Match Report: Co. Carlow v Connemara 22-03-08
Connemara 12 County Carlow 10
On paper this match did not have a lot going for it; both teams clear of the drop zone and out of the running for the playoffs. But these are two teams with pride in their clubs and this match was about pride.
County Carlow, a club founded in 1873 is a club with a proud tradition having been to first Division and having many famous names at the club over the years. Connemara founded in 1973 and in that short time made its way to senior rugby to get the opportunity to play clubs with a tradition like County Carlow.
The game started in a very lively fashion with play going from end to end but Connemara soon took control of the game and had 70% of the possession in the first half but this was not being converted into scores.
In the league to date Carlow had only conceded 161 points in 13 games. Table toppers Bruff and fourth place Banbridge have conceded less so it was never going to be easy for the visitors to put scores on the board.
Connemara were unlucky not to have scored a few times in the first half and especially when young Peter O’Toole looked to be in at the right hand flag but was not given as it was not seen by the Referee Dave O Flynn.
Carlow were first to score against the run of play with an 11th minute penalty by Greg Jacob. Connemara made it 3-3 with a Troy Nathan kick in the 17th minute.
Connemara went ahead in the 34th minute again from the boot of Troy Nathan, 6-3 Connemara.
Then at the worst possible time in a game and against the run of play Carlow took advantage of an injured Connemara man to go in for a try in the 41st minute of the game, 10-6 Carlow as the referee called half time.
In the 46th minute Connemara were back in to within a point with another kick from Troy Nathan, 10-9. Connemara were playing well but not having any luck. Good moves were breaking down and Carlow were preventing open play as they have done well all season.
This match was going to go down to the wire but as tight as it was you always felt Connemara were the better team on the day and would come out on top, but points win matches and they were hard to come by.
In the 64th minute Connemara were awarded a penalty it was 30 yds plus out and with a nasty bitterly cold wind blowing across the pitch the pressure was on. Troy Nathan had been kicking all day with about 50% success. Some of the kicks he had kicked were well into the Connemara half of the pitch. However, Paddy O’Toole stepped up and slotted home this vital kick 12 -10 to Connemara.
This was how it finished and the smaller than usual Connemara band of loyal supporters had got their reward for their long journey to Oak Park on this bitterly cold day. The journey home was made much easier with the four points in the bag and now in 9th place with a match in hand. Connemara could still end the league just outside the top four all going well . However 2nd place Instonians will be a big test next week when Connemara makes the long journey North.
(Pat Walshe)
