De La Salle Palmerston 6 - 12 Stillorgan<br />
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J2 League - 07 Nov 09<br />
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tillorgan were looking to make a big statement following the disappointment of of last weeks game. The conditions were near perfect at the start and the pitch was in great condition. Stillorgan were confident and focused as they went through the warm up. A good feeling among the players and everyone was united in their sense of purpose.<br />
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DLSP won the toss and elected to kick off. From the start Stillorgan took the ball into contact and cleared their lines. It became clear very early that DLSP were going to be no push over and were competing for every ball, making life difficult for the visitors. As the half wore on Stillorgan became increasingly  more frustrated at their inability to get phases together and failure to construct any meaning possession in De La Salle territory.<br />
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Finally Stillorgan managed to get into the DLSP 22, working hard with pick and go\'s. This got them up to line but when they tried to change the point of attack a dropped ball presented De La Salle with the opportunity to clear their lines. Excellent scrumaging work allowed the pack to reclaim ball. Strong running and aggressive rucking gave Stillorgan good possession that ended with Liam Fahey scoring in the corner. The missed conversion left the score 0-5. DLSP managed to force a late penalty which they scored leaving the half time score 3-5.<br />
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After stern words from the suspended player / coach at the break Stillorgan started the second half with a new found vigour and determination. DLSP were buried deep in their in their own 22. However they defended excellently and every attack from the visitors was repelled. Out of the blue, DLSP managed to clear their line and won a penalty with virtually the only time They got into the Stillorgan half in the second half, this was converted and with score line at 6-5 things were beginning to look less then average for the table topping visitors.<br />
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Heads didn\'t drop and pressure was put on  DLSP once again. Some excellent hands and a aggressive rucking got Stillorgan back into the DLSP 22. A great team effort, moving the ball from side to side looking for gaps forced DLSP on the back foot time and time again. From possession 10 metres inside the DLSP half to ball was spun wide, Peter Hynes showed some good pace to pass to the ball to Keavan Jones his excellent pass back inside to Finian Finn allowed the centre to score and recapture the lead for Stillorgan. This was converted and the score was 6-12. There was to be no more scores in a game that left the Stillorgan team frustrated but pleased to get a win.<br />
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After all the results are in Stillorgan are clear in second place with a game in hand. They are 4 points behind Bective who have their weekend off next weekend. Stillorgan will take on UCD in Bird Avenue and will be hoping to end the first rotation of games on top of the league. This will be a massive game for the J2 side and lots of support will be needed. All home games requires as many supporters as possible to come down and get behind the team. This support is what encourages the side and drives them on to success.<br />
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Negatives:<br />
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Chatting to the ref constantly through the first half<br />
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Failure to play as a team<br />
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Poor execution of decisions, particularly re-starts and kicks to touch<br />
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Positives:<br />
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Another win on the board<br />
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Kept the heads up and worked hard when we went behind<br />
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Increased intensity in the second half<br />
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Report by Shane O\'Brien