04.09.2008 1st XV v Etoile Sportif Catalan (A)

1^st XV Match Report V Etoile Sportif Catalan – D. O’Brien & Keith McCarthy

The trip to France was a huge success (report to follow) and culminated in a match against Etoile Sportif Catalan, last Saturday the 6^th September. Both sides were well matched and undertook an exciting brand of rugby. Our French hosts liked to run the ball from all areas of the pitch and they admired our wide attacking play and our ability to run the ball from deep.

The match was played in 4 x 20 minute sections, which allowed both sides to re-hydrate given the near perfect conditions. Both sides named 10 subs and a rolling rotation was used throughout the game. In all everyone did very well, but a few names stood out. Conor Hogan, Johnny Molloy both had good games while Shaun Mc Carthy showed good hands and controlled the game from fly-half. Philip Brophy lead the side from the front and looked dangerous all day.

The game started with both sides probing each other and both showing great defence. After 18 minutes, Conor Hogan broke through the first line of defence (not for the first time that day) and passed to Killer who laid it back for Shaun, who linked well with Brophs who passed inside for Conor McPhilips to score a wonderful try. Shaun converted. 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

After 39 minutes, the French retaliated by scoring a well worked try of their own. They missed the conversion to leave the score at 7 – 5 at half time. Both sides were playing well and providing great entertainment to the crowd.

After 68 minutes, Mark Sexton intercepted a pass following sustained defensive work to score for Mary’s. Shaun added the conversion leaving the score at 14- 5. Towards the end, Shaun made another break and went looking for support. Luckily, Lougie was doing a Marcus Horan on it and popped up on the wing to score for away team. He later claimed that having studied the ELVs all Summer that he is now more adaptable and can play anywhere from 1 – 15!!! Shaun converted and Mary’s ran out winners 21-5. At this stage the crowd was singing (lead by Quinny who hardly saw any of the game!!) and a wonderful evening was had by all.