Blackrock got their first Win of the campaign in an enthralling fixture versus Dublin rivals Old Belvedere at the weekend.
Rock playing with a gusty wind were slow to start and found themselves 3 behind thanks to an early penalty. Rock soon wrestled back the ascendency with two moments of magic from young centre Ciaran Mangan. The first an outside break to round the Belvo defender and score to the right of the uprights. The second a sniping break which saw him brought down just short of the line. Quick ball out to full back Chris Rolland and two side steps later, Rock were 14-3 up. Belvo got the last say in the first half when a rolling maul was brought down just short of the line and the referee was left with no option but to award a penalty try. 14-10 lead at the break and well in the game.
Similar to the first half, Belvo drew first blood, opting to take three and narrow the deficit to just one point early into the second half. Again, Rock hit back. A scrum penalty near halfway was dispatched into the corner and the pack did the rest. Liam McMahon taking the honours. Conor O'Shaugnessy converted from the touchline into the wind in what would be his first of three superb mirror conversions. Both teams traded tries soon after, Belvo again going to their maul before a wonderful interchange among McCarthy and O'Shaugnessy in the backs put Matthew Dwan into the corner. 28-20.
Belvo then began to throw everything at Rock and in their desperation saw a pass picked off by Man of the Match Ciaran Mangan and there was no catching him from 70 metres. 35-20 and surely a first win of the season confirmed!! No! 10 minutes on the clock was just enough time to ensure Rock gave their travelling support their weekly dose of drama. Two quick maul tries from Belvo left it a one point game with one last play. Thankfully the Rock defence came up strong and they ran out 35-34 winners, the kicks from the sideline proving to be the decisive factor. 5 points on the road and a well earned week off before we welcome Highfield to Stradbrook.
Final Score
Old Belvedere 34-35 Blackrock College RFC
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