Lansdowne 24 – 18 Blackrock

Finally!  The win that this group has so richly deserved for so long came in a great encounter with Blackrock at HQ on Sunday in a sometimes torrential conditions.

Tries in the first half from front rows, Ross Barry (hooker) and Gavin Murray showed you don’t have to be a back to be mobile.  Blackrock responded in kind and went into the break a point ahead 17 – 18.  The second half was where the character and training joined forces and a try from Tom Finucane put us ahead with a conversion from Oran James sealing an excellent performance from him off the kicking tee and also around the pitch.

Lansdowne sustained and defended an extended period of attack from ‘Rock but all 15 men on the pitch held firm, with reports of tackle counts of 632 tackles from David Migoen and 546 from Jack Moore reflecting Ian “Beanser” Curley’s poor head for figures, but also well deserved pride in his club mates’ brave performances.

If there was a low point in the day – and there wasn’t really – it’s that there were signs that not all the lads know the words of the Lansdowne victory chant!  Let’s hope they get plenty more practice throughout the rest of the season!

One more game this year for both the J2s (away to Old Wesley in Donnybrook on Saturday) and J3s (home to Blackrock on Friday evening), and the omens look good for 100% performance with a win for both teams.  Support much appreciated if you’re in the area!