Leinster Branch Blitz Coolmine RFC - 1st XV
19 October 2003
Host club Coolmine pulled out due to injuries which left junior club SRFC and the 2 big boys Clontarf and Wesley A's to play it out. It was decided that each team play each other once but over 30mins instead of the normal 20min. With Clontarf and Wesley up first (which Tarf won one nil), SRFC were left with a prolonged warm up but came out of the blocks firing on all cyclinders and took the game to Clontarf. Heavy pressure from the 'organ resulted in a well deserved try by Alan Stewart in the corner. Clontarf came back at us insisting on running the ball and almost catching us out with overlaps they didn't use. But nonetheless strong defence and rucking prevailed and the 'organ broke away for another trademark Finian Finn try from half way. Final score 2-0 to SRFC.
To win the group SRFC had to either win or draw with the auld enemy Old Wesley. Again a strong start from SRFC produced a well deserved try from my nemesis Messr Ronan 'Bull' McCabe who ran half the length of field to down the ball close to the posts. But as expected Wesley came back stronger and the game towed and frowed for much of the next 10-15 mins with Wesley drawing level using their big flanker to good effect. Stout defence and ball robbing by our players namely Jerry and Danny Shanhan ensured the draw for SRFC in a game which could have gone either way. Final score 1-1.
SRFC win out group again, which will leaves us in prime position for the 3rd and final blitz on Sunday 2nd November and possbility of semi's under lights getting closer. Overall a strong team performance with good rucking and defence from forwards and excellent running and defence from the backs. Men of match - forwards - Simon Lambert, Backs - Ronan McCabe. Well done everyone.