Wanderers 6 V Lansdowne 12. 29th November 2008 

Merrion Road


Old rivals locked horns together last Saturday for the first time in many years in the All Ireland League and the first thing that struck me on arrival last Saturday was that you could sense there was an All Ireland League match about to take place. There was a great atmosphere in the club and with many participating in the pre match festivities it ensured there would be good support on the sidelines for the team. So the scene was set for what was to be a serious challenge for the Wanderers team.

As for the match itself it surely lived up to what Wanderers and Lansdowne matches should be. Both sides were exceptionally physical and committed in defence and as a result of this it was the defences that limited try scoring opportunities for both sides. The Wanderers pack worked tirelessly and the set piece, which in some matches has been an area of concern, functioned exceptionally well in both scrum and lineout, therefore ensuring a source of possession. At times this possession enabled us to build phases and to challenge Lansdowne’s resolute defence, however they stood strong and we weren’t able to cross the whitewash. Wanderers defence was outstanding also no more so than in the second half when we were camped on our own line and defended everything Lansdowne threw at us and eventually earned a penalty which lifted the siege.

Therefore this game was going to be won by the side that held their discipline best and who kicked both for points and territory with greater efficiency. Unfortunately it was in this area where we came off second best. Lansdowne got more kickable attempts at goal than we did therefore highlighting that when under pressure we tend to concede needless penalties rather than trust our discipline and trust our defence. They also won the kick for territory battle which is a major part of their game as they try to force the opposition to make the mistakes and turn over the ball. In a nutshell that’s how they won the game. Of course from Wanderers perspective it was desperately disappointing however a bonus point was secured which some may have felt was beyond our reach, however it is my belief that we should believe we are capable of beating anyone and with the energy that positives thoughts brings to the club we can then transfer that into results rather than gallant efforts.

Of course this weekend against Trinity is now a must win game and the players will respond to that and achieve the right result, so make sure you come out and support your players and spur them on to victory.


Mark Mc Dermott