Just noticed some superb pictures on the Irish Rugby Website of Malone – CLICK HERE TO SEE THEM
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Terenure College
Malone travelled to Lakelands Park in Dublin to play Terenure on Saturday, they travelled in confident form after winning their last outing against Bective at home.
Despite the early rain the game was played on a dry afternoon with a moderate amount of wind.
Malone captained by Glen Moore got off to a workman like start and early into the game they scored the opening try through winger Chris Leathem who after play was moved wide collected the ball and powered past the Terenure defence to set down in the corner. Josh Pentlands conversion attempt struck the upright. Malone ahead 0-5.
Both sides settled quickly and though Malone had the better of the early exchanges Terenure were awarded a penalty after Malone had infringed at the breakdown and scrum half Mark O’Neill knocked it over to close the gap to 3-5 in favour of Malone.
Malone continued to press forward and the forwards were putting in a workmanlike performance, Glen Moore was in superb form and leading by example, when Malone were awarded a penalty he struck the ball well and extended Malone’s lead by 3-8.
Terenure took advantage and looked dangerous on the counter pouncing on several handling errors by Malone, however despite some good attacking moves they were unable to penetrate a sturdy Malone defence.
Malone advanced their score yet further when after a superb break the ball was moved to the left wing were Taylor Acheson showed a number of Terenure defenders a clean pair of heels to cross the line, Pentland again adding the conversion to leave Malone ahead at the break by 3-15.
The second half saw terenure lift their game and they played with much more intent and purpose, their forwards showing well at the ruck and in the maul. The Malone line out wasn’t functioning as normal and Terenure took advantage.
Terenure’s opening try came after some excellent work from the pack, scrum half mark O’Neill rounded from the back of the ruck, showed the ball, but saw a gap between two Malone defenders in an a flash was accelerating to cross the line to set down under the posts he, converted his own try to narrow the gap to 10-15.
It was game on and Terenure now realised they were right back in the game, Malone were forced to defend for periods and were under heavy scrutiny from the Terenure forwards however they stood firm and the home side were unable to cross the line.
Both sides continued to play good rugby and Malone were having to work tirelessly to move upfield and were very frustrated when they were penalised on a number of occasions at the breakdown for a variety of offences. Terenure during an attacking were awarded a penalty when a Malone play was harshly adjudged to have come in from an offside position, Mark O’Neill added the points to leave Terenure trailing by only two points.
Play continued into injury time and the home side should have scored on at least two occasions but knocked the ball on. Now deep into injury time Terenure were awarded a very kickable penalty close to the posts, which when O’Neill missed stunned the home supporters. The referee re commenced the game now deep into injury time and when Terenure mounted a last ditch attack the ball was moved to out half Connor Gildea who was in the pocket a slotted over a drop goal. Terenure and their supporters where jubilant whilst the Malone players and supporters were stunned. The referee continued the game fir a further short period but Malone although gaining ground were unable to add to their total.
In conclusion this was a bitter pill for the Malone players to swallow, but as they say what doesnt kill you makes you stronger. I look forward to watching this young Malone team blossom and grow in the future
