Despite hangovers, another victory for Stillorgan over Monkstown in pre-cup friendly
09 March 2003
Stillorgan 18 - Monkstown 7
With the cup games just around the corner, Stillorgan produced another quality performance against Monkstown. Having choosen to play against the elements (hangover and gale wind), the home team fielding one of their strongest sides this season got off to a disturbingly fast pace and quickly put down a marker for the game with aggresive tackling from the forwards. Stillorgan took the lead with a penalty after Monkstown killed the ball in a ruck. Monkstown responded with a converted try after a substained period of presssure on the Stillorgan line. With the game flowing from end to end, Stillorgan managed to score a try after a well worked moved by the backs. Quick ball from the forwards and a switch move by Alan saw Hops using his weight to good effect to barge over for a try.
Monkstown started the second half well but resolute defending by the home ensured no scores were conceded. With the hangovers now fading, Stillorgan up the ante and were rewarded with a penalty which was converted. With minutes left in the game, Stillorgan put a final end to the contest with possibly the best score of the season. Fine driving by the forwards lead to four or five phases of play and when the ball was moved through the hands, it left Leo a simple trot to the line which he even managed to do. A very good display from the Stillorgan boys which bodes well for the rest of the season.