On a day when most other games in the Dublin area was called off due to the stormy weather, the brave teams of CYM and Haddington took the pitch to lay claim to the Friendship Cup…
Both teams have been playing this historic fixture since 1949, making it the longest running rivalry (and friendly) between an Irish and a Scottish club.
Having won the same fixture last year in Scotland, CYM were keen to retain the cup with a home win. Haddington equally had designs on it, sending a strong squad which included their club captain and prop Gary Cockburn and former Scottish hooker, Grant McKelvey.
The game kicked off in high winds and heavy rain. The early pressure came from CYM and they soon broke the deadlock with a try under the posts from centre Bernard Murray.
Further tries from Captain Kev Carty, John Conway and Richie Daly gave CYM a firm hand on the cup, but the pick of the tries was the second try from Lachlan Hall who showed great speed and strength to score from a counter attack he ran in from inside his own 22. Final score 43-5 to CYM.
After the game, both teams sat down to a reception dinner and drinks, and of course to renew old friendships.
CYM are now looking forward to a return to Scotland next year, and with a bit of luck, holding onto the Friendship Cup for a third year running.
