steve Bradshaw, Gareth, John, Ger and Mick the medium, can relax and enjoy their winter break. They do not return to action until late January.

Having beaten Clontarf in Metro League 1 in December at Templeville Road, hopes were high for advancement in this prestigious cup competition. Indeed, with ten minutes to go, trailing, 13 – 15 and in the ascendency, it looked as though a repeat win was on, but alas, Tarf pulled ahead and it was not to be. Tarf probably deserved their win as in a fast but error laden game they made slightly fewer mistakes and were more effective near the opposing line, scoring four tries to two. However, most relevant was the loss of St Marys’ dedicated captain Peter Starrett in the first half, and soon afterwards, his second row partner the very promising young Hugo Diepman.

The game was played at pace and was entertaining and there were a number of good performances, mainly in the pack. It was also good to see Darragh Keller making progress in his return from injury and the return of Conor Gilsenan, who scored a penalty. Indeed, Darragh made a significant contribution and scored a try. He, along with Jack Dilger and Ethan Conroy, comprised a strong backrow, while Stephen O’Brien was prominent in the competitive front row.

Ben Hoey was busy and effective at Nine, as was Ruadhan Magee at full back, and Mark Joyce defended well and scored a good try.

It is unfortunate to go out of the cup at this stage but now it is important to ensure the league status for next season, and continue to train and play hard as support to the first team while competing for places on it.

It is frequently not appreciated how important the J1 team is, as the front line of back up to the senior team and as part of that squad. Nor is it appreciated how difficult it is for coaches such as the dedicated Steve Bradshaw and managers, Gareth Roche and John Bainbridge. Getting time with the J1 team to coach is very hard and finding reserves to fill cry-offs (often only hours before the game) is frustrating and trying. They deserve credit and gratitude; excellent examples of selfless volunteering.

Scoring sequence: 12 minutes 0-5, 26 minutes 0-12, 34 minutes 3 – 12. 45 minutes 3-15, 49 minutes 8-15, 70 minutes 13-15, 80 minutes, 84 minutes 13-25. Final Score 13 – 25.

This is about spirit, camaraderie and club loyalty, more so even than the rugby and certainly more than the result. Gareth Roche, Steve Bradshaw and John Bainbridge found that they had only a skeleton of a J1 team to face high flying Lansdowne today. They also knew that were they to default, the entire St Marys’ junior rugby system would suffer a domino effect punishment. With U20s, and J2s also playing at the same time, it was a forlorn hope to put a little flesh on that old skeleton. They spent their time with the help of Director of Rugby, Alan Shirley and Aaron Hudson, scouring the club for players of any shape!!. How they did it is hard to realise, but they did. From the J4/5s, from all the junior ranks and even from retired players. They filled a team.

The hardest part seemed over? you must be joking, those players many of whom were not only out of their league, but out of condition and in the case of a number of them out of position. Almost all the backline was composed of forward players. One was previously a back, and a back of great substance [if he can still remember back] that was our club physiotherapist, and former senior wing, centre and outhalf, Davy (Dougal) Lyons. He togged out at Ten, and he was magnificent, brave and composed and he contributed skilfully. What a great Marys Man.

Serving him, David Daly from J4s, playing at scrumhalf, he looked very comfortable and did a great job. Craig Morrin, a while since he played answered the call nobly. Lucas Moran, another from the lower ranks who stood up and was counted; and counting we thought we all would be. However, the scores were almost level at half time and not only did this supposed raggle-taggle team not get annihilated but scored a superb try, nearing the end and were pressing. It was a great sight to see Neilo rampaging down the field. The determined team approach and unselfish effort was wonderful to see and admire.

This is what clubs are about. All involved deserve praise in the highest order and we should look at the names below and say well done to all. A good day for club rugby.