Storm David was forecast to bring strong winds and rain to Temple Hill on Saturday, but it was Storm Con that caught our lads unaware as we conceded 26 points in as many minutes, the home side clearly far more up for the fight than us.

The game was less than three minutes old when the Con hooker, Danny Sheahan, scored the first of his hatrick of tries and their equally prolific outhalf Aiden Moynahan converted it. (Note to young players: if you want to score loads of tries, stick a number 2 on your back and change your name to Sheehan). 7 - 0

Our only purple patch of the first half followed when we defended with our now normal vigour and accuracy, flanker Ross O’Neil putting in some telling shots and winger Cathal Eddy, defying the elements with a beautiful kick and chase to score in their corner. 7 – 5

In spite of a few noble incursions into their half, the energy and elements seemed to be with the home side and before long we were back on our five meter line defending their lineout. Unsuccessfully as it turned out as the Sheahan, Moynahan combo struck again 14 – 5.

Con now with their tails up, our attempts at attack were quickly snuffed out and we were back on our heels scrambling to hold back the storm. The next wave was finished by their winger Coomber and Moynahan turned the screw with an excellent conversion from the corner. 21 – 5 Losing a player to a yellow didn’t help our cause and before long our troubles were compounded with another try in the corner, in spite of excellent defence. They were just rampant. 26 – 5.

Another sign of life glimmered briefly as we approached the break and worked our way into their half.  Full back James Tarrant (who had an excellent day in nightmare conditions for a 15) intercepted a pass and out paced the covering wingers to get in under the posts and Stephan Madigan converted. Now we had a more respectable looking score line to go into the break with 21 – 12, but it didn’t last long. That (fill in appropriate term yourselves) Danny Sheahan completed his hatrick with another charge from a set piece. 31 – 12 Half time.

The second half was a far better Lansdowne display. Even though our lads didn’t really have too much to play for, there is still a thing called pride and that was clear to see all through the second segment. As the conditions deteriorated, our play seemed to improve. Stand out contributions included Jack Matthews at scrum half James Tarrant battling terrible conditions in the backs while Tom Barry, Louis McGauran and Ruari Clarke fought relentlessly within the warm and cosy confines of the pack.

The hosts’ defence in the second half was as passionate and energetic as their attack in the first, so, try as we might, we couldn’t get through. In fact, it was Con that sealed the scoreboard with another good counter attacking try in the last ten minutes. Converted again by Moynahan. 38 – 12 Full time.

Not our best performance, but very forgivable given the achievement of the last few games. And a timely reminder perhaps before the semis of what happens in this excellent league if you don’t bring your A game.

See you all in Castle Avenue on 18th April. 
Match Report: Brian Whelan