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Was at the AIL final in Thomond yesterday, great game.
Shannon were awarded the win, and the league, in bizarre circumstances. At full time, the sides were level 19-19, and after the teams went back into the dressing rooms, it was announced over the tannoy that there would be two 10-minute halves of extra time played. Should the scores still be level, total tries scored would determine the winner. If that still did not separate the two teams, then the first team to score a try would be deemed winners, and champions. Queue 20 minutes of outstanding defensive rugby from Shannon, despite being outclassed by Clontarf, and winning by virtue of scoring the first try, almost two hours earlier. An awful way to end any game, but to lose a title that way is almost unimaginable. Can't understand why they didn't use the same penalty kicks as the Heineken Cup semi final last weekend to determine the winner.
It is in the clubs handbook and has been for the past few years. Both sides were aware of the situation before the game, and while I agree with you that it sucks to lose a game in that fashion, it should encourage sides to attack from the word go in case the unlikely scenario that came up yesterday should arise.
Clontarf were the better side, but couldn't put away the opposition despite numerous opportunities. Their sub winger knocked on over the line, and they had about 65% of the ball. A great day, yet another one, for Shannon RFC. I cant agree that Shannon played defensive rugby for the 20 minutes of extra time. They were finishing the second period on the attack, and a crazy attempt at a drop goal by Tadhg Bennett which was charged down and returned the length of the pitch for the knock on over the line by the Clontarf winger nearly cost them the game.
I was a little surprised at Stephen Kelly the Shannon winger who asked to be substituted at half time in extra time so he could go and play a gaelic football match with Newcastlewest. If he's not totally committed to playing in an All Ireland league final, then perhaps the club should look elsewhere for players who would be proud to wear the Shannon shirt.
You sure? One of the Shannon players was interviewed after the game, and said some of the team weren't sure if they had won or not after extra time.
Have to give props to the Clontarf support as well, outsung the locals by a distance. Didn't agree with the political signs they brought to the game though.
The ref is obliged to inform both coaches before the game of all possible outcomes. A world class ref such as Rolland who has reffed a World Cup final would have done this, I am pretty sure.
Clontarf had great support, I agree. What a miserable trip home fro them, losing in such a fashion.;)
I imagie he would have told them before the game-he would have been obliged to. It would be pretty pointless telling them at the start of extra-time that the first try scored during normal time was going to win in the event of a draw...that would be like closing the gate after the dog got out...pointless.
Delighted in particular for Dowling and Ronan.
see here
Glad to see a lot of new players are getting caps and experience.
I wonder does Ross inclusion have anything to do with fact he is moving to Leinster in the summer
Start of a new Leinster bandwagon? Seems to have all the right conditions for it
Great display by the pack today. Ever since martin Johnson ruled the roost I've had a fear of tht Leicester pack and I remember a quarter final in Lansdowne a few years ago when they destroyed Leinster
Nice for the ol' boys like Horgan and O'Kelly
Well done to Leinster winning it on their first trip to the final.
As always, its the pack that wins trophies.
Unbelievable achievement that 3 Irish provinces have won the trophy.
Stadium for the international game is pretty small, like a club game. Should suit the new boys, not too over-awing. Pack is huge!
The anthem - wtf!?
It's designer sunglasses aplenty in the queue for the RDS.
Heard earlier the "goys" had the cup in Kiely's last night...old habits die hard! :)
How many turned out at the RDS yesterday?