J4B XV — Season 2011/12

Parkmore Game:

St.Mary's J5-A team began their life in the lofty heights, of the J4 league, witha well fought win, ove rParkmore.

For the first 20 minutes our inexperience, at this level, shone through as we made some gameplay errors in our own 22.

We spent that opening period camped between our own tryline and our 22. Our defensive line was flawless however, with Parkmore coming away with no score,for this dominance.

The team realigned and began to play some smart rugby, hitting territory kicks followed by great support running. This pressure, on Parkmore, did not relent,with the forwards turning over 3 scrums and mauling 15 metres at a go. The backline started finding gaps, to push through. In the end all this pressure told with two penalties and a converted try to our name.

Final Score:

St.Mary's College R.F.C -13

Parkmore -3

St. Marys J4 B XV 44 - 5 Normans RFC

On Saturday the J4 “B” took on the Kilkenny Normans from Thomastown at home. A win would ensure we would continue our winning streak and keep us on top of the table.

Around fifteen minutes in we went in for our first try of the game. We ran in another five more in before half time.

We took our foot off the petal a bit in the second half as we knew we had the game won. We finished off with another two tries. Both of which were converted. Final score 44-5 to us.

Going into the Bank Holiday break we remain top of the table. Unbeaten after four games. Next up is a tough away trip to Malahide on the 5th November.

Parkmore 29 - 21 St. Marys J4 B XV

St Marys J4 B team suffered a costly defeat at the hands of Parkmore in Lakelands, following a kick off with depleted numbers Parkmore took an early lead of 12 points in the opening 5 minutes. Mary's fought back in the first half with a penalty kick, but going into the first half break they were down on points. A gruelling second half saw the team come back with three tries to within 1 point of Parkmore but a late converted try by Parkmore closed the game out with a 29 to 21 defeat.

Lorcan Byrne

Unidare 7 - 13 St. Marys J4 B XV

A hugely significant win over Unidare by our J4 B team on Saturday which puts the winning of this league back in to our own hands. After a poor enough display and defeat against Parkmore last time out, it was important that the team got back to winning ways in this encounter against potential league title contenders, Unidare. Playing with the elements in the first half, it was important to get a lead to take in to the second half. An excellent start with some good running rugby set up a ruck in front of the Unidare posts. Penalty to St Mary’s, easily slotted by Daly. 3-0. Somewhat against the run of play, Unidare worked their way back into our half and scored a breakaway try through some tackling efforts best forgotten. Converted try: 3 7. Firmly resolved to get back on terms with Unidare, we worked our way back down the pitch to set up a breakdown deep in to the Unidare half. Showing great awareness of the space around him, scrum half, Finn Considine, took on the Unidare defence and ran at them from 20 meters out to eventually go in under the posts. Nice individual effort. Daly converted. 10-7 at half time. This match was all about the second half. The team showed great resolve (under the strong and effective captaincy of Eamonn Walsh) to grind out a winning second half marked by admirable spirit and determination. As Unidare tired, they got sloppy and eventually, narky. (Referee left his yellow cards in the dressing room apparently!) Their discipline let them down and they coughed up a borderline kickable penalty…. which Daly slotted with ease from 30 meters out, into a wind. 13-7. An important win. With thanks to all players and subs who helped us back to winning ways and also, back into league contention.

Tallaght 0 - 16 St. Marys J4 B XV

On an early Saturday morning in a frost bitten Tymon Park, St Marys J4 B, the Leinster J4 League Section C leaders, took to the pitch against Tallaght RFC.

The early morning was clearly affecting all 31 people on the pitch with a high penalty count from both teams and a referee with an itchy arm which refused to stay by his side, with the smallest infringements being heavily punished. The first half of the match was a tightly fought forward game with both teams being drawn into a tightly fought competition, the first half of the match ended nil all for both teams. After an inspirational half time speech from the newly sedate coach Ian McCarthy, and rousing words from captain Eamonn Walsh St Marys retook the pitch and imposed their signature and well worked moves to strike the first blow of the match with a try from Andy Dodge'em Doran, St Marys continued their game and out played and frustrated the Tallaght opposition leading to a penalty which was converted by the boot of Dave Daly, for a small period of the second half Tallaght again kept the level of the game in tight play, but St Marys persistence and panache for open play and the skill of moving the ball from the hard working bruised forwards to the coiffed backs with new signing Sean " Situation" Gilheany going in for the second try of the match. In the dieing minutes of the match Tallaght gave away yet another penalty which was again put over the big white H by Dashing Dave Daly.The game ended St Marys 16 Tallaght 0, Tallaght as always gave played a hard fought match, the hard hitting only being surpassed by their always welcoming and amiable players and management whom the J4 B have come to admire and respect over the years. The St Marys team now sit at the top of the league once again and with 4 more games to go have the chance of securing a second Leinster championship in 2 years.

Lorcan

St. Marys J4 B V Kilkenny Normans

St. Marys travelled to the far end of Leinster to take on newcomers Kilkenny Normans. A spirited side who are newly formed, Marys were given access to the village hall (Kiltopher) to change. The away side were determined to come away with a victory.

The Normans have developed a good fan out defence which was easy on their narrow pitch. The St. Marys forwards were dominant throughout the first half winning turnover lineout ball and winning the collisions up front. Lead by Eamo and helped by Walkin, Jimbo and Beef they took the game to the Normans and Marys dominated possession and territory. A few uncharacteristic handling errors meant the score board didn’t reflect this dominance. Out half Daly got a penalty but two more went astray. In their first time over the half way line the Normans were awarded a penalty and converted. This was the catalyst to the Marys team to up the intensity and they took the game to the Normans. Full back Ryan Barnes crossing for a good try. 8-3 Half time.

In the second half, Marys played with the hill. Tries from Gav (setup by yours truly) and Eamo sealed the game for Marys. Coach Aido came on to kick a conversion in place of the injured Daly. Final score 25 – 3. Credit must go to the Normans who supplied dinners to the Marys team after the game.

Keith

J4 B XV 8-13 Malahide

The J4 B XV took to the field on Saturday knowing this was a big must win game to stay in the hunt for the title. Also mindful of the fact that we lost in a high scoring tight game in the away game.

This led to a nervous start by the St Mary’s team. The weather and the heavy pitch didn’t help the handling conditions on foot. Malahide started the better of the sides. They struck first with a penalty on 8 mins. 0-3. They followed that up with a try on 15 mins and then again on 25 mins. 0-13. This was going to be an uphill challenged. Led by skipper Pudding, the J4 B’s started to try themselves back into the game. Good pressure in the Malahide 22 led to a penalty on 35 mins struck by Ryan Barnes. 3-13. That is the way is stayed until halftime.

In the second half we started the strongest, determined to get right back into the game. We were rewarded 2 mins in with a try by Ryan Barnes. 8-13. The rest of the half was a very close affair with both sides going close, with both sides keeping each other out. In the end is stayed 8-13.

It was a very determined fight in this closely fought J4 Section C League game. A losing bonus point leaves us still in with a shout of the League. However it has now gone out of our own hands. It will be very important to try and win our final two league games, both at home, in order to put pressure on other teams who are in a commanding position.

J4 B 19-35 Railway

Saturday League game with Railway was a big game for both sides. The winner would secure 2nd place in the table and put pressure on Parkmore for the title if they slipped up away to Unidare. That game did go to script for Parkmore.

The St Mary’s side started very strong. Out half Daly kick a high ball by half way. Winger Doran chased it up and got the better of the bounce. Unfortunately the pass to centre Clery was knocked forward and the opportunity for a great try was missed. Railway built their way into our 22 and slotted a drop goal. 0-3 5 mins. Railway furthered their lead with a try on 13 mins. 0-8. A very decisive decision which had a strong implication on how the game was being refereed happened shortly after. Inside our own half just beside the touchline out half Daly, who did not have the ball, got very dangerously taken out by the Railway winger head first. Daly was out cold for a few mins. Thankfully Daly was ok. All of this happened right in front of the referee who did nothing. Just awarded Railway a lineout. We were caught unawares from the lineout, following the Daly incident which quiet clearly warranted a straight red card. Railway got a try. 0-13. We reacted positively to this by getting a try to Balfour on 25 mins. 5-13. Before half time however Railway got a converted try and a penalty to lead 23-5 at break.

It was frustrating to watch that first half. Not only was nothing done for the dangerous incident, there was an awful lot of poor decisions and different things missed by the referee. Needless this was all noted by his assessor on the sideline.

The score remained the same throughout most of the second half. With 10 mins to go Railway got another converted try followed up 5 mins to go with another score which had a blatant forward pass in the move, missed by the referee. 5-35. The St Mary’s side dug deep for the remaining 5 mins of the game. Winger Gavin went over for two tries near the end with both being converted by Daly. Final score finished 19-35.

It’s a shame that what promised to be a very good battle was spoiled by an inexperienced referee.

A credit to the lads for a great league campaign which sees us finish in 3rd place.

We move on to the 1st Round of the cup this week. We have a tough away trip away to Coolmine on Saturday.

J4 B XV 10-8 Coolmine

On Saturday the J4 B took on Coolmine in the first round of theJ4 Cup. We knew this was going to be a tough away trip as Coolmine were in J4 League Section A. That’s the way it turned out. We were up for the challenge.

The first half was very tight. Coolmine got on the scoreboard 9minutes in with a penalty. 0-3. 10 minutes later they got a lucky break and went over for a try in the corner. 0-8. On 29 minutes we got our opportunity to get on the scoreboard with a well struck penalty from out half Dave Daly. 3-8. That is the way is stayed until half time.

It was all positive at half time. We knew we were capable of getting something from the game. We just had to be patient and take our chances.

The second half was again a tight one. Very little in it between the two sides. Both sides had opportunities for scores but where held up. As the half wore on there was still no scores from either team. As the game approached the last minute, step up winger Shane Levins. Levins chased up on a penalty. He was very persistent. He won the ball and in a very dramatic finish he went over for a try under the posts. 8-8. Daly struck the conversion to make it 10-8 and win the game.

Great effort from the lads for the full 80 minutes. We have to wait until Wednesday to see who we face in the next round. The win has ensured that we play at home on Ladies Day.

The team would like to send out our best wishes to our prop James Nolan. James dislocated his ac joint in the game.

J4 B XV 11-37 Barnhall

The J4 B took to the field for an evening kick off on Ladies Day on Saturday, following the 1st XV’s home win.

Barnhall started the stronger. They were successful with an early penalty which they followed up a converted try a few minutes later. 0-10. They continued their momentum with another try moments later. 0-15. Midway through the half a well struck penalty by outhalf Daly got us on the scoreboard. 3-15. Before the end of the half they went over for two more tries, while Daly was successful with a second penalty. Half time score was 6-32.

We rallied ourselves at the break. We knew we could get ourselves back into this game and it wasn’t over.

Barnhall scored straight after the restart. 6-37. We battled hard for the rest of the half. Getting stronger as the half wore on. For all our good work we just couldn’t get the scoring opportunities. Late on scrum half Neville went over for a try. 11-37. That is the way it finished.

It was great credit to the lads for the effort shown in a difficult game we knew would be tough. Overall it was a very good season for us having moved up from the J5 League. Although we came up short in the end it was a very good first season for the team at J4 Level.

While that is it for the season at J4 B level, that is not it yet for our Panel. Attention switches to our 2nd team this week. We travel to Kilkenny to take on the Normans in the first round of the O’Connor Cup.

St. Mary's: 1 Lorcan Byrne, 2 Stephen Walkin, 3 James Nolan, 4 Eamonn Walsh, 5 David Browne, 6 David Balfour, 7 Mark Byrne, 8 Jody Brooks, 9 Ryan Barnes, 10 Ronan O'Donnell, 11 David Daly, 12 David Crowley, 13 Colm Gavin, 14 James Speers, 15 Ciaran Ardagh.

From the Leinster Rugby team sheet.

St. Mary's: 1 Brian Murphy, 2 Stephen Walkin, 3 Lorcan Byrne, 4 Eamonn Walsh, 5 David Browne, 6 Anthony O'Hanlon, 7 James Nolan, 8 Mark Byrne, 9 Ryan Barnes, 10 David Crowley, 11 David Daly, 12 Finn Considine, 13 Owen Clery, 14 James Speers, 15 Ciaran Ardagh.

Replacements: 16 Hugh Lyons, 17 Darragh Coffey, 18 Killian Walsh, 19 Ian Smith, 20 Colm Gavin.

From the Leinster team sheet form.

St. Mary's: 1 Vincent Murray, 2 Stephen Walkin, 3 James Nolan, 4 Eamonn Walsh, 5 Darragh Coffey, 6 Jody Brooks, 7 Killian Walsh, 8 Mark Byrne, 9 Ryan Barnes, 10 Andrew Fitzpatrick, 11 Tahar Horchani, 12 Colm Gavin, 13 Ian Smith, 14 Caolan Reid, 15 Gary Weldon.

Replacements: 16 Hugh Lyons, 17 James Hynes, 18 Stephen Wisely, 19 Stephen Joyce.

From the Leinster Rugby team sheet.

St. Mary's: 1 Lorcan Byrne, 2 Stephen Walkin, 3 Brian Murphy, 4 Anthony O'Hanlon, 5 Eamonn Walsh, 6 Mark Byrne, 7 David Balfour, 8 Jody Brooks, 9 Ryan Barnes, 10 Owen Clery, 11 Ian Smith, 12 James Hynes, 13 Gareth Lloyd, 14 Shane Levins, 15 James Speers.

Replacements: 16 James Nolan, 17 David Browne, 18 Killian Walsh, 19 Andrew Doran.

From the Leinster Rugby team sheet.

St. Mary's: 1 Lorcan Byrne, 2 Stephen Walkin, 3 James Nolan, 4 Darragh Coffey, 5 Eamonn Walsh, 6 David Balfour, 7 James Hynes, 8 Mark Byrne, 9 Ryan Barnes, 10 David Daly, 11 Finn Considine, 12 Colm Gavin, 13 Owen Clery, 14 Shane Levins, 15 James Speers.

Replacements: 16 Hugh Lyons, 17 David Browne, 18 Marco Pietri, 19 Gary Weldon, 20 Keith McCarthy.

From the Leinster Rugby team sheet.

St. Mary's: 1 Lorcan Byrne, 2 Stephen Walkin, 3 James Nolan, 4 Darragh Coffey, 5 Eamonn Walsh, 6 David Balfour, 7 James Hynes, 8 Jody Brooks, 9 Finn Considine, 10 Ryan Barnes, 11 Andrew Doran, 12 Owen Clery, 13 Colm Gavin, 14 Shane Levins, 15 James Speers.

Replacements: 16 Tony Smith, 17 David Browne, 18 Anthony O'Hanlon, 19 Gary Weldon, 20 Vincent Murray.

From the Leinster Rugby team sheet.

St. Mary's: 1 Lorcan Byrne, 2 Stephen Walkin, 3 James Nolan, 4 David Browne, 5 Eamonn Walsh, 6 David Balfour, 7 Anthony O'Hanlon, 8 Jody Brooks, 9 Ryan Barnes, 10 David Daly, 11 Gary Weldon, 12 Owen Clery, 13 Colm Gavin, 14 Shane Levins, 15 James Speers.

Replacements: 16 Tony Smith, 17 Mark Byrne, 18 Hugh Lyons, 19 Gareth Lloyd, 20 Tahar Horchani.

From the Leinster team sheet form.

St. Mary's: 1 Lorcan Byrne, 2 Stephen Walkin, 3 David Browne, 4 Marco Pietri, 5 Eamonn Walsh, 6 Jody Brooks, 7 James Hynes, 8 Mark Byrne, 9 Finn Considine, 10 Ryan Barnes, 11 Andrew Fitzpatrick, 12 Colm Gavin, 13 Owen Clery, 14 Fergal Ward, 15 David Daly.

Replacements: 16 James Nolan, 17 Hugh Lyons, 18 Padraig Fox, 19 Anthony O'Hanlon, 20 Gary Weldon.

From the Leinster team sheet form.

St. Mary's: 1 James Nolan, 2 Hugh Lyons, 3 Stephen Walkin, 4 Eamonn Walsh, 5 Anthony O'Hanlon, 6 Mark Byrne, 7 Jody Brooks, 8 James Hynes, 9 Finn Considine, 10 David Daly, 11 Andrew Fitzpatrick, 12 Sean Gilheaney, 13 Owen Clery, 14 Andrew Doran, 15 Tom Ryan.

Replacements: 16 David Browne, 17 Padraig Fox, 18 Keith McCarthy, 19 Marco Pietri, 20 Maurice Davin.

From the Leinster Rugby team sheet.

St. Mary's: 1 David Browne, 2 Stephen Walkin, 3 James Nolan, 4 Eamonn Walsh, 5 David Balfour, 6 Jody Brooks, 7 Mark Byrne, 8 James Hynes, 9 Finn Considine, 10 David Daly, 11 Andrew Fitzpatrick, 12 Colm Gavin, 13 Owen Clery, 14 Keith McCarthy, 15 Ryan Barnes.

Replacements: 16 Lorcan Byrne, 17 Anthony O'Hanlon, 18 Gary Weldon, 19 Shane Levins, 20 Adrian Malone.

From the Leinster team sheet form.

St. Mary's: 1 David Browne, 2 Stephen Walkin, 3 James Nolan, 4 Eamonn Walsh, 5 Anthony O'Hanlon, 6 Jody Brooks, 7 James Hynes, 8 Mark Byrne, 9 Finn Considine, 10 Ryan Barnes, 11 Andrew Fitzpatrick, 12 Colm Gavin, 13 Owen Clery, 14 Keith McCarthy, 15 Colin O'Neill.

Replacements: 16 Lorcan Byrne, 17 Brian Murphy, 18 David Balfour, 19 Shane Levins, 20 Lucas Leal Sampaio.

From the Leinster team sheet form.

St. Mary's: 1 Brian Murphy, 2 Hugh Lyons, 3 James Nolan, 4 Eamonn Walsh, 5 Mark Byrne, 6 Jody Brooks, 7 James Hynes, 8 David Balfour, 9 Finn Considine, 10 David Daly, 11 Colm Gavin, 12 Guillermo Neto, 13 Owen Clery, 14 Andrew Doran, 15 Ryan Barnes.

Replacements: 16 Lorcan Byrne, 17 Marco Pietri, 18 Rodrigo Pucci, 19 Shane Levins, 20 Andrew Fitzpatrick.

From the Leinster team sheet form.

St. Mary's: 1 Lorcan Byrne, 2 Stephen Conboy, 3 James Nolan, 4 Eamonn Walsh, 5 Rodrigo Pucci, 6 Jody Brooks, 7 James Hynes, 8 Mark Byrne, 9 Finn Considine, 10 David Daly, 11 Fergal Ward, 12 Owen Clery, 13 Guillermo Neto, 14 Shane Levins, 15 Colin O'Neill.

Replacements: 16 Christopher Boylan, 17 David Browne, 18 Marco Pietri, 19 Gavin Byrne, 20 Cian McMahon.

From the Leinster team sheet form.

St. Mary's: 1 Lorcan Byrne, 2 Stephen Conboy, 3 David Browne, 4 Marco Pietri, 5 Eamonn Walsh, 6 Jody Brooks, 7 James Hynes, 8 Mark Byrne, 9 Finn Considine, 10 David Daly, 11 Andrew Doran, 12 Guillermo Neto, 13 Owen Clery, 14 Shane Levins, 15 Fergal Ward.

Replacements: 16 Christopher Boylan, 17 Gareth Lloyd, 18 David Balfour, 19 Andrew Fitzpatrick, 20 Keith McCarthy.

From the Leinster team sheet form.