J5 XV v Stillorgan (A) 25.03.2017

On Super Saturday, our 1st XV beat Trinity, our J2s beat Coolmine, and then our J5s beat Stillorgan.

This was a game not for the faint hearted.

It was a glorious warm sunny afternoon. This was our final league game in Division 11. We knew going into this game that if we won we would have a home playoff final at home. So a lot to play for. It was great to see so many of our J4 players there to support the lads on the day.

We started as always at 100 mph. We were first to score with a splendid break from Cal Gray our out half. He broke through the line at pace, and rolled over the line. Conversion missed. 5-0.

The pitch was out in Rockfield Park, Blackrock. Let’s say the pitch was on a bit of a slant. So for the first half we played with the Sun and against the hill.

Next to score was our man of the match scrum half Ryan Barnes. Today he was everywhere. Ryan is our oldest player, but he is also one of the fittest and today he showed that he will put his body on the line to get the J5s silverware. We were 12-0 up and were only in second gear. Stillorgan upped their game and got in for a score. 12-7. Half time.

Smudge got the troops together. A couple of subs were made. We then began what was an epic second half. We kicked off into their 22. Tackles were put in. Then at a ruck their Hooker broke through the middle and sprinted. He was running up hill and was being chased by our Fullback and winger. It looked like our backs would catch him, but he sprinted to the line to score a classic try. Conversion got score now 14-12. Then after another kick by Barnsey towards their 22, chased by Foxy and Saban. Their full back goes to kick for touch. Foxy blocks down and Saban touches down for a fantastic try. Score now 17-14. Pressure still on we get a penalty converted by Cal , score now 20-14 .10 minutes left , all our subs are on ,we enter their 22 again . Pick and goes, Charlie’s, Rhinos. We throw everything at them. The ball is passed to Foxy, who sprints for the line. He runs through and over a player and touches down. Try, score now 25-14. Stillorgan don’t give up. The drive up the pitch and get a converted try. Score now 25-21 to the star.

Stillorgan are camped on our line. They know if they win they will get into the playoff final. They charge at us. Both Cal and Dixon are replaced after heavy collisions. Ref calls last play. At the next line out they ruck, but the ball is stolen and passed to our Hooker Stephen Walkin who passes the ball into touch. Penalty. They tip and go. Big hits from our guys. Andrew Perkins our most improved player. Bends over the tackle and takes the ball. It is passed to Tony Flynn and he kicks the ball dead. Game over and a home final in the bag. Well done gentlemen and thanks for taking 5 years of my life.