Stillorgan 14 - Clantarf 41
J4 League - Jan 18, 2004
Stillorgan play lacked conviction in the first 33 minutes of the first half of the game.... Clontarf punished this lack luster effort with scores from combinations of overlaps and missed tackles in the 5th, 10th, 15th, 30th and 32nd minute. In the 34th minute, Stillorgan eventually woke up, and after massive team playing, ended the try drought with a very well worked try near the posts, with scrum-half Gavin being last up from the heap with the ball. Luke converted nicely. Half time score SRFC 7, Clontarf 31.
Captain invincible gave a half-time talking to the team that would make a pro blush, and Stillorgan returned to the pitch with fire in their bellies. Despite massive Stillorgan pressure from the off, we failed to cross the try line with the ball, but forced Clontarf to concede countless penalties for offside and other fouls. Clontarf made an unwelcome breakthrough in the 7th minute, and scored a try in the corner. Stillorgan continues to play in the Clontarf half for the rest of the game, and after more pressure, Ingo gave Clontarf a taste of their own medicine with a breakaway run from the Stillorgan 22 to score under the posts. Ingo was rewarded by being substituted immediately, and Luke again did the honours and converted successfully. Clontarf rallied and scored one more try at the fulltime whistle.
Best performances (only counting from 33rd minute) - Gavin and Useless Dave who both showed great aggression - we need more of this.