DLSP……17 MALAHIDE U16s ….17
As a Cup game, this had it all. A stirring comeback, a superb drop goal to level the scores, and then a missed penalty kick with the last play of the game. In the end, it would have been a travesty for either side to have lost this match, a game that would have been good enough to grace the Cup Final itself. League champions against league runners up in the latest instalment of a titanic series of battles between these two clubs; DLSP have had the better of their previous encounters with two wins, but in the two drawn matches, Malahide have shown enough to suggest that they have what it takes to trouble a superb DLSP side, who have made short work of every other team they have played.All four matches have been hugely sporting affairs, a testament to the mutual respect that exists between the two teams –the games have been hugely physical, but there hasn’t been a single nasty moment, as both sets of players have only rugby on their mind when they take the field. On a bright morning in Kiltiernan, Malahide were attempting to topple a team that have looked unbeatable for most of the season. Clawing back a 12-0 deficit, they managed to go into the final quarter leading 14-12, before a nerve shredding finale saw the game end in stalemate –the replay will take place in Malahide next Sunday 21st March.
Malahide started brightly, and got great field position straight from the kick –off with a scrum just inside the DLSP 22. After a number of phases, DLSP turned it over, and launched an attack that yielded their first try. An attempted touch finder by the DLSP out-half was completely mishit, but the ball bounced fortuitously into the hands of the DLSP centre as he stormed through chasing the kick, as Malahide were caught flat footed. From there, four passes later and DLSP had notched their first score -7-0 to the home side.
Malahide recovered their composure, and won a series of penalties throughout the next few minutes, but one of the big disappointments of the day was how much good possession Malahide squandered through wasted penalties –kicking balls dead, not finding a safe touch, all these things conspired to make life more difficult for the visitors, as they shot themselves in the foot time and time again. A loose kick from the Malahide 22 lead to Salmos next try, and suddenly, a tough assignment was looking even more difficult at 12-0.
Two crucial plays got Malahide back into the game just before half-time –first captain Killian Sweeney, broke 3 tackles inside the Salmo 22 to touch down for a converted score, and then Malahide put in an incredible defensive effort to hold up DLSP when they got over the Malahide line just on the stroke of half-time.
Turning around with a slight wind advantage just 5 points down, Malahide had their tails up; a cross field kick by out-half Ben McKiernan caused all sorts of difficulties for the DLSP winger, and after good pressure from fullback Oisin O’Toole, Ben managed to follow up his own kick to touch down the loose ball for a well earned try. Alan Myers landed a beautiful conversion from off to the right, and Malahide were 14-12 up.
DLSP breached the Malahide defence 5 minutes later with a classy score from their inside centre – incredibly, the straightforward conversion was missed, leaving Malahide just 3 points behind. To their immense credit, Malahide roared back, establishing good field possession in the DLSP 22. The ball was played back to captain Killian Sweeney who struck a sweet drop goal from outside the 22 to level the match.
Unbelievably, there was time for more drama. DLSP almost got in for a try in the corner but for a magnificent game saving tackle by Malahide winger Fergus Neary. And then, with the last play of the game, DLSP were awarded a penalty close to the Malahide 10 metre line, but dead centre. There were prayers said as the Salmo 10 started his run up-luckily for Malahide the kick fell short and was cleared to touch signalling the end of the match.
Superb game of rugby, and great performances by everyone in a Malahide shirt –replay in Estuary Road next Sunday –not to be missed!
No training on Wednesday –Patricks Day. Training on Friday instead at 6.30pm. Subject to approval.
