Seapoint 19 - 23 Stillorgan
J2 Friendly, 26 Nov 09
Following their bonus point win against UCD on Saturday last Stillorgan J2 side lined out to face Seapoint under lights last night. It was a perfect night for rugby with only a soft but cold breeze blowing down the pitch. It was decided before the game that Stillorgan were using this game to blood some new players, however it was still a very important game as it is the last game before Bective on December 12th.
Stillorgan kicked off the first half playing against the breeze. Tom Ryan made a big hit forcing the Seapoint pack backwards. When the ball eventually came back on their side Seapoint cleared their lines. This was a quick side who were well able to play so any thoughts of an easy nights rugby were very quickly knocked from everyone\'s minds. Stillorgan missed several first up tackles early in the game as the excellent support runners from Seapoint managed to get over the gain line time and time again.
When Stillorgan eventually managed to get some good quality possession in the Seapoint half they were able to force a penalty. This was kicked to touch, the seven points a definite possibility. From the resulting lineout Danny Shanahan hit Pádraig at the front and a rolling maul developed. Stillorgan forced their way up to the Seapoint 22 before the attack appeared to break down. A pick and go from Pádraig brought the pack right up to the Seapoint line before Timmy Twomey, making his first appearance since a trip to Tailand dived over the ruck to touch down. The difficult conversion was missed but Stillorgan took a 5 point lead.
Pressure from Seapoint forced a penalty inside the Stillorgan half which was converted leaving the score 3 - 5. this seemed to be a fault in the Stillorgan game as several penalties gave Seapoint scoring opportunities which luckily they failed to convert into points. It was in fact Stillorgan who scored next with a penalty in front of the posts leaving the half time score at 3 - 8.
With Nigel Bramley, Colin Madden and Richie McMahon all on the field in the first half all the reserves were getting a good run out. An initial attack from Seapoint early in the second half was repelled and Stillorgan earned a penalty which was kicked to touch. From the lineout an excellent maul drove Seapoint back deep into their 22. When the ball came back some good handling and attacking the gain line allowed Finian Finn get through a tackle to off load to Peter Hynes who scored under the posts. Bizarrely the conversion was missed leaving the score 3 - 13.
Seapoin began to come more and more into the game and forced yet another penalty which was converted leaving just 7 points between the side despite Stillorgan having the better opportunities. From the re-start the Seapoint scrum half was caught in possession but poor defence allowed the out-half break the line, after a series of off loads Seapoint touched down in the corner. The try was unconverted and Stillorgan were still in the lead but the 10 point cushion they held just moments before was cancelled out.
The determination of the Stillorgan side now began to show as they pushed the Seapoint side back time and time again resulting in a penalty which Timmy Twomey converted to restore some bit of comfort. 12 - 16 the score now. This was short lived as Stillorgan squandered yet another commanding position to leave Seapoint score a try and take a 19 - 16 lead with just minutes remaining.
Now the character of this Stillorgan side would be severly tested. Try as they might Stillorgan coul not get their hands on possesion until a penalty was won deep in their own 22. the option to kick for touch was taken with the lineout being the last play of the game. Seapoint won the lineout against the throw and surely now all hope was lost! Or was it? Seapoint sensing a demoralised Stillorgan side went to score another try. This was to be theie down fall as when a final penalty was won Alan McDonell tapped quickly and off loaded to Maurice Ryan who played well through out. The ball was flashed wide, Peter Hynes found a gap and put his foot on the accelerator. Despite being tackled he managed to off load to Finian Finn who scored under the posts. The conversion scored by Shane O\'Brien left the final score 19 - 23 to the visitors!
A fantastic performance and deserved result sent the Stillorgan players into the dressing room with their heads held high. Credit must go to the \'new caps\' Colin Madden, Bryan Cullen and John McQuerins who contributed greatly to a night that will be remebered for quiet a while. Richie MacMahon ce;lebrated his long awaited engagement with a magnificant performance whne he replaced the injured Danny Shanahan. Nigel Bramley also played his part as all the replacements saw a lot of game time.
The build up to Bective is now well under way with training Tuesday and Thursday compulsory for the J2\'s. Also if your free on Sunday, come down to Bird Ave and help support the clubs newest side as we field our 4th XV for the first time ever!!
Match Report by Shane O\'Brien