Daryl Keogh

Stillorgan R.F.C. 39

Tallaght R.F.C. 2nds 16

Tries: Daryl Keogh
Con: Daryl Keogh
Pen: Daryl Keogh 3

Dr Kieran Foley Cup Playoffs
Three Rock Rovers
14/04/2018

The Tallaght men’s second team travelled to Rathfarnham with just fifteen players as the firsts were playing at the same time. It was a big ask considering they were playing a division nine team. It was a scrappy affair from start to finish and even though the sun was out the ground was very heavy under foot. It was a very even game for the first ten minutes but eventually Stillorgan’s persistence created an opening and they scored in the corner. Tallaght hit back and made some great breaks but after a knock on by Tallaght, Stillorgan gained control again. Tallaght failed to clear their own lines and Stillorgan reacted quickest to a loose ball to charge over for their second try which they converted to lead 12-0.

For the final ten minutes of the first half Tallaght dominated and the referee was getting more and more frustrated with Stillorgan resulting in them conceding a penalty that Daryl Keogh converted to make it 12-3. With minutes to go beore half-time Stillorgan made some good breaks with consistent offloads to go over for their third try to make it 17-3 at half time.

The second half was pretty much the same with Stillorgan making persistent yards through their forwards and then out wide with their backs. But Stillorgan consistently conceded penalties too and Daryl Keogh kicked two more penalties. Eventually Stillorgan’s bench and Tallaght lack of one took it’s toll and Stillorgan scored four more tries. Tallaght kept plugging away and in the last minute Daryl Keogh broke through the centre to score a try which he converted to make the final score 39-16.

Director of rugby Luke Tyrrell was proud of the performance in the circumstances. “It was a very big ask for the 2nds to travel to Three Rock with just 15 players but they played with massive heart and commitment. There were a number of players who had not played in a while including new signing Justin Wedlock. It was also great to see Ciaran Stewart and Jonny Allison back playing. It’s the last game of the season for the B’s but they’ve been massively important this season in growing the club.”

Man of the match: Daryl Keogh

Tallaght 2nd

15. Gary Doyle
14. Tony O’Loughlin
13. Daryl Keogh
12. Ciaran Stewart
11. John Cowan
10. Owen Keenan
9. Aodhan Tinney

1. Dave Kelly
2. Simon Gaskell
3. Nigel Foster
4. Jonathan Allison
5. Ed O’Brien
6. Kevin Quinn
7. Arran O’Loughlin
8. Justin Wedlock

Report: Luke Tyrrell & Jim O’Connor
Photos: Anne Kavanagh