DFP Header Area

Share this MunsterRugby.ie page

Young Munster Club Notes

30th November 2011 By Munster Rugby

Young Munster Club Notes

Our Senior XV were back in action in the Ulster Bank League last Saturday as we welcomed Lansdowne FC to Tom Clifford Park.

Courtesy of Olivia O'Sullivan, Young Munster PRO
 

Despite playing into a strong wind, we were 6-0 ahead after the opening three minutes and Lansdowne had flanker Jason Kelly yellow carded.

Lansdowne got one back 20 minutes later, but on the half hour we were awarded a penalty in front of our posts, which Willie Staunton slotted over to bring the score to 9-3. A penalty at the other side of the pitch followed but hit the woodwork for Craig Ronaldson. Five minutes before the break a lapse in our defence saw Lansdowne winger Matt Healy get in for a well taken try and Ronaldson converted bringing the score to 9-10 to the visitors going into the break.

After the break, the kickers on both sides traded missed penalties early into the half as they struggled to deal with the wind, which seemed to be coming from two directions at once across the pitch.

20 minutes into the second half we had another penalty drift left of the posts, minutes later Staunton had another opportunity from 40m out and this one found its target taking us ahead by 12-10.

A drop goal attempt by Mike Prendergast 25 minutes in would have give us a bit of breathing space but the kick wasn’t on target, and Lansdowne were awarded a penalty moments later on the 22 for offside which they scored and took the lead of 13-12.

In the last ten minutes of the game, Staunton attempted two long range penalties from inside our own half, the first of which was on target but short, and the second drifted right and wide. Another penalty awarded for a high tackle on Darragh O’Neill from the touch line went right and wide, but was followed with yet another penalty awarded against Lansdowne. Staunton had only scored one kick from his efforts in the second half and as he lined up the ball for this attempt we were well into injury time, and all around the ground knew it was our last hope. Testament to his character, the kick made it over the posts and we finished with the narrow win and much relief as the ref blew the final whistle.

Final Score: Young Munster 15 – 13 Lansdowne

Team: Ray Moloney, Matthew Costelloe, Andrew Burke, Mike Kelliher, Darragh O’Neill, Willie Staunton, Mike Prendergast. Ger Flaherty, Ger Slattery (Capt.), Alan Cotter, Darren Gallagher, Sean Duggan, Liam Og Murphy, Shane Hassett, Neville Melbourne.
Replacements: Ger Bourke, Hugh McGrath, Shane O’Neill (for S.Duggan), James O’Neill (for S.Hassett), Brian Haugh (for M.Kelliher).

Seconds notch up bonus point win over Shannon

We fielded our strongest side this season on Sunday for the eagerly awaited Senior Seconds game v Shannon knowing that a win would put us into second place in the league.

Shannon started the better and went in front after 12 minutes with a penalty to lead 3-0. Our forwards were starting to get on top with the excellent Shane O'Neill and Hugh McGrath leading by example, and it came as no surprise when we scored our first try through Craig O'Hanlon with a fine try after great work by the forwards. Brian Haugh added the extras to give us the lead by 7 points to 3. Some good defence by Shannon stopped us from scoring again just before the half time whistle, to leave the score at 7-3 going into the break.

We started the second half as we finished the first and in the 50th minute we scored our second try of the day through Evan Culhane with great work by both the forwards and backs bringing the score to 12-3.

At this stage we were well on top in the set play and Declan Bannon scored our third try after a great break from just inside the Shannon half to score in the corner taking us to 17. We scored our fourth try through the excellent Shane O' Leary, securing the bonus point, again after great work between forwards and backs.
Shannon came storming back after this score and scored a fine try of their own which they converted to bring the score to 22-10.

Only good defence by us stopped Shannon from scoring again, and with the last play we worked our way back into the Shannon 22 where we forced a turnover in the line-out to maul over the Shannon tryline with Cathal O'Connor being credited with the touch down to leave the final score at 27-10.
We would like to wish our captain Ger (‘Plumber’) Ryan a speedy recovery from his injury and hope to see him back again in the black and amber before the end of the season.

Final Score: Young Munster 27 – 10 Shannon

———————–

U21’s winning try after 20+ phases into injury time

Our Under 21’s took on UCC at home in Derryknockane on Saturday in the AIL U21 South West Conference. Playing with a big wind in the first half, we ended up 7-0 ahead after an opportunist try from Shane O’Leary and a conversion from Ken Savage.

We conceded a penalty early in the second half and with three minutes to play we conceded a try in the corner from a UCC break from inside their own half. They missed the conversion and immediately afterwards landed a drop goal to lead by 11-7.

The game entered injury time and after a passage of play that had over 20 phases we scored a try by Owen Tarrant which was converted by Shane O´Leary to give us the win.

Other players that stood out on the day were Sean Seymour and Darragh Arthur in the forwards, and Sean Markham and Dean madden in the backs.

Final Score: Young Munster 14 – 11 UCC

———————–

Thirds pipped by Shannon in high scoring game

On Saturday our Third XV lined out against a strong Shannon side in their final game in the Gleeson League. Unfortunately at this stage of the competition we had only pride to play for, while Shannon were chasing one of the play-off spots still up for grabs.

Shannon started well and saw themselves 10-0 in front after the opening 10 minutes. We got ourselves back in the game when the ever-reliable Derek McMahon picked from the base of our scrum and crashed over for a try, which was converted by Conor O’Brien. After 25 minutes however Shannon restored their 10 point advantage with a converted try from their pack.

The second half saw Shannon extend their lead to 13 points with another penalty after some good pressure on our line was matched with great defence by our forwards. This could have easily lead to our lads dropping their heads and letting Shannon put us to the sword but we dug deep and an outstanding break from Seamus Lyons from his own 22 saw him link up with Kevin Maloney who raced over for a converted try to bring us back into the game at 20 points to 14.

We then applied some great pressure and a break from Brian Monahan could have lead to another impressive try after some great handling by backs and forwards alike, but some last ditch defending by Shannon kept their line intact. Shannon scored a further two tries from their dominant maul and the game was well beyond us when Sean O’Brien scored a try in the corner which was converted by Conor O’Brien to leave the final score 34-21 in favour of the visitors.

This sees the end of our Gleeson League campaign and our lads are left to wonder what could have been after 4 narrow one point defeats which, if reversed, would have seen us in the running for a play-off spot. It’s been a long tough 11 weeks of consecutive competitive games including our McInerney Cup fixtures, and a much needed break is welcomed by our lads after which we will turn our attention to the Webb Cup.

Final Score: Young Munster 21 – 34 Shannon

———————–

Women’s XV hard fought win v Shannon

Our Women’s team took on Shannon at home last Sunday. This match is always a hard fought contest as Young Munster and Shannon are the only women¹s teams in Limerick to share a division making it a local women’s rugby annual highlight.

“We had great numbers out to the match to support the players. Unfortunately we couldn’t put all 24 players on the field on the day but they were great to be there and were a great support to each other which has been the character of this side all season” Assistant Coach Derek McMahon commented.

We did not play to our best ability in the first half, but our defence held tight and we went in at the break at a scoreline of nil all.

In the second half we came out with all guns blazing, which led to our try from captain Edel Hannon, which was ably converted by outhalf Sam McCarthy.

In this half we changed the entire front row with Mairead Caulfield, Tanya O’Sullivan and Maeve Hackett replacing Kate ‘Kiwi’ Vallely, Eilish Quinlan and Debbie Cropper who had started and fought well as a unit. All the girls who came on performed very well in what was a hard fought battle but we deserved it in the end with the 7-0 scoreline.

Final Score: Young Munster 7 – 0 Shannon

———————–

U9’s win 2 from 2

Our Under 9’s played Newcastle West on Sunday morning in Derryknockane and won both games. We had 22 players in attendance so we decided to make two teams. With NCW also having big numbers so we had two teams apiece.

We won both games convincingly and this was a great opportunity for some of our less experienced players to shine. A number of other clubs had also been invited but failed to show on the day. Well done to all our players for playing some wonderful rugby.

———————–

Santa visits Young Munster RFC!

Don’t miss our Santa Party at Young Munster RFC Clubhouse on Sunday December 18th from 4.30pm to 6pm. Meet Santa and enjoy a Magic Show! All are welcome. €;5 per child.

———————–

Keith Earls guest of honour at Sponsor’s Reception

Away from the pitch, it has also been a busy week as we welcomed press and sponsors last Wednesday evening for a reception in the Clubhouse with players, coaches and committee.

Guest of honour on the night was Munster and Ireland player Keith Earls who joined Young Munster President Nay Cantillon, Director of Rugby Mike Prendergast and Assistant Coach John Broderick with senior players Ger Slattery, Club Captain Shane O'Neill, Andrew Burke, Liam Og Murphy, and Mark Rowley among others who were sporting a range of facial hair in support of 'Movember' where many of the players are growing their 'mos' (moustaches) while raising money for charity.

Guests on the night included Andrew Bates from Bus Eireann, the club's main sponsor, and Gerry O'Shea from GGL (Guardian Group Limited), associate sponsor of Young Munster RFC. Other guests included Lisa-Marie Smith from Clohessy's and The Sinbin, Jack Storan from Rasher's Bar, Mike McDermott from Leddin's Bar, Graham O'Sullivan from Kukri, and Chairman of Young Munster RFC Derek Tobin.

———————–

Women’s Team launch Calendar 2012

The Young Munster Women's team launched their Calendar 2012 at a reception in Clohessy's Bar, Howley's Quay on Monday night, November 28th.

The calendar is made up of a selection of photos shot by photographer Owen South with the girls on location at Young Munster RFC, Tom Clifford Park, Greenfields, plus other contributions.

The calendar also features underage players, and senior players from the men's teams including a great action photo of Paul O'Connell in the club's black and amber strip, shot by photographer Eoin McCarthy in O'Connell's return game for Young Munster last year.

The fundraising calendar was created by the Young Munster Women's team and congratulations must go out to calendar co-ordinators Jennifer Copely, Mags Jones and Edel Hannon on a great product which will no doubt be a big hit with fans of Young Munster RFC and women's rugby.

Joining the women's team at the launch event on Monday night was Young Munster President Nay Cantillon, Mitch O'Donoghue from the Young Munster Committee, photographer Owen South, and Olivia O'Sullivan, Club Media Officer for Young Munster RFC.

———————–

Results from last weekend:

Senior XV Ulster Bank League: Young Munster 15 – 13 Lansdowne
Seconds XV Munster Seconds League: Young Munster 27 – 10 Shannon
Thirds Gleeson League: Young Munster 21 – 34 Shannon
Under 21s SW Conference: Young Munster 14 – 11 UCC
Women’s AIL: Young Munster 7 – 0 Shannon
Under 13s League: Thomond 13 – 13 Young Munster

———————–

Fixtures for next weekend:

Saturday December 3rd:

AIL Div 1A – Cork Con v Young Munster – 2.30pm Temple Hill
U21 SW Conference – Old Crescent v Young Munster – 2.30pm Rosbrien

Sunday December 4th:

MSL – Young Munster v Thomond – 2.30pm Tom Clifford Park
U15s League – Bruff v Young Munster – refixed Bruff 12 noon
U14s League – Garryowen v Young Munster – Dooradoyle 11am
Mini’s Blitz U11s – Shannon, Killaloe/Ballina, Richmond, YM – Coonagh 10.30am
Mini’s Blitz U9s – YM, NCWest, Ennis, St Mary’s, Thomond – Derryknockane10.30am

Charity Cup Final

The Limerick Charity Cup Final has been fixed for Friday December 16th in Dooradoyle


 

Young Munster's  Women's Team

Share

DFP – Right Column – HalfPage

Tags

DFP – Right Column – MPU

Related News

We are looking forward to welcoming you to Thomond Park on Saturday for round 13 of the URC when Munster Rugby take on Cardiff. Tickets...

X