J4 XV — Season 2016/17

J4 XV v Tullamore (A) 24.09.2016

On Sat 24th of Sept the J4s started their league campaign.

Tullamore away was to be a memorable day. Firstly, we hired a coach which was to bring us to the game on time for a good warm up. The driver however had worked for Bord Failte and decided to bring us on a tour of the Midlands, some thought he was bringing us to Knock for a blessing. Eventually we arrived 15 mins before kick-off. Thankfully Colm Kavanagh had the foresight to drive directly to the grounds and advised the ref that we would be late. KO was delayed 15mins to give us a chance to prepare.

They game started, our first venture into their half lead to a fine pack try. Lineout won we drove 10 yards to score our first try. Conversion missed. They came back to score a penalty. At half time the score was 5-3 to us.

We had plenty of possession but couldn’t score against a big Tullamore team.

After a half time chat we upped the tempo and started to break through their defence. Tries were scored 2x Padraig Nestor, 1x Gar Lloyd, 1x Peter Daly,1x Michael Daly,1x Richard Pyne. 2 con by David Daly. The game finished 34-3 to us. We were fed and watered and returned directly to the club to celebrate our victory with our 1st XV who also had a win.

We move on next week for home game v Coolmine, and hopefully continue our good start to the season.

J4 XV v Coolmine (H) 01.10.2016

St. Marys J4s v Coolmine:

Saturday, October 1st, saw the return of Metro 6 rugby to Templeville Road as St. Marys J4s took on a Coolmine side determined to spoil the party. The visitors came into this one looking for a second consecutive win at Templeville Road having narrowly beaten Marys at the tail end of last season. The boys in blue also came in looking to make a statement after a big win in their season opener at Tullamore.

The first half began as it meant to continue with both sides leaning heavily on their forwards. Early dominance upfront from the boys in blue from the likes of Lock Shane Fanning, could not yield any results as a combination of unforced errors and good defence from Coolmine kept them at bay. Against the run of play, Coolmine broke down the field and lay siege to the Marys try line. With much of the visitors attack coming through their number 8, his injury and subsequent substitution looked to blunt their onslaught. Marys own Naos Cunningham gave his first-hand account of the hit which swung the game away for Marys.

“Ah he did his AC, I hit him right in the shoulder sure. I knew once I made the tackle and I heard the pop, he was gone.”

Gone he was as Marys would only concede a penalty and go into half time with a scoreline of Marys 0 Coolmine 3.

The second half began with an increased sense of urgency from the homeside as they looked to capitalise on the missed opportunities of the first half. It did not take long for the first score to come as Marys silver haired centre Richard Pyne intercepted a Coolmine to run in the first try of the afternoon. With their tails up and the visitors tiring, the boys in blue started to really put the pressure on, with tries coming for Caolan Smith and a great solo break away effort from captain Mick Daly.

As the game entered it’s closing stages, Marys continued to look for openings in the Coolmine defensive line. A late break from Marys number 8 and the team’s resident OAP Gar Lloyd, allowed Caolan Smith in for his second try of the afternoon. Never ones to take defeat lying down, Coolmine pushed for late consolation and got try, however, it was too little too late as Marys ran out the victors by a scoreline of 28-10.

Two wins from two and nine tries scored have the J4s in top form right now with their next action a tough away game to Guinness where a game of rugby may break out in between the fighting.

J4 XV v Guinness (H) 14.10.2016

St. Marys J4s v Guinness

Friday night lights at Templeville saw the St. Marys J4s look to maintain their winning start to the season against a Guinness side, who themselves were looking for their first win, determined to spoil the party. The less than ideal conditions before kick-off meant both teams had a rough idea what was in store; a tightly fought contest with the forwards deciding the outcome.

From the off, Guinness looked to set down a marker from the off as they began pressuring the Marys defensive line immediately. Playing their signature brand of no holds barred rugby, Guinness’ were able to take an early lead from a penalty as the Marys defence bent but did not break to the onslaught. From the restart the boys in blue looked for a quick response and that’s exactly what came as Marys set up camp in the visitor’s half of the pitch for much of the first half.

Much like Marys, Guinness’ defence looked solid and particularly difficult to break down. Persistent pressure across the board from the boys in blue finally paid off with a try for number 8 and team proprietor of slippers, prune juice and false teeth, Gar Lloyd. It was now the turn of Guinness’ once more to test the Marys defence and discipline. Despite an outstanding defensive effort from the likes of James Hynes and Padraig Nestor, Guinness’ would register a score before the half, one of only two tries conceded by the J4s through 3 games. A half time scoreline of 10-7 to Guinness gave plenty of food for thought for the homeside, desperate to hold on to their unbeaten start to the season.

Half time saw coach Michael Flats encourage his team to take control of the game. At times when teams aren’t playing their best they look to their leaders to step up to the plate, to drive them forward and as the game restarted that is exactly what Marys got from J4 captain Michael Daly. From close to half way, Daly broke the Guinness defensive line and was off to the races, scoring his third consecutive break away try of the year. Tack on another penalty for the homeside to give a seven point advantage heading into the final 15 minutes of the game. Guinness’, determined not to lose their third game on the trot threw everything they had at Marys in the closing stages but just could not break their way through. With time expired and final play called and Guinness threatening at the Marys 22 with a free kick, queue tighthead David Browne for his signature choke tackle to bring an end to what was a bruising encounter with a final score of Marys 17- Guinness 10.

It is often said that it is the mark of a good team that you win when you play badly and that was what we saw from the J4s on Friday night, good defence and even better discipline proved the difference between the sides. That is not to take anything away from the performance of the visitors who pushed the boys in blue right till the death. Now sitting atop Metro 6 after 3 games, Marys will look to continue their strong start to the season with another tough away match against MU Barnhall this coming Saturday.

J4 XV v MU Barnhall (A) 22.09.2016

St. Marys J4s v MU Barnhall

Saturday October 22nd saw St. Marys J4s look to continue their unbeaten start to the season with a tough trip to Parsonstown to face MU Barnhall. After last week’s gruelling encounter with Guinness, the boys in blue were looking to get back to form; a short pitch and bright weather had all the ingredients for a good days rugby.

That isn’t how it started for Marys however, as their typical sluggish start struck again, conceding a few early penalties and ultimately a try to give the homeside an early 7-0 lead. The J4s looked to respond to only their third conceded try of the year and that is exactly what happened. The forwards put their driving maul to use, pushing Barnhall from their 10 right back to inside their own 22. This was the sign of things to come as the boys in blue would large dominate the set piece for the vast majority of the game with great scrummaging from props Robert Dunleavy and David Browne. Sensing a score, the pack drove forward from the lineout once more and got the first Marys score of the day through second row Shane Fanning. This score pulled Marys back to within two of the hosts and allowed the game to open up for the visitors.

The returned kick off saw powerful running and great vision from number 8 and man who, according to flanker Naos Connaughton should pursue topless modelling for the over 40s, Gar Lloyd which planted the J4s right back into Barnhall territory. Keeping the hosts on the back foot, Marys pressed forward through strong carrying from the likes of lock Richard Fagan and it was not long until it yielded results with flanker Padraig Nestor getting his first try of the afternoon. Not ones to be left out of the equation, it was now the turn of the J4 backs to orchestrate a score. After another great kick off return from Gar Lloyd and strong running from hooker Chris Kane, the backs spread the ball and broke the Barnhall defensive line and it would be Peter Daly to touch the ball down from Marys third try of the match. A half time scoreline of Marys 15-Barnhall 7 meant a lot of great work had been done but there was much more to do.

Much like the beginning of the match, a sluggish start to the second half allowed the homeside to dominate the opening 10 minutes. Slotting over a penalty to bring them back to within five needed to light a fire underneath the boys in blue and that is exactly what happened. From the returning kick off, Marys pinned Barnhall into their own half and that is where the game would largely stay for the rest of the match. Great open field running from the likes of flanker Naos Connaughton and feverish work at the breakdown from the likes of Gar Lloyd, gave the J4s the platform to continue to press the homeside in what backs coach Eoin Cleary described at times looking like a “less skillful version of the all blacks”. Driving off a maul once more, the pack drove barnhall right to the try line, allowing Padraig Nestor to score his second try of the day. With a penalty stretching the lead further and the match drawing to a close, the Marys backs once more drove forward for a final nail in the coffin. Not one to be over taken in the try scoring charts by Nestor, J4 captain and centre Michael Daly, drove at the line, beating several defenders to score his fourth try in four games.

A final scoreline of 28-10 proved a good outing from the J4s, especially for the forwards who took control of the match and didn’t let go. 16 tries scored and only three conceded through four games means the boys in blue find themselves second in Metro 6 but only on points difference behind Old Belvedere. A weeks break now for the bank holiday before a Thursday night game against Trinity college.

J4 XV v Old Belvedere (H) 26.11.2016

St. Marys J4s v Old Belvedere:

Saturday, November 26th, saw a Metro 6 top of the table clash in Templeville Road as St. Marys J4s took on an Old Belvedere side hungry to stay atop the leaderboard. The boys in blue also came in looking to make a statement after a rocky few games following a 4 game unbeaten start to the season.

The first half began as it meant to continue with both sides leaning heavily on their forwards. It took a couple minutes for points to be put on the board as an Old Belvedere penalty sailed over. This was followed by unrelenting pressure from the boys in blue which ended with a lovely weighted kick by Dave Daly to see James Walsh touch down in the corner, the conversion followed and Mary’s held a 7-3 lead. With only 10 minutes left in the first half a high tackle meant the bin for one Mary’s player, followed only 2 minutes later by another for a high tackle. Two men down Mary’s now had their backs against the wall and it wasn’t until a scrum in Old Belvedere’s half in the 39th minute that saw a lovely passage of play see Old Belvedere use their numbers well and touch down in the corner.

The half time whistle blew and Old Belvedere led 8-7 at the break.

The second half began with an increased sense of urgency from the home side as they looked to capitalise on the missed opportunities and 2 minutes in with a full team back on the pitch. It did not take long for the first score to come as Marys won a penalty to once again take the lead. It was now Old Belvedere’s turn to spend a period with 13 men as one player was binned once again for the strictly enforced high tackle laws followed 4 minutes later by another. Unfortunately Mary’s did not manage to capitalise on this period and the next score came from Old Belvedere once they were back to full strength with a penalty to give them a 1 point lead (11-10)

As the game entered it’s closing stages, Marys received another yellow for a high tackle which made it look almost impossible to get the win they coveted. Mary’s did manage to score a penalty in the 74th minute and it looked as though they had managed to pull a win out of a tightly fought game, however, a last minute penalty from Old Belvedere gave them a 1 point advantage, once again, which secured both the game and their position at the top of the table at the mid-point of the season.

Mary’s next game for the J4’s will be next week Saturday December 3rd where they will face Tullamore at Templeville Road and look to secure a second victory of the season against this side.

J4 XV v Coolmine (A) – 10.12.2016

Our J4s played Coolmine away on Saturday in this Metro division 6 fixture. This was a top of the table clash, 2nd v 3rd and there wasn’t too much between the teams.

We had a strong starting line up , back came Taylor Berliant at prop and we had our Chilean friend Andres at full back, his last game before he goes home.

The game started and continued with pin point accuracy from out half David Daly dropping the ball just past the 10 yard line, giving time for our winger James Walsh to chase and compete for the ball.

Coolmine had a strong pack and their lineout was on top , but we managed two penalties , which were slotted by Dave. To their credit Coolmine fought hard and also converted two penalties.

Half time score 6-6 .

Coaches Flats and Clery gave their players the wake up call the needed at the break. Everyone knew that we had to lift the tempo.

The second half began with us driving hard into the Coolmine backs, both centres Richard Pyne and captain Michael Daly tried hard but could not break the Coolmine defence. We received a penalty, which David Daly kicked to the corner, from the lineout we received a scrum from their knock on. Our scrum half Cristián broke from the scrum and squeezed in at the corner.

Conversion missed but the score was 11-6 to the star. They restarted with a kick off straight into the hands of flanker Naos Connaughton, who took off like a rocket down the touchline only to be stopped by a clothesline tackle around the neck. Yellow card issued to their prop.

Penalty kicked into touch at their 22. Short lineout, David Browne caught the ball and drove. Ball moved out the back line, Pyner tackled, offside at the ruck, penalty. Up stands Dave Daly to knock it over. 14-6 to the good guys.

Sin bin finished and they are back to 15,and start to push us back. After some excellent defence, hooker Chris Kane suffers a calf injury and had to be replaced by James Hynes.

We try to kick for touch but the ball is kept alive by Coolmine, who run it back, big hits form Gar Lloyd and Andres stop a potential try.

They receive a penalty and kick to the corner . After several attempts they eventually get over the line , and convert. Score now 14-13 to Mary’s with 5 minutes to go. From the restart they come at us again, tackle after tackle is made. Shouts of No penalties come from the sideline. Ball goes from ruck to ruck and from one side of the pitch to the other but nothing was going to break our line. Every man stood up, no tackles were missed, James Hynes goes in to rip the ball at the tackle. His centre of balance is unreal, they can’t get him of the ball. Referee blows for not releasing, penalty to us. Ball put into touch, Game over!

It was nail biting stuff for the supporters.

There was elation after winning, but no celebration. Everyone knew we could play better, our line-out misfired, we kicked sometimes aimlessly, but we showed heart and that got us over the line. In the past we could have lost a game like this but this team has matured, and when it clicks watch out, some opposing team is going to get a hiding.

As the results come in we find that we are second in both the J4 and J5 leagues as the Christmas break comes. This is just reward for all the players, coaches and managers who have put so much time and effort into training over the last few months.

We have a lot done but we still have a lot to do in the new year, but we know our destiny is in our hands, and that is a great motivator for everyone.

J4 XV v Guinness (A) 21.01.2017

On Saturday afternoon our J4 returned to league action after the Christmas break .We were away to Guinness RFC in the Metro Division 6 League game.

The day started adversely, firstly our captain Michael Daly was out with a wrist injury, our Prop Taylor had pulled up in training on Wednesday with a recurring neck injury, our Hooker Chris Kane was also out with a calf injury, then the calls came in thick and fast .Dan Hegarty back Row had to pull out with a back injury suffered in a domestic incident. David Daly out half, had man flu, and Naos Connaughton utility player, suffered fractured ribs in a GAA training incident. This was bad enough but then our replacement back row Morgan Mooney pulled up with a hamstring tear in the warm up.

Our replacement Hooker David McGill was not at the grounds. When phoned he said he was never notified but would pack his gear and would be with us in 15 minutes. Thank you Dave.

Things weren’t going our way, but the J4s and J5s are a resourceful bunch and calls were made by Colin Berkley to make sure we had a starting 15 plus subs. Big thanks to Dave Dixon, Gary Masterson, Saban and Ryan Barnes who helped us out after playing a J5 game the previous evening.

Now we were set to play.

The game commenced, Guinness as usual had an enormous pack, with their rolling maul dominating play for the first 25 minutes. Our pack 1-8 got stuck in and held them out on a few occasions, with Captain for the day Padraig Nestor leading from the front with countless tackles and calming influence when things got heated.

His back row partner Gar Lloyd also made numerous tackles. Gar is like a good red wine, getting better with age. He is having a super season so far ,his attitude, great engine , and never give up attitude spreading to all those around him .

It was this engine that made him support our winger James Walsh, who had caught, run, swerved, handed off would be tacklers and gave a pop pass to Gar who finished it off. 5-0 to the star, conversion missed.

After the kick off we secured a penalty. Up stands Sean O’Riordan and slots it over the bar.

Score at half time 8-0 to the blue.

The talk at half time was to keep the ball in their half, kicking to the corners and away from their pack .Changes were made, Gary Masterson was on for Dixon to join his fellow ‘Right Said Fred ‘back row partner Gar and a switch of the half backs, with Denis Daly now at scrum half supplying Christian with quicker ball than he had received in the first half.

They kick off, ball doesn’t go 10. Scrum called, the backs spread and the ball is passed directly to Andrés, one of our men from Chile. This is the last game that he will play for us and he stands up to take the pass, accelerating past their defenders, a jink and then a step of gas he rounds their winger to score an amazing individual try. Con by Sean and we move into 15-0 lead.

Guinness tries to get into our half, but every kick is secured by our back three and they counter attack on every occasion.

It was one such kick that James Walsh ran back, the ball handling from our backs was superb, and we get Sean over for his try. 20-0 con missed. James picks up a calf strain in the move. Mick O’Connor’s name is called to warm up. That is Mick from Kerry, not Mick from the J1 management who was on the sideline supporting.

Guinness to their credit never gave up and got the rolling maul, and rucking game going .It was in this time that Gar received a yellow card for retaliating to a kicking incident he didn’t like, but all the Ref saw was his retaliation .This was followed by another yellow which was harshly given for a suggested slap down intercept by Andrés. Now down to 13 men, we were brave but succumbed a try to Guinness. Con missed. Score now 20-5.

Still down to 13 men, we saw Fanj and Fagan our Seconds rows, winning ball after ball in the lineout, and letting rip at the rucks and mauls. The front 5 stood up when needed and were super. We got into their half and secured another penalty, slotted over by Sean. Score now 23-5.

Yellow cards time up and we are back to full strength. Then at a ruck, their prop runs 10 yards at full pace and takes Gary Masterson out dangerously. A loud shout from the sideline saying “ref health and safety “and we receive the penalty. It is put into the corner. Fanj secures the lineout .Maul begins, then Gar breaks away to score near the posts. Conversion scored now 30-5 with 5 minutes left.

We now throw everything at Guinness with backs and forwards inter passing. One such move led to a pass to Prop David Browne who received it at full pace, which is a pleasure to witness, and he was in for a score only for it to blown up for a forward pass. Boo’s echoed from the large number of Mary’s supporters who had come to support. It wasn’t to be, but with Browner’s newly found fitness, it won’t be long before we get a score from the speedy Prop.

What you have to admire is the team spirit, game control, defence and handling skills which has developed so much .Everyone left looking forward to the cup next week and the remaining league games.

Mick Flats

J4 XV v Clontarf (A) – Cup 27.01.2017

On Friday night under lights on the main pitch in Castle Avenue, our J4s played Clontarf in the first round of the Winters Cup.

Clontarf are currently second in Division 5, and we are currently second in Division 6.

This is Cup rugby and all bets are off.

We had lost a few bodies from our league game v Guinness, out was Sean O’Riordan with bruised ribs, and Andrés had left to travel around Europe. The J4s have two sets of brothers, all Daly’s. We welcomed back captain Mick Daly and out half David Daly. Mick’s brother Denis plays scrum half and Daves brother Peter plays on the wing .They are part of the J4 family, literally!

This Clontarf team were good. They had players who had played at a higher level and had come back down to play J4 rugby .They had excellent individuals but we had an excellent team.

We kicked off into the Clontarf end and they began to play the ball back into our half, with their forwards rucking up the pitch. They showed some skill and trickery , but were smashed in midfield with great tackles from our centre’s Mick Daly and Richard Pyne .Our lads were up for this game and Clontarf were in for a fight . They assumed that because we were in a Division below them that this game would be an easy game. They were in for a rude awakening.

Our out half Dave kicked for the corner. Winger Mick O’Connor chased the kick and put pressure on the full back that kicked for touch. We were inside their 22. Lineout won by Shane Fanning, ball spread wide through the hands, ball rucked again quick hands, ball gets to Richard Pyne who dives for the line. Try converted by Dave. 7-0 to the star. This was against the run of play as Clontarf had dominated possession but could not score missing penalties at goal. We were more clinical with the ball, but had to work extremely hard in defence to stop the Clontarf wall of attack.

Top of the tackle count was Denis Daly and Gar Lloyd, these 2 were like machines, putting in tackles non stop for 80 minutes. Their efforts spread to the whole team, and our backs were amazing in defence. Owen Clery our backs coach was glowing with pride with their performance. It is great to see what you’ve done in training come to the fore on the pitch .We probed again into their half , with Denis “man of the match “getting in for a try in the corner , conversion missed . Score 12-0 with five minutes remaining in the first half. Then Pyner is penalised at a tackle. He is not happy with the decision and debates with the Ref. Pyner is a very good player, one of the guys who puts in the tackle and gets straight back up to challenge for the ball. He likes to get involved and is not afraid of the dirty work. He needs to know what he has done wrong as he thinks he is perfect. This is a great trait. The coaches know he had his game hat on when they see this reaction. Pyner still not happy with the decision goes into the next tackle, holding onto the Clontarf player around the ankles while the ball is gone. Still not releasing he gets a thump to the head from the Clontarf forward. Then the red mist comes down and Pyner retaliated. Their centre gets involved. The ref sees the two centre’s at each other and outcome two yellow cards. Pyner is off, something that happens to Pyner on occasions, but we wouldn’t change him as it wouldn’t be Pyner without that fight! He is getting better, as he is reminded before every game “Pyner shut it ”

Half time 12-0.

Flats tells us that the game is far from over and that we had been clinical, but they still had alot of possession, the next score is vital. If we score they will be playing catch up rugby and if they score their heads will be up and it will be a dog fight to the final whistle. How right he was.

We begin the second, absorbing pressure. Then we receive our second yellow. David Browne our tight head Prop is binned for coming in at the side of a ruck and taking it down. Browner is the rock of the pack. The first name in the team sheet .He always delivers. He is now more mobile and takes the balk at pace and always puts in the effort at the coal face of forward battles. We are down to 13 players when they score their try in the corner. Conversion missed .12-5 to the star.

They keep us pinned in our own half. James Hynes is now on for Padraig Nestor who is replaced due to damaged ribs. James (Bfoot) is a great tackler and another player who puts his body on the line to steal ball at the breakdown .He does this close to our line and we receive a penalty for not releasing. Relief, the ball is kicked to touch for a rest bite for both the players and the supporters. We are back to full strength for two minute until Dan Hegarty is sin binned for some offence we don’t see. 14 men v 15. 10 mins to play. Backs to the wall. Every man stands up. Mick O’Connor had claret pouring from his nose. The tackles are hard. We keep them out, wave after wave .They knock on in the ruck, cheers roar out from the sidelines. We clear for touch for them to come at us again. They get a penalty and decide to kick to the corner. More pressure again we keep them out. Then they move the ball to their centre’s, tackle made they come in from the sides. Penalty. Dave Daly stands up, he has had a great game, and all his kicks find touch except this one. The supporters have their hearts in their mouth. Suggestions are made if they score we will have 20 mins of extra time. Eventually the ref shouts last play. We somehow get the ball and kick it dead. I don’t know what happened because of the emotion, passion and nail biting finish to a super cup game.

J4 v MU Barnhall (H) 18.02.2017

On Super Saturday Feb 18th, we had 3 junior teams playing in the club. First up was our J5s v Clontarf. The last time they played in Clontarf the result was 6-5 to Clontarf, today was also going to be close but our lads got the victory 25-18.

This game KO at 1pm and was followed by the J4 game v MU Barnhall. The weather was perfect for rugby, dry and mild, ideal conditions .we welcomed back our loose head Prop Taylor Berliant. Taylor our American friend had suffered from a shoulder injury earlier on in the season, and we were delighted to have him back for this tussle, as Taylor is a player that gives you 110% and never stops tackling for the full 80 minutes. If Taylor tackles you, you know you’ve been tackled. Also back was David Balfour , he hadn’t played last time out due to a dead leg , but was biting at the bit , to get into the game . Dave was last year’s captain. He now is a little leaner but still as hard as ever. He loves nothing more than big hits to get him and the team going.

Barnhall had a large pack and it was noticed that they had a lot of different players than when we played them before. They were on a winning streak having won their last 4 games. We got stuck in from the start but they scored first with a try which included crossing and a knock on, but the referee gave the try. 7-0 to Barnhall. We got a kick into the corner and started our line out maul which had been excellent all season. Gareth Lloyd got the touchdown. Conversion missed score now 7-5 to Barnhall.

They again bashed there way to our line scoring another try, con missed. Score now 12-5 to Barnhall.

We knew we had to get ourselves back into the game as it was our mistakes that gave them the tries. The next penalty we got, Dave Daly got us into their 22. Line out won again we started our maul. Gar Lloyd again broke, and raced towards their line, scoring a splendid try. Con missed score 12-10 to Barnhall.

A call came to not contest at the ruck because the ref was blowing us off the park. We were trying to get our game going but with all the penalties it was stop / start. There now was a good crowd watching from the sidelines. We had past and present Junior 4 & 5 players, parents, family, wives and girlfriends up supporting the boys in blue. We then started to get some possession and got fine try by our winger Denis Daly who ran through and around the Barnhall players to get the touchdown. Dave Daly converts score now 17-12 to the star. Half time.

We now started to believe and kicked for the corner as both the Sun and wind were in the Barnhall player’s faces. Tries were scored by Shane Fanning, converted by Dave Daly, now 24-12, and then minutes later another try by Denis Daly

converted by Dave. Score 31-12. We were going through the motions after that, and took our eye of the ball. The last 15 minutes was all Barnhall .They scored 14 points. If there was another 5 minutes we could have lost this one. Final score 31-26 to Mary’s.

What we learned today was that if we play to our potential we can score at will, but if we step down a gear, we are awful. We won playing badly, which is a sign of a good team. When we win this league we will be a great team.

As we head for the dressing rooms we hear our J2s have beaten our neighbours Terenure 14-10 in the O’Connell Cup. Mossy and Bobby have organised a reunion for all past Junior players. The club is buzzing, everyone in junior rugby won today. The club is alive again, the 1sts return from Young Munster with a losing bonus point and the club is hopping. It’s like old times. A lot of hard work has been put in by the managers, coaches and players themselves. They got a small taste of what it would be like if they won silverware, if this doesn’t get the juices flowing nothing will. The month of March will be the deciding month as all league games will have been played by then. Currently the J4s are second in their league 1 point behind Old Belvedere who they play in their last league game, so all to play for. The J5s are also second in their league 1 point behind Stillorgan, who they also still have to play. All good in Junior rugby at the moment.

15. James Walsh, 14. Peter Daly, 13. Richard Pyne , 13. Mick Daly (Captain), 11. Denis Daly,10.David Daly, 9. Cristian, 8.Gar Lloyd, 7. Padraig Nestor, 6. David Balfour, 5. Richard Fagan, 4. Shane Fanning, 3.David Browne, 2. Chris Kane, 1. Taylor Berliant.

J4 XV v Dublin University (H) 06.03.2017

On a cold and wet Monday evening, our J4s played Dublin University in their Metro Division 6 League fixture.

They game was played in Templeville because the Trinity pitches in Santry were waterlogged.

They were young, fit and eager to stop our winning run. David Browne stood in as captain as our leader Mick Daly was running late.

We started off playing into the wind and against the hill. When we took them on in the pack we looked dangerous and made ground with some great rucking. At one lineout we took and mauled for 20 yards. The supporters watching thought that this would be the tone for the evening, but Trinity had a different idea, running the ball on every occasion. The first score came from a ball spread wide to our full back James Walsh who got in at the corner 5-0. Conversion missed by David Daly who had a tricky night with the strong wind blowing in his face.

The next score was to be a Trinity try; their winger intercepted a pass and ran the length of the field, also not converted. Half time 5-5.

The amount of dropped balls, knock on’s and lineout’s lost was not the usual performance from the J4s. Too many people were having a bad day at the office.

We regrouped at half time. Mick Daly had arrived and was on. The players were told that our game plan was to kick into Carville corner and to keep them pinned in their own 22.

We started the second half as requested by the coaches. Ball kicked into their 22. We put them under pressure and finally Richard Pyne intercepted and scored beside the posts. Conversion got. Score 12-5.

Then we switched off and tried to play them at their own game, running from deep. This was not the plan and Trinity got back into the game scoring a try. Conversion missed. 12-10.

The ref played 50 minutes in the second half .Our defence was immense. Every man stood up and tackled. We were on auto.

Final whistle blown. We won. No celebration. Job done, we move on to play Wanderers at home on Saturday .We can’t afford to be that bad again and expect to win. A lot done, more to do. Roll on Saturday.

Team 15. James Walsh, 14. Mick O’Connor, 13.Richard Pyne, 12.Denis Daly, 11.Peter Daly, 10.David Daly, 9. Cristian, 8. Gar Lloyd, 7. James Collery 6. David Balfour, 5.Richard Fagan, 4.Shane Fanning, 3.David Browne, 2.Stephen Walkin, 1.Taylor Berliant .Subs James Casey, Donagh Ryan, Kurt McNab, Mick Daly, and Gary Masterson.

J4 XV v Wanderers (H) 11.03.2017

While the main support were over watching our first team v UCD, on the back pitch our J4s were playing Wanderers in the Metro Division 6 League fixture. If we won this game we would go top of the league.

It was a warm dry day on Saturday. Total opposite to the weather we had to endure the previous Monday.

Before the game head coach Mick Flats had called us in to have a “get the heads right chat ”

As he said if we got our minds focused everything else would fall into place .We have the best defense in the league and had to believe in our own ability.

We started immediately , from a scrum on our own 10 yard line , the ball was spread to captain Mick Daly in the centre who stepped and accelerated through the would be tackles , then passing to his centre partner Richard Pyne , who put our newest Chilean Kurt McNab in space as he raced for the corner flag . The cover got to him but our scrum half Denis Daly was there to pick up the ball at the tackle on fall over the line. 5-0 after 3 mins. Our heads were right. Next up after securing a lineout our Out half David Daly chips a superb kick over their defense into the left hand corner , the ball bounces up into the hands of our winger Dan Hurley , conversion by Dave , score now 12-0 .

We were now beginning to click with forwards securing ball for our backline who were on form. Then our centre Richard Pyne scored. 17-0. Half time.

We were all having a good day at the office. Our lineout and scrum were solid. Our backs were on fire. Two changes were made. Loose head Prop Taylor was replaced by Donagh Ryan, and our Vintage No 8 Gar Lloyd was replaced by Padraig Nestor.

Second half began with Wanderers all fired up and the Ref trying to bring them back in the game. They scored first 17-7 now. Then the ref gives our fullback James Walsh a yellow card for not placing/ releasing the ball in the tackle .We were a little perplexed and then out comes a yellow to our out half for not retreating the 10yards at the lineout . Down to 13 men, we tackled hard. Cometh the hour cometh the man. Captain Mick Daly gets the ball and with a step and a swivel of the hips he is away to score in the corner. Score now 22-7 .Still down to 13 men Wanderers get a converted try, now 22-14 game still on. We then get our sin binned players back. Our pack maul up the pitch, David Browne our tight head leading the charge like a bull in full charge, followed by our flanker David Balfour and Hooker Chris Kane. We were fired up now. After all the good work from the pack our scrum half Denis gets in for a second , con by Dave .Score now 29-14 .. The pack are picking and going, great work by Nestor who pops to Fanj, who then gives a skilful reverse pass to Fagan his second row partner. He is at full speed heading for the line. No one is there to tackle him. That’s the problem with Fagan he wants contact. He hasn’t scored a try all year and this is his moment. He goes to lift the ball to produce a dramatic dive, but he forgot to bring the ball with him, he leaves the ball behind him. Fagan ends up over the line, the ball is picked up by a Wanderers player and rucked up the pitch. They go over the top at a ruck, penalty called. A shout comes in from the coaches. Scrum called and give it to Mick. Last play, we win the scrum, ball passed to Mick, he in turn runs through their defense and passes a perfect ball to the on running Fullback James Walsh who touches down for a fine finish to the game. Conversion by Dave Daly. Final score 36-14 to the blue.

We now are into the league playoff final v Old Belvedere in Anglesea Road the date and time tbc but it will be the either the Friday or Saturday 24th or 25th of March .

If you are reading this article, why not come along and give these lads your support. They have trained extremely hard over the season. They give 100% and deserve some club support as they will be the first team this season to be in a final.

15. James Walsh

14. Kurt McNab

13. Richard Pyne

12. Mick Daly

11. Dan Hurley

10. David Daly

9. Denis Daly

8. Gar Lloyd

7. Dan Hegarty

6. David Balfour

5. Richard Fagan

4. Shane Fanning

3. David Browne

2. Chris Kane

1. Taylor Berliant

Subs Donagh Ryan, Keith Gavaghan, Ryan Barnes, Padraig Nestor and Alessandro.

J4 XV v Old Belvedere (A) 24.03.2017

On Friday night last our J4s travelled to play Old Belvedere in Anglesea Road. We were expecting delays as the Irish soccer team were playing Wales up the road in the Aviva, but everyone arrived early as the traffic was lighter than expected.

This game was our final league game of a campaign that started last September.

The J4 & J5 squads have dedicated themselves totally to the cause this season, putting in the hours at training and trying to balance their working and family life around rugby . The commitment given by these amateur players is to be complimented. Both the players, coaches and managers have done this for the love of the game. There is no financial reward but there is the satisfaction that we as a squad we have gotten fitter/ stronger more skillful and competitive.

We now can compete and this is proven with the fact that both the J4s and J5s are both in their respective league play off finals.

The J4s got stuck in from the start. Score at half time 10-6 to Belvo. 2 penalties by our out half David Daly.

Belvo then at half time brought on a few subs. They executed brilliantly some back moves, some missed tackles and they were in for 3 tries in 10 minutes.

Score was now 29-6.

The lads had 2 choices. Stand up and fight or take a hiding. They decided to get stuck in. Drive after drive, ruck after ruck. We pushed our way to the Belvo line. Penalty kicked now 29-9. We were getting stuck in. We kept them in their 22 for the last 15 minutes. A few scuffles broke out as the Belvo team didn’t like was happening. They couldn’t get their hands on the ball. We were on their line, pounding into them and they were putting in big hits, we received a penalty and they got a yellow card for not releasing. Scrum called we were going to score a try if it killed us .Eventually our captain for day Padraig Nestor got the ball over the line .Conversion missed. Whistle blows. Final score 29-14.

We learned how to get in their faces. Head coach Mick Flats is delighted as we circle around for a team talk. He is delighted because we showed some liathroidi. We got in their faces, and were proud of our performance as the odds were stacked against us. We owned the ball for the last 20 minutes. As he said this is only half time as we will play Belvo again in the play off final in 2 weeks.

J4 Final (Metro Division 6 League Final, 8 April 2017)

Saturday the 8th of April will stick in the memory for a long time. If you weren't there you missed a cracker.

The Sun turned out , so did the supporters to make the background for this Metro Division 6 League Final in Templeville. Our J4s were to play Old Belvedere for the 3rd time in 3 weeks. We had lost the previous games, and were knocked out of the Winters Cup on a scoreline of 22-5.

Today we wanted it more.

We won 19-14 after 6 minutes of injury time. Everyone stood up and left everything they had on the pitch. We were exhausted after the game.

It was a reward for all the effort and time that the lads had put in throughout the season.

Special thanks to all the management team. Mossy, Burkley, Colm, Stephen, Karl and Vinnie, we couldn't have done it without your help. Big thanks also to our coaches Flats, Clery and Smudge, you guys were amazing.

15. Denis Daly

14. James Walsh

13. Mick Daly Captain

12. Richard Pyne (TRY) (YC)

11. Peter Daly

10. David Daly ( 4 Pen , 1 Con)

9. Cristian Michelin

8. Gar Lloyd (YC)

7. Padraig Nestor

6. David Balfour

5. Richard Fagan

4. Shane Fanning

3.David Browne

2.Chris Kane

1.Taylor Berliant

Subs: Dan Hegarty, Rob Dunleavy, James Hynes, Dan Hurley, John Whelan

St. Mary's: 1 David Browne, 2 Christopher Kane, 3 James Nolan, 4 Richard Fagan, 5 Shane Fanning, 6 Padraig Nestor, 7 Taylor Berliant, 8 Gareth Lloyd, 9 David Daly, 10 Michael Daly, 11 Eric Dunne, 12 Richard Pyne, 13 Daniel Hurley, 14 James Walsh, 15 Sean O'Riordan.

Replacements: 16 Donagh Ryan, 17 Cagular Tuc, 18 Alessandro Cossuale, 19 Naos Connaughton, 20 Peter Daly.

Scorers. Tries: Padraig Nestor (2), Gareth Lloyd, Peter Daly, Michael Daly, Richard Pyne. Conversions: David Daly (2).

From the Leinster team sheet form; scorers from match report.

St. Mary's: 1 David Browne, 2 Sasha Gibson, 3 Robert Dunleavy, 4 Richard Fagan, 5 Shane Fanning, 6 Caolan Smith, 7 Padraig Nestor, 8 Gareth Lloyd, 9 Cristian Michelin, 10 David Daly, 11 James Walsh, 12 Richard Pyne, 13 Michael Daly, 14 Peter Daly, 15 Sean O'Riordan.

Replacements: 16 Christopher Kane, 17 James Nolan, 18 Naos Connaughton, 19 Fionan Magee, 20 Daniel Hurley.

Scorers. Tries: Richard Pyne, Caolan Smith (2), Michael Daly (conversions not named).

From the Leinster team sheet form; scorers from match report.

St. Mary's: 1 Robert Dunleavy, 2 Sasha Gibson, 3 Taylor Berliant, 4 Shane Fanning, 5 Naos Connaughton, 6 Padraig Nestor, 7 James Hynes, 8 Gareth Lloyd, 9 Cristian Michelin, 10 David Daly, 11 Sean Daly, 12 Michael Daly, 13 Richard Pyne, 14 Peter Daly, 15 Andres Gandulfo.

Replacements: 16 James Walsh, 17 Christopher Kane, 18 David Browne, 19 James Nolan, 20 Andrew Manning.

From the Leinster team sheet form.

St. Mary's: 1 Taylor Berliant, 2 Christopher Kane, 3 David Browne, 4 Richard Fagan, 5 Shane Fanning, 6 Naos Connaughton, 7 Padraig Nestor, 8 Gareth Lloyd, 9 Cristian Michelin, 10 David Daly, 11 Denis Daly, 12 Richard Pyne, 13 Michael Daly, 14 James Walsh, 15 Andres Gandulfo.

Replacements: 16 Daniel Hegarty, 17 Cal Gray, 18 James Hynes, 19 Ryan Barnes, 20 Gary Masterson.

Scorers. Try: Cristian Michelin. Penalties: David Daly (3).

From the Leinster team sheet form; scorers from match report.

St. Mary's: 1 David Browne, 2 Christopher Kane, 3 Taylor Berliant, 4 Richard Fagan, 5 Shane Fanning, 6 David Balfour, 7 Padraig Nestor, 8 Gareth Lloyd, 9 Denis Daly, 10 David Daly, 11 Peter Daly, 12 Michael Daly, 13 Richard Pyne, 14 Michael O'Connor, 15 James Walsh.

Replacements: 16 Cristian Michelin, 17 Gary Masterson, 18 Daniel Hegarty, 19 Daniel Hurley.

Scorers. Tries: Gareth Lloyd (2), Denis Daly (2), Shane Fanning. Conversions: David Daly (3).

From the Leinster team sheet form; scorers from match report.

St. Mary's: 1 Taylor Berliant, 2 Stephen Walkin, 3 David Browne, 4 Shane Fanning, 5 Richard Fagan, 6 David Balfour, 7 James Collery, 8 Gareth Lloyd, 9 Cristian Michelin, 10 David Daly, 11 Peter Daly, 12 Denis Daly, 13 Richard Pyne, 14 Michael O'Connor, 15 James Walsh.

Replacements: 16 James Casey, 17 Donagh Ryan, 18 Kurt McNab, 19 Michael Daly, 20 Gary Masterson.

Scorers. Tries: James Walsh, Richard Pyne. Conversion: 1 (kicker not named).

From the match report (subs unnumbered in the report; numbered 16-20 in printed order).

St. Mary's: 1 Taylor Berliant, 2 Christopher Kane, 3 David Browne, 4 Shane Fanning, 5 Richard Fagan, 6 David Balfour, 7 Padraig Nestor, 8 Gareth Lloyd, 9 Denis Daly, 10 David Daly, 11 Peter Daly, 12 Richard Pyne, 13 Michael Daly, 14 Daniel Hurley, 15 James Walsh.

Replacements: 16 Kurt McNab, 17 Keith Gavaghan, 18 Daniel Hegarty, 19 Donagh Ryan, 20 James Collery.

Scorers. Tries: Denis Daly (2), Daniel Hurley, Richard Pyne, Michael Daly, James Walsh. Conversions: David Daly (3).

From the Leinster team sheet form; scorers from match report.

St. Mary's: 1 Taylor Berliant, 2 Christopher Kane, 3 David Browne, 4 Shane Fanning, 5 Richard Fagan, 6 Daniel Hegarty, 7 Padraig Nestor, 8 Gareth Lloyd, 9 Denis Daly, 10 David Daly, 11 Daniel Hurley, 12 Richard Pyne, 13 Mark Gamble, 14 Peter Daly, 15 James Walsh.

Replacements: 16 Kurt McNab, 17 James Nolan, 18 Stephen Walkin, 19 David Balfour, 20 James Hynes.

Scorers. Try: Padraig Nestor. Penalties: David Daly (2), 1 further penalty (kicker not named).

From the Leinster team sheet form; scorers from match report.

St. Mary's: 1 David Browne, 2 Christopher Kane, 3 Taylor Berliant, 4 Shane Fanning, 5 Richard Fagan, 6 James Hynes, 7 Padraig Nestor, 8 Gareth Lloyd, 9 Kurt McNab, 10 David Daly, 11 Daniel Hurley, 12 Denis Daly, 13 Michael Daly, 14 Peter Daly, 15 James Walsh.

Replacements: 16 Robert Dunleavy, 17 Keith Gavaghan, 18 Cristian Michelin, 19 John Whelan, 20 Eric Dunne.

From the Leinster team sheet form.

St. Mary's: 1 Taylor Berliant, 2 Christopher Kane, 3 David Browne, 4 Shane Fanning, 5 Richard Fagan, 6 David Balfour, 7 Padraig Nestor, 8 Gareth Lloyd, 9 Cristian Michelin, 10 David Daly, 11 Peter Daly, 12 Richard Pyne, 13 Michael Daly, 14 James Walsh, 15 Denis Daly.

Replacements: 16 Daniel Hegarty, 17 Robert Dunleavy, 18 James Hynes, 19 Daniel Hurley, 20 John Whelan.

Scorers. Try: Richard Pyne. Conversion: David Daly. Penalties: David Daly (4). Yellow cards: Richard Pyne, Gareth Lloyd.

From the match report (J4 Final; subs unnumbered, numbered 16-20 in printed order).

Source: J4-J5 Review of the Season.

I have been asked to write a short review of the season.

My memories are all good, a great bunch of players, who are still willing to learn new things, and listen, even though they think they know it all.

The management were eager to keep things going after a rewarding season last year. New coaches Owen Clery and Stephen Teggart were appointed, and have been a great asset to the squad with their knowledge and passion.

New management of Colm Kavanagh, Karl Kelly and Vinnie Murray were brought on board, as well as the old guard of Mossy, Colin Burkley and Stephen Boden . New captains in the shape of Michael Daly and Gary Masterson, who had to fill the big boots left by Balf and Binner . We had a dream team doing all the background work so that all the players have to do is turn up and play.

We had a fantastic pre-season trip to Bruges, as well documented. The togetherness formed on that trip will bond the players going forward. Players got to know each other a little better and tours are important for that reason alone.

The highlight for me so far, this season has to be our trip away to the Kilkenny Norman's in a Division 11 league fixture.

We struggled to field a starting 15. Playing away in Knoctopher on a Saturday afternoon didn't appeal to many. It was hinted to the coaches that they bring their boots as we may be short players. We departed from St. Mary's with 15 players, picking coach Clery up in Naas on the way down. We were delighted to have a full team.

Banter was good on the bus and the weather was glorious for a Saturday in November, so the mood was right.

We arrived in Knocktopher, and to most people's amazement there were no dressing rooms.

Our kit man Colm Kavanagh, had no use for his hangers, but did lay out the jerseys in a lovely line beside the ditch. This was OLD SCHOOL, players having to run to the trees to find a suitable WC.

We were thankful that it was sunny, as it could have been a total washout if it had been raining.

The game was played on a very narrow but long pitch. James Walsh appeared out of the carpark. Our fast running, non-passing winger. He was a local lad who had moved to Dublin and popped over to help us out.

After a short warm up, the game started. We launched into their 22. Ryan Barnes manfully stood up and played hooker a position he had played when in was in school. That was a long time ago but he battled hard, he kept playing after firstly receiving a head wound that was bound by our medical men, Karl and Colm. This was time for our coach Smudge to put on the blue jersey and slot in at hooker which he did like a duck to water.

We then scored a delicious try. They tried to clear their lines, not finding touch, our winger James Walsh caught and ran a diagonal line handing off would be tacklers. Our players knew he wouldn't pass and waited for him to be tackled. They then cleared out the ruck, Alessandro passed to Cal Gray, and a skilful pass to our full back Andrés, who ran at serious speed to cut their defence to score under the posts with Cal converting. 7-O to Marys.

Stephen Boden was happy to point out to me that they had two very old looking guys playing in their pack. "Flats they must be 5 years your senior" was quoted being said. I looked, they had a grey-haired prop that did look in his 50s and a balding second row not much younger.

The thoughts of the team needing an extra sub and the chance to play with these super players was enough to persuade me to go and get togged out.

Half time, score was still 7-0 to us. It was a tough game and they put all the pressure on us. Then came my call as our captain Gary Masterson had received an injury. I was on for my first game in years. Once I got my first tackle in, it was like riding a bike. An old rusty bike that needed oiling.

They came at us, kicking to the corner at every opportunity. Then the start of the yellow cards episode. Padraig Nestor was blown for taking down their lineout, yellow card! A terrible call by the ref. I now had my refs hat on and was not happy with the ref’s decisions. We were down to 14 players but still managed to keep them out. Tackles after tackles were made, none were missed.

We cleared for touch and got out of our 22 for a rest bite. We then rucked up the pitch. Smudge was blown for not releasing. He argued with the ref on his decision and out came the second yellow for back chat, we were down to 13 players.

Owen Clery our last coach came on, he didn't want to be the only coach that didn't play. His first play was to run at his brother on the opposite team to offer advice with his fists.

Then the Red mist fell upon me, many players that know me or that have played with me over the years would say that I am an honest player, that was never involved in alternations, I was no Pokey, but after tackling one of their backs, in comes their prop and knees me in the back. He then proceeds to fall over the ruck. I swing a dig to the grey-haired props jaw and ask what the deck does he think he is doing. The ref blows the whistle. I know I'm going because of the punch, but I ask the ref did he see the knee in the back, to which he responds I can't see around corners. I then loose it by saying well I'm off, player welfare etc walking off he produces the yellow card, so I'm told. Rightly so. It's in injury time, last play called. They put the ball dead, game over. We win, I got to play one last time and I also received my first and only yellow card.

We are then brought by coach to the local GAA grounds for a shower. The home of Henry Shefflin I’m told. He mustn't have been home as he left the hot water off.

We then are brought to the local pub for some post-match refreshments. Hang sandwiches and glorious pints of Guinness, big warm fire, Heaven!

The Ready Brek moment occurs, all rugby players feel it, it’s when you get that warm glow all over your body, when you feel no pain, the world is good and the pints are flowing. I go over to their captain to thank him for the hospitality and ask what age was the greying prop and balding second row, " ah that's John Joe, he is 39" I'm told. And the second row "ah he is only 37"

I was duped by Mr Boden.

We then return on the coach back to the club. Our voices are in good shape and everyone is brought up to the front of the bus to sing. The bus had no toilet so numerous pit stops are made on the way home. We arrive back to the club just in time for the Ireland v New Zealand game live from Chicago. The club is buzzing. Ireland win. Lads are hugging each other. The first time in history that we beat New Zealand at international men's Rugby.

If Carlsberg ever did a rugby day that was it.

Moving forward, the J4s and J5s reached their targets by getting to the Division 6 and Division 11 League finals.

They J4s beat Old Belvedere 19-14 in the final played in Templeville Road. Captain Mick Daly lifted the trophy.

The J5s played Clontarf at home, losing 12-3 in the Division 11 final.

To finish we then headed to Swansea for an end of season tour. Playing Cefnethin RFC on a Friday evening and Dunvant RFC on the Saturday. What goes on tour stays on tour, but what a great bunch. The J5s were not finished as captain Gary Masterson lifted the DP Smyth Trophy after beating Terenure 5-0 in the final in amid May.

Mick Flats / Head coach J4/5

Source: J4 Metro League Final Team Preview 2017.

As we prepare for the Metro Division 6 League Final this Saturday (8th April) against Old Belvedere in Templeville Road (KO 3pm), may I introduce you to the team.

No 1. Taylor Berliant:

Taylor comes from USA, a College Discus thrower, who participated in an individual sport at the highest level. When he joined St Mary’s College RFC last season he didn’t know what position to play, so he was guided into the forwards due to his size. Then slowly he found his way into the front row. Taylor’s strength is his aggressive hits as well as his mobility around the field.

No 2. Chris Kane:

A jewel, again only came to the club last season. He had not played Rugby in School but had played American football .He soon found out the difference very quickly. Chris has played in the centre, and back row but due to his attitude and play at all costs he was asked to try out at Hooker. He did not disappoint and had been the anchor of the pack this season, with his accurate darts and ball carrying.

No 3. David Browne:

A giant of a man, not just in size but in bravery. Browner has been ever present in the front row for the J4s for the past few seasons. This season he has got fitter and carries more frequently. He has scrummaged against some serious props in his time but he still manages to hold his own. One of the first names on the teamsheet. Never missed training, if missing he is usually found in the trees marking his territory.

No 4. Shane Fanning:

Fanj is from the Fanning/Ebbs family of rugby legends. Enough said, he is very athletic for a tall man. He is one of the best and highest tacklers on the team and controls the lineout calls, trying to deceive the opposition with various moves and calls .Fanj is still developing as a second row and is still one of the youngest in the team.

No 5. Richard Fagan:

Richie is a ball of energy when he is switched on. He does the donkey work that is appreciated by the forwards. Getting his hands on the ball and clearing out rucks. He can soar in the lineout when lifted correctly and will give you 80 minutes of total aggression . An unsung hero, he will have his day, and when he scores a try there will shouts of joy from the whole squad.

No 6. David Balfour:

Balf was last year’s captain from Mullingar; he got married at the end of last season and came back to us in January a lighter and fitter man. He still has the strength to throw the opposition around, and he likes nothing more than a forward battle all day .The hulk has returned and is ready to play.

No 7. Padraig Nestor:

Nestor is from Offaly, but is not a Biffo. He is big, not ignorant, fast, ferocious Offaly man.

When Padriag puts a hit in, we know we are in with a chance. He is another top tackler on the team. He covers a lot of ground during a game. He is very athletic and catches more kick offs from restarts than anyone. Another player who leaves everything on the pitch.

No 8. Gareth Lloyd:

Gar is the Daddy of the team, but is like a good wine getting better with age. If only he had taken up rugby at a younger age, he would most definitely have played 1sts.

When Gar is on form he is the most destructive player on the park. He can accelerate from the back of a scrum at lightning speed. He prefers to run through would be tacklers than around them. He is aggressive in the tackle and more importantly can take a tackle. When Gar and Nestor are tuned in, nothing will get past.

No 9. Cristian Michelin:

Our Chilean friend, Manuel is one of the nicest and one of the most mad players on the team. Cristian came to us with the recommendation from Andrés. Andrés had told him that we play a good brand of rugby at a good level, and that this team is very welcoming and social. They tour, and you will get to meet many girls. He then in turn told Kurt. We may see alot of Chileans over the next few seasons.

No 10. David Daly:

The most professional player we have. As all out halves are a bit special. Dave doesn’t hold back in telling referees what they are doing wrong. If he gets a bad decision from a ref it can ruin his game. He is our highest point scorer. His kicks out of hand have been sublime, but on occasions misses his touch, to the ire of the coaches. One in particular. Enough said. When he gets the back line purring there is no one better.

No 11. Peter Daly:

Pete brother of Dave is one of the fastest players. When he gets a ball in hand on the run, he is in his element. When he doesn’t everyone knows about it. Pete has the ability to play, coach, argue and give commentary all at the same time. Some of the highlights this season have been a ref asking him to stop arguing with his brother. Pete is a born winner and we look forward to seeing all the Daly’s lifting the Division 6 trophy.

No 12. Richard Pyne:

Pyner the grey haired son of John and general of the midfield is a majestic tackler, and can break the defence like a knife through butter. His partnership with Mick Daly has been secure all season and they have had a great defensive record. Pyner is another player who plays on the edge, and is the most yellow carded player we have. The J4s without Pyner is like a 99 without a flake.

No 13. Michael Daly Captain:

Mick from Cork has been solid all season. He has nearly scored a try every game with his electric pace and step. When the going gets tough, up stands captain fantastic to put in a huge hit or a break to take the pressure off. He has lead from the front and deserves to hold aloft the league trophy.

No 14 .James Walsh:

Walshy is from Kilkenny, and loves nothing more than having a run at the opposition, giving a few hand offs, and jinking his way to the line. He is a great defender and plays with his heart on his sleeve. Hating to lose.

No 15. Denis Daly:

Denis is the younger brother of Mick, also from Cork. Denis is a very talented player. Comfortable playing in any back position. He has pace and power, and has an engine that keeps him going relentless for 80 minutes. Denis is good at everything, passing, tackling running and kicking. He is very modest and will go red reading this. Watch this young man as he wouldn’t look out of place playing for our 1st team.

Source: J4-J5 Reunion Day.

It all started, not long after the Bruges touring team had left St. Marys College RFC

in April 2015.

We had a great night’s craic with the touring team and wondered if a tour to Belgium would work.

Some swift investigation showed that the costs and logistics would work. The next piece was to see if there was an appetite amongst the players and when suited them best.

The result was an overwhelming yes and it was decided that an early season tour would be the best bet to allow us to kit start our season.

Contact was made with the Bruges club and they said that they would love to host us in late August. Indeed they had been promoted in 2015 and were looking forward to a rematch on their home round. Once this was received there was a flurry of activity as the J4/J5 management brains trust swung into top gear. Lead by the intrepid Flats and with assistance from Mossy & Stephen planning began in earnest.

The weekend of the 27th & 28th August was chosen and flights & transfers were booked. Contact with Bruges showed that we had a contact for accommodation and the festivities in one of their sponsors ‘The Bauhaus’ . Next up was to firm up the list of travellers. We ended up with 31 people willing to travel, including 19 players in that group.

Game on.

Towards the middle of August confirmations were sought from the Bus company and the hostel we were to stay in. Here is where the 1st big hurdle arose. The hostel company had no record of our booking despite an email sent to Stephen. Panic in the management’s brains trust. Mathew from Bruges RFC is contacted and says ‘do not fret I will sort it out. I know the manager of The Bauhaus well.’ So miracles are possible as Mathew came back within two hours to say it was all sorted and we were back on track.

Then the next issue was confirming the travellers. Vincent Murray had a car crash and could not travel. Keith McCarthy had work issues and Karl Kelly had a medical problem. That is OK as it is only one player down. Feelers were successfully sent out to the J4/J5’s and some selected U20’s got us back on track. We only had one non traveller.

August 27th in the wee small hours of the morning and we assembled in Dublin Airport. David Dixon did his best to miss the flight by arriving 55 minutes after the scheduled assembly time. ‘De Management’ explained politely that this is not on and once he accepts his reprimand we all make the flight. Pick up in Brussels airport is smooth and we arrive following an en route lunch stop in Bruges around 12:00 for a 2:00pm kick off.

Bruges club explained that they had no referee and requested that our esteem leader (aka Flats) take charge. Not a problem normally, but we had not taken into account that the temperature was north of 30 degrees C in Bruges, however, true to form Flats stood up and donned his tight fitting referee gear. Meanwhile some of the non playing touring party took a keen interest in the onsite refreshments area. Waterboys Captain Mannering and Pokemon lead that charge ably assisted by Fange junior and Carl Egan.

Our players took to the field with purpose and the opening minutes showed that while we would struggle in the set pieces our youthful backline was able to work wonders and find gaps to get through despite the after affects of the journey there. The most interesting part of the match was trying to keep the whole party hydrated which necessitated internal and external hydration especially for the referee aka Flats who expressed a huge relief that the game was reasonably high scoring as it gave him a chance to re-hydrate.

St Marys prevailed on the pitch and we retired to the hostel and bar to re-live all the best moments over a wonderfully cool Belgian beer. The Bruges RFC team put on a BBQ for us in their sponsor’s premises which results in many colourful moments which cannot be described here due to confidentiality issues and the embarrassment of those involved.

Sunday morning dawned bright and slightly cooler than Saturday and the extended tour party struggled to get to breakfast on time. We spent the day wandering the beautiful street & waterways of Bruges and depending on who you asked it was likened to the Florence/Vienna or Venice of the North!!!

Time for departure from Bruges came (and went) as we waited patiently for five of the party to return from their foray into town. It should be noted that David Dixon was NOT one of the missing five and had managed to make it back on time as requested by ‘De Management’. These reprobates arrived 40 mins late for the bus departure much to ‘De Management’s’ disgust and indignation. The gentlemen were chastised severely for their tardiness and the trip home began!!

We arrived back in Dublin around 10pm on the Sunday evening a little dishevelled following our early morning Saturday departure and the long trip there and back.

The tour party of 31 made it out and back without serious incident. After the romances and beer and craic it will become as legendary a tour as ever has been.

Roll on 2017 when we hope to host Bruges on their return to Dublin for the newly instituted ‘Belgian Horn’ challenge.

Stephen Boden