Sunday, April 30, 2017

Leinster fans provide the atmosphere of a Beyonce concert!



 
 Joey Carbery ( picture http://bit.ly/2qiHCHY)

Leinster dished out all the entertainment at the RDS on Friday. This wasn't a first  string Leinster side by any means, but they still scored three first half tries and built up a good lead. Then, in the second half, their attention slipped and they let Glasgow back into the game, and eventually surrendered the lead with three minutes to go...until Joey Carbery coolly slotted a penalty to give Leinster the lead. Then, to milk the tension, with a minute and a half to go, Leinster killed the lights, the fans put on a light show to rival a Beyonce concert, there was a ten minute delay, then dun dun dah! the light came on, and Leinster's defence held. Although Jack McGraths final clearance kick did nearly put Leinster in the poo again.

At the Leinster awards on Saturday, it was noticeable how the youngsters dominated the results.

Laya Healthcare Young Player of the Year – Joey Carbery
Life Style Sports Supporters Player of the Year – Isa Nacewa
Canterbury Tackle of the Year – Isa Nacewa
Irish Independent Try of the Year – Adam Byrne
Bank of Ireland Players’ Player of the Year – Luke McGrath

Ulster's woes continued at the Liberty stadium as they lost and failed to get even a single point. Watching them puts me in a bad mood recently - so much promise, but just not delivering on that promise. That was a match you felt they could have won, but the only bright spot was the form of Jacob Stockdale. There'll always be next year I suppose.

Munster duly put Treviso to the sword. Then it was left to Connacht to close it out for the Irish sides. Again, watching Connacht is not good for your mood. Their defense seems to be leaving with Pat Lam, with the Scarlets running through at will. Again, best just to draw a line under this season and plan for next year.

Saturday 29th April
Ospreys 24 10 Ulster
Treviso 14 34 Munster
Connacht 8 30 Scarlets
Friday 28th April
Cardiff Blues 30 24 Zebre
Edinburgh 24 20 Dragons
Leinster 31 30 Glasgow Warriors