Weafer Signs Off in Style

Swords 22 Monkstown 7

While other rested, Swords worked overtime and racked up their third win of the season at ALSAA on Thursday. The Bank Holiday weekend meant there were no Leinster League games scheduled, but the Greens met Monkstown in a floodlit friendly, in an effort to keep their momentum going. There were comings and goings in the home backline. Swords welcomed back outhalf Richie Cowman from injury, while centre Darren Weafer pulled on the green shirt for the last time.

Canadian Weafer has been a popular member of the club for the last few seasons and is set to continue his travels in the coming weeks.
He marked his final appearance in style midway through the half, cutting through the visitor's defence and running in a fine try from 40 metres, with Cowman converting. Earlier, scrumhalf Juris Beikamanis had opened the scoring with a clever blindside snipe inside the Monkstown 22. Cowman couldn't convert, but slotted over a smart drop goal minutes later to put Swords 8-0.

Monkstown had a penalty chance to close the soon after, but were off target and then lack defending allowed the southsiders back in for a try near the posts, which was converted. Weafer's converted try stretched Swords' lead to 15-7 at the interval. Swords had most of the possession in the second half and could have easily added to their final tally. Twice they were held up over the Monkstown goaline and should have crossed again, though ‘white line fever' took hold of a couple of individuals as the try beckoned.

Having been encamped in the opposing ‘22' for what seemed an eternity, skipper Shane Mulligan crashed over from close range, following a break by Cowman. The outhalf tagged on the extras. A useful workout then for Tony Lawless' side, who next face Birr at home on Sunday, November 4. The club would like to wish departing centre Darren Weafer all the best.

Swords RFC: W. Hill; R. Kiely, D. Weafer, J. Gormly, D. Gallagher; R. Cowman, J. Beikmanis; E. O'Donnell, K. Corcoran, E. O'Griofa; M. Corbett, M. McDonnell; F. Coll, J. Condron, S. Mulligan. Subs used: R. Merrigan, L. Price, H. Croezen, P. Jones.