Midleton (H) vs Monkstown (A)

Final score: Midleton RFC 34 – 28 Monkstown FC

Midleton scorers: Try – JB Du Toit, Richie Daly, Gary Downey, Penalty Try.  Conversions – Jack Colbert (3). Penalties – Jack Colbert (2)

Man of the match (sponsored by Cornerstone Pizza): Jack Colbert who had 100% from the tee successfully kicking all 5 shots at goal.

Ball sponsor: Enquire with Carol for opportunities (0876721492)

Pre-match lunch sponsor: Enquire with Carol for opportunities (0876721492)

The first game of the 24/25 AIL season took place in Towns Park on Saturday, 21ST September, with a great last-minute win for the home side.  The weather was excellent for a game of rugby with no rain and a light breeze, and the pitch was in immaculate condition, kudos to Grahem Eady and the grounds team.

The match was a fantastic spectacle with the right combination of open flowing rugby and hard yards with an excellent set piece from both sides. Monkstown impressed with a solid scrum that won the penalty battle on the day and a lineout that they have a lot of well-founded faith in. Despite a lot of new combinations for Midleton there was a high level of understanding between players as they executed the game plan. The win came in the last play of the game for Midleton, but Monkstown would also have been deserving winners in a match that stands as testament to the high standards of rugby on show at grass roots level across Ireland.  Midleton’s tenacity to stay in the fight and emerge with a victory despite being eight points down with less than 10 minutes to go demonstrates the hard work done by all involved to prepare the team for the season. 

It was great to have a strong crowd out in support of both sides, many of whom enjoyed an excellent pre match lunch (book via Carol on 0876721492), with a good travelling contingent down from the capital and we look forward to the return fixture at the end of the season.

Story of the match:
07 minutes: Try for Monkstown in the corner for their winger, conversion made. Midleton 0 – 7 Monkstown.

09 minutes: Substitution for Midelton, Denis Broderick on for Andrew Beyrooti blood sub.

16 mins: Substitution blood sub reversal, Beyrooti back on.

17 mins: Try for Midleton as Richie Daly crashes over between the posts after some excellent work from the pack.  Conversion added by Jack Colbert, Midleton 7 – 7 Monkstown. 

21 mins: Penalty goal for Midleton after more sustained pressure from the pack, Jack Colbert gets the three points, Midleton 10 – 7 Monkstown.

24 mins: Penalty goal for Monkstown after some challenging breakdown work, Midleton 10 – 10 Monkstown.

34 mins: Try for Monkstown following good forward play and excellent set piece, conversion missed, Midleton 10 – 15 Monkstown.

3 mins: Try from a good lineout maul for JB Du Toit (video available on Instagram), good start to the half. Extras added by Jack Colbert, Midleton 17 – 15 Monkstown.

05 mins: Penalty goal for Monkstown to go ahead again, Midleton 17 – 18 Monkstown.

14 mins: Penalty goal kicked by Jack Colbert, who had 100% from the tee, putting Midleton back in front, Midleton 20 – 18 Monkstown.

18 mins: Substitution for Midleton as captain Idris Rqibi goes off injured, Harry Jephson on for his AIL debut with Midleton, JB Du Toit moves to No.8

21 mins: Try Monkstown pack showing their strength and organisation for another maul try, conversion successful, Midleton 20 – 25 Monkstown.

22 mins: Substitution for Midleton, Dennis Broderick replaces Rob Hickey. Evan Donovan replaces Stephen Monoghan. Rian Hogan replaces Aaron James and goes to the wing while Gary Downey moves to full back.

26 mins: Penalty goal added by Monkstown to go further ahead and put Midelton out of bonus point territory, Midleton 20 – 28 Monkstown.

28 mins: Yellow card for Flor McCarthy who also got injured while contesting a high ball.

33 min: Substitution Callum Jeffery on for Kyle Read.

41 mins: Penalty try for the home side following some excellent forward play and a strong driving maul, Midleton 27 – 28 Monkstown.

42 mins: Yellow card for Monkstown back rower resulting from the penalty try.

42 mins: Substitution Flor McCarthy sin bin is now over but he is replaced by Rob Hickey.

46 mins: Try for the good guys, last play of the game Garry Downey scythes up the middle of the pitch evading all tacklers to go over under the posts. Jack Colbert adds to his tally and gets 5/5 from the tee, Midleton 34 – 28 Monkstown.

Full time! 

 

Midleton squad: 15 Aaron James, 14 Younes Marboh, 13 Sam Tarleton, 12 Richie Daly, 11 Gary Downey, 10 Jack Colbert, 9 Kyle Read, 8 Idris Rqibi (c), 7 Conor McCarthy, 6 Flor McCarthy, 5 Rob Hickey, 4 Andrew Beyrooti, 3 Stephen Monoghan, 2 JB Du Toit, 1 Mark Corby. 

16 Harry Jephson, 17 Evan Donovan, 18 Denis Broderick, 19 Rian Hogan, 20 Callum Jeffrey.