Coolmine start the year in style with away win
Edenderry 10 - 15 Coolmine

In the team’s opening game of the new year, Coolmine began 2008 with a hard fought win away against Edenderry, scoring three tries in a 15-10 victory. In a game played in very soft conditions, Coolmine went ahead twice only to see a dogged Edenderry draw level both times. It took a second-half try from out-half, Conor Hayes, to finally separate the teams.

The poor underfoot conditions put paid to any prospect of an expansive game of rugby. From the start, it was clear that the battle up front – always important - would prove critical on a day like this. Niall Ganly started with his usual impressive form in the line-out and was also prominent in the loose.

In the scrummage Ciaran Cawley spearheaded a superior Coolmine which won several balls against the head. In the back row, Dave and John McCullough worked hard particularly in defence around the fringes, and Harley Murray (captaining the side in the absence of the injured Eddie Melvin) was his usual effusive self.

After a couple of missed penalties from both sides, Edenderry were first to score, after a missed tackle in midfield allowed their centre room to slide over for the first try of the day. The subsequent conversion was missed and Coolmine were back on level terms at 5-5 after a long pass from Conor Hayes found winger Ian Flynn in space. He made no mistake in finishing the move and despite home protestations of that the final pass was forward the try was awarded.

In the second-half the pattern was repeated in reverse as a Coolmine try was followed by a try in response from the home team. Again the conversions were missed leaving it at 10-10. With twenty minutes to go, the move of the game led to the decisive try.

A Coolmine scrum on the home 22 provided clean ball, Conor Hayes looped Rory Farrell and a dummy line from Niall O'Donoghue fooled the home defence to put Hayes clear. This left it at 15-10 but there was still plenty of time in the game.

Coolmine desperately sought the bonus point for a fourth try but repeated surges at the Edenderry line were well defended. In the end Edenderry finished well, threatening to take the game with a late try, but the Coolmine defence stood equally firm. One final Edenderry attack was snuffed out by a crunching tackle from Niall O'Donoghue who made a very accomplished debut in the centre. The turnover was cleared and with it came the final whistle.

Coolmine 1st XV: 15. Tom Lane, 14. Ian Flynn, 13. Niall O'Donoghue, 12. Rory Farrell, 11. Alan Cousins, 10. Conor Hayes, 9. Andrew Barry, 8. Harley Murray (capt.), 7. Dave McCullough, 6. John McCullough, 5. Dave Toole, 4. Niall Ganly, 3. Andrew Wood, 2. Robbie Savage, 1. Ciaran Cawley. Subs: Sean Mackay, Ollie Prunty, Eoin Mullen, Stephen Boyle, Timmy Carroll.

Community Voice, Media House, Church Avenue, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15
Phone +353 1 822 1432 -  Fax +353 1 640 4444
info@communityvoice.ie

All content and images are © Perceptions[Publicity and Event Management] Limited. All rights reserved
Site developed by Vincent Cahill