Old Christians RFC

Founded 1955

Co. Cork

1st XV start 2025 with Bonus point win

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First game back after Xmas and the game had all the signs of it. Plenty of errors from both sides throughout the game which made it a tough watch for the neutrals.  

Sean Kelly was leading the way early on with some strong carries and offloading but unfortunately OC were unable to hold onto the ball in contact. 

This was a recurring theme throughout the day, as another chance was missed when the ball was knocked on near the line.

After 10 minutes, Mark Gleeson's strong run brought OC into Fethard's territory. Following some slick handling by the backs, play reached the opposition's 22. Some intricate play from 9 & 10 created space for Laz to score, giving OC a 5-0 lead.

Soon after the restart, Fethard was pushed back into their own 22. Sean Kelly made a strong charge down, followed by Dan Kelleher's excellent finish in the corner, doubling OC's lead.
10 – 0 after 15 mins

The subsequent 15 minutes were marked by errors from both teams, with most of the play occurring between the 10-metre lines. After 30 minutes, OC managed to cross the try line for the third time. The ball was bouncing around between players until Mike O'Sullivan identified a gap in the defense and delivered a well-timed pass to Kelly. Although Kelly came up just short, the ball was quickly recycled, allowing Jack Lonergan, with the agility of a winger, to force his large frame over the try line in the corner. Unfortunately, Laz missed another challenging conversion. Sean sustained an injury during a carry and was subsequently replaced by Conor Dolan at inside center.

Fethard opted for a short drop off, but it was claimed fantastically by Cian Smith who offloaded to the other Smiddy who rumbled forward for some good metres after contact. Moving the ball to space really well OC pinned Fethard back on their own 5-yard line. 

Moments later a loose ball was pounced on by skipper Laz who powered over from 2 yards. The Fethard winger reluctantly making an attempt to try and stop him unsuccessfully. 
Missed conversion left it at 20 – 0 at the break. 

Fethard managed to get on the scoresheet shortly after the half restarted. Some sloppy handling turned over the ball and Fethard made the most of the opportunity going over close to the posts with a further 2 added from the tee 20 - 7

Few mins later OC edged further ahead when a lovely set piece strike move set Dan Kelleher away on the right wing before just being stopped short. Dan who had a very strong game and was prominent from the start. The ball was recycled before the pack powered over from a couple of yards. Mark Gleeson the try scorer on this occasion adding his 5th try of season. 25 – 0. 

Fethard put the OC under pressure, but stout defence forced a turnover. As the ball bobbled around it was shipped out to Conor Dolan who showed some assured handling linking up with his centre partner Dave Aherne. He in turn set Mike O Sullivan free who showed excellent footwork taking him past some would be carriers before linking up with Dave who raced past the defence to finish wearily in the corner. Try number 6 for Dave in 8 league games thus far. 30 – 7

Fethard enjoyed a purple patch in the 3rd quarter of the game but OC defence stood firm with some massive hits coming in from Cian Smith and Cian Walsh ensuring Fethard found it hard to get over the whitewash. 

With 10 min to go the final score of the game went the way of OC. A loose ball was pounced on by Kelleher who fed MOTM Dave O Connell. He set up a quick ruck before Oscar was released on the left wing making huge ground, fighting to stay in play he offloaded to the supporting Laz who in turn offloaded to Ivan for his 5th try of the campaign and 7th try of the game. Extras added and final score stood at 37 – 7 to the home side. 

Rusty after the break but some moments of magic lit up the day for the home side

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