Crowdles on song for Ross
Triumphant start to league
NEW ROSS ATHBOY 29 5 NEW ROSS began their Leinster League Division 2B campaign in Allianz Park on Sunday, with captain Steve Roche leading his side out against the visitors from Athboy.
Thankfully the rain had stopped and the game kicked off in bright sunshine and the pitch in perfect condition.
From the start it was evident how Athboy were going to approach this match, as after receiving the kick-off inside their ’22 they were content to try to make ground using forward runners close to the ruck.
The New Ross side made their tackles and with their first possession, centre David Crowdle touched down out wide for the opening try which was unconverted.
In fact, this opening five minutes set the tone for the entire match with Athboy enjoying the lion’s share of possession but doing very little with it. And with New Ross managing to keep their com- posure and discipline, the Athboy side would make a mistake and turn the ball over.
New Ross profited from this as half-time neared when after forcing a turnover deep in their ’22, the ball was spread wide to David Crowdle who set off on an 85-metre run to score his second try, which was again unconverted.
Then following the home side’s most consistent period of pressure, the ball found its way to Paddy Delaney on the wing to score the third New Ross try, which he converted to leave it 17-0 at the break.
The second-half proved to be a frustrating one for the home side, with Athboy again enjoying 70-80% possession and New Ross seemingly content to defend and wait for their opponents to make mistakes.
New Ross scored a fabulous try by Matt Crowdle after excellent inter-play between the three Crowdles left Matt with a 40-metre run-in under the posts that secured the four-try bonus point.
Delaney converted from in front to extend the lead to 24-0. The remainder of the half was pre- dominantly played between the two ’22s, with neither side really threatening the other’s try-line.
Athboy finally got on the board with a try near the sideline which was unconverted, but the home side finished off the match with a well-taken try to Eanna Burke in the corner, following some very good lead-up play. Delaney was unable to add the extras with the final act of the match.
Ross ran out 29-5 winners in a workmanlike performance, but the promise of more to come will please the coaches, players and supporters alike.
The team was led from the front by their industrious captain Steve Roche, ably supported by the rest of a very hard-working pack. Dave Crowdle stood out in the backs with his two tries and was a constant threat with ball in hand alongside his brother Matt from full-back.
They are away in Ardee next Sunday and will be hoping for another positive result and performance, while the second XV will open their league programme with a home match against Gorey on Saturday.