North Dublin Derby

Swords RFC 13 Balbriggan RFC 13

This north Dublin derby produced an exciting 80 minutes of rugby that enthralled those in attendance with its fascinating climax. A dramatic draw was the result, with Swords producing a match saving try through David Cahill in the 42nd minute. The same player went on to miss the conversion with a poor kick that was well off target.

This match, played at ALSAA last Sunday, was a great advertisment for Leinster League rugby. The commitment, both from the players and the sidelines, was whole, and there was never a period when you felt that this was anything but a full blooded contest.

Early on it became obvious that Swords' out-half Richard Cowman was going to play an intergral part in proceedings as he stood out like a beacon on the field of play. His astute kicking and passing gave his side a fulcrum around which they built their gameplan.

Swords were the better side in the opening exchanges as they pinned the visitors into their own half. The concerted Swords pressure did eventually lead to the first score of the game after 22 minutes when Cowman kicked a sweet drop goal to put his side 3-0 ahead. Eoin O'Griafa in the home side's pack was particularly impressive as he worked like a demon to gain ground for his side.

A break by James Mullen did almost lead to a Balbriggan try, but he was denied at the death. A five metre lineout also produced little for the visitors and as half-time approached they were left wondering if they would score at all in the match. Eventually they did one minute into first-half stoppage time as Cathal McNulty kicked a penalty to leave the sides level at three points apiece.

Fiahcra Coll, at four for Swords, was impressive as the contest heated up. The handling of both sides began to improve markedl yat this stage. An infringement resulted in a penalty for Balbriggan which McNulty scored to put his side three up with seven minutes of the second-half gone.

The first try duly arrived in the 58th minute when a great break resulted in Colin Casey going over in the corner for Balbriggan. McNulty converted superbly from the sideline and all of a sudden Balbriggan were 10 points ahead. Swords were struggling to gain possession, having only furtive glimpses of their opponents' half.

Swords, a man in arrears, upped their game considerably. Richard Cowman, Matthew Child and Eoin O'Griafa showed great leadership as they hauled their side back into the contest. Finally Child went over to narrow the gap. Swords were now in the ascendancy, and only a last ditch tackle on David Cahill prevented another try for the home side. Play was open, with Dean Moore playing an increasingly influential role for Balbriggan.

Down to 14 men due to a yelow card, Balbriggan were manfully hanging on but conceded to Cahill in the dying seconds. McNulty had a penalty chance after that but fired wide.