Newbridge 3XV 22
Normans 7

A cold January afternoon and with the 1XV and 2XV away a big crowd was expected to witness the first home game of 2011 for the 3XV. Not only were the crowd missing some of the 3XV regular players were also absent so this particular sub was surprised to be starting. The opposition were the Normans who I discovered are Thomastown and this is their first season and a grand bunch of lads they were.

Newbridge fielded the usual mix of old and new and the bizarre. There were players on there very first outing and players on what should be there last e.g.
Gerry Delaney, Dara O’Maitiu, Paul Mc Loughlin and coach/sub Tony Kavanagh who was lucky to get a jersey to fit his ample frame. The 3XV combine them all and have also lost a number of regulars to the 2XV and are anxiously awaiting there return or else those they replaced. We are undefeated this year and are aiming high so all players of all ability will find a position to suit their ability in this cosmopolitan mishmash.

The game started well for Newbridge with a series of drives by backs and forwards leading to a 5 meter penalty. This was quickly taken and good handling resulted in winger Dave Eves scoring his first try.

Normanscame back at Newbridge from the restart and the game ebbed and flowed.
From a ruck midfield quick hands and a three on two saw the ball again in the hands of Dave Eves and he again touched down showing a clear pair of heels to the Normans defenders.
A converted penalty by Aaron Leonard saw Newbridge go to the break with a comfortable lead and a warm glow despite the cold.

The second half saw Normans again attack but good tackling kept them at bay.
From a lineout midfield the ball was quickly moved by the backs and winger Dave Eves again found himself across the line and after a quick look by the TMO the try was awarded. Newbridge definitely relaxed at this stage and allowed Normans back into the game. A series of scrums and penalties resulted in them scoring near the corner. Second row Alan O’Connor was injured attempting to stop this try. The game was stopped and Alan was diagnosed with a fractured jaw and a trip to Naas hospital and an overnight stay was the result. Hopefully Alan recovers quickly as he epitomises the spirit of the team and consistently punches above his weight and is fearless.

Tony Kavanagh was forced into the fray as there was no one else on the sideline.
His first act was to give away a penalty at the next ruck due to his unfamiliarity with the rules of the modern game. This resulted in a lineout for the Normans from which they moved the ball wide to score in the corner – well done Midge !

Newbridge upped the ante and got a penalty which Aaron Leonard converted. The game petered out after this as it was cold and getting dark and I was dreaming of a warm shower. The final whistle went and a win! Oh what glory and richly deserved, a quick bout of Aggie Aggie Aggie and into the warm shower. In the bar there was a roaring fire and coffee and tea and drinks courtesy of Willie Nugent –thanks Willie.

If you find yourself free on a Saturday afternoon with little to do then why not turn up and play or even watch. All players from this game are available for selection on the 1XV and 2XV teams and have a history of winning this year with some Lalor Cup winners on the team also.