Men's Match Reports
Game highlights and photos from the CYM Men's Metro League Division 5 Team - 2017/2018 Season
Terenure College RFC vs CYM RFC
January 27th, 2018
In the opening round of the Winters cup, CYM were paired against local rivals Terenure College but things began in a muted fashion after an away match earlier in the season had ended in a flurry of cards.
Conditions were poor, a muddy pitch underfoot, a strong gale and just enough drizzle to make it difficult to hold the ball. The first half was a wash out for CYM as they spent most of the half defending and the second half didn't start any better as they conceded a try and a penalty within a few minutes of the kick off. This seemed to eventually rouse the boys in green and they started playing good attacking rugby but kept killing momentum at key moments with silly turnovers and knock-ons. Seven points down with a minute left and CYM produced the best moment of the match. An excellent sweeping move that pulled Terenure from right to left ended with Damien King touching down in the corner. He was left with an almost impossible conversion into the wind to send the match to extra time. He lined it up, bent the ball into the breeze, and watched the ball touch the underside of the crossbar as it fall just centimetres short.
Agony for CYM and they'll need to harness that emotion for an important match against fellow strugglers Clontarf on the weekend where a victory for either team will almost guarantee safety for the season.
Match Report by John Conway
Wanderers RFC vs CYM RFC
January 12th, 2018
Final Score: Wanderers RFC 30 - 7 CYM
A cold and very windy day greeted the two teams for the match in the shadow of the home of Irish rugby. The conditions and referee got to CYM and they never got their game going. Turnovers, knock ons, and bad decisions cost CYM dearly in attack. Still, the defence was working well in the first half and they kept themselves in the match with some great tackles.
Unfortunately, the cost of this defence showed in the second half with several players needing treatment throughout the half and CY slipping off a few key tackles allowing Wanderers to build momentum. A great break from tight head prop, Liam Conway, with a delightful pop pass from the ground to the onrushing Jonathan Tebbs to crash over and score gave CYM some hope but they again struggled with Wanderers' big ball carriers and the game ended in great disappointment as the CYM players felt they had not given a good enough account of themselves.
Match Report by John Conway
CYM RFC vs Railway RFC - Paul Madden Plate
January 6th, 2018
Final Score: CYM 18 - 15 Railway RFC
Fresh from the Christmas break, CYM ripped into Railway from the off. Lots of big carries from the forwards punched CYM deep into the Railway half several times causing Railway to concede numerous penalties.
Unfortunately, Damien King didn't have his kicking boots on but it didn't matter as off a scrum in the Railway 22, John Conway sniped from the back and dived over in the corner. King scored the conversion. Soon after, CYM were on the attack again with Adam Lynch breaking the gain line and producing a wonderous offload for King to dive over in the corner. This time, King was unable to convert his try. The second half was a different story though as CYM conceded too much possession and allowed Railway to run at them. Eventually Railway scored a try but King had found his kicking form and landed two penalties to keep CYM ahead with a decent cushion.
The last five minutes of the match were played in torrential rain and everyone was happy to get off the pitch with the victory and into the semi's of the John Madden plate.
Match Report by John Conway - Photo Courtesy of Monica Beresford
CYM RFC vs NAAS RFC
December 16th, 2017
Final Score: CYM 0 - 43 Naas RFC
CYM RFC welcomed Naas RFC to Terenure Sports Club for the last game of 2017 before the winter break. Coming off of a successful match versus Terenure and two very close matches against Barnhall and Greystones, the CYM lads were hoping to continue their efforts and end 2017 on a high note. Unfortunately, a win was not in the cards for the boys in green and purple today.
Suited and booted, the lads took to the pitch knowing that Naas would be an incredibly physical match. Having played together in Leinster Metro Division 5 for a few seasons now, the teams are more than familiar with one another; with each knowing the tactics and diversions of their rival, it was never going to be an easy game. Regardless, the CYM men took on the challenge with utmost conviction. An incredibly physical game, a few breaks through the line by Naas, and continued loss of possession all added up to a CYM defeat.
As is often the case in rugby, the final score of this game does not reflect the hard work and effort displayed on the pitch. For a team that has grown and developed exceptionally this past season, we know a setback like this will not deter the lads from continuing to fight their way up the Metro 5 table.
Match Report by John Conway - Photos Courtesy of Aude de Casanove
CYM RFC vs Greystones RFC
December 3rd, 2017
Final Score: CYM 18 - 22 Greystones RFC
Any regret in the minds of the fans who braved the freezing conditions to support the boys in green were soon wiped away with a display of brilliant attacking rugby from both teams.
In an end to end match, CYM scored three trys, all from the forwards. Hooker Ben McNally found himself on the end of one move to barge over the line and a few minutes later, he was at the back of a brilliant rolling maul to score again. Tight head prop, Liam Conway, making a habit of scoring now, scored his third try of the season after running a great line off the shoulder of Ian Skuse.
Unfortunately, while the CYM attack was on fire, the defence was not and they conceded four trys. With both kickers shooting the lights out, it was tit for tat and CY had just left themselves with too much to do and were unable to get that vital fourth try to get them ahead before the final whistle
Match Report by John Conway - Photos Courtesy of Aude de Casanove
CYM RFC vs Old Wesley Friendly
November 25th, 2017
After a successful summer of recruitment, CYM were able to restart their second team after several years on ice. Having had one match already against DLSP, the seconds were hoping for an improvement and they began this match much better than their first. Several more weeks of training had made a huge difference to fitness levels and to the shape of the team and they were unrecognisable from that first match. Numerous players were having only their first or second games of rugby ever but guidence from the experienced trio of Adam Lynch, Darragh McCauley, and Man of the Match, James Harding, gave CYM the shape that they sorely missed against DLSP.
A young and fit Old Wesley team caused many problems for the CYM defence but they were able to acquit themselves well with some big hits from Vinicus Barros and Peter McCormack. Ramon Escriva showed the doggedness that CYM had all match as even with tired legs, he managed to smash a Wesley player who was taking too long to score a try causing the player to knock it on and rousing a big cheer from the spectators. It wasn't until the second half that CY's own attack began to kick into gear but once they found their groove, the tries began to come. First from Lynch as he shimmied past the defence and second from Harding as smashed his way through several attempted tackles to score on return debut after being away for the past year and a half.
Despite losing the match, the opportunity to blood several new players and to get some much needed minutes on the board for the rest of the squad will prove invaluable for CYM as the season develops
Match Report by John Conway - Photos courtesy of Aude de Casanove
CYM RFC vs Terenure College RFC
November 17th, 2017
Final Score: Terenure College RFC 24 - 35 CYM
After drawing twice already and having suffered a narrow loss the week before, CYM were hungry to get their first victory against local rivals Terenure College, in what was also the first leg of the Clifford Doyle Cup. From the off, the boys in green and purple were electric and tore into the Terenure players with gusto. A counter from deep in their own 22 started by Yann DuBot ended with Jonathan Tebbs dotting down in the corner. Not to be out done, DuBot was soon on the score sheet himself followed shortly by a bit of magic from Josh Lynch, chipping over the full back to collect and score under the posts, gave CY a commanding lead going into half time.
Terenure made several subs which leveled the playing field and came back into the match with two tries for themselves but CY were not letting this one go. The box kicking from Man of the Match, Seamus Humphries, kept Terenure pinned in their own half and of one scrum in the Terenure 22, a thrilling move led to Lynch crashing over again in the corner. Soon after, Lewis Walsh skipped through a tackle and accelerated into the Terenure half before setting up DuBot with a delightful offload to score again. Tempers started to flare from Terenure and the last 10 minutes were very scrappy but CY were never letting go of the lead. Celebrations were loud at the final whistle, putting CYM in prime position to win back the Clifford Doyle in 2018 and widening the gap from the bottom two of the league.
Match Report by John Conway - Photos courtesy of Aude de Casanove
CYM RFC vs MU Barnhall
November 12th, 2017
Final Score: CYM 27 - 33 MU Barnhall
The CYM men welcomed MU Barnhall at home this past Sunday. Having faced each other numerous times in the past, each team was eager to assert dominance over the pitch from the first whistle. Equally matched in skill and size, it was an incredibly exciting match to watch for spectators supporting both sides.
Executing quick defense, ball recovery, and fast passes, CYM were able to make multiple breaks through Barnhalls line. Several mauls allowed the lads in green to push the opposition back, often landing within feet of the whitewash. CYM secured many of their points by dogging it out over the line. Barnhall made the most of opportunities during the match which placed them just ahead of the home team at the final whistle.
Despite this loss, CYM should be proud of the quality of their game play and the intensity and dedication shown during this match. The men continue to improve in every single match and a win is no doubt in the cards in the very near future.
Match Report and Photos courtesy of Kelsey Cunningham
Clontarf RFC vs CYM RFC
November 3rd, 2017
Final Score: Clontarf RFC 22 - 22 CYM RFC
CYM traveled to Clontarf last Friday night for their fourth game in the Metro Division 5 league. The game started off well for the men in green as they dominated the early territory. They earned three penalties, however, managed to come away with just three points. Clontarf came back strong and after being held up over the line, a subsequent scrum on the five meter line lead to a try by their forwards. Clontarf lead by two at half time.
The second half started with a Clontarf try from a well worked back line set play off a scrum. Following this a strong CYM line out and resulting maul ended with tight head prop, Liam Conway, crashing through the Clontarf defense to score CYM's first try of the evening. Clontarf were quick to respond with a break away try from their back three. CYM were down by five with under ten minutes remaining on the clock, the pressure was on.
The pace of the game moved at lightning speed in dying minutes with three more tries added. CYM’s second try resulted from a fumble by Clontarf’s full back which flanker, John Lynch capitalised on, tying up the game for the first time. However, this game was far from over. With three minutes remaining, Clontarf forwards strung some quality phases together and crossed the white wash. The conversion was successful and Clontarf lead by seven. The restart marked the final minute of the game, strong pressure from the CYM defensive line put pressure on Clontarf who knocked on deep in their own territory. A subsequent scrum set up a solid platform for CYM which lead to full back, John Conway, crossing the line. The conversion sailed over and the game tied up, allowing supporters to breath a sigh of relief!
Match Report by John Conway - Photos by Aude de Casanove
St. Mary's College RFC vs CYM RFC - Local Derby in Metro Division 5
October 21st, 2017
Final Score: St. Mary's College RFC 23 - 10 CYM RFC
CYM traveled a short distance down the road to take on St. Mary's College RFC this past Saturday for a local Derby. Under the full force winds and pelting rain of Storm Brian, the lads fought to hold their ground against a strong St. Mary's side. It wasn't until 20 minutes into the game that a mad dash for a loose ball resulted in a Mary's try. CYM secured points right before the first half ended, when Damien King successfully converted a penalty kick.
Mary's scored three more tries in the second half. However, those tries do not reflect the incredible efforts of the CYM side who halted several other Mary's attempts to cross the whitewash. Yann Du Bot made a break in the last minute of the game, cutting through several opposition players to dot down over the line. King successfully converted, leaving the final score at St. Mary's College RFC 23 - 10 CYM RFC.
Photos by Kelsey Cunningham and Aude de Casanove
De La Salle Palmerston vs CYM - Friendly Match
October 13th, 2017
The first friendly game of the season for the CYM men's seconds team took place away against De La Salle Palmerston. Well done to the lads who headed down to Palmerston for the match. It was a super performance from the entire squad!
CYM RFC vs Wanderers F.C. - 1st Home Match of the 2017/2018 Season
October 8th, 2017
Final Score: CYM 13 - Wanderers F.C. 13
The CYM men kicked off against Wanderers F.C. for their first home game of the season. Both sides were equally matched, with each club crossing over the whitewash early in the first forty. Tensions ran high in the second half as each team fought hard to gain ground. Two successfully converted penalty kicks by CYM put the lads in green ahead for a while, but a second try and a successful penalty kick from the opposition left the score at a draw when the final whistle blew.
Thank you to the supporters for coming down to the grounds to cheer on the men. CYM's next match takes place in two weeks time on October 20th, away against St. Mary's.
Photos courtesy of Aude de Casanove, Lachlan Hall, and Kelsey Cunningham
Naas RFC vs CYM RFC - 1st Match of the 2017/2018 Season
September 29th, 2017
Final Score: Naas 29 – CYM 15
The CYM men started their 2017/2018 season away against Naas RFC. It was a weak start to the game, with CYM trailing 11 points at half time. However, the lads really picked up the pace in the second half, with CYM securing two tries and converting one. Despite their hard work, it wasn't enough to secure the win this time. Congratulations to the new players who got their first cap for CYM, we're sure there will be many more to come!
Photos courtesy of Monica Beresford
Railway Union RFC vs CYM RFC - John Madden Cup
September 18th, 2017
The CYM lads started off their preseason with a cup game against Railway Union RFC. Having just come back from tour in Galway, the men were eager to continue their efforts in pursuit of the John Madden Cup. Unfortunately, the win wasn't in the cards for CYM this time. Congratulations to the new players who earned their first cap for CYM!
Photos courtesy of John Conway
Galway Corinthians RFC vs CYM RFC Preseason Friendly
September 16th, 2017
The CYM mens team headed west on tour to Galway this past weekend to play a preseason friendly against Galway Corinthians RFC. The lads had a great time getting back into the game and shaking off the summer cobwebs.
Thanks to Galway Corinthians RFC for hosting us, and thanks to our own Brian Bourke for the team photo.