10.01.2009 1st XV v Dublin University (H)

Friendly Practice Match

Templeville Road

Saturday 10^th January 2009

St Mary’s College RFC V Dublin University (Trinity College) FC

12 0

A try each half by Conor Mc Phillips, who looked really sharp and keen, made the difference in this much needed post pudding work out. Barry Lynn playing at outhalf, as Shaun Mc Carthy had a slight groin strain, kicked a conversion and was close with the other from far out.

Overall, as a pregustation for next week’s AIL game this was a loose mainly unstructured affair with the strong wind making kicking and passing very difficult. Trinity competed well for ball in the loose and made the game worthwhile, however we did look in control and the players will be happy with the afternoon’s exertions.

Conor’s first try came after the Sweeney brothers and Ruairi Murphy made good ground, up the middle, the ball came to Conor and he put the foot down and ran through the defence from half way to score in the corner. His try in the second half came about due to a loose pass from the Trinity scrumhalf which ended up under his posts, the defence failed to touch down and the fast following up Conor dived in to score.

It is good to report that over the weekend Club Captain Phillip Brophy completed his second game for the J1s, since his injury, in the important, bonus point win over Old Belvedere at Anglesea Road. So that is good news and the only captain’s curse liable now might be from Phillip. Stephen Grissing is making good progress after his operation, most others are off the injury list with only Rob Gannon still out, although highly promising Conor Hogan sadly dislocated his shoulder against Old Belvedere in that same J1 game and shall be out for some time. Everyone wishes the highly popular Conor the very best.

So we are ready for Garryowen next Saturday at home, in good heart and Smythy and his colleagues will have their team ready for what may be a pivotal game for us. We can face the next three game phase of the league with great confidence, especially if we continue with our assertive defence and fast follow high, tempo game. It is of course important that all of you come along and continue the super support given so far.

D O’Brien