Old Crescent V Wanderers Match Report.

Old Crescent V Wanderers Match Report.

07/10/2008
Old Crescent v Wanderers

Saturday 4th October 2008

Rosbrien.

After the disappointment of last Saturday against Thomond, the squad knuckled down to the task of facing Old Crescent in the first AIL game of the season. Everybody knew the enormity of the task at hand and an excellent weeks training took place. It is no easy task to go to Limerick and come away with the points but that is what the side managed to do and full credit to them.

As to the match itself it wasn’t pretty and conditions made it very difficult for either side to play any constructive rugby. However with the elements and the hill behind us in the first half we managed to dominate field position throughout most of the half. Opportunities were few and far between however we did have three shots at post and unfortunately we were not able to capitalise on them. Also in the first half we had a high penalty count against particularly at the breakdown where the official was very diligent in his interpretation of the ELV’s.

At halftime we knew we had a mountain to climb with playing into the elements and if we continued to be penalised we would be punished. The team played with great discipline and great composure on the ball. Old Crescent played to the conditions and continuously pinned us down in our 22 and they reaped the rewards with a penalty and a drop goal giving them a six point advantage going into the last 15 minutes of the game. One of the most positive aspects of our game was our defence, and Old Crescent had a clear cut scoring opportunity which surely would have the game out of our sights, however there was a massive defence effort from the team, and without naming people Brian Mc Namara and Alan Mc Mahon saved this definite scoring opportunity, and in saving it forced the Old Crescent player to concede a penalty on our line.

This for us was the turning point in the game, it galvanised our men to realise that we could win this game. Old Crescent penalty count increased significantly and although we did turn the ball over in contact on to many occasions we were able to dominate field position and possession and with considerable control and patience we eventually broke down the Crescent defence with David Burns bursting through to score right beside the posts and Niall Mc Namara successfully converting. It wasn’t pretty but you take everything that comes your way. Well done lads.

Date

Title