Defeat but a battling performance all the same
20 October 2002
Stillorgan 0 - 14 Malahide
Despite a battling and much improved performance Stillorgan, against J2 opposition Malahide, came out second in a game played in unsettling conditions. For the record the Stillorgan captain won the toss. Malahide took control early and their well drilled pack were making life difficult for the home side. This early pressure earned the visiting side a converted try. Stillorgan responded well and the pack lead well with Simon, Fabien and Colin the pick of the bunch. Towards the end of the first half Malahide tagged on another converted try after a break away from their own half which didn't do justice to Stillorgan who were camped for most of the previous 15 minutes on the oppostion '22'.
The second half began well for Stillorgan and the human cannonball 'Hops' started shining in the first centre berth. Still possesion was limited for Stillorgan but good tackling by backs and forwards alike meant stalemate around the pitch with neither team making the break through. When possession was won, good ground was made by outhalf Alan with his kicks down the line. Indeed we were so comfortable without ball in hand that our prop Fleming decided on one occasion to pass the ball to the referee rather than his own colleagues. That same guy was buying pints last night to make sure that incident was omitted from the match report. Hmmmm. Anyhow the second half remained scoreless and this reflected the great team spirit and fighting qualites of this team. Good shows from Leo at full back, Dave on the wing and Roger in the pack.