Power performance by J1’s delivers in must win game.

This team bounced back from the low of their defeat to Barnhall two weeks ago in comprehensive fashion against UCD in the second last league game of the season. It was a performance of great power in the first half, where they blitzed the opposition from the off and ended the game as a contest.

The conditions were muddy with a heavy pitch and the power of the Lansdowne forwards showed from the start in a dominant scrum and a very well run and marshalled line out. All these factors allowed them the freedom to punch holes in the opposition and to execute a compelling display in which they played in a clinical ruthless fashion.

It was UCD who opened the scoring in this game after seven minutes with a penalty goal from their out half which was cancelled out after fourteen minutes by a Lansdowne penalty from fullback Jack Connolly.

From there the power gauge was turned up especially by the Lansdowne pack who were going forward allowing the backline to express themselves. It was from one of these possessions just outside college’s ’22, a sublime back movement from Lansdowne put the ball in the hands of Cathal Eddy who made a half break and offloaded the ball to the reliable Connolly who cut through the home defence to score under the posts and converted the kick himself 10-3.

It did not take long for them to add to this scoreline. Following a huge scrum on college’s ball, No. 8 Clive Ross broke off the scrum and threw a lovely pass to Centre Dylan O'Keeffe. He broke through the would-be tacklers and outpaced all comers to score under the posts and with the Connolly conversion 17-3. There would be no let-up and a couple of minutes later they were to score again. This time after a lovely break from the other Centre Harry O'Riordan who got his hands free out of the tackle and threw a lovely pass to scrum half Oisin Devitt in support. He did the rest to score under the posts with the conversion added 24-3.

This onslaught continued with the bonus point try. This was scored by winger Cathal Eddy after superb work Ross from the base of the scrum 31-3. The intensity of the performance of this team was exemplary and they were squeezing the life out of the opposition with incessant attacks from all over the field as they expressed their dominance in a fine first half performance.

This message was delivered at halftime in what had been a hugely impressive display by them showing precision in the execution of the match plan from before the game. They were to continue the forward momentum as that part of the season has been reached where almost every game played is a knockout game.

The second half began with the J1s again going on the front foot. It took them only three minutes to increase their lead following an inside pass from replacement flanker Aidan Long to Dylan O'Keeffe to allow O'Keeffe to score his second try of the day and make the scoreline 36-3. This game was due to be played in Claremont Rd as a home game for Lansdowne but had been switched to UCD due to an unplayable pitch and is the second time this season that the team has conceded home advantage, which made their performance even more impressive.

The home side were shell shocked by the display of the J1’s but to their credit it was they who were to score next. After the blitzkrieg of the first half and the inevitable changes from the bench altering the balance of the teams UCD started to have more possession and greater balance at scrum time. This allowed their backline who had been starved of the ball to try movements of their own. This would yield better field position and opportunities for them.
However, it was not until the midway point of the second half that they were to be rewarded with their first try of the day which was expertly converted from the touchline making the score 36-10.

The exchanges between the teams continued to be competitive and following a high tackle by sub prop Oscar Egan he was yellow carded reducing the J1’s number to 14. This soon became 13 men when Lock Ronan Shaw also received a yellow card. UCD attacked during this period and there was some extremely good defensive play which is important for the matches to come. The reduction in players seemed to make the J1’s more determined and they attacked from far out. Entering the final quarter, it was left to that man O’Keeffe cement his man of the match nomination by scoring his third try of the day following a lovely pass from replacement James Power. The conversion was missed but the J1’s had now taken back control and were back up to 14 men. The penultimate try of the game would follow shortly after a rolling maul towards the college line which was deliberately collapsed. The referee had no doubt in awarding a penalty try 48-10.

The match was now in its dying moments and to the credit of the home side, who had been much more competitive in the second half, scored a consolation try. This was courtesy of their right winger and with the conversion missed left the final score line at 48-15.

This was a good display. The win puts this team back to the top of this division with one game to play three points clear of their nearest pursuers St. Mary's and Terenure who are level on points. For UCD they are in a relegation dogfight also involving three teams and we wish them well in the pursuit of their objective of staying up.

This week the entire team performed well, with contributions from all concerned. However, Dylan O'Keeffe for his hat trick of tries has to be hugely commended. He has been consistent over the last number of matches, and he is rightly awarded the player of the match for this game. However, he is followed closely by several others, and the captain of the day Clive Ross is definitely one of them. He truly is a quality player, and a huge help experience wise for this team in delivering a high standard of play. There were also good showings by Ronan Shaw, Rick Van Dijk and Robbie Kidney.

Also, from the bench there were contributions by all concerned and with proper preparation put into this game this match really shows the strength in depth of the Lansdowne squad. When they get their best team onto the field there are match for any one and the league for this season remains firmly in their sights.

The final fixture of the campaign will be in two weeks’ time against Dublin University at headquarters. With a win in this game the J1’s will be confirmed as season winners of the league, and their reward shall be a home league final against either St. Mary's or Terenure. From what had been a low point two weeks ago, this performance was very much a high point and the important momentum it carries forward cannot be underestimated.

Match Report - John Kilroy