If nothing else, last Friday night was a fantastic advert for club rugby in Limerick. The atmosphere in Thomond Park was electric as people came out in big numbers to watch a fantastic game. An absolutely brilliant team performance saw Shannon finish on a high and come away with the all important victory. The win sees us move up to sixth on the table with another big performance needed this weekend.
Shannon started strong by gaining the first penalty. We took an early lead when Jake Flannery launched a lovely cross field kick, gathered by Nathan Randles who sailed in for a 7th minute try. The score remained 5-0 for the next ten minutes as both sides battled it out. There were some big hits as both sides tested each other, with neither backing down. On the 18th minute, Young Munster newcomer Clayton Stweart received a well timed pass from Shane Airey and it was enough to send in him in for a try which he duly converted. This was followed up by a penalty ten minutes later, leaving Young Munster 10-5 ahead.
Minutes later, Shannon took back the lead as Jake Flannery shipped the ball to Will Leonard. Will did very well as he handed off tacklers and weaved through the Young Munster defence getting in under the posts with a man on his back. Jake Flannery was sure of it as he converted. It looked like the score would stand until half time but a Young Munster offside in front of the posts at 41 minutes saw us go in for the break 15-10 up.
If the first half was a good performance from Shannon, the second was a fantastic one. We emerged in the second half and what followed was 40 minutes of tough, raw rugby. It was an awesome team effort with each player stepping up and putting his body on the line. Jamie McGarry went over for a 51st minute try after a great Robbie Deegan and Will Leonard link up saw him dot down in the corner.
We kept Young Munster in their half and two almost tries in the final 20 minutes kept the Shannon attack alive. Shannon never took their foot off the gas and kept up the momentum as we entered the final ten minutes. To credit the players they left everything on the pitch and even as the match crept into overtime – the momentum never died. Jake Flannery landed a penalty at 71 minutes leaving the score 23-10.
The match was a fantastic team performance from Shannon, as “There is an Isle” rang out of the dressing room afterwards it epitomised Limerick rugby, hard fought battles where players lay it all out. One thing is for sure – the return fixture will be a great one!
Prisim Digital were on hand again and recorded the dressing afterwards which can be found here and the match highlights, found here