Tight game, narrow defeat, brutal ref
12 January 2003
Old Wesley 10 - Stillorgan 6
Gallant losers is a nice way of saying, you were good but not good enough. In this case we were good and we were good enough but unfortunately we were subjected to some strange refereeing decisions which effected the outcome of this game. Needless to say this was another typical fighting spirited performance by the Stillorgan team.
Up against the league leaders, Stillorgan played extrmely well with good performances coming in from all areas of the team. A three point lead at half time hardly did justice to the rugby Stillorgan played and pressure they applied. Stillorgan stretched their lead early in the second half with a penalty after good running by the forwards which forced the home side to concede the three points. Wesley responded quickly with a penalty.
A stalemate ensued with nether sides getting the upper hand. Unfortunately in the last play of the game, Wesley were awarded a dubious scrum on our five metre line and managed to break in for the winning try. A four point defeat was cruel and undeserved but Stillorgan can take heart with their performance and play