The Big Secret

Game

The flight to Dublin wasn't as bad as I thought. As soon as I got off the plane I phoned my parents to let them know I was here safe. Dread filled my stomach. The bitter Irish air hit me and suddenly I felt home again. Even though this wasn't my home town, I felt more comfortable here than I did at my parents.

Luckily the stadium wasn't far. I took a slow walk taking in the view "Conroy nice to finally see you" my coach's sarcastic tone caused everyone's eyes to turn to me. "You're on the bench" as she threw me a shirt. No way there is a game today, I can't play. I tried to get my coach's attention but she was having none or it "No excuses today! We will get those points. Let's start this with a bang" she kept her eyes on me. She didn't look happy. I have been so wrapped up with my own problems I forgot the friendlies my coach has organised.

I made my way to the bench, hoping I would stay here. "Coach can we talk?" "Really Conroy?" She spun round with her hands on her hips "You're a newbie round here, you've been missing for a week and now you want to talk? No chance, sit down, shut up and be ready to go on at half time" I sighed in defeat and hoped she wouldn't stick to her word and change her mind like always.

Half time come and we were winning. 5 minutes into the second half and I thought I made a lucky escape until "Conroy, you're swapping with McLoughlin" great. McLoughlin played left wing, so did a lot of the running. I could not do this but guess I had no choice. I placed a hand on my stomach and whispered "we got this" then made my way next to my coach.

We swapped and she whispered "their tackles are dirty be careful out there. Might be a bit rough" we high fived and I sprinted on to the pitch. My heart sank. The Italian defence line looked fierce with one of them smirking directly at me and saying something to her team mate who immediately started laughing.

The game went on and I tried to avoid getting tackled which all I could do at this point. I was doing a lot of running, more than I have in most my games. The game was very back and forth with a lot of kicks. My motivation was missing, no matter how much I tried to get into the game. I just wasn't on form. Maybe my mother was right I can say goodbye to my rugby career.

The thought of my mother being smug about me and my rugby career made my blood boil. I was running along side the girls as the ball was getting passed down. Each tackle was getting stronger. The Italian defence line looked angry but tired. Some of the bigger players were struggling to keep up with us. Luckily we were quite a quick team with a lot of stamina.

The Italians fouled us, just like McLoughlin warned with their dirty tackles. As we were close to the try line there was the option for a kick penalty or a scrum. Of course they went for the scrum, we were ahead anyway so no pressure to get the points yet.

The Italian side had a heavier team so the scrum was going in their favour. But luckily we managed to turn it around and we were still on the attack. We were very close the the try line with the ball very close to me. I kept hoping the ball would get passed down the other side but obviously that wouldn't happen.

"Conroy" I heard my name and the next thing the ball flying towards me. Without thinking I ran straight for the try line not noticing the defence line running to fill the gap I spotted.

I dived through the gap landing just over the try line. Luckily I landed with the ball underneath me against my chest protecting me from any bang to the floor. The referees whistle blew and the whole team was jumping with me. "Good to have you back Conroy" the fly half greeted as she took the ball ready for the conversion. As she took the conversion I looked at the clock 10 mins to go and counting. Just enough time to keep the ball away from me.

After the try of course the Italians looked hungry for the win and a lot of eyes on me. "Conroy we need another one. Stay on the wing and I'll get the ball down to you" the captain whispered. Great.

I didnt think it could get much worse but the game was getting dirtier. We took another attempt at a try. But there was no gaps in the defence line. The ball flew into my hands even our passes were getting harder.

I ran straight into the defence line without even thinking. Of course it had to be one of their bigger players that tackled me. My head hit the ground and the Italian defenders pretty much jumped on top as I tried to roll to the side.

I managed to get the ball out from underneath me and the pile of women scrambled to their feet. Suddenly the adrenaline hit me but typical as soon as I finally get my head into the game the ball was kicked out of play the whistle echoed the stadium. Signalling end of game.

Running back into the changing rooms I ran straight to the toilet. I had the urge to be sick accompanied by sharp pains across my stomach. Something was wrong, I knew I shouldn't have played. I changed and headed out the stadium as quick as I could. The pains were worsening by the second.

"Conor you need to pick up, I'm heading to the hospital but the pains are too bad to drive. If you're in Dublin let me know" I left him a voicemail as usual he didnt pick up. Taxi it is.

"Everything ok? I'll take you to the hospital Conroy"