Leinster Shield match report (Skerries RFC 1st XV away to Boyne) Sept. 1 2012

Skerries 54
Boyne 6

In the presence of the IRFU President Billy Glynn, Boyne RFC opened their newly developed pitch with match standard lighting facility in Shamrock Lodge, Drogheda.

Mr. Sean Gallagher from the A.R.L.B. officiated.

This was a stiff test for both sides, played in a very stiff breeze and had all the indications of a ‘game of two halves’ from the outset. Events though, mitigated against it being a close contest at the finish. Shortly after the start Mr. Gallagher adjudged an unsafe tackle on Skerries no.8 Ross McAuley by the Boyne prop Hugh Carolan and showed the loosehead a red card to dismiss him from the game. Despite playing with only 14 men for the remainder Boyne showed huge commitment to the task and restricted Skerries to a lead of 18 points at half-time courtesy of tries by David Lee and David Hewitt, 1 conversion and 2 penalties by Conal Keane and a drop goal by David Hewitt. Niall Kirby, Boyne’s no. 10, supplied the Boyne score with a penalty. Half-time score Boyne 3 – Skerries 21.

Although down by 18 pints the sizable home support was not too disheartened. The breeze seemed stronger if anything and early in the 2nd half and Kirby slotted another 3 pointer. The home support had reasons to be cheerful, but that was all the scoring that Boyne could muster. Skerries defence was resolute for the entire game. This led to frustration which saw Kirby yellow carded for a ‘professional foul’. Against 13 now and with the breeze easing, Skerries backs took control. Tries by Paul Devitt, Mark Hewitt, Kevin McGrath (2) and Ross McAuley put the tiring home team to the sword. Skerries coaching staff should be pleased with this start. All squad members got game time.

It is, of course, far too early to judge, but with the return of Skerries stalwarts i.e. Ronan Connolly, Mark Hewitt and Michael Sherlock, the Skerries faithful are anticipating another pleasing season.

Skerries Squad

1. Mark Nally
2. Chris Tonge
3. Ross McCorry
4. David Lee
5. Joe Glennon (capt.)
6. Thomas O’Hare
7. Kevin O’Connell
8. Ross McAuley
9. Chris Keane
10. David Hewitt
11. Kevin McGrath
12. Conal Keane
13. Ed Carraher
14. Paul Devitt
15. Michael Sherlock

16. Michael Diffly
17. Ronan Connolly
18. John Condron
19. Mark Hewitt
20. Colin Doyle'