Lads showcase some good rugby to close the year
In what has become a bit of local derby, Berlin Irish RFC and Berliner Sports Club met at the Bistro Melody fortress at Jungfernheide, in conditions that were ideal for the last effort to collect points in the Regional League North-East, before the winter pause.
Both teams were pumped up for the occasion and had strong starts. Berlin Irish was the most dominant team in the first 5 to 10 minutes, but failed to convert time in BSC’s 22 into points. After a string of phases from Berlin Irish, BSC made a break and started to take control of the game during the next 10 minutes. They were rewarded with the first points after Berlin Irish conceded a penalty within kicking distance.
Berlin Irish came back strong and pushed back into BSC’s half with a string of phases. BSC conceded a penalty at the break-down, and Chris Daubney slotted the ball to bring the game even.
BSC came back and fought hard, and immediately made their way into Berlin Irish’s half. After some strong defence from Berlin Irish and a lot of fast and hard runs from BSC, BSC eventually broke the line and made their way over the try line to score the first try of the game. The try was not converted.
Berlin Irish collected some composure and, after regaining possession, were able to start making some ground with more clinical passes, and, of course, a Sean Healey line break. After one of Sean’s famous line breaks having slipped 2 or 3 tackles, Berlin Irish was once again back in attack and pushing the BSC’s defence line. The 2nd try came from a penalty on BSC’s 5-metre line. While the BSC players were trying to work out why they were being sent back to the 5-metre line for a penalty, Alex Carmona didn’t waste any time waiting for answers, and took the penalty quickly to score the try, leaving everyone else to work out what had happened.
The last first half was an intense battle, with both teams having given a very good account of themselves. The mood was positive for both sides and, with the score at 8–8, it was anyone’s game to take.
Second half
The second half was a scrappier affair compared to the 1st one, with both sides clearly worn down from the intense battle during the first 40 minutes. Despite Berlin Irish’s efforts, it was clear that BSC were more organised, and managed to keep better shape during moments of pressure from Berlin Irish. BSC scored two tries from well-worked pieces of play that were results of more ball possession and better organisation around the breakdown. BSC’s two tries in corners were also followed up with excellent conversion kicks to help them secure a total of 14 points during the second half.
Berlin Irish did pile on the pressure during the last 10 minutes of the second half, and there was a sense that they could pull back at least one try after longer periods of possession and some good line breaks. One almost certain break-away try from John Ennis was only stopped by an exceptional covering tackle from BSC. Despite Belin Irish’s best efforts, the break was never converted into points, and the referee drew a close to the afternoon’s action.
At great show from both sides and a deserved win from BSC. Berlin Irish can be proud of their performance which once again showed the constant improvement and determination of a team that makes do with very little, but somehow, always makes the most of it!
Final Score: Berlin Irish RFC 8 – Berliner SC 22