J5 - 2009/10

10/10/2009

3:00pm

League

St. Marys J5 XV

48 - 17

Malahide

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A large crowd of over 40 turned out to see the J5s kick off their league campaign in perfect conditions on Saturday afternoon.

As per the competition rules, the teams were reduced to 14 a-side as Malahide arrived a man short, with both team dropping the left winger.

This led to some interesting tactics from Malahide as their out half dropped deep behind a powerful pack to kick to the corner and keep Mary’s pinned back. The strong Malahide pack used this territorial advantage to power over for a couple of early tries to make the score 0-12 early on.

Mary’s however showed good composure and some good interplay between backs and forwards saw tries through Adrian Malone, and a brace from Andrew Fitzpatrick to earn a 19-12 halt time lead after Malone added some extras.

Mary’s started the second half as they finished the first with another couple of converted tries from Gareth Crawford soon making it 33-12.

Mary’s running rugby continued to stretch a tiring Malahide, and further tries from Milliard, Crawford and O'Hanlon left Mary’s comfortably in front at 48- 12.

Mary’s will be disappointed after conceding a late try and will need to improve ahead of next week’s crunch encounter against Stillorgan.

Many thanks to Burkley for running the line and to Frank for having the club in such good nick.

(as per match report we had to start with 14)

15 Andy Fitzpatrick

13 Philip Woods

12 Ian Smith

11 Adrian Malone

10 Garreth Crawford

9 Conor Murphy

8 Anthony O'Hanlon

7 James Hynes

6 Mark Byrne

5 Eamonn Walsh

4 David Browne

3 Alan Germaine

2 Steve Walkin

1 James Nolan

17/10/2009

2:15pm

League

Stillorgan

18 - 16

St. Marys J5 XV

Away

St. Mary’s College J5 Stillorgan J5

16 18

On a perfect Day for Rugby Mary’s came up against one of their main challengers in a tough and determined Stillorgan RFC.

Playing up the hill, the Mary’s forwards got stuck into a real dogfight against an organized Stillorgan team. Stillorgan crossed early for a soft try following some poor defence from Mary’s to go 7-0. Mary’s mixed the good with the bad playing for territitory and eventually earning a 9-7 half time lead. Mary’s could have been further ahead and butchered a couple of clear cut chances and were guilty of trying to force the pass.

Mary’s improved their game in the second half dominating possession and territory. Criminally, though they failed to convert any of this pressure into points passing up several good chances to get on the scoreboard.

Indiscipline also crept in which gave Stillorgan the crucial field position they craved, before coughing up another couple of soft tries to go 18-9 down.

Mary’s desperately attacked the Stillorgan line and barged over to make it 18-16, but it was too little too late and Mary’s will require more polish and composure in the tough challenges that lie ahead.

Special thanks to recently retired Al Kibble for helping out on the line, and to all the non-playing squad members who came out to support the lads.

I. Murray

15 Daniel McEvoy

14 Andy Fitzpatrick

13 Ian Smith

12 Simone Maraschi

11 Marco Pietri

10 Gary Crawford

9 Conor Murphy

8 Anthony O'Hanlon

7 James Hynes

6 Mark Byrne

5 Paul Travers

4 David Browne

3 Alan Germaine

2 Hugh Lyons

1 James Nolan

31/10/2009

12:00pm

F

St. Marys J5 B XV

0 - 32

Parkmore

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J5 B’s 0-32 Parkmore

First game up was a friendly for J5 B’s against Parkmore. This was an opportunity for a few people to get game time and build up match fitness against a tough J4 side. The game started well for us, although we were unable to make use of our scoring opportunities. Parkmore made the most of their chances and we two tries up at half time.

Tiredness hit in during the second half and we made full use of the rolling subs. Towards the end of the game they ran in three tries.

Going forward we hope to have a lot more friendly games which will help to strengthen the league side. Thanks to Garreth Crawford for refereeing the game.

15 Stephen Joyce

14 Stephen Wisely

13 Shane Levins

12 Brice Damoiseau

11 Matt Boland

10 Caolan Reid

9 Seb Conway

8 John McAuley

7 Colin Burkley

6 Chris Doyle

5 Shane Brooks

4 Colm Mitchell

3 Alan Kibble

2 Stephen Walkin

1 Michael Mannion

Subs: Michael Donnelly, Kevin Fogarty, Alan McPhillips, John Hanlon, Marco Pietri and David Millard.

31/10/2009

3.00p.m.

League

St. Marys J5 XV

16 - 7

NUIM Barnhall

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J5 A’s 16-7 Barnhall

After the frustration of the loss to Stillorgan two weeks ago the lads were determined to get back to winning ways last weekend. We started strong. As expected Barnhall put out a different side to the one we beat well in our pre season friendly. We were rewarded from some good play with a try from winger Andy Fitzpatrick fifteen minutes in, which was converted by Garreth Crawford. The rest of the half was affected by the turn in the weather with both side finding conditions tough. Just before half time when they weather slightly improved, Adrian Malone struck a long range kick to put us 10-0 up at half time.

In the second half we began to let them back into the game resulting in a converted try conceded midway through the half. This gave them some confidence. Our defence stood up to the pressure forcing some great turnover. Eventually some good play won a penalty which Garreth converted. The last ten minutes were spent in their half. With the game nearing the end Garreth rounded off the day with a nicely hit drop goal. A good effort from the lads sets us up with a hard away trip to ‘Tarf this weekend.

15 Daniel McEvoy

14 Adrian Malone

13 Ian Smith

12 Simone Maraschi

11 Andy Fitzpatrick

10 Garreth Crawford

9 Conor Murphy

8 Anthony O’Hanlon

7 James Hynes

6 Mark Byrne

5 Eamonn Walsh

4 David Browne

3 Alan Germaine

2 Hugh Lyons

1 Shane Deegan

Subs: James Nolan, Stephen Walkin, Michael Mannion, John McAuley, Marco Pietri and David Millard.

07/11/2009

2.30pm

League

Clontarf

8 - 10

St. Marys J5 XV

Away

The J5s travelled to Castle Avenue last Saturday with a clash against Clontarf who put them out of the cup last season.

With the depth of the squad already being tested, late injuries to Simone, and the talismanic Travers, meant that there were further last minute changes during the warm- up.

Mary’s started well with a stiff breeze at their backs and a high tempo saw them dominate in terms of territory and possession for much of the first half. A combination of resolute Clontarf defence and poor Mary’s finishing meant that the teams turned around at 0-0 at half time, Mary’s having butchered a number of try scoring opportunities and missing one kick at goal.

As the second half wore on still scoreless, ‘tarf’s confidence grew as Mary’s intensity dropped, and this was rewarded when ‘tarf converted a penalty to go 3-0 ahead. The concession of the score jolted Mary’s from their slumber and an increase in the tempo of their attack saw them test ‘tarf out wide on successive occasions before Crawford set up Fitzer for his fourth try in four games. Crawford added the extras to make it 7-3 after 68 minutes.

Despite gathering the restart well and threatening again Mary’s made the mistake of looking to hang on, conceding ground and possession, when another score was what was required. As tension mounted ‘tarf forced a penalty and then very poor discipline from Burkley through dissent let them advance another ten yards. Clontarf duly kicked for the corner and a well worked catch and drive saw them take the lead at 8-7 through Leinster Branch Junior Secretary Trevor Merrey. Crucially the conversion fell short.

With just three minutes left for Mary’s the game looked up and the only option was all out attack. Eventually with time up Mary’s won a penalty about forty metres out near the touchline. It was a brave decision to kick by Crawford, but one that was rewarded with three points and a win for Mary’s 10-8.

One side note was that the resultant celebrations proved a distraction for the Clontarf J4s’ kicker on the adjoining pitch who missed his effort to tie up the J4s game against Clontarf.

So two good wins for Mary’s in Castle Avenue and roll on next week’s top of the table clash where the J5s will look to upset their old friends and rivals, and league leaders Terenure.

Before that is a mid-week friendly for the J5 “B”s who will enjoy the game time and be looking to get a win of their own.

Thanks to Burkley and Karl Jennings for running the line, and fair play to all the non- playing squad members who came out to support the lads selected this week.

Ian Murray

15 Daniel McEvoy, 14 Adrian Malone, 13 Philip Woods, 12 Ian Smith, 11 Andy Fitzpatrick, 10 Gary Crawford, 9 Conor Murphy, 8 Anthony O'Hanlon, 7 James Hynes, 6 John McAuley, 5 Eamonn Walsh, 4 David Browne, 3 Alan Germaine

2 Hugh Lyons, 1 Shane Deegan

Subs: Steve Walkin, Michael Mannion, Mark Byrne, Colin Burkley, David Millard and Michael Daly.

23/01/2010

2.30pm

League

NUIM Barnhall

15 - 15

St. Marys J5 XV

Away

J5’s V Barnhall

On Saturday the J5’s played our first game after the Christmas break away to Barnhall. The game got underway amid the thick fog.

A strong start for us led to some early pressure inside their 22. A break from outhalf Adrian Malone saw him evade four Barnhall defenders and go over for the first try of the game inside two mins. A few mins later this was followed up with scrum half Andy Fitzpatrick chipping the ball over the Barnhall winger and fullback, gathering the kick and touching down for 10-0 Barnhall began to get back into it and midway through the half the went over for a soft score. 10-7. For the rest of the half they attacked our line, but our defence held firm after withstanding 8 or 9 phases.

The 2^nd half started with Barnhall kicking an early penalty to make the scores 10-10. The majority of the half was mainly played between the two 22’s with both teams cancelling each other out in attack and defence. With 10 mins to go the ball went through the hands to replacement wing David Sheedy who went around the outside of his opposite number and dived for the corner to score the Mary’s third try of the afternoon, 15-10. For the rest of the half Barnhall pressured our line eventually going over with four minutes remaining 15-15. In injury time both sides had a chance to get a winner but dropped balls near the line.

Overall a good effort form all involved. A few positives and negatives to be taken from the game, but generally a good platform to build on for this weekend’s home game against Clontarf.

1. James Nolan
2. Mick Mannion
3. Alan Germaine
4. Maurice Davin
5. Eamonn Walsh
6. Mark Byrne
7. John “Rambo” McAuley
8. Anthony O’Hanlon
9. Andrew Fitzpatrick
10. Adrian Malone
11. Dave Millard
12. Simone Maraschi
13. Michael Daly
14. Ian Smith
15. Daniel McEvey

Subs : Steve Walkin, Dave Sheedy, Shane Brooks, Stephen Joyce, Chris Doyle, Colin Burkley.

30/01/2010

1.00pm

League

St. Marys J5 XV

8 - 3

Clontarf

Home

St Mary's 8 Clontarf 3

The J5s decamped to Templeogue College for a lunch-time kick off on saturday to snatch victory with the last play of the game from a tough and determined Clontarf fifteen. With the sides all level for the vast majority of the match, it looked as though the lads were on course for their second draw in a row until a training-ground move culminated in an easy run-in try for veteran Stephen Joyce who showed that there is life in the old dog yet. Great for the lads to get back to winning ways.

15 Daniel McEvoy

14 Ian Smith

13 Gary Crawford

12 David Sheedy

11 David Millard

10 Adrian Malone

9 Andy Fitzpatrick

8 John McAuley

7 James Hynes

6 Mark Byrne

5 Eamonn Walsh

4 Maurice Davin

3 Michael Mannion

2 Stephen Walkin

1 Shane Deegan

Subs: Hugh Lyons, Colin Burkley, Shane Brooks, Chris Doyle, David Browne and Stephen Joyce.

15 Daniel McEvoy14 Ian Smith13 Gary Crawford12 David Sheedy11 David Millard10 Adrian Malone9 Andy Fitzpatrick8 John McAuley7 James Hynes6 Mark Byrne5 Eamonn Walsh4 Maurice Davin3 Michael Mannion2 Stephen Walkin1 Shane Deegan Subs: Hugh Lyons, Colin Burkley, Shane Brooks, Chris Doyle, David Browne and Stephen Joyce.

06/02/2010

12:00pm

League

St. Marys J5 XV

3 - 12

Clondalkin

Home

St Mary's 3 Clondalkin 12

15 Daniel McEvoy

14 Marco Pietri

13 Gary Crawford

12 David Sheedy

11 David Millard

10 Michael Daly

9 Andy Fitzpatrick

8 John McAuley

7 James Hynes

6 Mark Byrne

5 Eamonn Walsh

4 Maurice Davin

3 David Brown

2 Stephen Walkin

1 Shane Deegan

Subs: James Nolan, Hugh Lyons, Shane Brooks, Ian McCarthy and Stephen Wisely.

There was an early start for both teams on Saturday morning for his re-fixed league match.

A heavy downpour prior to kick off made an already heavy pitch even stickier. A physical start from Clondalkin put St. Mary’s on the back foot and a strong forward effort from Clondalkin left Mary’s under pressure. Credit to Mary’s defence which tackled bravely but the pressure eventually told when an overlap on the left wing gave Tallaght a try – converted by their outhalf.

Mary’s trying to be pragmatic with the underfoot conditions, kicked for field position but this yielded little gain.

As the half wore on St. Mary’s gained more of a foothold as they elected more the keep the ball in hand however some sloppy execution from the backs, and a lack of quick ball from the forwards combined repeatedly to give Clondalkin time to recover.

Mary’s started the second half strongly and repeatedly threatened the Clondalkin line for the first 20 minutes of the second half. However Clondalkin’s defence held strong and this period ultimately determined the outcome of the match.

Half way through the second half, Clondalkin gained a foothold in Mary’s territory and a lapse in concentration let Clondalkin over for a relatively soft try from a penalty.

St. Mary’s did get on the scoreboard with a well struck penalty and continued to fight until the end, but as has been the tale of this team’s season it was too little too late and a lack of urgency in the first half ultimately cost them.

Clondalkin were full value for this win, and credit to both teams and the ref for an entertaining game in difficult conditions. Both teams will be looking forward to the re-match in the next few weeks, where Clondalkin have promised a better pitch!

20/02/2010

3.00pm

League

Clondalkin

25 - 7

St. Marys J5 XV

Away

Sat 20^th Feb

Marys j5’s versus Clondalkin

Match against clondalkin was always going to be a tough game. Right from the kick off clondalkin wanted to run the ball figuring that Marys were weak out wide. This went against them as both wing stood up the heavy pressure. Clondalkin used the hill to their advantage and pinned Marys back with long kicks. Then a barrage of direct running at the 10 channel and then quick ball out to their centre lead to a break in broken play and a score for clondalkin.

Marys immediately responded with great pressure and regained the kick off. They continue to keep it tight and eventually this lead to a penalty. They opted for the post but unfortunately Garreth Crawford missed the kick. The pressure continued from marys keeping it tight before moving it left and right in broke field running. However the clondalkin defence was an equal match for the marys attack. Clondalkin continued to strain off side leading to their 2^nd penalty in kicking range. Adrian Malone stepped up but pulled it wide.

Clondalkin decided to use the high ball again to their advantage and launched a massive kick down field. This was to be a difficult first half for fullback Andrew Fitzpatrick who found himself under massive pressure and offloaded under his legs to his wing counterpart who got caught and turned over. Quick ball from clondalkin lead them to within feet of the marys line before a crash ball again in the centre of the pitch lead to their second try. The conversion dually followed.

Marys refused to give up and launched another attack on the clondalkin line. They continued to keep it in the pack with the big forwards making steady ground. Clondalkin kept their discipline and were rewarded with the sound of half time and their line in tacked.

The second half saw Marys immediately under pressure from the kick off. Failure to deal with a kick to the corner led to a lineout inside their 22 and clondalkin on the attack. Good defence in close quarters was then followed up by poor defence on the fringes. Clondalkin had their third try and the conversion followed.

Failure to deal with the long kick was marys undoing as marys found themselves under pressure again from the kick off. Marys had the ball but their failure to clear their line eventually lead to a forward pass and a scrum to the home team with just metres to the line. Clondalkin number 8 dually picked and was not dealt with appropriately and twisted his was over for clondalkins fourth.

26-0 lead seemed too big a gap to bridge. Marys again launched a full scale attacked. This time they got their tactics right. They kicked to the corners using the hill to their advantage. Marys then introduced a raft of changed including the powerful Morrisey who took a crash ball and seemed to carry the whole clondalkin team on his back much like Ginger Maglocklen against England. Marys finally breached the clondalkin line. The barrage on the clondalkin line continued for the rest of the half with great line breaks and forwards and backs play combining. However the fatal line break or pass never materialised from marys. Marys seemed to control the game for long periods of the game but never capitalised on. Clondalkin took their chances and the win. The scoreline flattered the home team and marys will have to learn to take their chance.

15 Andy Fitzpatrick14 Adrian Malone13 Gary Crawford12 Ian Smith 11 Marco Pietri10 Michael Daly9 Conor Murphy8 Anthony O'Hanlon7 James Hynes6 Mark Byrne5 Eamonn Walsh4 Shane Brooks3 Michael Mannion2 Stephen Walkin1 James Nolan

27/02/2010

1:00pm

League

Malahide

7 - 13

St. Marys J5 XV

Away

Malahide v Marys J5’s (13- 7)

Preparation for this game did not start well for this marys side as finding this newly build club became an issue for a number of the players. Half an hour of a warm up did not seem like enough but to the sides credit full commitment was shown by all so that by kick off they we ready to play.

Then the next problem arose no sign of appointed Leinster ref. Both side had a quick chat and agreed to use a malahide referee. This match started off at a million mile an hour, the ref was letting everything go (or else missing basic mistakes) and as a results there we 5 and 6 plus phases of play something the guys on both teams were not used to at this level. Marys started to miss simple one on one tackles and just when malahide taught they were through for a score a last ditch tackle was made by a marys player. This was typical marys never say die attitude and I thought that with this effort being made by the guys that a win was in our grasp.

Malahides pack were starting to impose themselves, and it was only after 4 phases of play and with a massive overlap on the right side of the pitch that resulted in maladies first score in the corner. They missed the conversion.

Marys huddled up and discussed where the problems in there play lay. They responded immediately following up the kick off making the tackle and gaining ground for the follow up lineout. They were playing with real purpose moving the ball left and right. Smart positional kick and crash balls from the forwards. The try was inevitable and no more than they deserved. Garry Crawford went over for the try and converted the kick. 5-7.

Second half started and the wind that marys chose to play into hoping to use it in the second half decided to disappear. Perhaps the gods had other plans for this marys team. This Marys team doesn’t believe in false gods and came out all guns blazing. Great positional kicking from Teddy Moran, and with the lineout in control we were looking great. Malahide were defending for their lives and were doing so quite effectively. They got ball and launched a missive kick to gain territory. There lineout followed and so too did a silly penalty in the middle of the pitch. They slotted it over and took the lead. 8-7.

Marys went straight back up the pitch and launched another hard up defence. Then with ten minutes to go a nasty incident, a malahide player grabbed the genitals of one Mr Crawford who took acceptation to someone other than his girlfriend feeling him and lashed out. This followed with retaliation punches from the malahide culprit. The referee in a perfect position managed to only see one punch thrown and sent Mr. Crawford to the bin for 10 mins. (He must be sponsored by Specsavers as he clearly saw what the malahide player did). Unfortunately the last ten minute were all malahide as every decision made was in there favour. Marys were missing that unbiased Leinster referee now. The malahide score was inevitable. They moved the ball left and right were give advantage play for 6 plus phases before being brought back for the original infringement. The play was brought to the right side of the pitch were the mary defence remained strong. The ref called a penalty back to the left side of the marys 22. Malahide kicked the ball over to a back that was waiting to take it quickly, which he did. Marys managed two desperation tackles but malahide managed to offload to a third man and scored in the corner.13-7 end score

This was a difficult defeat to take and one the guys didn’t deserve. I do know that there is true character and potential in this team something that we will be eager to show come cup and blitz time.

Thanks to Teddy Moran for helping us out.

15 Shane Levins14 David Millard13 Gary Crawford12 Brice Damoiseau11 Stephen Joyce10 Teddy Moran9 Andy Fitzpatrick8 Paul Travers7 James Hynes6 Mark Byrne5 Eamonn Walsh4 Mossy Davin3 David Browne2 Hugh Lyons1 Michael Mannion

01/05/2010

12:00pm - Blitz

F

St. Marys J5 XV

0 - 0

League Final

Home

J5 XV - D.P.Smyth J5 Blitz, [Home] Saturday, 1 st. May, [Kick-off ; 1.00 p.m.]

[Teams from Barnhall, Clontarf, Malahide, Stillorgan & Terenure