J4 XV v Guinness (A) 12.12.2015

We managed to get a team together in again appalling conditions, but the pitch amazingly held up very well.

We again started slowly, letting Guinness get in to a well-deserved 7-0 lead after 5 minutes. Slowly as we got to the pace of the game we got into their half where they conceded a penalty. Slotted over beautifully by Peter Daly, a few minutes later after some great teamwork we got into their 22 for them to go in offside at the ruck. 3 more points for Peter to make it 7-6 at the break.

We made a few changes at half time .They had a strong pack who would bring the game to us. They tried to intimidate us at every occasion, taking it on and on in the forwards with great impact as the scored in the corner. They also converted. Score now 14-6.

Dave Daly then started to get his kicking game working. Pinning them back, we rushed up in defence for them to go offside and concede a penalty, hit over the bar by David. Score now 14-9.

The penalty count against the Guinness players was starting to rise, the referee had to issue a yellow card for constant foul play. Another 3 points for Daly, score now 14-12 for Guinness.

Now down a man we started to move the ball and push them back into the corners. Next from a short line out, we drove towards the line. We then pushed the ball to our centres who drove up the middle under the posts. With the help of the pack Richard Pyne got over the try line, converted by Daly. Score now 19-14 to us 5 mins remains.

From the kick off James Walsh caught the ball and ran it back. We rucked and Balf took it on, at the next ruck we were penalised for going over the top. They kicked to the corner. Line out to them, we manfully stood up and tackled like men possessed. It all got a bit messy with them throwing a few punches. Balf ended up with a bruised eye their player with a red card.

Last play, ball went to touch.

Game over, bodies bruised, 4 points taken, we move on.