Stillorgan 14-7 Barnhall
J3 League - Jan 08, 2008
Stillorgan lost the toss and ended up kicking off and playing up the hill. Ground conditions were poor enough. Stillorgan started well and some good movement from forwards and backs resulted in Fitzy going over for an early try under the posts. Tim converted and we went 7 nil up. We took the foot off the gas a bit for the rest of the first half and let Barnhall back into the game a bit.
Pat Fitz had a storming first half stealing one great ball from Barnhall. Pauraic Shanahan made some good yards and Fin hit some good tackles in the centre, Marks play at ful back was good with some good clearances from the boot.
Barnhall scored a good try with a good move out wide. They converted which left the score 7 all at half time.
Stillorgan felt they could take them in the 2nd half and duly did.
Stillorgan started the second half well. A lineout to Fitzy resulted in the pack taking the ball on well and Mark Harnett from full back got over with a good try under the posts which Tim again converted. A good team try. 7 points was a dangerous lead. Stillorgan had a few penalty chances but they were a little far out. Barnhall had a reasonably easy penalty under the posts and missed. Stillorgans defence overall was good and they held out for a good overall win in poor underfoot conditions.
Positives
Unbeaten still which is great
Defence
Squad - Johnny Plunkett played his first game this season and did a good job, Noel came on in the front row for his first J3 start and Dave Stronge was solid on the wing
Pat Fitz gave another great performance and Pauraic Shanahan was everywhere.
Things to work on
Lost a few lineouts we should have won
We didnt get a bonus point
Once or twice we kicked when we may have got a try if we passed out wide
Only small things. The spirit is good and we should move on now to Trinity next weekend.
See ye tmw night
Match report by Richard McMahon