Old Christians RFC

Old Christians 13 vs Highfield 3

Highfield, 14:30PM

Highfield 3 Old Christians 13

Christians through to last 16

For the most part, this was a tough hard Cup game, with hard hits and full commitment from both sides.
We faced the wind and the hill in the first half of this match and fielding a below strength team, we needed a good start. And we got it, taking the game to the home side,we were on top in the opening exchanges. We got to the line on a couple of occasions, but stout defence kept us at bay. Brendan Culloty was outstanding at this stage but then we lost Doc to injury. No problem however, as Alan O'Dea came on to have a "stormer".
On twenty five mins, the home team opened the scoring with a penalty and on the half hour, the almost got over in the corner, but for a fine covering tackle forcing the knock on.
With the hill and the wind in the second half, we opened brightly. A fine chase by Aidan Ware and Gavin Murphy forced a penalty which Aidan Tobin duly converted. Six mins later, we again attacked the home line and although he had numbers outside him, Tobin correctly opted for the drop goal to take us into the lead for the first time.
Highfield now had to force the game and indeed had their best spell of the game. They had a couple of long range penalty attempts, but against the strong wind, they failed to convert them.
At this stage Stephan O'Brien began to dominate the game. A couple of raking kicks kept Highfield penned back. Our lineout had been superb all day, taking a number of the home side's throws. Another O'Brien kick took us to ten metres fron the home line. We disrupted their throw and Alan O'Dea grabbed the loose ball and barged his way over, Aidan Tobin converted and the game was over.
Our pack was outstanding, with the back row of Muka, Dave Heaphy and Paddy Walsh outstanding. Aidan Ware threatened throughout and Sob had a great last 25 mins.

Next week we turn our thoughts back to the Munster Junior League as it now seems we will be playing ENNIS next Sunday, while we travel to Crosshaven for our next Cup game. The winners of Christians/Crosshaven will travel to Cashel in the quarter final.

Man of the match Brendan Culloty.


Brendan leads the charge.
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Paul Mc Grath in charge.
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Lineout Power.
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Ball away by Stuart.
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Aidan Tobin opens our account.
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Aidan Tobin feeds Mosst Murnane.
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Lán Chúl