Nail-biting victory for Stillorgan over DLSP in J4 Cup 2nd Round
09 April 2003
Stillorgan 14 - DLSP 13
Stillorgan progressed to the quarter final of the Winters cup after a nail and toe biting finish to the game in Fortress Bird Avenue. A tough game on paper turned out to be a tough game on the pitch as a big and experienced DLSP team pushed the home side to the limits. DLSP started strongly but superb defence in all areas of the pitch prevented them from getting an early breakthrough score. Stillorgan rallied and exerted their own pressure on the DLSP lines. A block down on the DLSPs twenty two saw it's way into Stillorgan hands and Mick forced his way over for the opening try. Stillorgan shortly tagged on another three points but DLSP replied with their own three points to leave it eight three at half time to Stillorgan.
DLSP started strongly in the second half and quickly narrowed the game to one point. Stillorgan upped the pace and were unlucky on numerous times not to score a try. The decisive score came mid way through the half when a break by Dave saw him run out of steam after five yards, he offloaded to Ger who was caught but managed to release to Dave who had got his breath back at that stage to run under the posts for a well deserved try. This was converted by Alan. DLSP responded with a penalty but were visibly running out of steam as Stillorgan were doing all the running. An unfortunate intercept by the four foot nothing DLSP winger saw him beat the cover defence to score in the corner. Good tracking by Jerry ensured the winger didn't score closer to the posts. The conversion was well struck but drifted wide by a foot. Stillorgan held on to the final whistle to win by the narrowest of margin.