Brave Arklow claim spoils away to Balbriggan

BALBRIGGAN RFC ARKLOW RFC 14 22

THIS game was the best by far from Arklow this season in every respect. Every Arklow player left it all on the pitch you can’t ask for more.

The Arklow pack was up and running from the moment the referee blew the opening whistle. Balbriggan’s pack and were the heaviest pack so far that Arklow encountered in this league.

Arklow played aggressive and committed rugby in scrum and general play and the visitors again bossed the bigger pack even on the home side’s put into their scrums.

Arklow were awarded three penalties in quick succession shifting their heavier pack with gusto. The Arklow front row was on top form and the rest of the pack was exerting maximum pressure at every scum.

This must have been a surprise to the home side, as they based their game on a heavy scum then pick and go every ball took the same route. The Arklow backs were superb both in attack and defence any time a home side player attempted to move he was cut down.

From a well-placed penalty kick by Arklow into the home side’s 22m, Arklow won the line out and a penalty in front of the posts; seven minutes gone and Arklow ahead and playing good rugby.

For the first 20 minutes Arklow were on top and playing in the right area around the Balbriggan 22 due to scrum pressure and high tackling by defenders. Arklow were six points up and looking in control.

This is when Arklow should have continued their hold on this game, but one could see a lessening of their high tempo strategy. A few small errors by Arklow in their own 22 allowed the home side in.

Balbriggan were given a penalty which was well stopped by the Arklow pack the home side were then given a five-meter scrum and crossed the line in a try.

This try which was clearly knocked on as the scorer had lost the ball and had to reach out and pull the ball back but was awarded by the referee.

The conversion crossed the bar and now the home side led by 7 to 6.

Arklow turned the screw a bit more now and were awarded another penalty from 35 meters which was well struck and sailed over. With half-time coming and Arklow led by 9 points to 7 and the lead was justified for their efforts.

The second half began with Arklow camped in the home side 22 and due to good scrum pressure, they were awarded another penalty which was duly dispatched over the post. Arklow again became less enthused and eased off on their job.

Now the home side had their purple patch and continuously kept Arklow under pressure a few passing movements by Balbriggan backs and forwards, saw them run in under the posts for a converted try to leave the home side leading by 14 to 12.

Now Arklow went up a gear again and started to apply more and more pressure all over the field and brought play again into the danger zone a classic drop goal from Arklow gave them back the lead at 15 points to 14.

Good chasing down by Arklow’s backs forced the home side into their corner on their five-meter line. Arklow had the put in for the line out and a great catch and drive saw them cross at the corner flag after a very good maul by all the Arklow pack. The conversion was very wide out but a great kick from the Arklow 10 put it across the bar.

Arklow won the kick off and again kept the ball in the home 22, but a knock-on from Arklow close to the home side’s try line gave Balbriggan the ball and for the next six minutes Arklow had to tackle, which they did, with not one tackle missed by either forward or back.

Constant pressure by the home side around the Arklow’s five-meter area at the death of this game the home side gained a penalty. In order to secure a losing bonus point. Balbriggan decided to kick the shot at goal.

Unbelievably it was missed so the homers end with no bonus point which may be important later in the season.

The game of the season so far and having done it for this match they must commit to the remaining games in this league.

Arklow must keep up their high intensity strategy for the whole 80 minutes and not allow their commitment to falter for the whole 80 minutes, or any remaining game.

This game deserved a bigger audience to appreciate the great team work displayed by all the Arklow players.

A note of caution: Arklow must not underestimate Birr next week. Do not presume that this game is won already.