AIL 2B vs Ballina

A large crowd gathered for the pre match lunch in Stradbrook, prior to our final home game of the regular season.

A five point win would guarantee us a ‘playoff’ spot and the confidence was high as we looked to stretch our recent unbeaten run.

Special guests on the day included our victorious Div. 7 Champions and a legendary 3rd’s team from the 1990’s.

After the customary speeches, we took to the sidelines.

Just as the teams took to the pitch, the sun came out, making it a perfect day for rugby.

Rock kicked off toward the clubhouse and started fast.

Within two minutes, Steve McLoughlin went over at the Mint garden corner.

Kicker Quirke added the extras.

7 : 0

With 8 minutes gone and after a break up the left sideline, James Burke dived low for the line and burrowed in to score, in pretty much the same corner as our first Try.

The conversion attempt just missed.

12 : 0

With 15 minutes on the clock, Sam Murphy powered over the line, again in the corner. A difficult kick, just missed.

17 : 0

We were in reach of a Bonus point and it didn’t take much longer to arrive, as on 18 minutes, Hugo Godson Treacy raced through and scored under the posts.

Kicker Quirke on point again.

24 : 0

Ballina regrouped and put together some very good play over the next 15 minutes.

They attacked in waves and went close to scoring, however resolute defence from the Rock boys, kept them scoreless at the break.

HT

Rock 24 : 0 Ballina

With the Bonus point secured, Rock started the second half in a more defensive mode.

Despite the efforts of the visitors, our defence stayed strong and it never looked like it would be breached.

On the hour mark, Rock had a line out at the half way line.

The throw went to the back of the line and we broke up field.

Couple of phases later and Roghan McMahon crashed over.

Kicker, once again, slotted the conversion.

31 : 0

Some excellent forward play on 75 minutes, again up the left side toward Lucey Park, saw James Burke ‘pick & go’ and force his way over the line for his second Try of the afternoon.

*The weekend got even better for James on Sunday, as he was one of the Blackrock College coaches in their record 70th SCT victory against Gonzaga at the RDS Arena*

Another good kick by Quirke

38 : 0

With the spectators now in party mode, Rock were still not finished and made another attempt up the left hand side.

This time, it was Matty Cosgrove who broke through two tackles and scored beside the post.

Kicker, capped off a fine display to convert.

FT

BRCRFC 45 : 0 Ballina RFC

Thanks to Fergus McGrath for the match report and regular club whatsapp updates!