U8s in Ashbourne.
Posted on April 15, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on U8s in Ashbourne.
The Dundalk U8 squad headed to Ashbourne for their final outing of the year on a blustery but dry Sunday morning. Dundalk fielded two teams and came up against Ashbourne, Navan, North Meath and Athboy.
It turned out an enjoyable and competitive blitz and the lads even got an opportunity to showcase their haka performance which earned deserved applause from the large crowd of spectators.
Dundalk A started proceedings against Ashbourne and were quickly into their stride with David Coyle and Jake Kenny to the fore with some brilliant tries that led to an easy victory.
Up next was Navan and they received similar treatment as the previous match as some marvellous tackling by Oisin Nash and Ewan Kelly allowed Oisin McBride to notch up some fantastic scores to seal the victory.
The final match saw the Dundalk lads take on North Meath and although it was a very closely fought game, a brilliant break fom William Connyngham led to Michael Carroll scoring the winning try in the corner.
Dundalk A: David Coyle, Oisin Nash, Jake Kenny, Ewan Kelly, William Connyngham, Oisin McBride, Michael Carroll.
Up first for Dundalk B were Ashbourne. A tight game ensued and some superb defending by David Crilly and Tom McCourt ensured a well earned draw for the Dundalk lads.
Next up were Navan and now the boys were really in the groove. Navan could not cope with the strong running of Max Valentine and Eoin Purton with Luke O Connell being the main benefactor as he finished the game with a hat-trick of tries.
The last match was a very close encounter against a dogged Athboy side. Tom Cunniffe had a stormer as he turned over a plethora of possession for Dundalk which Daniel Cartwright converted into two tries. The match was evenly balanced going into the last minute when DD Reilly produced a moment of magic and weaved his way through the defence to score the winning try.
Dundalk B: Luke O Connell, David Crilly, Max Valentine, Eoin Purton, Daniel Cartwright, DD Reilly, Tom Cunniffe, Tom McCourt.
Aidan Reilly and the rest of the coaching team have been delighted with progress and development of the entire squad and would like to congratulate the players on all they achieved throughout the year.
Posted on April 15, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Dundalk u9’s V Balbriggan
It was another successful Sunday morning for the Dundalk under 9’s as they welcomed Balbriggan RFC to the Mill road. The pressure was on Balbriggan from the start as only 16 travelled to face a 24 strong, Dundalk side. The sharks were divided into three even teams and fought out two games each, leaving Balbriggan in no uncertain terms as to who was the strongest side, winning outright on each occasion. The tackling, rucking and passing of these lads at such a young age has to be commended. As the season draws to a close the boys have one more chance this coming Sunday in Skerries to prove they are ‘unstoppable’ as they face the final Blitz of the year.
Posted on April 15, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Dundalk U10 Girls v Sutton
Dundalk U10’s 12
Sutton. U10’s. 5
Dundalk U10’s Girls Tag team welcomed Sutton to Mill Road on Sunday morning for their final league game of this season. Conditions were good but heavy under foot after the early morning rain. The bouyant Dundalk team showed their intentions from the first whistle. Caoimhe O’Callaghan in her usual top form scored a try in the opening minutes. Dundalk took control of the game with their brilliant passing and defending. Sutton however had many talented players and particularly got into their game in the second half. But it was Dundalk who lead the scoring throughout the game and were dominant from start to finish. The Girls showed magnificent determination and team spirit throughout the game. I have to mention Tara Herr who proved invaluable with her courageous defending. Aoife Bermingham, Sophia Murdock, Ruth McGee, Lily McEntegart, Niamh Lowth and Brona Hughes also played exceptionally. Other magnificent tries throughout game were scored by Temi Fagbamila, Holly McEntegart, Shona Halligan and Aoife Purcell who all had an outstanding game.
Team. Shona Halligan, Caoimhe O’Callaghan, Temi Fagbamila, Tara Herr, Lily McEntegart, Holly McEntegart, Ruth McGee, Aoife Bermingham, Aoife Purcell, Sophia Murdock, Niamh Lowth and Brona Hughes.
Posted on April 15, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Dundalk u15 Girls v Sutton
Under 15’s: Dundalk 17 – Sutton 14
Suttonians travelled to Mill Road on a blustery, but sunny day. Dundalk started off well with Zoe Valentine scoring two tries within the opening minutes of game. Quickly followed by Ellen O’Hara who ran in three tries in succession. it was eight minutes into the game before Sutton put in any scores as both sides battled against strong winds. Dundalk maintained the upper-hand however with a great defensive game throughout. More tries were run in by Meadhbh O’Callaghan, Orlagh Conway, Libby Turnbull, Ellen O’Hara and Zoe Valentine in the second half. Great running play by Aoife McDonough and the fast paced Aoife Lowth. Sutton found it impossible to catch up with text book play from Dundalk girls. It was a great game for younger players Aoise Finegan, Shona Kelly and Clodagh Flynn to experience and they contributed to a fantastic fast paced game, thrilling to watch.
Under 15’s: Zoe Valentine, Meadhbh O’Callaghan, Ellen O’Hara, Libby Turnbull, Orlagh Conway, Aoife McDonough, Aoife Lowth, Clodagh Flynn, Aoise Finegan and Shona Kelly
Posted on April 9, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on U11 Tour to Connaught
The sharks went on tour to galway and fielded 2 strong sides against some tough opposition in the form of Buccaners and galwegians . The white sharks and black sharks each payed 3 matches and while some of the chaps were a little slow to begin with , due in no small way to the night before in the team hotel, they soon got into their stride. Good enterprise was shown by dundalk’s open and expansive style of play .
The ball was moved to the wing constantly and this made the matchs all the more enjoyable for both players and spectators alike. All six matches were competitive , 2 wins , 2 draws and 2 loses. The weekend was enjoyed by all the lads who invested their time in the pool and having the crack around the hotel with their mates . With the season soon coming to a close there are only 3 weekend s left , so this weekend was a real high for all the boys and their families .
Posted on April 9, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Under 9 Sharks Show no Mercy with Ruthless Display at Old Wesley
Dundalk Sharks U9 who faced Wesley in Dublin on Sunday:
Back Row left to right: Luke Andrews, Eoghan Staunton, Aron McEvoy, Joseph Pheifer, Alex Gregory, Peter Rice, Jack Gilmore, Laurence Jones, Aaron McGuinness Smith
Front Row left to right: Ronan McDonnell, James O’Connor, Luke Clarke, Robert Malone, Sam Malone, Edward Finnegan, Conal O’Callaghan, Lorcan Ticehurst
Absent from photo but played on the day: Mark Leavy, Kieran McArdle, Brian McCahill, Jonnny Jones
The all conquering unbeaten Dundalk Sharks under 9 side made the long journey to South Dublin for their final Metro League match of the season hoping to finish off the season in style and maintain their “invincible” unbeaten record for the year. Despite the long journey, 23 Sharks turned up and after a few weeks without a match they were champing at the bit to get going. Even before kickoff it was looking ominous for an Old Wesley side that were short on the numbers who made the trip to Mill Road for a competitive reverse encounter before Christmas.
First up were the Black Sharks against Old Wesley A, guided by Hugh Pheifer and almost immediately Mark Leavy benefitted from some great forward play to give a sublime pass to Leo MacRuairi who finished with trademark aplomb to make it 1-0. Shortly thereafter Aaron McGuinness Smith won the ball after his own tackle, before passing to Kieran McArdle to make it 2-0. The 3rd for the black Sharks was scored by Kieran McArdle after a great break from Niall Brennan, but it was created by the wonderful forward play of Jonny Jones, who was having his best match of the season for the Sharks. This was further exemplified when he created the fourth with a fantastic turnover and pass to Luke Andrews, who showed fantastic pace to run half the length of the field to make it four. It was that man, Jonny Jones once again, who forced a turnover, offloaded brilliantly to Niall Brennan who after great work found Aaron McGuinness Smith who completed a 5-0 route for the visitors. It was more of the same for the Black sharks in their second match against Old Wesley B, the Mill Road men running out comfortable 5-1 victors with tries from Aaron McGuinness Smith, Brian McCahill, who had a great game, Mark Leavy and a brace from Kieran McArdle. A very satisfactory end to the metro league for the Black Sharks, who had certainly laid down a marker for the White Sharks and Silver Sharks to follow.
The White Sharks had their first encounter against Old Wesley A and after seeing what their counterparts had done in the earlier match, needed to careful not to be complacent. This was evidenced in the first play of the game when slack Shark play led to a swift Wesley break and what seemed like a certain try, but for the heroics of Lorcan Ticehurst, who made a wonderful try saving tackle, which was to pave the way for an outstanding personal performance from the Ravensdale man. Thankfully it was lesson learned from the White Sharks and they didn’t look back from then on. They went one better than the Black Sharks running out 6-0 winners, with tries from Aron McEvoy (2), Ronan McDonnell (2) and Edward Finnegan (2). But that only told some of the story as the White Sharks put in a complete performance with fantastic forward play from the likes of Laurence Jones, Eoghan Staunton and Ronan McDonnell, sublime passing from man of the match Lorcan Ticehurst, Robert Malone and Jack Gilmore and incisive runs from the likes of Aron McEvoy, Robert Malone, Edward Finnegan, Laurence Jones, Ronan McDonnell and Lorcan Ticehurst. The second match saw more of the same from the White Sharks who ran riot surging into a 7-1 lead against Old Wesley B, before taking the foot off the gas with the match ending 8-3. The White Sharks tries were scored by Aron McEvoy (2), Lorcan Ticehurst, Edward Finnegan, Ronan McDonnell (2), and Laurence Jones (2) and with a bit of concentration it could have been more. A fantastic way to finish off the Metro League for the White Sharks!
All eyes were now on the Silver Sharks who didn’t disappoint. Their first match was against Old Wesley B, running out comfortable 4-0 winners with two sublime tries from James O’Connor and one apiece from Alex Gregory and Conal O’Callaghan. These tries were backed with fantastic rucking and competing at the breakdown from the likes of Joseph Pheifer and passing from Sam Malone. The final match for the Silver Sharks against Old Wesley A was a more competitive affair, but the Silver Sharks still ran out comfortable 5-2 winners following two tries from Sam Malone and one each from Alex Gregory, Joseph Pheifer and Conal O’Callaghan. The Silver Sharks were delighted to have made it a convincing clean sweep against the south Dublin side.
After the convincing rout, Head Coach Jason Malone and Mini- Co-ordinator Fergus O’Callaghan were delighted with the boys display, despite not having been tested too severely by a below par Wesley outfit, but proud nonetheless, as they were with the unbeaten run through the entire Metro League. There are 3 North East League fixtures to look forward to before this year’s rugby draws to a close; the future certainly looks bright for these talented young Sharks.
Posted on April 9, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Cup and Plate weekend reports
Cup and Plate weekend reports
Dundalk took on neighbours Boyne in the Anderson Cup quarter final on Friday night at Mill Road having already accounted for the other Louth team, Ardee, the
previous week. It was a cold dry night on a very dry pitch which saw dust rise on occasions. There a good vociferous attendance from both clubs for what was a typical cup match, tight, hard fought with much use of tactical kicking featuring teams that both had a good mix of youth and experience. The referee for the game was Helen O Reilly from Ashbourne RFC.
Dundalk set out their stall from the kick off with Pierce Campbell well up on the kick-off to force a Boyne knock on. From the scrum Simon Byrne tackled but was penalised and Boyne kicked for touch. Boyne knocked on from the line out but the ball was sent straight out after winning the scrum. Another lineout was followed by a scrum which Dundalk took and Aidan Reilly kicked for touch. John Kerr took a great ball and drove forward and was awarded a penalty which we again kicked for touch.
Dundalk jumpers Kevin Fearon, Conor Kane and Brian Crosbie were beginning to lord it in the lineout and took three Boyne balls on the trot and this gave us the opportunity to run at Boyne. Line outs and kicking were a major part of the game at this stage.
Boyne took a line out and their full back opted to kick ahead with a monster kick which was very well taken by Eamonn Roe who ran back strongly at Boyne and
from the ensuing ruck the ball was moved through great hands to free Pierce Campbell to score a wonderful try in the corner. Chopper converted to leave the score at 7 – 0.
Aidan Reilly took the kick off and found touch on the half way. Again Dundalk attacked the lineout and a great drive from Kevin Fearon gave us a scrum. From the
scrum Kevin picked and went, released to Chopper who found touch. Simon Byrne stole the ball from the lineout and again quick hands and quicker feet left Pierce
with try number two. His effort went unconverted 12- 0 after 15 minutes. Pierce was denied try number three minutes later by a Boyne tackle after chasing a kick ahead. Another try was missed due to a pass that went behind Pierce, who was on fire in attack and defence.
Boyne then scored a try from a maul from a line out as their scrum half went over on the narrow side leaving the score at 12 – 5 after 25 minutes. From the kick off
we went to a lineout. The ball was taken by Alan Byrne but he was penalised for holding and Boyne converted the penalty to bring the score to 12 – 8 on the 30th minute.
J.K. took a good ball and drove leading to a good attack which saw Darren Guest run and cleverly kick to bring Dundalk into the Boyne 22. Dundalk knocked on in
the ruck but a penalty was awarded against Boyne in the scrum. Chopper’s kick went just wide. A penalty for tackler not releasing gave Boyne an opportunity to register another score but the out half’s effort was wide.
Boyne now attacked with greater intent and a number of saving tackles were put in by the Dundalk defenders. A penalty for the tackler not releasing, saw Boyne kick
for the corner, where a Chopper tackle definitely saved a try. Kicks by Chopper and Eamonn Roe relieved the pressure on the home team and a catch by Will Matthews, who passed to Eamonn saw a tricky situation dealt with well. Boyne were awarded another penalty which they opted to run come to nought and a further kicked penalty
was missed leaving the half time score at12 – 8.
Boyne started the second half in a more determined fashion and saw an early attack come to nothing because of a poor final pass. Chris Mc Gee had come on for Niall
Kerley and was making his presence felt. Conor Kane took a good lineout ball and we got a penalty from the ensuing ruck. Eamonn Roe brought us out the field and from a good break out Pierce was again halted by brave Boyne tackling. Eamonn Roe went off with an injury and a high tackle saw a penalty awarded to Boyne but
the effort of their out half went wide.
A great Boyne attack was spoiled by a knock- on, on the Dundalk 5 metre line after some great passing. Dundalk put in to the scrum and Boyne were awarded a penalty. Great defence from Chris Mc Gee and a fantastic drive by Brian Crosbie brought us to between the 22 and the 10 metre line. A tap down from the line out was knocked on, scrum Boyne. From a kick ahead the ball hit a Dundalk player giving Boyne a line out on Dundalk’s 5 metre line. Dundalk took the ball and we had some aerial tennis. James Shields took a good catch and made a super run forward from which Chopper found touch in Boyne’s 22. Dundalk took the line out but there was a high tackle on Pierce and James Shields took the three points for his team 15 – 8 on 24 minutes.
More aerial tennis and lineouts from both sides were the order of the day and good defensive tackling kept Boyne out. They however could sense opportunities and kept up the pressure on Dundalk. Chopper was sin binned for a high piggy back style tackle giving Boyne a penalty in front of the posts. Boyne No 10 took his points 15 – 11 with nine minutes to go. Game on!
Dundalk played like demons with their fourteen men. Penalties were awarded against Kev for not releasing. Boyne kicked to touch and took the line out. A ruck
formed and Alan Byrne cleaned it out only to be penalised for going off his feet. Boyne again kicked for touch and drove the ball. Boyne knocked on after a great tackle again by Darren Guest but were awarded a penalty for hands in the ruck by Dundalk. Boyne opted for the scrum, as they were going for the win. The scrum was reset twice and the referee spoke to both front rows. From the scrum Boyne attacked but wonder -tackling by Pierce, Simon and Darren kept them out. Eoghan Whelan came on to bolster the pack and contributed greatly to defence. A kick ahead by Boyne was tapped into touch by James Shields. Boyne mauled from the lineout but were driven back by a determined Dundalk pack. The ball came out and Boyne let it out the line only to see a repeat of a previous identical poor final pass result in a knock on almost on the Dundalk line.
Three minutes left, bodies everywhere, both sets of supporters screaming, the teams gathered themselves for a final effort. Scrum 5 metres from the Dundalk line, ball in both sides driving as best they could — penalty Dundalk for Boyne wing forward breaking his bind.
We take the kick and the line out but props start appearing at out half and the supporters worry more. Boyne took the ball but a tackle from Chris Mc Gee forces a Boyne knock on. Scrum down, Dundalk put in, Simon to James Shields who kicked it dead to finish the game. We move on to the next round with another close encounter.
Dundalk:
E.Roe, W.Matthews, R.Mc Ardle, D.Guest, P.Campbell, A.Reilly, S.Byrne,
D.Laide, J.Kerr, J.Whyte, B.Crosbie, C.Kane, A.Byrne, N.Kerley, K. Fearon,
C.McGee, J.Shields, S.Smyth, E.Whelan, C.Myles
The weekend got off to a bright start with the news that Skerries had conceded to Dundalk in the Provincial Towns Plate and so we now move on to compete against Clondalkin on Sunday 14th April. The venue will be decided by the toss of a coin so we await the result of the toss. Clondalkin, having recently beaten Cill Dara in the Promotion / Relegation play offs, will no doubt be anxious to test themselves against a team who will be in the same league next season, so we can anticipate a stern test on the 14th.Rumour has it that we are at home so keep in touch.
Dundalk lose out by one point margin
Carlow and Dundalk met in the Seconds Towns Cup at Mill Road on Sunday. It was a bright but cold day and a reasonable crowd looked forward to a good contest.Dundalk kicked off and a good tackle by Robin McGee forced a lineout on the Carlow ten metre line. A good take by Dundalk in the line out followed by a good shove saw the referee award a scrum. Dundalk were awarded a penalty which saw David McGee drive forward. Carlow won the ball from an ensuing scrum but David Mc Guinness returned the kick and after some basketball we were penalised for offside. Carlow kicked for touch reaching the Dundalk five metre line. They took a clean catch and following a powerful drive they went over for a try on the seventh minute 7 – 0. From the kick-off Chris Scully ran back at the Carlow line with great follow up from Mike Bentley. Dundalk were awarded a penalty for offside but Sam Mulligan’s kick was just wide.
The 22 drop off was cleanly taken by Robbie Williams who found Donie Clare whose kick ahead went straight into touch. Carlow took the lineout but the ball was knocked on giving a scrum to Dundalk. David Mc Gee picked and went but lost the ball on contact. Some good Carlow play saw the ball out across the line but their ahead was marked by Donie Clare. His kick from the mark was chased by David McGuinness but unfortunately the ball was knocked on. The Dundalk scrum was penalised on a number on occasions.
The lineout was more successful with good disruption from the Dundalk jumpers leading to a Carlow knock on, giving Dundalk a scrum on their own 22. Robbie Williams relieved pressure with a superb kick which brought us to the Carlow ten metre line. The Carlow throw in was crooked giving Dundalk a scrum but the referee penalised them for a delayed put in. A 22 dropout was taken by Robbie Williams but in the ruck the ball was lost to Carlow who drove forward but knocked
on.
From the scrum good hands and a clever switch saw Robbie kick through for a lineout on the Carlow five metre line. Carlow took at two and drove out but a penalty was awarded for an offside which Dundalk kicked to touch. Robin took the ball in the lineout and as the ball went out the line. Dundalk were awarded a penalty for a high tackle on Robbie. Sam’s effort was narrowly wide.
Carlow were awarded a penalty for a late tackle on their full back which they kicked for touch taking the lineout and driving over for a second try in the 33rd minute 14 –0
The remainder of the first half saw a number of penalties against both sides with David Fearon sin binned for his effort to remove an offending Carlow player on the wrong side of a ruck. Chris and Mike put in some great tackles during this time Dundalk were eventually awarded a penalty which Sam converted leaving the half time score 14 -3.
Dundalk focused themselves for the second half and attacked well from the kick off. A drop goal attempt by the Carlow outhalf fell short and was knocked on for a scrum under the Dundalk posts. Dundalk eventually after two reset scrums took the ball against the head and it was cleared to the 22 by Donie. A Dundalk penalty was tapped and Mike carried with great support from Dave Fearon but a knock on gave Carlow a scrum. A kick ahead was taken well by Robbie who sidestepped two opponents but was penalised for not releasing in the tackle. Carlow missed the kick.
Mike broke out of his own half ably assisted by the Dundalk hooker and brought us to the Carlow 22. A scrum followed by a good strong powerful drive saw Ciaran McCabe cross the line leaving the score 14 – 8.
Chris Scully, after a great lineout steal, made a mazy run before being eventually forced into touch inside the Carlow 22. Carlow cleared their lines but a drive from Paul Meegan saw Donie find Chris and Robbie Shields was unlucky not to score after a good chase. Dundalk were camped in the Carlow half with 15 minutes left. A Carlow kick ahead went dead giving Dundalk a scrum back on the Carlow ten metre line. A good drive saw the referee award a penalty to Dundalk which they tried to tap and go but were called back. James Shields kicked the penalty 14-11 with 14 minutes to go.
Play was fast and furious with strong tackling on both sides. Carlow were awarded a penalty which the Carlow number 10 slotted between the posts 17- 11. Dundalk were awarded another penalty which James put to touch. Meego took at two and a good drive saw Dundalk awarded another penalty. Again we kicked for position. Meego again took at two and a strong drive saw David McGee go over in the corner 17-16 with five minutes to go. James’s conversion attempt was held up in the wind.
Dundalk played their hearts out in this last five minutes with carrying by Mike, hands from Robbie Williams and Donie saw Dundalk press the Carlow line. A Sam
Mulligan kick through was just too strong for the chasing winger. Dundalk made every effort to keep the ball alive for the final minutes but failed to create a winning opportunity and so Carlow won out by the narrowest of margins. Dundalk could have taken this game but it was not to be, so we wish Carlow all the best in the next round
DUNDALK
R. Williams, Daniel Mc Guinness, C Scully, S Murphy, R Shields, D Clare, S
Mulligan, C Williams, L Steen, C McCabe, R McGee, D Fearon, M Bentley, D
McGee. C McGee, P Meegan, D Laide, J White, J Shields, David McGuinness.
Posted on April 9, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Girls Tag Blitz Boyne 6th April 2013
Dundalk girls travelled to Boyne RFC on Saturday 6th April to meet their league team mates for a friendly blitz as the season draws to a close. Boyne were perfect hosts on a sunny day with teams travelling from Vriginia, Navan, Ratoath, Ardee, Boyne and Dundalk. Dundalk fielded U10, U12 and U15’s teams.
The fine weather produced lively performances from all our players in what was a hugely enjoyable encounter. It has been a brilliant season for Dundalk Girls with some powerful performances in the first ever North Leinster League. Coaches Chris Scully, Suzanne Flynn, Sharon Toal, Linda Valentine and Maria Cartwright look forward to finishing off the season with the winning results which has been the form this season.
Posted on April 5, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on RUGBY UPDATE
Dear Members and Friends,
I am writing to confirm that Skerries have conceded tonight’s scheduled Towns Plate match TO Dundalk, which means the 1st team will now face Clondalkin in the Semi Final of the competition on Sunday 14th April, details will be re-confirmed closer to the day.
The 3rds have a big match in the Anderson Cup tonight versus Boyne at Mill Road and badly need your support, so please come along and cheer on the lads.
Equally the 2nds have a big match at Mill Road against Carlow at 3pm on Sunday in the 2nds Towns Cup and need your support badly so the club would appeal to all members and friends who can make it to either or preferably both of the matches, please do so and cheer the lads on.
Posted on April 2, 2013 by Element , Posted in News ,
Comments Off on Easter Weekend
Not as busy last weekend as we will be this weekend.
The weekend did not turn out as busy as we first thought because the Provincial Towns Plate match with Skerries originally fixed for Easter Sunday had been put back to next Friday evening at 7.30 in Holmpatrick beginning one our busiest weekends for some time.Over next weekend we field in three adult competitions,
1st XV in the Provincial Towns Plate v Skerries on Friday evening,
3rd XV in the Anderson Cup v Boyne in Mill Road on Friday night at 8.00 and finally the
2nd XV in the Provincial Towns Seconds Cup v Co Carlow in Mill Road on Sunday next at 3 o’clock.
There will be ample opportunity for all supporters to take in a game or two over the coming weekend and as usual all support is most welcome so see you there or there over the weekend.
All hands on deck for training this week
Anderson Cup narrow victory.
Our 3rd XV made the short journey to Townspark on Friday night to tackle our near neighbours, Ardee, in the Anderson Cup.
The sides had met on a number of occasions during the season and a close encounter was anticipated.
Aidan Reilly had an excellent first half and gave a wonderful display of kicking. Early in the first half he kicked a ball dead behind the Ardee line thus making Ardee kick off to us.Will Matthews was unable to take the restart ball and knocked on.
Later, an Ardee scrum on the halfway line saw them kick deep into Dundalk territory. Eamonn Roe took the ball but his clearance just made touch outside his own twenty two. Ardee were awarded a free for an early lift. They tapped and went quickly and put the ball through several phases before Dundalk were awarded a penalty for Ardee not rolling away. Chopper , at his best, put Dundalk well into the Ardee half. Dundalk exerted great pressure and were duly awarded a penalty which Chopper successfully converted to give the Dundalk lads a 3-0 lead.
Dundalk later added to this tally when after several good phases of play, scorer in chief, Chopper, crossed the Ardee line to touch down. He converted his own try leaving the score at 10 – 0.
Dundalk looked to be finishing the half with a good lead when a late attack by Ardee saw them spread the ball wide and after a number of phases their winger went over in the corner to close the gap. They converted their try leaving the half time score at 10 – 7
The second half saw Dundalk playing against the wind and this affected their effective style of play of the first half. Ardee attacked with a renewed spirit and only a good scrum and some great ball carrying by Bryan Crosbie saw Dundalk hold their line. Tackling by Rory Mc Ardle, Simon Byrne, Darren Guest and Pierce Campbell kept Dundalk in the game and the tackle count at full time must have been enormous. Ardee had a let off mid way through the half when an Eamonn Roe penalty hit the upright and the ball bounced in Ardee’s favour. Ardee also had two players sin binned in the first half but they continued to give away penalties at the breakdowns thus sailing close to the wind with the official.
Chopper punished one of these misdemeanours by kicking a good penalty leaving Dundalk with a 13 – 7 lead. Dundalk took the kick off only to have possession stolen from them by Ardee. The home team broke up the middle of the field where there was no evident Dundalk cover only to be stopped by a try saving tackle by Darren Guest who was covering back at a rate of knots.
Minutes later the Ardee pressure paid off when they crossed the Dundalk line for a try which they were unable to convert.
This left Dundalk in the lead by the narrowest possible margin 13 -12. Encouraged, Ardee piled on the pressure for the remainder of the game. Twice they missed kickable penalties to win the game but lucky for us this was not to be and Dundalk held out to progress to the next round.
Dundalk know that this was a lucky escape and they will have to up their game for the next round on next Friday against Boyne at Mill Road. The Rugby Gods may not always smile on us but we hope they will. Training continues on Tues night so see you all there.
Dundalk:
J.White, B.Igoe, D.Laide, C.Kane, B.Crosbie, A.Byrne, N.Kerley, K.Fearon, S.Byrne, A.Reilly, P.Campbell, R.Mc Ardle, D.Guest, W.Matthews, E.Roe, A.Holmes, E.Whelan, C.McGee, C.Myles, W.Luaki
