The J1 lined up against Lansdowne on Sunday looking to finalise a home league final. Rock knew a win would guarantee a Stradbrook final against Naas and started with intent. Early pressure and intricate back play led to full back Kelvin Leahy crossing for the games first try. Barney failed to tag on the extras but soon found his mojo with two penalties to give the home side an 11 0 cushion.
However, to their credit a spell of pressure led to Lansdowne crossing out wide to reduce the score line to 11 7. This only acted as a reminder to Rock and soon they had increased their lead. Big carries from the pack in equal measure led to an eventual pushover penalty try from a 5m scrum. Billy Glynn also got in on the act a few minutes later darting in from the 22. Barney was on target and Rock went in to half time with a deserved 25 7 lead.
The J1 carried on where they had a left off early in the second half with Richie Marsh picking a line in the Lansdowne defence to go over for the bonus point try. In a scrappy last quarter Cian Mcginley and the returning Richard Liddy traded scores with Lansdowne to leave the score line at 40 28 in the home sides favour.
Rock now go on to face Naas in the Metro League final this Sunday March 13th. After the success of the Ladies team on Sunday the J1 will seek to add some more silverware to the club cabinet this weekend. A home final of any description is a rarity so all support is encouraged to end the league campaign on a high note.
Kick-off is 3pm!!