Lansdowne 18 Barnhall 25, Ballycorus Rd. 06/03/10

Nice Cords Kev!

Apparently you cannot truly deserve to win a final until you lose a final... which should put us in pole position for a trophy soon!

Watching a medal ceremony take place with the team that you came so close to beating is tough, really tough. But these moments make us stronger and more determined to go on. The performance against Barnhall was, at times, the best performance all year because the fightback was brilliant. If there was a winger in place of a 40+ year old prop/coach at the final whistle this match could have been drawn...(see last photo) but if my auntie had balls she'd be my uncle...
Lansdowne have shown one big talent this year: You learn to adapt to the game during the game itself, and play the correct tempo to beat the opposition. The problem is we keep this talent wrapped up until the 60th minute and then unleash it! Consider how the game would have panned out if we spent the first half beating up and wearing down Barnhall... and then played our normal second half... Sometimes we play rugby to win and score tries, and sometimes we play rugby to inflict a beating on someone.
Good teams can do both.
Ultimately there is loads of talent here, indeed consider how many regulars were not playing on saturday. Good defensive performance from Oisin, nice to see Justin back in centre, Jeff did well at 15. For me the back that showed the right spirit was Keith, in fact i dont remember playing against a better outhalf this season. Its no coincidence that Keith has lost a final or two in his day...
In the forwards Mick Deasy stood out for his combative spirit, indeed the whole backrow had a rare balanced feel to it. Good to see Conor McKenna making a complete nuisence of himself all day, pity we couldnt find the mute button! Also great to see big Kev strip the cords off for a trot.
THe next coupe of weeks are cup mode. Monkstown will offer us an opportunity to get as close as we can to our best XV for the first round. Please remember that its win or bust from here on in. Every game, every minute may be your last so make every minute count.

Man of the match: Michael Deasy

written by Philip McGoldrick

Photos by Tomas 'Out of Focus' Keys

Most of the photos taken were like this (over 100)... Thankfully a hat full were in focus.