All-Ireland Millennium J2 Cup For Old Belvedere

Old Belvedere edged closer to an historic treble of Leinster League, All-Ireland J2 and Leinster J2 triumphs by capturing their second title of the season at a wind-swept Portlaoise last Saturday.

The eventual winners set out their stall right from the start when their Australian lock Doug Forbes raced at the Garryowen pack to set in process a 30 metres drive into Garryowen territory. Centre Dave Walsh made further inroads, took play into the Garryowen 22 and although the Limerick side cleared their lines Belvedere’s intent was crystal clear.

However, Garryowen’s bigger pack established dominance at the set piece and after out-half Marc Fitzgerald had given them good field position, they scored two mauling tries before the half hour, to end with a 12-0 lead at the break.

Belvedere started the second half as they had done the first and this time they were rewarded when a quick recycle created an overlap for the veteran Walsh to score from from 20 metres. Barry Gallagher converted and added a 60 minute penalty ro set up a gripping final quarter.

Redmond Kennedy drew two defenders and popped the ball to wing Ronan Browne who skipped in close to the posts to make the conversion a formality for Gallagher.

A delighted Belvedere coach Simon Bewley afterwards expressed pride in his side’s determination. “This is the end result of great commitment and a never-say-die attitude from all the players all season.” he said and aded, We’ve a phrase that we’ve used all season that really sums up our performance today. It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog that matters. I’m very proud of our performance.

Old Belvedere: K Jolley, R Browne, A O’Brien, D Walsh, T McDowell, B Gallagher, R Kennedy; T Hynes, L Eyres, R Dillon (G Keogh 32 mins), J Kilfeather (capt) (R Leyden 32 mins), D Forbes, J Collins, C Kavanagh (D Thornsley 70 mins), S Bourke
Subs not used: S Thormey, T Mullen.