TALLAGHT R.F.C. 09

Pen: Ciaran Stewart 3

GUINNESS R.F.C. 38

Metro League Division 7

11/10/14

Tymon Park

 

Tallaght took on local rivals Guinness with an under-strength and inexperienced team, with only two subs. Yet, the team, which had five new players amongst its number showed massive heart and character to stay with the more experienced Guinness team until half time. They only trailed 14-9 at half-time after three superbly-struck Ciaran Stewart penalties for Tallaght and three penalties and a try for Guinness.

The Crumlin men put the pressure on Tallaght at the start of the second half but when Tallaght had seen off the danger, they then gave away a penalty for stamping when it made no sense. Guinness kicked the penalty to make the score 17-09. Then they won a penalty when they kicked to touch to set up a driving maul. They drove it over to make it 24-9 and Guinness added two more tries late on to make it a comprehensive win.

However Tallaght are a team in development this season and all their players showed terrific character to keep battling until the end. There were some excellent patches of play in there too when they showed a real ambition to play proper rugby.

 

Jim O’Connor ©