TALLAGHT R.F.C. 10

Try: Aaron Morgan
Con: Danny Behan
Pen: Ciaran Stewart

Stillorgan R.F.C. 9

Metro League Division 7
07/12/13 Tymon Park

Report by Gregg Behan.

Well now, in the absence of our great wordsmith, Jim O’Connor who was attending to rugby business elsewhere yesterday (also, he seems to be turning into something of a media whore, the camera just loves him) I feel it falls to me to say a few words on our win over Stillorgan. We went into this game knowing only a win would suffice, the armchairs had insisted nothing but a win would be acceptable and looking at the league table prior to the match I have to agree, the win was vital for Tallaght to maintain the momentum needed to compete at this level and not just be there to make up the numbers.
The opening five minutes and Tallaght seemed to be on fire, they drove over Stillorgan and set up camp in their 22 and it looked like this was going to be the beginning of a slaughter of the innocents. Stillorgan of course had other ideas and managed to soak up attack after attack with no score registered. Before I knew what was happening we were back in our 22 and Stillorgan looked the stronger, to add insult to injury we gave away a penalty which Stillorgan converted leaving us trailing by 3. Tallaght dug deep, inched their way forward and were rewarded with a penalty which Ciaran kicked superbly to level the score. The game was fought from end to end and it looked like Stillorgan were getting stronger as the game went on, this was not in our script!!! Another penalty awarded to Stillorgan and we trailed again 6-3 and we wished for half time and the opportunity to re-group.
Tallaght started the second half as they did the first, fire in the belly and a massive desire to win. They dominated in every area of the pitch, half time words of wisdom from Curtis seemed to do the trick. Some wonderful play down the wing resulted in Morgo going over the line to secure the try, happy he jumped up, punched the air and roared at Collie, “Did ye see my try” why, I have no idea but everybody else thought it was funny?? Danny converted to leave us leading 10 -6 not a score you can get comfortable with and against this Stillorgan team there was no room for relaxing, they were dangerous and they weren’t giving up. It was a real nail biter of a game and when Stillorgan were awarded another penalty which they converted I found myself turning to prayer and asking Jesus, Allah and Budda to blow the final whistle, thankfully one of them heard my prayers and the ref obliged.
This really was a team effort, I can’t single any one player out for special mention, our forwards put their bodies on the line time after time and our backs defended like Spartan’s keeping the hordes at bay. Overall it was one of the best displays by a Tallaght team I have ever had the good fortune to witness. We are not making up the numbers in this division; we are showing the way and richly deserve our position of 2nd place and the opportunity of a play off if we continue our winning ways. The score was 10-9 but trust me when I say this, had we played that team 3 or 4 years ago, they would have smashed us into the ground. You can be very proud boys, you played the game as it should be played and you delivered the result we needed. Stay fit over the Christmas, hold off on the mince pies and let’s continue to write history for Tallaght RFC………………………Oh, by the way, happy happy happy old man.

Report by Gregg Behan.