Men's 1st XV v Garryowen: Match Report & Photo Gallery

FT: Blackrock College RFC 18 v 15 Garryowen RFC

Following the Queens match, my report stated that we were heading into the break in matches with a chance to reflect on our win, recharge and hopefully kick on for the rest of the season. Unfortunately, what quickly followed that evening meant all of the above took a backseat. As news from Austin Texas broke of the tragic passing of our good friend John Kirby, rugby took a backseat, and it was time for the rugby and Blackrock community to step up. 

It would be ten long days for the club before both two of Irish club rugby's stalwarts stood side by side in the centre circle, Captain Roy holding the number 1 Jersey in tribute to John, Rock players remembering their teammate and friend and even Garryowen's second row remembering his old friend from college in Galway, proving just how small the rugby community is.

When the match started, the visitors took advantage of their favouring conditions for the first half. A flurry of penalties gave them good field position and they capitalised, sending their left winger over in the corner. The penalties continued and Rock soon were down to 14. Garryowen opted for 3 and opened up an 8 point lead to add to their man advantage. 

Rock began to wake up and when the penalties ceased, they managed to work a few of their own. They too opted for the poles and when they were restored to full compliment the gap lay at only 5. This would soon be erased completely, the forwards bashed at the Limerick sides line, before Corkery found Dwan with a cross kick to take the lead going into half-time. 10-8.

The second half wasn't long gone when Rock found themselves behind their posts for the second time. A slaloming run from the Garryowen out-half carved open the defence and his conversion opened up a 5 point lead. The hosts hit straight back, again the forwards to the fore with a driving maul, and again the backs did the final damage, this time Corkery going himself to dot down and when he followed up with a penalty, Rock would be back in front 18-15. Rock then welcomed 150 cap man Peter Quirke onto the field. A phenomenal achievement for a Rock stalwart. The final ten minutes of the game were all played in the Rock 22, defending the clubhouse, they would not let their visitors cross the whitewash. Big tackles, turnovers and bodies on the line was the order of the day and when the referee blew the final whistle there was an exhale around Stradbrook. 

A long few weeks off the pitch between battles, ended with unwavering attitude, effort and a lot of smiles, befitting of John Kirby. Rock took a crucial 4 points against a very good team into their somber dressing room where they toasted the win, PQ's achievement and more importantly their good friend.

Although there was no move in table position, the gap to the top reduced and this week Rock are home again welcoming City of Armagh to Stradbrook. The northern side sit second in the log and another tight tussle surely awaits.

See you then

Cokes

All images provided by John Crothers of JC Sports Photography, in aid of Barretstown.