30.03.2013 1st XV v Old Belvedere (A)

Old Belvedere RFC V St Mary’s College RFC

25 13

AIL Division 1A

Saturday 30th March 2013.

So longing for the tussle slow,

with speed and squirt and fade and flow,

the bright stars merge with older lights

and brings us rugby in pure sight.

The game we love is ever clear,

when we share paths with Belvedere.

Overall

It is hard to say whether the searing icy wind or the icy chill of defeat stung more, but both stung. Belvedere deserved their victory, taken with style and pace and there can be no complaint from Marys. They were faster to the ball and faster with it, they put shape and width on their attack and protected well the ball, and possession generally. Our set pieces, particularly the lineout’s, were superior and we put them under pressure on occasions but we did give away ball; and kick it away too readily when in attack. In strong mitigation, we had an entirely new midfield, were without Matt D’Arcy, Steve Toal-Lennon, Rob Hudson, Marcus O’Driscoll and still without Conor Hogan and Darren Hudson; and only had captain and leader Richard Sweeney on the bench. It is not to say that those who came in played badly, it just must be remembered that the modern fast game requires exquisite interaction and empathy born of many games and practice hours together. During the game also, we were unfortunate to lose our best player, Darragh Fanning, who each time he got the ball, was proving to be a major problem for the Belvo defence. It was very good to welcome back Conor Donohue, Chris Lilly and Mark Sexton.

The result of this game leaves us on 30 points and Belvo are now likewise on 30, however we have a game in hand, which makes next week’s game against Shannon, who have 25 points with similar games played, to us, of great importance. UL Bohs are a further five points behind. Of course Lansdowne’s victory over Clontarf on Saturday, means that they have won the AIL Division 1A title and that a Dublin team has been champion over the past three seasons. Congratulations to Lansdowne on their victory and highly successful season.

The Game

Marys started brightly and were in attack for most of the first ten minutes and on 9 minutes, Gavin Dunne converted a penalty to open the scoring. On 11 minutes Belvo pulled ahead with fine try and added a penalty on 17 minutes to make it 8 – 3. It was on 28 minutes that Belvo scored another try and converted it, from wide out; 15 – 3. Marys had a period of attack and a penalty kick to the corner, on 33 minutes, it re was diverted over the dead ball line, by a Belvo player trying to keep the ball out of touch. This meant we had a five metre scrum and we made good use of it putting great pressure on the Belvo line then a drive led by Colm Mc Mahon led to his getting over for a try and Gavin converted. It was 15 – 10 and that is how the half ended.

The second half remained a high pace with both teams running well with ball in hand Gavin closed the difference to two points when he converted a penalty on 12 minutes. On 22 minutes, the score became 18 – 13 with a home penalty. Belvo looked dangerous and on 23 minutes, Danny Riordan their impressive 15, showed exceptional pace to out flank the Marys defence and score an excellent try that was converted from the touchline. The score was then 25 – 13 and how it remained although Belvo attacked strongly in the closing stages and may have been unfortunate not to score a bonus point try although our defence which had been a little tentative earlier, proved to be strong and determined. So that was it, final score 25 – 13. Old Belvedere are making a spirited fight out of the relegation zone and Marys must now be a little more careful, as we build towards the AIC final on 27th April, with two difficult AIL games beforehand.

D O’Brien.

The Team (Rolling substitutions)

15 G Dunne, 14 R Crotty, 13 A Bourke, 12 C Donohue, 11 D Fanning, 10 P Brophy, 9 C Lilly, 8 D Keller, 7 G Austen, 6 C Ruddock, 5 G Sexton, 4 S Bradshaw, 3 Rob Sweeney(Capt), 2 D Fawcett, 1 C Mc Mahon, Richard Sweeney, A Lyons, M Fallon R Glynn, M Sexton.

Diarmuid Moloughney

RIP

We have just learned of the sad death of Diarmuid (Mogs) Moloughney, a long time, greatly admired and popular member of St Mary’s College RFC. He joined the Club from school in Rockwell. Diarmuid was a Tipperary man and he and several other Rockwell past pupils joined St Marys in the early 60s and contributed significantly to the club’s rugby progress at that time. He captained the club twice, in the seasons 1963-64 and 1967-68, being true leader. He won a Leinster Senior Cup Medal in 1969 and Metro Cup medals 1970 and 1971. He was also capped for Munster. He was a fine winger, a big man, having good pace and understanding of the game.

Although soon after his playing career finished, he was transferred by his employer, Allied Irish Bank, to their London Office, where he worked for several years retuning to Ireland to be based in Cork, he retained contact and strong interest in St Mary and the club’s fortunes. Whenever he visited, he ever displayed an interest in all whom he met. He wore an endearing, mischievous grin and his sharp sense of humour was always to be enjoyed. Even when he realised his time here was very limited, he retained his good humour and positivity and that interest in St Marys and recently attended the Cork Con game when he enjoyed immensely our victory and meeting old friends such as, Alberto Andreucetti, Declan Fanning and Jim Murray. He had intended coming to the Young Munster Lunch with several of his old Marys’ teammates and friends.

Another big loss to St Marys.

D O’Brien