Harsh lesson for ’Drum
RATHDRUM UCD 27 32
2018 finished in disappointing fashion for Rathdrum in their last game of the year against a tough UCD team on Sunday at the Ivy Leaf. Rathdrum will feel they left this one behind them as they held the lead several times throughout the match but just weren’t able to get the score they needed at the end of the game. Coming off the back of two wins, Rathdrum played all the rugby in the first half but only went in at the break leading 17-15.
UCD opened the scoring with a penalty in the first 10 minutes but Rathdrum hit back almost straight away with a try from out-half Conor Parsons. With Danny Dowling, Stephen Fennell and Shane Burch making strong carries, scrum-half Steven Dowling gave quick ball to Parsons who dummied the defence to go under the posts to open the home sides account. He added the conversion to leave the score 7-3 to the home side.
Rathdrum scored their second try minutes later and again it came from good work from the forward pack. A dominant line-out maul inside the UCD ’22 saw Steven Dowling dive over in the corner to score his third try in successive games. Parsons added the difficult conversion and at that stage it looked like it was going to be a Photo: Noel McMullen good day for the Rathdrum men.
However, UCD hit back almost immediately with a try of their own and although it was unconverted, with the score now 14-8 it was game on again. Parsons settled the home side with a penalty from the half way line after good work at the break down from Pat O’Neill but UCD finished the half the stronger and a long range try on the brink of half time left the game on a knife edge at 17-15.
The second half was a hectic affair with the lead being exchanged on several occasions.
UCD, playing with a slight breeze, were quicker out of the blocks and got the lead early on through a well taken try from their prop after Rathdrum had defended their line well but couldn’t hold out and with the conversion UCD took a 22-17 lead. In typical Rathdrum style, they rolled up their sleeves and again got themselves in good field position with a lineout and after numerous pick and go’s, Danny Dowling, ably assisted by second row Calvin Swords, crossed the line for his side’s third try of the day. Parsons converted and Rathdrum held the lead 24-22.
But again UCD hit back with a try of their own. Rathdrum’s defence was holding strong until the UCD centre picked a lovely line off their scrum half to leave the defence flat footed and he crashed over for a well taken score.
The conversion was missed and again the away side edged themselves in front 27-24 with around 20 minutes to play.
As was the story of the game, from the kick off Rathdrum found themselves with a line-out inside the opposition ’22 and what seemed was going to be a certain try, UCD collapsed the maul. With a penalty advantage, Parsons received the ball from the ruck and hit a drop goal that went between the posts. This levelled up the scores at 27-27 but Rathdrum will feel the drop goal was perhaps the wrong option as their forwards seemed to dominating the mauls at that stage.
However, with the scores tied both sides went at it for the final 10 minutes. UCD enjoyed possession for the next five minutes and their outside backs providing a threat all day, the ball was spun wide to their winger who raced away to score an unconverted try and again UCD held the advantage 32-27.
But UCD were made to work for their win for the final minutes of the game. Rathdrum camped themselves in the UCD ’22 for the remainder of the game. Parsons made a break from 40 metres out only to be hauled down inches short of the line but try as they might, Rathdrum couldn’t get the score they needed. Despite UCD losing three players to the sin bin after repeated infringements, to their credit they defended as if their lives depended on it. Ruck after ruck, scrum after scrum, they held off the home side and an agonisingly knock on short of the line on the last play of the game saw the referee blow the final whistle. A losing bonus point was little consolation for the home side after putting in such a big effort throughout the game.
There was again strong performances throughout the team but a special mention to Mark Drought, captain Matt Binnions and Pat O’Neill who worked tirelessly throughout the game. A big thank you to the supporters who on the day who donated generously to The Rathdrum Cancer Support Group. The players and club remembered Larry Parsons who passed away one year ago.
Our next league game is on the 11th of January away to league leaders Malahide. However before that we have our annual Houndogs match on the 26th of December at the Ivy Leaf. This year there will be a 20 minute over-35’s game so all interested can bring their boots on the day. Hot food after served in The Cartoon Inn.
Matt Binnions ©, Noel Cross, Steven Fennell, Calvin Swords, Shane Burch, Pat O’Neill, Ryan Carter, Danny Dowling, Steven Dowling, Conor Parsons, Mark Drought, Ciaran Phelan, Denis Heffernan, Liam De Hora, Brian Burke Subs: Ronan Smith, Danny Tuke, Kevin Sheehan, Keith Merry.
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