AIL 1st XV: On the Domestic front, the First fifteen finally played the re-fixed AIL game against Wanderers in Merrion Rd. On a dry calm day, the weather was ideal for rugby and the Bruff pack made the very most of it. They camped for over 90% of the first half within the Wanderers 22, absolutely dominant in the scrum but the lineout letting them down on occasion. Facing up to some big name players like Junior Charlie in the centres, (Brian Cantrell made an appearance, Eoin Nihill was part of the back row for the opposition) they really squared up to their opposition in the tight but failed again to convert dominance into scores. The only time that Wanderers entered the Bruff half of the pitch was a breakout following a kick and chase from Full back Paul O’ Brien when winger Culhane returned the kick to the try-line from between their 22 and the ten meter line to give them their only score of the game. Two Brian Cahill penalties were all that Bruff had to show for all of their efforts in the first half, score at the break 6 – 5 to Bruff. At the start of the second half Bruff again dominated proceedings in the pack but Wanderers came right back into the game and their lineout really came to the fore. While Paul O’ Brien kicked over two more penalties and the pack seemed to be able to do what they liked with the Wanderers scrum, the last ten minutes became a very tense affair with the massively impressive Bruff defence holding out to give them the four vital league points with a final score of 12 to 5. Wanderers should be happy with their losing bonus despite their valiant efforts over the final ten minutes.
Bruff: Scores: B. Cahill 2 pens. Paul O’ Brien 2 Pens.
D. Horan, C. O’ Regan, S. Foster, A.Laffan, D. Murnane, J. Shine, M.Carroll, P.Malone, E.Maher, B.Cahill, G.Leonard, J.Carroll, J. Malone, A.Cashman, P.O’ Brien. Subs: M. O’ Donnell, G. Ryan, J. Luby, M. O’ Connell, D.Maw.