Seconds Edged Out in Muddy Battle

Nov. 13th, 2009

Swords 8 Ardee 9

SWORDS second XV lost out by the narrowest of margins in what kind only be described as hurricane-like conditions on Friday night. Incessant rain, a howling wind and a swamp-like surface ensured it was never going to be a game for the purists, or the backline for that matter, though it didn't fail to entertain.

Ardee took the lead mid-way through the first half with a penalty and soon doubled it to go into the break 6-0 up, but their reliance on the boot was testament to Swords' defence. The home side were resolute in the tackle, absorbing all the Meath men could throw at them, and they ended the game with their try-line unbreached.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Swords fell further in arrears when Ardee kicked their third penalty, but the home side then upped the pressure and were rewarded when Larry Faifua crossed for a deserved try.

After recycling several phases of possession, the play switched from right to left and the big number eight held off two challenges to ground out wide.
Full back Darren Grogan was inches away from converting, but capped off an assured display with a long penalty to cut the deficit to a point with 10 minutes remaining. However, Swords just couldn't breach the Ardee defence and eventually went down 9-8, picking up a losing bonus point.

SWORDS: D. Grogan; R. Foley, K. McDonagh, N. Gamble, L. Jacob; R. Kiely, R. Brennan; H. Croezen, A. Dodsley, L. Price; G. Whelan, E. O'Rourke; R. Merrigan, J. Gaule, L. Faifua