AIB 33 - Stillorgan 10
J4 League - Nov 27, 2004
There was an early kickoff for this match so everyone could make the International later in the afternoon. AIB agreed to play the match in Bird Ave as it was the most convenient.
This is a very strong AIB squad. They were relegated from J3 last year and were very well organised. Their lineout and scrum operated very successfully and gave them a great platform. We on the other hand struggled in both areas.
First blood went to AIB when they got an early try.
Stillorgan responded with strong play and got a penalty, duly converted by Tommy Grehan.
AIB got another try from a well worked move of their lineout.
Stillorgan again responded well and spent 10 minutes in the AIB 22 and were very unfortunate not to get a reward. Instead AIB broke and got a try.
Stillorgan were rejuvenated in the second half. After some great work by the centers and some good rucking the ball got to Dave Keegan who got the score. It was converted by Tommy.
A lot of hard work was put in by forwards and backs but AIB managed to get two more trys against the run of play.
AIB must have thought this was their cup final as the Champaign corks were flying at the final whistle.
A very gritty performance from Stillorgan against a very well organised AIB. We contributed more to our own downfall than AIB as we gifted them some soft trys. Most of this was due to a poor lineout and lack of organization. These are things we can work on in training and improve.
We need to look on the positives. We played very well for a lot of the game and rucked them off their own ball on a number of occasions. Our backs put in some great tackles and showed the bruises to prove it. Tommy gave us some great positions. We didn't give away too many silly penalties. Everyone put in the effort and played to the final whistle. Paul Argent and Octavio in centre made great use of the ball but for his work around the field Man of the Match goes to Conor O'Sullivan.
Match report by Ger Cregan