By Eluned Darwin Goss, Second Year Law and French
After 18 months of foreboding failure, a reformed Welsh rugby team pulled through just for the arrival of 20 Bristol students in Belfast. Whilst the game took place in the Welsh capital, the committee were keen to leave their mark in a new city - the second best drinking city after Cardiff. In a joint social with the Welsh Society of Queen's University Belfast, both societies were in for an intense 80 minutes.
Once Hen Wlad fy Nhadau had been sung tunefully, it was time for kick-off. Ireland picked up points through a try and conversion in the first few minutes of the game, but for once, Wales weren't defeated. New manager Matt Sherratt had evidently given them a boost of morale, and captain Jac Morgan refused to let Wales drag behind. After a couple of penalties for Wales, Morgan secured a try in the last few seconds of the first half, leaving Ireland with a 13-10 losing score at halftime. Many pints of Guinness were bought in those 15 minutes, that's for sure. Whilst Calon Lân echoed throughout the pub, nobody expected what was to come at the beginning of the second half.
Tom Rogers' energised leap to the try line caused an uproar at the Principality, boosting Wales to 18-10. Needless to say, Welsh pride was as strong as their scrum, evident in the tears of our society's members by this 43rd minute. After a disappointing 22-15 loss to Italy and a painful 43-0 battering by France, the room was filled with relief. What was heart-warming to see was the cheerful encouragement of Irish supporters around us towards the Welsh, even whilst rooting for their team.
The 56th minute was extremely intense, as the two Celtic teams were now head to head. A couple of unfortunate penalties led Ireland 6 points ahead by the 71st minute, and then came along the long-winded TMO check of 21-year-old Ellis Mee's try right on the corner of the pitch. The try was ruled out, but Mee's first cap was truly impressive. Llongyfarchiadau to him.
The game ended at 18-27 to Ireland. They got the job done, but Wales played phenomenally with a 57% overall possession and a 75% kick success. It was good to see our team playing such competitive rugby, and it was an emotional one to watch. The electric atmosphere lived on, as the surrounding Irish supporters congratulated us on our performance.
This was the first game that we as a collective felt proud of our loss. The players have pulled up their socks and this will be a day to remember - for the Irish as well as the Welsh. Roll on Wales v Scotland - the main goal is to give the other team fewer penalties this time!
All are welcome to join CymGym at the White Harte to hopefully see Wales keep up their stamina streak.
Off CymGym went on the pub crawl of the century, singing Yma o Hyd with our mascots on our shoulders. The Irish trad music in every bar certainly added to the uniqueness of Celtic patriotism. The society's 7 stops and 14 hours of drinking were impressive, but not quite as impressive as Wales' revival. Iechyd Da! Slainté!
Featured image: Betsan Rhisiart
