In what was less that ideal conditions a big crowd gathered in Rathcooney to watch a tough Fermoy team take on Old Christians.
The scene was set before kick-off with the flagpoles unable to withstand the strong wind. Fermoy one the toss and opted to play with the hurricane wind in the first half.
Some early pressure from Old Christians was eventually turned over until a Fermoy players over eagerness verbally spilled over and decision overturned. Old Christians went through the phases from the tap penalty until Ryan Butt buried over for his first try since under 8’s. Harry Martin added the extras into a touch wind. 10 mins in Fermoy had a penalty of their own after some poor discipline at the breakdown and they added 3.
Old Christians had to play from everywhere into the wind and this suited their game plan where they kept the tempo high. Another visit to the opposition 22 yielded further points with Mark Deane adding to his personal tally of tries this year. Harry again accurate with the extras into a tough wind.
After an OC error from the resulting kick off Fermoy got good field position and made it pay. Tackling was optional at this juncture and Fermoy got over for a soft 5 pointer. 1st try of the season conceded and that would be the last conceded for this game.
A quick repost from the Rathcooney men led to Laz dotting down, the wind playing havoc with the ball and the Out Half reacting the quickest to score under the sticks. This was following yellow card to Fermoy for repeat offences. An easy 2 added meant the score stood at 21 – 8 after 23 mins. Against 14 men Old Christians pushed on and Jack McGrath who had a superb game kept the tempo high at 9. Jack Lonergan and Jamie Hayes to the fore with some strong carries brought the team just short of the try line where we forced our way over with some intricate interplay from the 9 & 10 combo.
HT 28 – 8. Impressive playing into such a stiff breeze and credit to the team for the skillset on show willingly moving the ball with intent and speed.
We started the second half started strongly with MOTM Jamie Hayes effective on both sides of the ball putting in big shots and carrying superbly.
After 44 mins we added our 5th with Ivan Tripp who had a fine game on the right-wing working infield and finishing under the sticks. 35 – 8 after 45.
There were changes afoot at this stage and Laz took a well-deserved break meaning a rejig in the backline with Harry going to 10 and Mike O Sullivan entering the fray. Fermoy were finding it hard to get up field into the strong wind and despite their best efforts coughed up possession to Old Christians. A strong scrum set the platform for the next score and credit to the Front Row union who had Fermoy set piece in trouble all day, ably led by Conor Smiddy and Ryan Butt dominating at scrum time. The evergreen Cian Smith belying his age to storm over for his own try. His reward, a welcome& deserved rest for the wily veteran. Nibbler made his way onto a game which he was eager to get stuck into.
Fermoy had little respite as OC continued to make changes. Conor Kilbride came on for Oscar, prompting another reshuffle in the backline and marking Kilbride's second appearance in as many weeks, once again showing his solid defensive skills. Paul Morey and Duckser were introduced to add more power to the pack, while Smiddy and Butt left the field to rapturous applause, acknowledging the tremendous effort they had put in throughout the game.
The game became increasingly scrappy, which was expected given the numerous changes on both sides. The challenging conditions only added to the disorganization. But just as the game threatened to fizzle out Dave Aherne popped up with a moment of individual magic, he must have thought he was back on the tag pitch as he sauntered through the defence without as much as a touch from a Fermoy player.
Mark Deane reached a personal milestone of 60 mins on the pitch as he continues his return to fitness having put in a massive performance only surpassed by Jamie Hayes. Rumours were rife in the dressing room that Deano really was gunning for the Domino’s pizza voucher this week.
Dave O'Connell, who replaced Mark Deane after recently rejoining the squad, scored the 8th try in the 64th minute, which Harry converted brilliantly. This followed a series of powerful runs by Nibbler, who had been a force since coming on, proving nearly impossible to bring down. His strong carry and well-timed offload set up Dave to charge over the line, dragging three Fermoy players with him.
Unfortunately, not long after this, a Fermoy player sustained a serious injury, leading to the game being called off early as an ambulance was summoned. The good news is that the player is now recovering well in the hospital, and everyone at Old Christians wishes him a swift recovery.
Rest bite for Fermoy and a 52 – 8 victory sees them end the first block with 103 points scored and 11 conceded.
All eyes turn to Cobh for another derby in 2 weeks.
