20.09.2008 1st XV v Dublin University (H)

Leinster Senior League/Cup (LSC) Quarter final

Templeville Road

Saturday 20^th September 2008

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

78 22

A Saunter in the Sun

What a lovely day it was and the rugby was, in the main part from the home side anyway, in perfect harmony with the weather and when one wins by 56 points and scores six tries in each half, almost all poetical pieces, it could only be considered curmudgeonly to detract in any way from this victory. This game might be related to the “Mocks” an indicator for future trials and as such it was a straight As result. Although not wanting to calumniate Trinity, they were in all respects at a different level, so caution must be preserved, with our first AIL game in Dungannon less than two weeks away now and only a practice game against Blackrock to come next Thursday.

It was good to see a fair number of Marys’ supporters there to cheer on the team and many went into the bar afterwards to have a chat and warm to the new season. The president Eoin Quinn, understandably happy, was in the company of his vice president, Niall Rynne, Junior V President Ronnie Mc Brien and last year’s president Frank Kennedy with brothers in tow. Bill Fagan, recently and most deservedly having been honoured by the club and enrolled as an Honorary Life Member was seen in the company of several of the great senior members of the club such as Matt Gilsenan, Vinno Mc Govern and Joe Fanagan (Capt of 1958 first LSC winning team). Also seen there were JB, La, JDC and Merv the Swerve, while John Doddy and Arthur –Lazarus- Costello were sneaking glances at the golf, Spike more so at the (no) score-board, while Colm O’Kelly and Smythy snr (Jimmy) were planning the supporters’ campaign ahead. Grimmer was in good form and advising Kevin Conboy and Order Fanagan on all matters rugby. It was good to see several team members in the bar having their soft drinks.

The balance in this St Marys team is commendable with links all over and talent and enthusiasm bursting out. No matter who they may play they have real ability to better them, they have been supremely well coached, have developed a tangible togetherness and as confidence grows with the campaign we can all be particularly positive. There is a depth in the squad not seen in some time. It will get tough as the season wears on but vitally if we hold our nerve and continue to play to our strengths and style we will prevail.

Today we showed an array of talent throughout and started fast and confidently and were not matched anywhere on the field by Trinity. From 9 to 15, including changes made during the game, all performed to the highest level and produced some exciting moves, many leading to tries. Outstanding in every respect was Shaun Mc Carthy, who displayed all the skills required by a top class outhalf and was a pleasure to watch. “With a swing of his hips he gave them the slip and to tremendous applause he did great for the cause.” And so after eight minutes such a break after a lineout and drive, saw him deliver a deft inside pass to supporting Robin Copeland who went over to open the score Shaun, showing how fine a place kicker he is, converted and did the same for five of the six first half tries. Of course backs cannot score without the ball, nor without back up and support, and our pack today hummed along with all doing well and especially Paul Nash and Conor Mc Inerney who gelled very well with Robin Copeland in the row. We did turn over a few balls and gave away a few too many penalties but overall it was a fine performance.

On 14 minutes Ronan Doherty scored, they then got a penalty and on 25 minutes skipper Phillip Brophy, who as usual led from the front (back) scored, Kevin Sheahan on 28 minutes and on 30 Phillip again scored, Trinity scored a mauled try on 37 minutes and again to finish the half, Stephen Grissing scored to make the half time score 40 – 8

2^nd Half After only 4 minutes Stephen got his second try, Louis Bourke showing good support play, which was converted by Mark Sexton who took over the kicking duties for the second half. Twelve minutes saw Trinity score after some loose tackling and it was 54 – 15 and Stephen Grissing scored again on 14 minutes to bring it to 61 – 15, then Darragh Fanning scored to make it 66 – 15 Shaun Mc Carthy brought it to 71 – 15 and Ross Condren finished our try scoring and with Mark’s conversion it was 78 – 15.

Shortly before the end Trinity scored an intercept try and it ended 78 – 22

D O’Brien

Team. 15, P Brophy (Capt), (D Fanning)14 C Mc Phillips, 13 S Grissing, 12 C Donohue (M Sexton), 11 R Doherty, 10 S Mc Carthy, 9 M D’Arcy, 8 K Sheahan, (L Bourke)7 R Condren, 6 P Nash, 5 C Mc Inerney, 4 R Copeland, 3 R Sweeney, M Duggan (B Moran) 1 K Carroll.