Promotion Hopes Dashed by Athy

Swords 5 Athy 23

Swords promotion hopes were ended with a defeat against Athy on Sunday, in a game which summed up their season. Well on top in the opening exchanges, the Greens failed to make the most of their chances and eventually leaked 23 points, leaving them in Division 3 for another season.
After an electric start, Swords were ahead in the opening 10 minutes through wing Robin Kiely's try and twice went close, though their forwards held up over the line.

But Athy absorbed the pressure and eventually landed two penalties to take a 6-5 lead into the break. The second half was disappointing to say the least, Swords losing the battle in the scrum and suffering a meltdown at the lineout. Athy continued to knock over points and eventually crossed for a breakaway try midway through the half.

The messy underfoot conditions only compounded the home side's misery as a succession of further chances went a begging. In the end, Athy pulled clear and took a massive four points back down the country, leaving Swords reflecting on another season of missed opportunities.
Redemption could be on the cards through the Towns Plate, beginning with a home fixture against Rathdrum at ALSAA this Sunday.

Swords RFC: D. Cahill; R. Kiely, I. Anderson, J. Gormly, D. Gallagher; R. Cowman, J. Kubran; E. O'Donnell, M. Bradley, E. O'Grioffa; F. Coll, J. Condron; M. Corbett, J. Julian, S. Mulligan (c).

Subs used: R. Merrigan, L. Price, A. Forkan, K. Corcoran, W. Hill.