Stillorgan 16 - Old Belvedere 21
J3 League - Dec 14, 2003
A brave and gallant display from SRFC who left this one behind them. Getting a bit too used to saying this however but the performance was good but the result wasn't and unfortunately no points for moral victories here but we did get a bonus point for losing by less than 7.
The first half was very tight with both sides pushing the other to the limit. Stillorgan were soon to lose our 'crafty' little winger Ross with a bit of a gash under the chin. Initial reports were that his head was nearly cut clean off but it later transpired that he only needed a few stitches. Belvo opened the scoring with a penalty but was quickly followed with a well taken penalty from player-coach (and wiley old veteran) Niall who made a dramatic return to SRFC first team rugby. Belvo were to secure 2 more panalties but Niall "Diego Dominguez" Donohoe slotted over another to leave the half time score at 9-6 in favour of Belvo.
The second half took to life when Belvedere touched down in the corner and converted to leave SRFC trailing by 10 points but the never say die spirit kicked in when the Bull, coming back from an offside position between the Belvedere centres, happened to come upon the ball and all he had to do was stroll over to down under the posts. Back to within 3 points now and the tails were up. Belvedere were to pounce once more on a SRFC failure to clear the lines and grabbed an unconverted try against the run of play. With minutes remaining SRFC mounted a last gasp charge at the oppostion and pulled back 3 points converted by Paul 'Hendo' Fadden. With the final whistle looming SRFC made one last dash to the line but a combination of gamesmanship from Belvedere and ladyboy refereeing, our hopes were scuppered.