Dramatic finale sees Stillorgan's season brought to an end
23 April 2003
Stillorgan 7 - Lansdowne 10
Stillorgan were bundled out of the cup in dramatic fashion in the semi final of the J4 cup last night in Old Belvedere RFC. A dubious try by Lansdowne seven minutes into injury time sealed their win. No consolation prizes for Stillorgan but they can take heart in their breath-taking display of rugby's equivalent to ground warfare. Lansdowne were quickest off the blocks and converted a penalty to open the score. After that Stillorgan knuckled down to the task and never allowed Lansdowne any space. Superb tackling and defence by Stillorgan ensured that Lansdowne were never going to breakthrough.
The second half started where the first half finished. Lansdowne having the greater share of possession couldn't do anything with it. With twenty minutes left on the clock a loose ball was picked up by Ger on the half way line and he outpaced the Lansdowne cover to score a try which was converted. Stillorgan were now in the ascendency and drove down the pitch. Lansdowne fought back but found the Stillorgan resistance too hard to break down. Finally well into injury time a five metre scrum was awarded to Lansdowne. It wheeled 100 degrees and the Lansdowne number eight scored the match winning try. After the conversation the referee blew for full time. Neither team deserved to lose but Stillorgan can take great pride in yet another gritty performance.