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U18’s “Tour” Report — Athy Rugby Club (11.04.09)
17 players made up Skerries RFC u18’s touring party which set out on Easter Saturday the 11th of April 2009. Under clear blue skies the tour party left c. 09.00 hrs. by luxury coach for Athy in deepest Kildare and the prospect of an extravaganza that is the end of season rugby tour. The fact that the tour was due to end on the same day failed to dampen the giddy joy the lads displayed at departure. The 49 seater sped to our destination, without causing concern to the traffic corps of course, and saw the squad arrive eager for action.
U18’s “Tour” Squad Tour coach McCorry had to quell the enthusiasm for a period as we awaited the arrival of Lutterworth RFC, the Leicestershire County League and Cup double winners from England. The Lutterworth side had suffered very few defeats in a very successful season. Their Easter tour was to say thanks for a job well done. A further delay was endured as our game was the 2nd match on the menu for this tournament. Most of the squad can be seen here assessing the opposition in the 1st game of the tournament with coach McCorry pacing in anticipation. The rest of the party had escaped to the local grocery for some food and a packet of wine gums.
The 1st match saw Lutterworth defeat a bulky Athy side in a tight affair so the lads knew they were in for a good contest. The sun ducked and dived in and out of the bubbling clouds (homage to Seamus Heaney on the occasion of his 70th birthday) as a very professional looking ref. (RMcC) whistled the game into life, Skerries playing with the wind. Initial clashes saw Lutterworth get the better of the play but Skerries defense held firm, then the class emerged in attack, 1st half ended with the sea-siders leading 3 tries to 0. Soon after the restart Skerries delighted the sizable crowd with an “eggciting” try where most of the team got hands on the ball to assist. Lutterworth pressed hard and after a series of lineouts pinned Skerries to their 5m line. Resolute defense again repelled these attacks and saw them leave scoreless when the ref. penalised a Lutterworth hand on the ball after a ruck was called. Lutterworth, having had their backline attack trusts nullified, changed tactic to attempt a series of forward drives, but Skerries had the answers to frustrate these ploys also. It was most unfortunate when, with 10 mins. to go, the ref. chose this time to fumble for his white stick, and failed to observe Dean Deavy’s deadly dive (S. Heaney inspired alliteration) across the Lutterworth try line. Skerries emerged winners 25 – 0. Of course 30 points, at least, would have been attained if myopia was an affliction of the past.
Both squads pose for end of match photo following a sporting encounter. All squad members acquitted themselves with credit and represented the Club very well, both on and off the field. Coach McCorry is commended for the positive influence and direction of his charges but is encouraged to seek the help of a reliable optician! Following a welcome feed of Chicken Curry and Rice, provided by our very good hosts Athy RFC, to whom we extended our warmest thanks, the party departed. We thank Lutterworth touring squad and mentors and wish them well on their tour. Our thanks also goes to Ray, our driver. The squad declined the offer of an end of “tour” pint of Miwadi in the Clubhouse on return … ah the joy of being in the company of strict athletes!!! Touring Party
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