It was another busy weekend for the Club, with seven adult sides in action despite the fact that the AIL is on a few weeks’ break. With the 1st XV resting up ahead of the Leinster League Senior Cup Semi Final this Saturday, a few of the squad were in action for the 2nds against Lansdowne on Sunday. After taking an early lead, Lansdowne struck back with a well worked counter attacking try to go 10-7 up. James Thornton levelled matters at 10-10 before indiscipline cost us dearly. A red card for punching was followed by a yellow card, leaving us down to 13 men. The visitors made the most of the numerical advantage, going in 20-10 up at half time under the watchful eyes of Mike Ruddock. However, two quick tries after the break saw us take a surprise 22-20 lead, and it looked like we would hold out as our defence held firm in the face of some good Lansdowne attack. Unfortunately, the pressure eventually told, as Lansdowne scored two close range tries to take the win, and take away the bonus point too. Still, a fine performance considering we played nearly an hour with only 14 men.

The 3rds had a cracking win on Saturday, beating Skerries 12-8  at home. Skerries proved to be a very strong outfit, and the scoreline reflects how tough the match was. Meanwhile, the 4ths had a hugely impressive win on Friday night, beating Greystones in Dr Hickey Park by 19-5. At the risk of repeating myself, this side is playing up a division this season after gaining promotion to Division 5, which makes this win all the more impressive. 

The 5ths picked up a valuable losing bonus point, as they lost 15-8 to Blackrock in Stradbrook on Saturday. Rock’s young side were well-drilled and seemed intent on taking it through the phases, but they didn’t expect to come up against the biggest pack of messers ever assembled in one back row. Les Devlin, Brian Delaney and Provoker-in-Chief Eoghan Smyth caused all sorts of mayhem, before things got even worse in the second half when Conor O’Sullivan came on. Unfortunately for us, the ref was a Nure Past Pupil and knew exactly what he was dealing with! A controversially denied try at the death almost gave us the draw, but a valuable point nonetheless.

The 6ths were also beaten, going down 18-25 at home to Kilkenny, but picked up a bonus point to keep in the hunt in Division 10. Finally, the 20s put NUIM Barnhall to the sword in the JP Fanagan Premier on Sunday, eventually winning 46-10. The only minor criticism would be a bit of profligacy with the boot, but that only highlights their running threat. Centre Matt Byrne was unplayable in the second half, scoring four tries, showing a true finisher’s instinct. The back line rapier was only applied after the forward bludgeon had done it’s job, with the set pieces one sided in the first half, laying the platform for an impressive win.

The U17s had a brilliant win also, coming from behind to beat Mary’s in dramatic fashion in Templeville Road.