GUINNESS R.F.C. 15
TALLAGHT R.F.C. 18
Tries: Alan Bernes, Paul Cunningham 2
Pen: Alan Bernes
Metro League Division 7
Iveagh Grounds
17/01/15
Tallaght RFC got their first win of the season with a victory over local rivals Guinness in the Metro League Division 7. Both teams were struggling for numbers, but both managed to cobble a team together. Tallaght took the lead when Alan Bernes kicked a penalty but Guinness hit back with a try to make the half-time score 5-3 to the home team.
The second half was a far livelier affair. First Tallaght centre Bernes sprinted away to score a fine try. Sadly his attempt to convert his own try hit off the post. The big Guinness pack hit back though and after constant pressure they finally mauled their way over for a try to take a 10-8 lead. This was when Tallaght produced their best rugby though.
Running hard and straight at Guinness, the pack started to make ground and then full back Colm O’Reilly made a superb run beating several tacklers. He was stopped short of the line but skipper Paul Cunningham followed up to score the try for a 13-10 lead. From the kick-off Tallaght attacked again and flanker Dave Clarke made a great line break. Number eight Emil Wyrebiak kept the move going and finally the ball went wide when skipper Paul Cunningham went over for his second try. Hooker Stephen Kelly was on the pitch while this was happening.
At 18-10 up Tallaght looked good to win with time running out but there was still drama to come. When Tallaght couldn’t get out of their half the ball was turned over and the Guinness right wing took a good line to score a fine try. Then some poor discipline left Guinness camped on the Tallaght line. Tallaght repelled Guinness’s first effort but at a cost of a yellow card to Sam O’Reilly. Guinness kept fighting for the winning score and got over the line in the last play of the game but somehow Tallaght’s defenders got under the ball carrier and the referee ruled he had be held up.
It was a let-off but Tallaght deserved their win and it was just reward for the lads who’ve slogged through a very tough season. Guinness had to be content with a losing bonus point but they deserve credit too for the part they played in a compelling local derby.
TALLAGHT R.F.C.
15. Colm O’Reilly
14. Luke Tyrrell
13. Stephen Heaney
12. Sam O’Reilly
11. Brian Tyrrell
10. Alan Bernes
9. Andrew Rudd
8. Emil Wyrebiak
7. Karl Seagrave
6. Dave Clarke
5. Paul Cunningham
4. Alan Moore
3. David Kelly
2. Stephen Kelly
1. Tony McManus
16. Dave Judd
Photos: Derek Clarke (c)