It was dank and overcast, then came the torrential rain, for Saturday morning’s final Danske Bank Schools’ Bowl League game, played at Shaw’s Bridge.
Report and pictures from Bob Given Photography
Overhead and underfoot conditions made any attempt at a running game perilous. Carrick started the game on the front foot and it was against the run of play when Our Lady took the lead through a Thomas McDevitt penalty goal.
Carrick continued to press, spurning 2 possible kicks at goal from close in, before failing with 2 more, close to the posts.
OLSP took full advantage and on 25 minutes McDevitt scored a try near to the posts and converted it himself, after close support play by the forwards.
On half time fast recycled ball allowed Jamie McConville in at the left corner. McDevitt added the points with a fine conversion from far out, to leave the half time score 17 – 0 in OLSP’s favour.
Conditions worsened and play was literally stuck for long periods between the ’22s’. Eventually on 25 minutes a OLSP break out saw Cian Fitzsimons break a number of attempted tackles to score near the posts, McDevitt adding the extras.
With the last play of the game, a sweeping move from deep in their own half, saw McConville run in unopposed from 50 metres to score under the posts. McDevitt kicked the conversion to give OLSP a 31 – 0 victory.
Finally it stopped raining as the final whistle blew! Both teams must enjoyed a hot shower after playing in such energy sapping conditions.
The win for Our Lady and St Pats saw them join Wellington College in the draw for the Bowl knockout stages, details below.
