THIS was high attitude rugby played with a Southern Hemisphere style. All credit to St Mary's College and Blackrock College for producing a feast of entertainment. It's a pity that Division One of the AIL has not always been up to this standard.

The Stradbrook crowd was treated to an expansive game as the tides of fortune flowed back and forth. The league's dark, horses, St Mary's, showed in one 80 minutes why they have come so far this year.

Within six minutes Denis Hickie and John McWeeney had broken through for tries Craig Fitzpatrick converting the second for a 12-0 lead. Seven minutes later, it was 12-10, with Shane Byrne drawing a penalty try David Lynagh kicking the conversion and a penalty.

St Mary's stretched their legs Blackrock quickened their strides. By the break, it was a case of 20-20 vision on the scoreboard. Hickie's second try on the stroke of half time saw to that.

Although St Mary's almost contrived to throw away the game in the second hall, it was all about their full back, Kevin Nowlan. His hat trick of tries in the 54th, 59th band 69th minutes had Blackrock all aquiver.

Still, St Mary's allowed Blackrock back in with a sniff. Two late tries from number eight Duncan Kennedy and a pumped up Aidan Guinan hinted a near impossible comeback. However time had run out for Blackrock and they were left to rue missed chances. Then again, that is the nature of the beast in a free flowing spectacle like this where the accent was on creativity.

For St Mary's coach, Ciaran Fitzgerald, there was a lot to be positive about, not least the form of Victor Costello.