St. Brigid’s played a very enjoyable and sporting encounter with Harlequin’s at Deramore park on Saturday night. The format for the game was four 15 Minute quarters with the opening quarter gaelic, the second tag rugby and the third aussies rules with an oval ball the fourth was tag rugby.
St. Brigid’s were able to build up a considerable lead in the first quarter due to some excellent fielding by Mickey Donnelly and Dara Edward’s.
lethal finishing from minor stars Chris Donnelly and Chris Mooney helped to put St. Brigid’s into a well deserved 18 points to 3 points first quarter lead.
The second quarter of tag rugby was one where that held lots of dread for the Gaelic team, but with excellent coaching from Greg Morris and Brian Loughran, the initial fears were unfounded as some excellent tackling from livewire Benny Reilly and Stephen Morrissey held the rugby side to two tries to nil which left the score at the break 18 points to 13 points.
The third quarter proved to be a most interesting one with the awarding of a dubious penalty or two by match official Conway helped to bring the Grafton Harlequins back into play and a fine save from Morrissey from close range was required to keep the Naomh Brid boys ahead.
The final quarter saw the second quarter of tag rugby and it came as a great surprise to all concerned that St. Brigid’s won the last quarter on a score line of 3 tries to 2.
When match officials Conor Keown and Eunan Conway called the match a draw, both teams recalled their heroic exploits at the post match Barbeque. This was a very very enjoyable event for all concerned and was another great example of sporting partnership.
Harlequin’s Chairman Ronnie Gregg was impressed at the fitness levels of the Gaelic Players and the ball handling skills of the St. Brigid’s team. The Naomh Brid senior Manager Conor MacSherry who had coached the Harlequin’s was heard urging on the Harlequin’s team in no uncertain terms.
Both Club’s resolved to make this an annual fixture.Meanwhile on the playing front thoughts turn to the vital top of the table league clash on Monday next at home to Rasharkin.
