Day 18 Christchurch

Match day four. Up against St. Bedes a catholic school based in Christchurch with a long tradition of Rugby. 850 boys with 150 boarders, St. Bedes are playing in the final of the Press Cup, the premier competition for schools on the South Island, this Saturday. Consequently our firsts played a team made up primarily of seconds players. This didn’t take away from the intensity of the game and the first half turned out to be a very physical battle. The only score came from the boot of Conor Browne to give us a three point lead. The second half was equally tough but we defended heroically at times to keep our line in tact. We then took a commanding lead when Kevyn Mahon crashed over to score. St Bedes came roaring back and set up a tense finish when their outhalf went over with 10 minutes remaining. St Bedes also strengthened their team by bringing on five more first team players. Once again it was our defence which was under the microscope but we held on for a great win by 8 points to 5. Players of the game were James Tracey and Conor Browne.

The seconds took on the St. Bedes thirds to start the days fixtures at half 1. A nervous start saw us fall behind just two minutes in. A try for St. Bedes gave them a 5 point lead. We settled into the game after this and some good hands in the backs saw Peter Osborne level the game with a well worked try. Unfortunately he missed the conversion. Despite having much of the ball in the first half it would finish 10:5 to St. Bedes as they crossed with 5 minutes remaining in the half. A focused side started the second half and as time passed we looked more and more likely to score. But a ruck near our line saw an unusual penalty try decision which put the home team 17:5 up. But far from letting heads drop we lifted our game and a great twenty minutes followed. Cathal Maguire crossed to make it 17:10 and with time running out Cormac Dillon went under the posts. Osborne’s conversion squared the game. The home team put in a late surge but deciding to run a last play penalty instead of kicking saw the game end with a knock on and a 17 all draw. Finnian Logan was named forward of the game and Cormac Dillon back of the game. Dillon was also named player of the day.

On a point of information, we believe that there are reports of an earthquake on the south island. Be assured that we are all alive and well and the only injuries in the squad were suffered during today’s game!