1915-16 JCT Campaign

The juniors this year failed to retain the Cup which had been won by their immediate predecessors, but there is an excuse for their weakness, in so much as this was the first year most of them ever played Rugby-. They had their first match against St. Andrew's, who brought out a much heavier team. They were beaten by 8 points to 3 points. After Christmas some improvement was made, but they were, nevertheless, beaten in the return match with Andrew's by 13 points to 9 points. When the draws for the Cup became known we were picked to play St. Andrew's at Donnybrook. We quote the Irish Field for the account of the match.

The concluding game in the first round of the Junior Cup was played at Donnybrook under ideal conditions, Andrew's winning after a splendid game by a goal and a try to two tries. Andrew's were far the more finished side, and had more of the game than the narrow margin of 2 points would seem to indicate.

Andrew's were the first to look dangerous, and were in their opponents' line when O'Reilly punted high. Malone, following up fast, got possession, and had a clear run. but was pulled down by Hamilton a few yards outside the Andrews line after a great race. Andrew's soon returned, and their forwards wheeling a scrum, O'Reilly was caught napping by the diminutive Saunderson for a soft try for Jones to land a clinking goal. Andrew's were again the quicker to find their feet, and Lett picking up near the line gave to Jones, who ran dear round the opposition to score an unconverted try in the far corner. After being more or less asleep for the best part of the game the visitors woke up in the last five minutes and O'Reilly scored two unconverted tries.

McElligott gave a really brilliant display at fullback for Castleknock. his fielding and kicking being really tip-top. Connolly was fair in the middle line, and O'Reilly got through a lot of work at scrumhalf, while P. Bolger. Tracers and the two Kennedys did well in front.

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE.

After our early defeat in the Junior Schools' Cup the Leagues were started. Four teams were picked, and took the names Australians, New Zealanders, Caledonians, Hibernians. On St. Patrick's Day the first two matches were played in ideal weather. The Australians beat the New Zealanders (easily), the Hibernians and the Caledonians. After this many exciting matches were played. The first round was finished on April 1st. There was no time to play a second round, so the Australians were given the shield, as they had won the first round. They would have probably won the second round also. The League helped to stimulate the Juniors to continue football during the long term. It also taught them something about the game, although the style of play all through the League was very rudimentary. The Hibernians were the second best team, while the New Zealanders and Caledonians were fit for the place below last. Both these teams should have done better, but they were discouraged by losing their first match by so much Y. Corbett (Capt.) and L. Malone were the best of the backs on the winning team, while Delaney shone in the forwards. He was about the best forward in the League. He was well backed up by Kelly and Keyes.

P. A. BOLGER.