Swords stallions see off Italians

There was a distinct continental flavour around ALSAA last weekend as Swords RFC hosted Vintage Rugby, a team of Italian ‘Golden Oldies' in a floodlit international clash. If the rugby on show wasn't vintage, then the camaraderie and enjoyment certainly was, as the two sides packed down for a mini version - or should that be classic? - of the Ireland-Italy clash which followed the next day.

As it eventually transpired at Croke Park, the boys in Green came out on top, though by a considerably larger margin than Eddie O'Sullivan's men could muster in the ‘real' game. The old Aer Lingus front row of Ken Nuzum, Eugene Maguire and Shay Collins were reunited once more, while in the back line, John Prendergast, Peter Keating an recent old boy inductee Mike Finnegan rolled back the years.

Well on top in the second half, Swords soon had to face not only a team of 17 men, but the indignity of traitors in the ranks and Keating and first team stalwart Dave Cahill decided to line out for the Bari-based visitors. However, the foreign additions made little or no impact to the brave Italian visitors, who were no match for the superior Swords side.

Both sides trooped off to tumultuous applause and in true rugby spirit exchanged pleasantries, memorabilia and a beverage or two in the ALSAA clubhouse afterwards. Swords RFC would like to thank all of those from Vintage Rugby who made the journey over to Fingal and look forward to renewing acquaintances next year.

Swords RFC Over-35s panel (plus guests): Leo Price, Joe Reid, Rob Merrigan, Geoff Whelan, Shay Collins, John Prendergast, Eugene Maguire, Niall Kennedy, Alan Dodsley, Mike Finnegan, Dave Cahill, Peter Keating, Aivars Zvidris and Sir Kenneth Nuzum.