Match Report & Photo Gallery: 1st XV v Queens

Blackrock returned to Stradbrook for the first time in over a month with a hugely important contest against previously relegated Queens University. Taking to the field in a new alternate bright pink jersey, Rock were hoping to add some Parisian flair to their performance akin to that of Stade Francais on this glorious day.

It was the perfect start, Mangan with a break on the blindside earned a penalty and a trick play at the front of the resulting lineout sent Rogan over for the opener after just two minutes. It looked like Rock were going to double their lead moments later when Fortune broke through. An offence from the visitors allowed Corkery to atone for his conversion miss and extend the lead to 8. The students then hit back with a score of their own to reduce the deficit to a point. Rock were playing all the rugby and despite a number of line breaks from Mangan, Galvin and Coffey, Rock couldn't increase the lead until the 30^th minute. Quick feet from man of the match Mullen on the 22 got behind the gain-line and he was able to free his hands for Deegan to score his first try for the Blue and White Pink of Blackrock College RFC. Deegan then played a crucial role in Rock's third a few moments later. His big carry on the blindside sucked in two defenders and he was able to free his hands to put Galvin away. The winger had the wheels to fly home from 50 out and the scoreboard was starting to reflect the possession 24-5. Rock then came in search of a crucial bonus point just before half-time and were duly rewarded. Lineout maul was stopped just short but when the ball found Corkery, he was able to look up and arrow a lovely cross-kick to Dwan on the left wing. 29-5 on the referee's whistle and a real opportunity for Rock to kick on second half.

Unfortunately this wasn't the case, again despite a few line-breaks Rock couldn't seem to make the last pass stick. An intercept from the visitors, followed up by another try meant that with ten minutes on the clock the gap was down to 8. That was to be all the scoring and Rock took a crucial 5 points from the game to lift them up to 7th, 3 ahead of Naas and 5 ahead of UCC in the relegation playoffs. Rock will leave the pink jerseys at home as they travel to Cork to face Highfield this weekend. The Blue and White will be back looking to cement their spot in Division 1B for another season in the last two games of the season.

See you in the rebel county!

Cokes

Photography credit to Henry Simpson.