J4 - 2014/15

04/10/2014

3:00pm

Metro Div 6

St. Marys J4 XV

17 - 14

Naas

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St Mary’s College RFC J4s V Naas RFC J4s.

17 14

J4 Metro League 6

Templeville Road

Saturday 4th October 2014.

St. Mary's came out on top in a very challenging game against Naas at home. The pressure was on the team after last week's disappointing defeat to Monkstown and knew this was a must win game to keep in contention for the league.

The team set out at a blistering pace with Mary's looking to dominate from the outset. The backline was firing very well with Muller and Hendo making big carries and breaking tackles. Mary's early ongot the first try with Hendo evading the Naas defence on the wing to go in for Mary's opening try with James Bourke adding the 2 points. Mary's dominated the majority of the half with Matt and Byrne constantly gaining yards but found it hard to turn their possession into points with Naas working hardin defence. As the half drew to a close the team scored an excellent try off a scrum with Pyner putting in a great pass to Mick Daly who sped for the line breaking through the Naas defence to put Mary's 14-0 up at the break.

The team looked to push on in the second half but Naas really put it up to the team. There were tackles being put in all over the park and with a few players getting injured and Naas starting to grow in confidence the team found themselves on the back foot. The team battled hard in the breakdown with Shane Fanning, James McHugh and Padraig Nestor turning over Naas possession at crucial times to slow down the Naas attack. However Naas dideventually break the Mary's defence slipping a tackle to go in under the posts.The team responded quickly from the kick off and immediate pressure on Naas at the breakdown Mary's won a penalty which proved to be crucial with James Bourke easily scoring a kick from a tight angle. The team still were unable to restore the control over the game they had in the first half and Naas got in for asecond try to make it 17-14 with 15 minutes remaining. The team ground out the result with some strong defending from all 15 players as Naas desperately sought a winning score after missing a kick with a few minutes remaining. They kept out one final attack off a lineout from Naas at the last play putting insome big tackles and eventually turning over possession for Padraig Nestor to kick to touch to secure the win. It was a ferocious contest against an experienced Naas side and puts the team in a good position as they face Clontarf in 2 weeks.

21/02/2015

3:00pm

Metro Div 6

St. Marys J4 XV

12 - 11

Wanderers

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St Mary’s College RFC J4s V Wanderers FC J4s.

12 11

J4 Metro League 6

Templeville Road

Saturday 21^st February 2015.

St. Mary’s produced a remarkable late comeback to secure a victory over Wanderers. Preparations for the game were somewhat distracted by an unnamed team manager having a mild panic attack in Templeogue College asking the players to take part in a dancing competition and even trying to recruit a Wanderers player to get involved.

Despite this interruption, the team led by Shane Fanning on his captaincy debut started very strongly and made use of their forward dominance holding much of the possession in the early stages of the game. Some powerful carries from Matt Moloney and Tom O’Reilly and a dominant lineout being the highlight of the half. Tom was persistent thorn in the side of the Wanderers team regularly disrupting them in the ruck and making strong runs and even having a kick at one stage. Tom also asked me to thank the many people who donated various items of clothing to allow him to play the game. His pleas were answered and he received generous donations of socks and shorts. He will also gladly accept a new pair of boots and tickets to next week’s Ireland game.

Although Mary’s had the greater share of chances in the first half it was Wanderers that took a 3-0 lead at the break. Fanning’s inaugural team talk primarily involved badmouthing the exiled team captain and demanding the team play with more freedom that wasn’t possible under the deposed captain. The second half didn’t start well for the team with Wanderer’s possessing a good backline that began to wear down the Mary’s defence and after several phases went in for a try in the corner. Wanderers added to this with a penalty leaving the score at 11-0. To the team’s credit, they did not lose hope and continued to press the Wanderers defence. After several penalties in our favour we launched a driving maul close to the Wanderers line allowing Matt Moloney to crash over for a much deserved try. The team continued their dominance with players all over the field driving at the Wanderers defence sensing that another match winning try was to come. That moment came with another break from Matt evading several tackles brought us close to the line and he delivered an offload to the ankles of Aaron O’Connor who displayed great handling skills and was in for a try which was converted by Peter Daly to bring Mary’s ahead 12-11. The team endured a tense final ten minutes and defending valiantly with the team determined to hold their lead. There were huge hits put in all over the park and the team successfully kept any Wanderer’s attack at bay.

The squad were delighted with the victory against a Wanderers side who had beaten them comfortably in the reverse fixture and were still in playoff contention. Thanks to the players who put in a great effort and including those who were being played outside of their normal position. The team has one league game remaining away to Trinity and are looking forward to having a good cup run.