1st Team News
1st About Team
1st Fixtures
1st Results
1st League Table
1st Match Reports
1st Player Profile
1st Photos
1st Training Info
1st Coaching Team
AIB League Divison 2 Final
Lansdowne 17 - 10 Bruff
08/05/2010
The First Squad finished up their fantastic season with a hard fought win against Bruff in Anglesea Road on Saturday afternoon.
Having secured promotion back in February the squad showed their intent on gaining silverware with a demolition of DLSP in the semi 3 weeks ago.
Saturday saw Bruff, who are also promoted to Division 1 next season come to Dublin to compete – and compete is what they did.
Following some early pressure Matt Healy scored another fantastic try converted by Andrew Geraghty who had an invaluable 100% record with the boot leaving the scoreline 7 points to nil on 10 minutes.
Bruff struck back with a try following a loose kick inside our 22 to bring the scores to 7 – 5.
However, just before half time following double digit phases David Hewitt ran over for a well taken try to give us some breathing space going into the break.
The Second half was a frantic affair with Lansdowne having to defend the onslaught from Bruff, a fine penalty from Geraghty left us 17 – 5 up but Bruff came back to 17 – 10 making us all suffer in the closing minutes.
17 – 10 the final scoreline – and silverware in the AIL for Lansdowne at last.
What a season for the squad:
Promotion – tick,
AIL Div 2 Trophy – tick,
Metropolitan Cup – tick,
J1 League – tick,
Enjoyment – tick.
Enjoy the summer & thanks for coming.
AIB League Divison 2 Semi Final
Lansdowne 40 - 8 DSLP
17/04/2010
The First XV qualified for the Division 2 league Final following a convincing 40 points to 8 win over DLSP at the RDS on Saturday.
Conditions were perfect and Lansdowne put in one of the performances of the season which arrived just at the right time in the play offs.
First half tries were scored by Dominic Ryan and Ron Boucher one of which converted by Andrew Geraghty left the scoreline 12 points to 3 at the break.
With a slight breeze at our backs Lansdowne got into a flowing rhythm and scored some fantastic tries from Boucher, Healy (2) and one from Willie Earles under the posts – all converted by Geraghty.
Bruff, who also gained promotion to Division 1 next season, await us the much anticipated Final scheduled for May 07th at 8pm in Old Belvedere.
This is an enormous task for Lansdowne given the opposition and the unbeaten run Bruff have had since out meeting back in October.
The Senior Squad would like to thank all members for their support throughout the season and encourage you to put the above date in the diary and support them in the final game of what has been a season to remember.
AIB League Round 15
Malone 28 - 34 Lansdowne
10/04/2010
The First XV got back to bonus point winning ways at Gibson Park on Saturday defeating Malone 34 points to 28 in and end of season thriller.
Ross McCarron opened the scoring with a try from inside his own half following some neat foot work from Lorcan Kavanagh, Geraghty slotting the conversion.
Further tries from Kieran Lewis, Lorcan Kavanagh, Stuart McCarron and a 2nd for Ross McCarron with a long range penalty and 2 further conversions from Geraghty.
There were some outstanding performances particularly from Brian McKeever, Willie Earles & Ron Boucher upfront and from Ross McCarron in the backs who was back to his best.
This game completed our league campaign for the season with 66 points on the table from a possible max 75 points.
This week we play DLSP in the Divisional Play off Semi Final at the RDS on Saturday at 2.30pm and would encourage as many of you as possible to support, enjoy a big club day and hopefully some nice weather.
AIB League Round 14
Old Crescent 14 - 12 Lansdowne
03/04/2010
The Firsts unbeaten record going back to October 03rd came to an end in Old Crescent on Saturday where we were well beaten in a tight 14 points to 12 affair by a spirited Crescent side fighting for survival in Division 2.
Three first half penalties from former Lansdowne Out Half Brian O’Shea left the scores 9 points to nil at half time with the Lansdowne playing with a gale in the 2nd half.
Lansdowne finally got on the score board ten minutes into the 2nd half with a try from Eoin Sheriff converted from close to the touchline by Lorcan Kavanagh.
Old Crescent came back and scored a fine try leaving to 14 points to 7. Lansdowne responded with a try from Justin Maher however it was too little too late and Crescent celebrated their survival.
Overall a poor performance which has been coming for some weeks since our promotion – however missing the likes of David Twomey, Jack O’Connell, Nelus Keogh, Dominic Ryan, Brian O’Riordan, David Hewitt, Shane Gahan & David Kearney from our squad didn’t help
Hats off the Crescent – they showed great spirit and desire and you could see how much it meant to them at the final whistle – not one Lansdowne person in attendance would attempt to begrudge them.
Next week we play Malone away in our last game before the play offs.
AIB League Round 13
DSLP 17 - 20 Lansdowne
27/03/2010
“Almost” unlucky number 13 at DLSP.
The First XV were made work hard to keep our 100% unbeaten record v DLSP on Saturday in Kilternan.
Having gone behind to a DLSP penalty Lansdowne struck back with a fine try from Matt Healy. Hewitt missed the conversation but converted a penalty to leave the scores 8 points to 3.
Both teams traded scores in the 2nd half with a fine try scored by Greg Stafford mid way through the 2nd half for the visitors.
An injury time try taken by DLSP prop Keith Taite left Lansdowne trailing 17 points to 13 and our magnificent 100% unbeaten record appeared to be in the balance but from the kick off Lansdowne pilled on the pressure and showed great character to score a fine try by Ross McCarron converted by Hewitt to leave the final score 20 points to 17.
Good individual performances from Nelus Keogh, Ben Horan, Willie Earles & Aidan McCullen up front and Matt Healy in the backs.
Next week we travel to Old Crescent for our 2nd last game before the play offs.
06/03/2010
AIB League Round 12
Lansdowne FC 3 - Highfield 0
With 3 games left to play the First XV were promoted back to Division 1 of the AIL on Saturday following a hard earned 3 points to nil victory over Highfield at the RDS.
Highfield are fighting for their survival at the foot of Division 2 and they put it up to Lansdowne who remain the only team to have won all games in this year’s competition.
A second half penalty from out half David Hewitt was the difference between the two teams and this game will act as a wake up call for the team who have performed magnificently this season in their quest for promotion.
20/02/2010
AIB League Round 11
Greystones 13 Lansdowne FC 52
The 1sts XV had another convincing bonus point victory, our eighth in eleven outings, against Greystones in Dr Hickey Park on Saturday.
Facing into a stiff first half breeze Lansdowne took it to Greystones who are now fighting for survival in Division 2.
An early well taken try from Brian O’Riordan converted by David Hewitt gave us the start we required. Further first half tries from Lorcan Kavanagh and Mathew Healy gave us a 21 points to 6 lead at half time.
In the 2nd half, with the breeze at our backs, Hewitt played the corners and following some outstanding handling from backs and forwards tries were scored by Shane Gahan, Aidan McCullen, Lorcan Kavanagh Ross mcCarron and the best of the day from 2nd Row Nelus Keogh who sprinted across the line from 34 metres.
Eight tries, six of which were converted by Hewitt left the final scoreline 52 points to 13.
31/01/2010
AIB League Round 10
Lansdowne FC 52 Thomond 18
The First XV extended their lead at the top of Division 2 to 15 points with a convincing 52 points to 18 win over Thomond at the RDS on Saturday afternoon.
Thomond took an early lead but Lansdowne went on a try scoring rampage through Brian O'Riordan, Trevor Conneely, David Hewitt, Justin Meagher, Ron Boucher, Ross McCarron (2) and Eoin Sheriff scoring the try of the day following an outstanding break from Mathew Healy.
Hewitt was accurate with the boot and converted 6 of our 8 tries.
The strength in depth of our squad was tested Saturday where we were without the services of Devon Toner, Dominic Ryan, Jack O'Connell, Stephen Keogh, Shane Gahan & David Kearney - all on Ireland representative duty
Team: John Lyne (Capt), Dave Toomey, Karl Cleere, Nelius Keogh, Eoin Sheriff, Aidan McCullen, Trevor Coneely, Ron Boucher, Brian O’Riordan, Dave Hewitt, Mathew Healy, Greg Stafford, Kieran Lewis, Justin Meagher, Ross McCarron Subs:Martin Moore, Danny Marquez, Willie Earle, Craig Ronaldson, Daniel McEvoy
Next game is Greystones away on February 20th - our game v Old Crescent has been moved from February 13th to April 03rd.
23/01/2009
AIB League Round 9
Lansdowne FC 17 Dublin University 12
The 1sts XV were made work hard for a well earned 17 points to 12 victory over Trinity at the RDS on Saturday.
Trinity started well and went 9 points to nil up following 3 penalties from Out Half David Joyce.
With the breeze behind Lansdowne in the 2nd half the pack settled and we scored two tries from close in from Eoin Sherriff and Stephen Keogh. Mathew Healy also continued his excellent try scoring form with a well taken score in the corner.
Despite under performing Lansdowne could have another bonus point following a searing break from centre Kieran Lewis in injury time but a deliberate knock on by Trinity prevented Greg Stafford from scoring under the posts.
With 6 games to go we are still 14 points ahead of 2nd place.
Next up is Thomond at the RDS Saturday next at 2.30pm.
16/01/2009
AIB League Round 8
UCD 22 Lansdowne FC 33
The First XV started 2010 with a resounding 33 points to 22 win over UCD at Belfield on Saturday.
Whilst the students put it up to Lansdowne we always appeared to be in control with excellent performances from Eoin Sherriff and David Twomey in the pack.
First half tries from Mathew Healy and Kieran Lewis both superbly converted by David Hewitt left us 14 points to 3 ahead. However UCD came back into the game and led 15 14 at half time.
However in the 2nd half further tries from Brian O'Riordan, Mathew Healy and Stephen Keogh secured our 6th bonus point victory from 8 games with 38 points from a possible 40.
We now lead Division 2 by 14 points with 7 games to play v Trinity, Thomond, Old Crescent, Greystones, Highfield, DLSP & Malone.
Next week we play Trinity in the RDS - as always your support would be appreciated - Leinster are away to London Irish this weekend so no excuses!
05/12/2009
AIB League Round 6
Lansdowne FC 17- 16 Belfast Harlequins
The First XV extended their lead at the top of Division 2 to 9 points following a narrow 17 points to 16 win over Belfast Harlequins on Saturday.
Lansdowne opened the scoring after 2 minutes with a well taken try from Mathew Healy, converted by Hewitt. Hewitt slotted a penalty to leave us 10 nil up in as many minutes.
However try scoring opportunities were not taken in the first half and Belfast Harlequins were allowed back into the game leveling the scores 10 all at half time.
Facing into a stiff breeze Lansdowne scored a push over try from Brian O'Riordan, converted by Hewitt.
Overall it was a tough game for us, had we taken numerous early opportunities we could have been out of sight but a win is a win and along with Middleton in Division 3 we are the only unbeaten teams of 48 in the AIL .
13/11/2009
AIB League Round 5
Lansdowne FC 30 Bective Rangers 21
The 1sts XV earned another bonus point win over neighbours Bective at the RDS on Saturday. Bective got out of the blocks early and went 7 points up following a well taken try from a scrum. Lansdowne battled back into the game scoring an excellent try from Ross McCarron. Another try from Dominic Ryan saw Lansdowne take the lead into half time.
In the 2nd half the bonus point looked out of our reach but following some intense pressure tries from Mathew Healy and Shane Gahan, ten minutes into injury time secured a valuable bonus point.
The 1sts have no AIL game until December 05th where we play Belfast Harlequins at home.
December 12th we play Corinthians at home
06/11/2009
AIB League Round 3
Lansdowne FC 16 Blackrock College RFC 24
The First XV bowed out of the AIB Cup losing out to Blackrock at the RDS on Friday night. With 9 changes from the team that beat Terenure in the AIL the previous week we struggled to get into the game. Following mistakes early in the 1st half in our own 22 Blackrock capitalised with 2 well taken tries. Lansdowne responded with 3 penalties from Andrew Geraghty leaving the score 16 9 at half time.
In the 2nd half, we held a lot of possession but the Rock defence stood firm and our only reward came in injury time when Craig Ronaldson crossed for a well taken try on his competitive debut, which he converted.
Encouraging perfromances from David Twomey, Willie Earle, Ben Horan (another Debutant) & Brian McKeever.
It is now back to our main objective, AIL Division 2, versus Bective Rangers in the RDS
Saturday at 2.30pm.
31/10/09
AIB League Round 4
Terenure College RFC 3 Lansdowne FC 22
The 1sts VX came away from wet and windy Lakelands Park on Saturday with a convincing 22 points to 3 win over Terenure.
Lansdowne started at a fierce pace and went 15 nil up thanks to tries from Ross McCarron and kicks from David Hewitt. However the rain arrived and made it next to impossible to play.
The referee called a halt to proceedings 7 minutes into the 2nd half due to lightening - both teams left the pitch for 10 minutes.
Ross McCarron and Mathew Healy were a constant threat but unfortunately the bonus point was not for us this week.
24/10/2009
AIB League Round 3
Lansdowne FC 30 Clonakilty RFC 3
The 1sts had a hard fought victory against clonakilty in extremely difficult conditions at the rds on saturday. Going into a stiff breeze at half time 13 3 up following a try from ross mccarron and a drop goal, conversion and penalty from david hewitt it looked like we were in some trouble.
However second half tries from mathew healy, dominic ryan and the bonus point winning try from Willie Earle in injury time secured another valuable 5 points.
Next week we face terenure in lakelands park which is expected to be our toughest test this season. Terenure expecting to bounce back to division 1 at their first attempt.
P. S. Again 17 of the 20 players on saturday came through the underage structure in lansdowne
To view a selection of photos from the match please click here.
19/10/2009
AIB Cup Second Round
Lansdowne FC 43 Nenagh Ormonde 8
The First XV advanced to the 3rd round of the AIB Cup with a facile 43 points to 8 win over Nenagh Ormonde in the RDS on Saturday.
Lansdowne dominated particularly at Set Piece with tries coming from Ron Boucher (2) Mathew Healy, Brian McKeever & Greg Stafford. Andrew Geraghty converting 4 conversions as well as a penalty.
Overall it was a decent performance albeit against relatively weak opposition.
This Saturday we have a much tougher proposition with Clonakilty coming to the RDS for what will be our toughest test to date this season.
15 Dave Hewitt 14 Lorcan Kavanagh 13 Shane Gahan 12 Greg Stafford 11 Ross McCarron 10 Andy Gerraghty 9 Matt Healy 8 Ron Boucher 7 Trev Conneely 6 Willy Earle 5 Aidan McCullen 4 Alan Maher 3 John Lyne (Capt) 2 Dave Toomey 1 Colum Murphy.
Subs: 16 Karl Cleere 17 Paddy Flood 18 Brian McKeever 19 Brian O'Riordan
To view a selection of photos from the match please click here.
12/10/2009
AIB League Round 2
Bruff 13 Lansdowne FC 54
The 1sts XV recorded their 2nd bonus point win of the AIL campaign in Bruff on Saturday.
Despite starting strongly Lansdowne trailed Bruff 6 points to nil after 25 minutes and a tough day at the office looked ahead.
However following some excellent work upfront we began to break down a very determined Bruff outfit and we went into half time 26 6 in front.
Lansdowne continued to turn the screw in the 2nd half with some outstanding performances from Ross McCarron, Paddy Flood, Eoin Sherriff, Colm Murphy & Greg Stafford finishing with 8 tries, Andrew Geraghty converting 7.
Next week we have Nenagh Ormonde in the AIB Cup in the RDS.
Next AIL - Clonakilty at home Saturday 24th
15 Dave Kearney 14 Ross McCarron 13 Greg Stafford 12 Kieran Lewis 11 Matt Healy 10 Andrew Geraghty 9 Brian O'Riordan 8 Aidan McCullen 7 Dominic Ryan 6 Stephen Keogh 5 Eoin Sheriff 4 Devin Toner 3 John Lyne 2 Paddy Flood 1 Colum Murphy.
Replacements; 16 Dave Toomey 17 Jack O’Connell 18 Neilus Keogh 19 Shane Gahan 20 Dave Hewitt
12/10/2009
AIB League Round 1
Old Wesley RFC 9 Lansdowne FC 42
The 1sts XV recorded their 1st win of the AIL campaign against Wesley in Donnybrook Saturday.
27/09/2009
AIB Cup First Round
Lansdowne FC 28 Ards RFC 19
The First XV advanced to the 2nd round of the AIB Cup with a victory over Division 3 team Ards in the RDS on Saturday.
Shane Gahan kicked 2 first half penalties and converted a try from Greg Stafford leaving the scoreline 18 6 at halftime, Colum Murphy scoring the other Lansdowne try.
Ards started the 2nd half very strongly and converted 2 penalties to leave the score 18 12 mid way through the 2nd half.
Lansdowne raised their game and produced two fine tries from David Hewitt & Shane Gahan.
Final score Lansdowne 28 Ards 19.
Following their win over Portadown we now face our friends from Nenagh Ormonde in the 2nd round which is scheduled for October 17th in the RDS.
The real business begins this weekend with the Senior Squad playing Old Wesley in their first game of the AIL - please support.
15 Dave Hewitt 14 Shane Gahan 13 Kieren Lewis 12 Greg Stafford 11 Stuart McCarron 10 Brian O’Riordan 9 Matt Healy 8 Aidan McCullen (Willy Earl 65 Mins) Trev Conneely 6 Ron Boucher 5 Eoin Sheriff 4 Alan Maher 3 Colm Murphy 2 Paddy Flood (David Toomey 65) 1 John Lyne (Karl Cleere 55 Mins)
Subs not used: Andrew Gerraghty
19/09/2009
Leinster Senior League Cup Quarter Final
St Marys College RFC 19 Lansdowne FC 8
The Senior XV bowed out of the Leinster Senior League Cup following a 19 points to 8 loss to St Marys in Templeville.
St Marys opened the scoring with a penalty followed by a try from Conor McPhillips in the corner. Lansdowne battled back into the game and David Hewitt landed a penalty to leave the scores 11 3 at half time.
Lansdowne held St Marys in their 22 for much of the opening period of the second and were awarded a try when Devon Toner barged over, Hewitt missed the conversion.
St Marys hit back with a fine try in the top corner leaving the final scoreline 19 - 8.
Next week we have ARDs at home in the RDS in the AIB Cup with Old Wesley in the 1st AIL game the following Saturday
14/09/2009
Leinster Senior League Cup Third Round
Lansdowne FC 10 Old Wesley RFC 7
The First XV advanced to the 1/4 Final stage of the Leinster League Cup after a hard fought win over Old Wesley in Ballycorus on Saturday.
Lansdowne started brightly with Mathew Healy disallowed a certain try in the opening minutes. After a long period of pressure Aidan McCullen scored a try under the Wesley posts which Charl converted.
Wesley battled back into the game leveling the scores at 7 all.
Lansdowne continued to attack the Wesley line and in the 70th minute Charl slotted the winning penalty to leave the final scoreline 10 points to 7.
The 1/4 Final in set for St Marys next Saturday in Templeville - your support, as always, would be appreciated.
15 Dave Hewitt 14 John Coleman 13 Kieran Lewis 12 Shane Gahan 11 Charl Oosthuizen 10 Andrew Gerraghty 9 Matt Healy 8 Aidan McCullen (Ron Boucher half-time) 7 Trev Conneely 6 Willy Earl 5 Eoin Sheriff 4 Nelius Keogh 3 Colum Murphy 2 Paddy Flood 1 John Lyne (Captain)
Subs: 16 Karl Cleere 17 Dani Marquez 18 Ron Boucher 19 Greg Stafford 20 Brian O'Riordan
Scorers: Aidan McCullen (Try), Charl Oosthuizen (Con, Pen)
To view a selection of photos from the match please click here
08/09/2009
Leinster Senior League Cup Second Round
Lansdowne FC 26 Bective Rangers 0
The Senior XV had a convincing 26 - nil over Bective Rangers in Ballycorus on Saturday earning a 4 try bonus point in the process.
Lansdowne started well with tries from Shane Gahan, Brian O'Riordan and Ron Boucher (All converted by Charl). Having dominated the first 40 minutes we went into half time 21 points in the lead.
10 Minutes into the second half the bonus point was secured with Greg Stafford scoring in the corner.
Saturday was another useful exercise for the Senior Squad in the build up to the AIL with new players and combinations being given the opportunity to impress.
The 2nd team had a friendly against Old Belvedere in Anglesea Road yesterday winning 24 - 5
15 Dave Hewitt 14 John Coleman 13 Shane Gahan 12 Greg Stafford 11 Charl Oosthuizen 10 Andrew Gerraghty (Matt Healy 55 Mins) 9 Brian O’Riordan 8 Ron Boucher (Rhys Jones 50 Mins) 7 Trev Conneely 6 Willy Earl 5 Peter Conway 4 Nelius Keogh 3 Karl Cleere (Simon Smyth 55 Mins) 2 Paddy Flood 1 John Lyne (Captain)
Next Saturday we take on Old Wesley in Ballycorus at 3pm - the winner of that game will advance to the 1/4 final of the competition.
Leinster Senior League Cup First Round
Blackrock College RFC 13 Lansdowne 6
In the their first outing in the Leinster Senior League the 1st XV lost out to a strong Blackrock outfit 13 points to 6 in Stradbrook on Saturday.
After a promising start Lansdowne got little return from early pressure and went into half time 5 - 0 down following a try from Blackrock which resulted from a turnover at lineout time 10 meters from our own line.
The 2nd half again started promising for Lansdowne however again a costly turnover this time in the opposition 22 - Blackrock ran the full length of the pitch to leave the score 10 - 0.
Lansdowne battled well to get back into the game and an Andy Tallon penalty left us 10 - 3 down with 20 minutes to go. Blackrock hit back with a drop goal from James Power but from the kick off Lansdowne retrieved the ball and forced a penalty in injury time which Andy Tallon converted leaving Lansdowne with a losing bonus point.
Lansdowne: 15 Ross McCarron (Shane Gahan 12 mins) 14 Lorcan Kavanagh 13 Kieran Lewis 12 Geg Stafford 11 John Coleman 10 Andy Tallon 9 Matt Healy 8 Brian McKeever 7 William Wallace (Trev Conneely 20 mins) 6 Ron Boucher 5 Eoin Sheriff 4 Nelius Keogh 3 Karl Cleere (Simon Smyth 60 mins) 2 David Tunney (Danni Marquez Half-time) 1 John Lyne (Capt). Sub not used: Andy Gerraghty
Scorer: Andy Tallon 2 Pens.
AIL League Semi Final
Lansdowne 13 Ballynahinch 29
On the face of the scoreline, it might be assumed that this was an easy victory for Ballynahinch. The reality is that an injury and exam hit, Lansdowne put up a really fine performance and went close to surprising the AIB Cup winners and Division 2 promoted side.
This was a feast of open rugby and the Lansdowne “ Die-Hard” support that travelled were very pleased with a display of character, fight spirit and lots of skill.
Lansdowne scores on a very windy day were Ducky Quinn and Ross McCarron with two excellent tries and Charl Oosthuizen with a penalty. Lansdowne led from the front by Captain Alan Maher and Aidan McCullan, held the lead for a considerable part of this match, with two late tries by Ballynahinch sealing the game at the finish.
Congratulations to Ballynahinch on advancing to the play off final and their excellent season
