Crunch time in Division 1B!
The Six nations finished on a somber note for Ireland but attention swiftly turned back to Stradbrook for a local derby against newly crowned Division 1B champions Old Belvedere. With the race for the playoffs hotly contested, Rock knew that they would need some big performances in their last 3 fixtures to secure a spot, beginning on Saturday.
The game could not have started any worse for Rock, a dropped ball in the middle of the pitch gave Belvo the chance to get their offloading game going and they were 5-0 up before the 250 odd supporters had even settled into the game post lunch. This didn't rattle the hosts, who settled into the game and began to gain ascendency with their set-piece. It was off the back of one of these lineouts that out-half O'Shaugnessy managed to arc around the Belvo defence and find winger Galvin for his 10th try of the season. 7-5.
Rock then came back again and after a few bites at the cherry, their 12 man rolling maul eventually proved too powerful for the visitors. 12-5.
Rock failed to deal with the kick-off and again Belvo capitalised on the loose ball to run it in from 40 metres, showing what a threat they are with open field ball. 12-12 and a well earned half-time break.
If the first half couldn't have started any worse, then the second was the complete opposite. Belvo came swarming on the attack but the Rock rush defence forced a questionable pass which fell into the waiting arms of winger Chris Rolland. With 60 metres of open field there was no catching the winger. 19-12. The game ebbed and flowed in a tightly fought contest until O'Shaugnessy stamped his class on it. A blindside break, followed by a grubber kick along the touchline, regathered by himself, side-step of the full back ensured Rock took a 14 point lead and secured the 4 try bonus point.26-20. There was enough time for Belvo to mount a late surge, a quick try and penalty reduced the deficit to 6 points and like in Ollie Campbell Park earlier in the year, Belvo would have the ball and one last chance to run the field to break Rock hearts. Thankfully, like in Anglesea Road, the Rock defence came up trumps. Winger Rolland claimed the man of the match award by intercepting a 4 on 1 and hoofed the ball into touch to the delight of the home crowd. A huge win for Rock and in doing so retained the Brendan Murray Trophy. Rock stay in third, 7 points behind this weekend's opponents Nenagh Ormond and 5 ahead of the final day opponents Old Wesley. A lot done but a lot more to do!
See you Saturday in the Premier County.
Blackrock College RFC 26 - 20 Old Belvedere RFC
All photographs provided by John Crothers/ JC Sports Photography, in aid of Barretstown.
AIL Div 1B League Table as of 23/3/25:
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