Saturday was a day for the purists. By the time the referee blew the full time whistle both sets of players could no longer be distinguished by their jerseys, despite Rock changing theirs at half-time.
Despite the conditions, Blackrock produced one of their most convincing performances of the season. Taking the game to the visitors straight from the off, the forwards set the platform before nice interchange in the backs sent O'Shaugnessy through a hole and he had the pace to round the full back and open the scoring. It wasn't long after when man of the match O'Shaugnessy was stamping his footprint all over the game again. A lovely chip over the defensive line was gathered by himself before he dropped the ball to the boot again, this time winger Galvin got on the end of it to extend the score to 14-0.
As the weather worsened, Queens could not find a way through the Blackrock defence, several goal-line stands frustrated the visitors. Rock looked to put the game to bed and scored almost an identical try to their second. This time, O'Shaughnessy's half back partner Coffey put the chip through, Dwan caught before chipping again for Galvin to grab his second of the game and eight of the season. 21-0 at the half and with the weather worsening, it looked a long way back for Queens.
The second half turned into a battle in the middle of the park. The pitch not allowing for much running or free flowing rugby. The aim for Blackrock was to wrap up the try bonus. Queens managed to breech the Rock defence to close the gap to 14 but soon after, Rock got the elusive bonus. A sniping break by scrum half Coffey got him outside the Queens defence and he had the speed and strength to hold off the Queens full back to dot down the fourth try. 28-7 and the dash for the warmth for the changing rooms ensued. Results in the league mean Rock go into third in the league.
Massive thank you to all supporters who braved the weather on Saturday, to the ball boys and kit-men who had the unenviable task of trying to keep things dry and clean.
Next up, back on the road to Cork on the 1st March versus Highfield RFC.
FT: Blackrock College RFC 28 - 7 Queens University
Thanks as always goes to John Crothers of JC Sports Photography, for the brilliant, muddy match day photos!
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