12.09.2009 1st XV v Terenure (H)

Match Report V Terenure College

St. Marys College RFC 36 Terenure College RFC 34

Well, what a day. The efforts before the game by Tony, Marie and the girls was second to none. Hot Dogs were available and an outside bar was setup. People arrived early to see the 20s beat Terenure 20s by a point (see match report below). The fact that we are not facing our old rivals in the AIL this year added to the glamour of this fixture. It was a packed terrace on the club side and there was a great buzz in the air.

Both sides fielded their strongest teams. Terenure opened the scoring with a penalty from their ever reliable McAllister. Marys hit back with a penalty through our own reliable Mark Sexton. Marys began to dominate and scored a well worked try through Robin Copeland, who has advanced measureably since breaking into the team last year. Mark again added the points. Shaun was pulling the strings at out-half, while Brophs and Darragh Fanning looked dangerous anytime they got the ball. Conor Mc was in his usual busy form and it was great to see Grisso back. Mark Sexton and McAllister traded two more penalties each to leave the score 16-9 at half time.

Marys again started the stronger team and by now the Mary's backrow were dominating. Chips, Chops and Logie were winning the fight up front. Some fine work allowed Grisso to get an early score. Terenure were not to be outdone and some sloppy Marys play allowed them back into the game. A try by McAllister along with two further penalties meant it was never a one sided affair. The two McAllister penalties came from nearly 50 metres and his accuracy kept Terenure in the game.

But Marys were dogged in their defence and didn't give up any penalties in the last 8 minutes to finish the game 36-34. What a game. This was a great spectacle for club rugby in Ireland. A bright sunny day, terraces packed and a highly exciting and enjoyable game of rugby.

Team, Philip Brophy, Conor McPhillips, Stephen Grissing, Mark Sexton, Daragh Fanning, Shaun McCarthy, Joe Burns, Kevin Carroll, Chips, Chops, Robin Copeland, Garet Logan,Paul Nash, Hugh Hogan, Damian Hall.

Next up, Lansdowne at home on Sat.