Men's 1st v Old Wesley- Match Report & Photo Gallery

Make or Break time! After a season which produced many thrills Rock knew that it ultimately came down to one game versus South Dublin and promotion chasing rivals Old Wesley on Saturday. Results in UCC would be irrelevant if Rock could secure the elusive win. The sun made for a cracker of a day and despite events at GAA HQ the Rock supporters decided endeavours in Stradbrook would be more important than Leinster versus Harlequins. 

The visitors came out of the blocks flying and a period of sustained pressure on the Rock line was rewarded when their scrum half sniped to score the opener.

Rock responded almost immediately, a superb turnover by Fortune in the middle of the park and some quick hands in the backs sent Galvin hurtling down the wing. The cover defender dragged him into touch but did so illegally and that was enough for the referee to award a penalty try and yellow card. 7 -7. Rock came back again and took the lead through their ever reliable rolling maul. Fortune the beneficiary this time. 14 - 7.

On 20 minutes a nasty collision meant Rock lost their influential scrum half Coffey to a head knock. All at Blackrock wish Oliver a speedy recovery, and we look forward to again  seeing him in the Blue and White of Rock and Blue of Leinster soon.

Replacement Jack Ringrose was straight into the action and a lovely first phase move saw Dwan split the Wesley defence. He found Rolland, who tipped to Quirke and then to Galvin and this time the winger could not be stopped. 19-7. On the stroke of half-time, Wesley were looking to salvage something from the half. The ball went to ground however, and after a kick through by prop Byrne, Ringrose won the footrace and dotted down under the posts to give Rock what looked like a comfortable lead. 26-7.

With their season on the line, Rock knew Wesley would come out firing. Winning the next 20 minutes was going to be crucial. Unfortunately, they did not do this and within 15 minutes of the restart Wesley had taken the lead. 3 quick tries including an intercept of their own left them with a two point buffer and Rock were staring down the barrel. 

From the restart Odhran Ring managed to get his hands to the Wesley clearance and this seemed to stem the tide and give Rock a reprieve. 10 minutes of pressure although, coming to no scores, offered hope that the hosts were not dead and buried yet. Then came the magic, Rock attacked on the dugout touchline. The ball reaching winger Mangan, one on one with his opposite number and with 2 cover defenders coming across. That didn't matter to the Under 20 international. One step off the right, fooled the whole of Old Wesley and he dotted down to make it 33-28. Moments later and a try that the Leinster faithful who paid into Croke Park would have been delighted to see. Starting with a break from hooker Judge, a spin and an offload freed up the ball to the backs. Quirke, Rolland, Moloney and Mangan all getting their hands on the ball before Quirke got the last touch. 40-28 and that was the ball game. There was still time for one last break from Wesley which would have provided a nervy last kick off but excellent scramble defence by Galvin meant the ball was knocked on and ensured Rock would have a return trip to Nenagh on Easter Saturday.

An epic day in Stradbrook and heroic effort by all involved. 160 minutes from the Holy Grail. First stop Nenagh!

FT: Blackrock College RFC  40 - 28 Old Wesley

All match day photographs provided by John Crothers/ JC Sports Photography