Stillorgan bank another victory with win over AIB
19 January 2003
AIB 11 - Stillorgan 19
Stillorgan (fielding five Bank of Ireland employees) bounce back with a hard earned win against AIB. Playing with a degree of confidence reflecting their high position in the league, Stillorgan were always in control despite their usual slow start. A solid scrum and a reliable line out were the foundations for this win.
Stillorgan hit first with a penalty after the AIB were caught using illegal tactics around the fringes (no more anti-AIB quips). AIB responded later on with a penalty. Good driving by the Stillorgan pack and direct running by the packs up the field put Stillorgan yards from the AIB line and our human cannonball 'Hops' picked from three yards out to score under the posts. This was duely converted by Alan. AIB again responded with a try and penalty to leave them one point ahead at the break.
Stillorgan upped the ante in the second half and relentless attacks resulted in AIB conceding penalty after penalty. Three penalties were converted by Alan which were good enough to take the points . Good displays by all especially scrum half Cathal, wingforward Colin and hooker Mark. Although Marky's garryowen on his own line was an unusual tactic to say the least!