NORTH KILDARE 6 RATHDRUM 22 (30th Nov 2003)
A sparkling start that saw Rathdrum score 10 points in the first 5 minutes
was the difference between these two teams as Rathdrum resumed their quest
for promotion in the Leinster League.With a reshuffled forward pack it was
their keenness from the kickoff to take the game to North Kildare that saw
them with an early penalty opportunity which was converted by Conor
Parsons.Straight from the kickoff Rtahdrum got their runners going and a
brilliant burst through the North Kildare defence by Kerrin Buck saw him
offload to Morgan Sheridan for him to score under the posts,Parsons
converted and Rathdrum lead 10-0 after only 5 minutes.And from there the
game changed,North Kildares defence tightened,Rathdrum didn't get the space
they had earlier and the soft option of the referee to allow the North
Kildare forwards to lie all over good ruck ball seemed to put Rathdrum off
their game and this turned the whole affair into a dour contest with
Rathdrum attacking and North Kildare just happy to slow play down,get in the
way,infringe and generally just be as deconstructive as they could be.With
Rathdrums frustration came the penalties and North Kildare converted 2 to
bring them back into the game.Rathdrum tightened their game and John Cashman came up with his try just before half time after a great drive from the
lineout saw the forwards go crashing over the line.Rathdrum lead 15-6 at
halftime and needed the break to sort themselves out.Cool heads and
perserverance were to be the order for the second half and Rathdrums
willingness to keep exploring opportunities to score saw them continually
battering the North Kildare line and with many points scoring opportunities
going begging the next thought was are they going to push the self destruct
button.One mistake late in the second half saw North kildare attack
Rathdrums line for the first time but good pressure in the midfield saw a
forced pass dropped by North Kildare with the ever present Morgan Sheridan
going the length of the field to score his second try and wrap up the match
22 -6 in favour of Rathdrum.This was a good blowout for the team and keeps
them unbeaten and at the top of Division 3 with Birr left at home in a
fortnight. John Cashman was awarded man of the match.
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CYM 21 Rathdrum 29
Rathdrum senior first XV travelled to CYM in Dublin last Sunday to play in
the junior Leinster league. Fielding a re-shaped team, Rathdrum started
strong, scoring three tries in the first half. Jason Blyth blocked down a 22
drop out to score the first try, Fiach 'Wick' O'Toole scored an impressive
second, running the full length of the pitch and Jason Blyth and Sam Buck
caught the opposition scrum half at the base of a scrum to roll over for the
third. CYM started the second half in a determined mood, but strong work by
the Rathdrum forwards, turned an attacking 5 meter scrum into a scoring
opportunity for David Walshe to score the forth try, seal the match and gain
the all important bonus point. This result now leaves Rathdrum sitting on
top of Division three of the Leinster league. Notable performances, Ronan
Short playing at loose head, and David Woolmington at out half.
Next week, Rathdrum entertain Longford at home in the next round of the
league.
Malahide 15 Rathdrum 3
Rathdrum senior second XV travelled to Malahide in Dublin last Sunday to
play a friendly fixture. Rathdrum faced a determined opposition and a strong
wind. Malahide made good use of the elements, running up a 10-0 score by
half-time. Rathdrum started the second half strong, putting a lot of
pressure on the Malahide try line. This pressure resulted in a converted
penalty kick by Johnny Cullen mid way through the second half. Rathdrum,
while unlucky not to have crossed the try line certainly finished the
stronger of the two teams. Notable performances, Steven 'Suzki' Sutton at
prop and Darren Davies at right wing.
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