At Shaw’s Bridge, on Saturday, 29th Sept., a sizeable crowd were rewarded with a very entertaining and exciting game which Instonians won narrowly, 22-20.
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Skerries joined the league this year after being Leinster’s “Club of the Year” last year. They comfortably won the Leinster Qualifying League and then went onto to be undefeated in the round robin qualification matches to join the All Ireland League. So Skerries came north with confidence that they could win their first All Ireland League match since they were narrowely relegated from the league back in 2006.
There was a brisk breeze blowing down the pitch and Instonians, winning the toss, elected to play into the elements in the first half.
From the kick off, Instonians were penalised at the tackle and Skerries no. 12, Conal Keane slotted the penality (0-3).
It was then Instonians turn to challenge at the restart.Robbie Kirk lept like a salmon to steal the ball, it was moved well and when the ball was put behind the Skerries backline they panicked at the tackle and were penalised. Instonians new outhalf Greg Mullany calmly slotted the kick into the wind. (3-3)
Playing into the wind, Instonians kept the ball in hand as much as they could. Some line breaks in the backline came to nothing when the final ball did not go to hand. However there are already signs of danger forming for the opposition. The lineouts were solid, the scrum was improving and the lads were defending as a unit.
Skerries outhalf missed a drop goal, but after10 minutes, centre Conal Keane extended the lead with another penalty (3-6).
More attempted breakouts fell short and the centre partnership of Seamus Mallon and Matthew Kilpartrick were revelling in the space that Greg Mullany at 10 was giving them. All this resulted in an equalising penalty from Greg Mullany (6-6).
With the wind dominating the pattern was set. Skerries would kick long when they had the ball and Instonians would have to move the ball in hand into the wind.
By halftime, Skerries had slotted another three penalties for infringments at the breakdown; the last one resulting in player of the year last year, No 8 Andy McKeen being shown the yellow card.
Half-time came and instonians were losing (6-15) but would turn round with the elments in their favour, game on.
Almost immediately, at the start of the second, half Skerries no 9 was yellow carded for a high tackle. Greg Mullany did the needfull (9-15).
Now it was Instonians turn to dominate the territory and another penalty resulted after 15 minutes, slotted by Greg (12-15).
Skerries were not Leinster club of the year without reason. They had posession in our half and from a lineout moved the ball well for their hooker Chris Tonge to appear on the right wing to score in the corner. Conversion missed (12-20)
Skerries nearly scored a 2nd try into the wind when they intercepted a pass in their own 22 but a great covering taclke from Robbie Kirk saved the day. Skerries tails were well and truely up.
Twenty five minutes to go, had this team the composure to use the elements and come back? The answer is yes.
The first score came from a great catch at the tail of the lineout by Andy McKeen, moved midfield, Skerries were pinged for trying to slow the ball down. Greg Slotted the peanlty (15-20).
The defining score came from a lineout in the right corner, quick ball gave Greg Mullany at 10 space and with Seamus and Killer running all sorts of lines the Skerries defence fell off Greg for him to score under the posts and convert. (22-20)
Skerries missed a difficult penalty in the final minutes. I think they missed four in total on the day which was probably the difference between two good sides.
The final whistle blew and the celebrations started.
Thanks to the referee and officials for controlling a good game.
Great to see Skerries back in the league and we wish them all the best in their in the rest of he season.
Well done to the team, coaches and supporters on the sideline.
Navan away this week. Saturday 6th October.
We have a 45 seater bus we want to FILL so contact Ken Keane (details are elswhere on the site) if you want a seat. Leave at 11am back by 7pm)
If the bus does not suit, get your mates and get in a car and come down to support.
Rickety!!!
