Stillorgan weather the storm to gain another hard fought victory
01 December 2002
Millmount 7 - Stillorgan 17
A windswept ALSAA grounds was the setting for another gritty and determined performance by Stillorgan as they notched on another league win. Played in a galeforce wind and the distraction of Boeing 747s landing in the next field, the play was never going to be be pretty and having the ball was considered a burden.
Anyway the skipper won the tossing contest again and decided to play with the elements. Stillorgans slow out of the traps eventually began to pin Millmount back and lack of discipline gave Alan a penalty in front of the posts which he duely converted. More exerted pressure by Stillorgan on the home side scrum on their goal line caused the ball to squirt out awkwardly and Mark jumped on the ball for a try which was converted by Alan. In the dying seconds of the first half the referee gave a penalty try for Stillorgan after continued substained pressure. A number of players have claimed the try in a despite attempt to boost their try count for the end of season golden boot but you have to remind these guys that it's a team game.
At half time the visiting side turned seventeen points up and facing a testing second half. Millmount duely asked the questions in the second half but a game Stillorgan showed real character to answer those questions defiantly. Despite wave after wave of attacks a resilient Stillorgan both forwards and backs stubbornly defended the lines well. Millmount did breach the line for a try in the last play of the game. A good win and the momentum continues. Well done to players, subs and our fan club for turning out on a cold, breezy day in north Dublin
(Editor's note: We would like to thank Aer Lingus for the post-match soup and sandwiches despite the fact that there was a notice on the door saying 'Reserved - ALSAA v New Ross'!)