Fourteen-man Swords Dig Deep For First Win

Jenkinson Cup: Athboy  10 Swords  21

A spirited second half fightback saw 14-man Swords claim their first win over the season at Athboy last Friday night. Tries from Fiachra Coll, Fran McKevitt and Dave Gallagher and the boot of Conor Greenan ensured the Greens left Meath with a deserved victory.

On ragged pitch, with a whistle-happy referee and floodlights more akin to moodlighting, this was never going to be the most enjoyable spectacle to watch. The game came to life 10 minutes into the opening half however, when the visitors were left a man down, following a harsh sending off.

Centre Namu Patata was given his marching orders for retaliating to an off the ball incident, while his offending opponent received only a yellow. Rattled but unbowed, Swords dug in deploying lively flanker Mick Finglas in the backline in defence, though they leaked the opening try shortly after and went 10 behind with a penalty.

Arguably the best move of the game brought the Greens right back into contention. Swift hands put winger Danny John in space and his clever flick found Finglas on the loop, who was held up just short. Swords rucked quickly and Coll eventually grounded from five metres. Scrumhalf Greenan struck a fine conversion to bring his side back into contention.

The halfback was one of three youngsters in the side, including John and fellow wing Ray Boland, and the trio impressed throughout. Another new addition, number 8 Larry Faifua, also caught the eye, his surging runs working up vital yards. Swords upped the ante in the second period and set up camp in the opposition's 22, squandering a number of chances before sealing the win.

Again, great hands out wide put John into the corner and his magnificent offload found Aidan Ryan, but the centre fumbled with the tryline at his mercy.
From the resulting play however, Swords took the lead for the first time. A break from captain Mal Bradley set up a good platform and hooker Fran McKevitt crashed over for the try, ably converted by Greenan.

And the victory was completed 10 minutes from time. Good work up from gave Swords possession 10 metres out. Coll stepped in as scrumhalf and fed substitute Robin Kiely out wide, whose pass found Gallagher and the fullback finished superbly in the corner. Greenan's excellent conversion capped a hard fought, but deserved win, for Matt Corbett's men. Next up is Balbriggan.

Swords RFC: D. Gallagher; R. Boland, N. Patata, A. Ryan, D. John; A. Forkan, C. Greenan; J. Condron, F. McKevitt, M. Bradley (c); F. Coll, A. McLoughlin; A. Dodsley, M. Finglas, L. Faifua. Subs used: A. Zvidris, R. Kiely.