The one that got Away!!

SWORDS 10 RATHDRUM 23

A LATE rally from Rathdrum saw Swords condemned to their third defeat of the season at ALSAA on Sunday in a game they came so close to winning. Leading 10-8 coming into the closing minutes, the Greens couldn't close out the game and leaked three soft tries to leave them winless four games into the league season.

A bright start, aided by a strong wind, saw Swords edge ahead when Dave Cahill showed Ronan O'Gara how it's done, landing a monster penalty from near halfway. Swords took a deserved lead when James Kubran and Matt Child charged down a clearing kick on the Rathdrum in-goal area and Dave Flynn grounded near the posts. Cahill tagged on the two points and gave the hosts a strong platform to build on. Indeed they had Rathdrum on the ropes for large periods of the first half and were unlucky not to add to their tally.

The second half was very much backs to the wall stuff as Rathdrum made the most of their weather-related advantage. Swords defence stood stern with Mick Finglas outstanding in every facet of play and he deservedly took the man of the match honours. However, any post match celebrations planned were nullified in the final ten minutes as the visitors finally broke through the Swords resistance for three late tries.

Although understandably disappointed by the result, Swords can take heart from a much improved performance, which can only help galvanise a young, developing team. Swords president, Richard Cowman, pointed to the influx of new players this season, adding that it was a season for restructuring. “I have to give praise to all the new lads who have stepped up to the plate, especially in the front row where Edward Flannery and Eoin O'Griofa have stood out. Mick Finglas and outhalf Dave Flynn have also started to make valuable contributions.” Swords next face Dundalk this Saturday in the North-East Cup.

SWORDS RFC: M. Finnegan; D. Cahill, M. Child, R. Cowman, K. McDonagh; D.Flynn, J. Kubran; E. Flannery, F. McKevitt, E. O'Griofa; M. Corbett, S.Mulligan; M. Bradley, J. Julian, M. Finglas.