15.08.2009 1st XV v Old Belvedere (H)

St. Mary's College RFC V Old Belvedere

31 00

Templeville Road

Last weekend a combination of regular 1 St. members and new additions to the squad started their pre season campaign against Old Belvedere.

The game itself was played in sunny dry conditions in Templeville road, with a breeze blowing towards the Templeogue end.

We started well playing the first half into the breeze up the towards the score-board end. A pattern soon developed of us gaining territoy through keeping the ball in hand and going through the phases. A lot of this positive play was undone by unforced errors and concession of penalties at the breakdown. Upon which Belvo would clear their lines to good effect and the process would start all over again. We did mange to gain good field position and of a penalty put the ball into touch, scoring of a driving line-Out, Gareth Logan coming up with the ball. The first 2 X 20 mins ended with the score-line at 5 - 0 and the changing of sides ensured the elements would be in our favour.

The team picked up the pace and intensity during the 2nd 2 X 20min periods. We were camped in belvo territory for the whole time and they did not threaten our line once. We managed to push the score- line out to 31 - 0 by the end of the game and left a number of other try scoring opportunities behind us on the day.

A positive start on the whole especially considering it was the lad's first run out since the 18th of April. Old Belvedere were short a number of their key players as well which had to be taken into account. With that hit out under our belts we are looking forward to taking on Clontarf in Castle Ave next weekend. They have recruited big numbers and have a played a number of pre-season games. We are preparing for a hard physical game to have us in good condition to take on Greystones in the Leinster Senior League Cup on Saturday week. Hope to see as many members there as possible.

Peter