Club Notes: Week Ending 27.10.13
23rd October 2013 By Munster Rugby
This week’s club notes come from Clonmel, Cobh Pirates, Shannon and Waterford City rugby clubs.
Click here for Clonmel club notes
Click here for Cobh Pirates club notes
Click here for Shannon club notes
Click here for Waterford City club notes
Courtesy of: Paul Condon, Club PRO
Munster Junior League Division 1
Following last week’s big home win against Clonakility, the Clonmel 1st XV headed north to The Hill for the eagerly awaited local derby with Kilfeacle in the third round clash of this seasons Division 1 Munster Junior League.
In front of big home and travelling support, proceedings got off to a frenetic start and an early strike by Clonmel saw David O’Gorman score the opening Clonmel try within five minutes of the start. The conversion by Brian Lonergan added the two points.
Three successfully taken penalties by Clonmel over the following twenty minutes saw Brian add a further nine points to the tally with the home side still awaiting their opening score. A sin-binning inducing late tackle committed by Kilfeacle had them down to fourteen players on the thirty five minute mark and Brian Lonergan again added the penalty points to give Clonmel a 0-16 lead at half time.
After the break Kilfeacle were straight back on the attack and spent much of the third quarter camped close to the Clonmel line. The Kilfeacle determination and resolve paid off eventually with a well worked converted try to bring the score to 7-16. However that was the end of the Kilfeacle scoring. A further penalty by Brian Lonergan gave Clonmel a winning 7-19 margin and the third league win from their three opening games. After a break for the bank-holiday weekend, the fourth round tie will be a home game against Kanturk on November 3rd.
Munster Junior 2 League:
The Clonmel 2nd XV played host to local rivals Cashel on Sunday last for their third round encounter of the Munster Junior 2 League. Having had successful first and second round away games against Dungarvan and Waterford City the Clonmel team was anxious to put in another good performance and maintain their winning momentum.
Clonmel’s Cormac Rea opened the scoring with a great run down the line to score the opening Clonmel try after five minutes. A conceded penalty had Cashel respond with three points. However on the twenty five minute mark a surge from the Clonmel side put Darren Hoyne over the line in the corner for Clonmel’s second try of the day which was duly converted by Conor Cooney. A further penalty for Clonmel taken by Conor had the home side leading 13-3 at half time.
Passages of evenly balanced play at a blistering pace followed in the second half with brothers Cormac and Aiden Rea adding two additional tries to the Clonmel score line during the half. The points went unanswered by Cashel and Clonmel ran out winners and claimed their third league win by a 25-3 margin.
Womens Munster League Group A:
The newly re-formed Clonmel women’s team took to the pitch for their first outing of the league season on Sunday last, with 5 players making their rugby debut away to a well organised Thurles team.
The first half started very well for Clonmel with long periods of play spent camped in the opposition half, with Clonmel unlucky not to score on a number of occasions. Clonmel proved superior in the lineout thanks to their jumper Rachel Lonergan. Despite some good line breaks from Lisa Corcoron, Danni Delahunty and Jenny Hogan both teams remained scoreless until the last minute when Thurles crossed over the white line to score an unconverted try.
With Clonmel having no luck, and decisions going against them they slogged on. The pack put in some tremendous mauls and runs through Catherine Kenny, Catherine Hogan and Aileen O’Dwyer and scrum half Aisling Kenny taking on the ball on numerous occasions. Soon after, Laura Ryan turned over a ball, made a great break gaining great distance but was held off the ball just shy of the line. It wasn’t long before Thurles crept in for an easy try.
With Thurles now coming at Clonmel with renewed gusto some huge hits and tackles were made by Linda Connolly, Sharon Guiry and Emma Flynn from the Clonmel pack. In the back line Leah Coyne, Lisa Tobin and Laura Ryan had great games and made try saving tackles repeatedly for a long period of time. Clonmel can be proud of this period of defence
A special mention has to go to our utility player, Helen Quirke who played excellently as she slotted into at least 3 different positions throughout the match from the pack to the back line!
As the ref called last play and tired bodies starting to show, Thurles ran over for their third unconverted try of the game. Final score was
15 – 0 to the home team.
Our next match is at home to St. Sennans on November 3rd. New players are always welcome to training on Friday nights at 7.30.
Team: Lisa Tobin, Lisa Corcoran, Laura Ryan, Leah Coyne, Jenny Hogan, Danni Delahunty, Aisling Kenny, Catherine Hogan, Linda Connolly, Catherine Kenny, Rachel Lonergan, Sharon Guiry, Emma Flynn, Helen Quirke, Mary Gorey and AIieen O’Dwyer.
East Munster U14 League:
The home side were defeated 12-34 in their league encounter with Fethard. While beaten on this occasion, the group is improving game on game.
East Munster U16 League:
The Clonmel side won their league encounter 12-38 away to Carrick .
Upcoming Fixtures:
No league games this bank-holiday weekend.
Changes and updates to fixtures will be notified on the Clonmel Rugby Club Facebook Page, on twitter @ClonmelRFC. and on the club website.
Picture 1: Clonmel’s scrum half Alex Sheehan in command of the ball in the MJL game against Kilfeacle.
Picture 2: Clonmel captain Michael Sheehan shows steely determination against KIlfeacle in Sundays MJL encounter.
Picture 3. Clonmel’s 2XV’s Cormac Rea about to touch down for the opening try against Cashel in the J2 league win in Clonmel.
Picture 4. Clonmel’s women’s team line out against Thurles for their season opener in the Munster League.
Courtesy of Liz Cotter, Club PRO
It was a good weekend for the club with matches:
Starting with the Youths –
U14 beat Kanturk in first league match of the season 20 to 10 was the final score.
U18 won against Kinsale in friendly in Kinsale 17 to 15 was the score.
Next weekend all teams away with the U 14 facing Cork Con, U 16 play Old Christians in the first league game and U18 go up against Kanturk in their first league game of the season .
Congratulations teams and lets’ keep the season going.
The Minis are continuing to train away on Saturday mornings at 11 o clock.
New Members still always welcomed.
They will be holding a blitz for the 8s, 10s & 12s on Sat 2nd Nov against Mallow and Dolphin with the U7s, 9s, & 11s travelling to play Bandon.
The J1 remain unbeaten after 3 rounds of the J1 League. Clonakilty started the game well with a strong breeze to their backs. An opportunistic try by Alan Langford put a dent in Clon’s early dominance. Whilst Clon had the edge in the lineout, Pirates matched them in all other facets play. Despite the obvious advantage of the breeze, Pirates got to half time with a creditable 20 points to 10 deficit, based largely on their strong defence and telling tackles. Cobh made a number of substitutions at the break and started well in the second half. Mark Chandler scored an early try and this was soon followed by second try from Alan Langford. The score remained at 27 points to 20 in Cobh’s favour going into the 80th minute. Clon were awarded a penalty and had no choice but to kick to the corner. They scored from the ensuing lineout and converted to level the scores. There was barely enough time to restart the game which finished with ‘honours even’ and a valuable 2 points for Pirates away from home. There was a great effort from all the lads and a the team are starting to build good momentum for the rest of the season with a good bunch of guys on the team.
The Ladies team who travelled down to Waterford on Sunday morning came home with a 17-12 WIN! Tough game at the outset, with a few players missing and out injured, but the girls fought hard running in tries in the first half from Tricia O’Donovan and Jill Mahony, and Eilish Walsh kicking both conversions and a penalty in windy conditions that where against them in the second half. The conditions where tough with the wind against them in the second half by they fought a great defense and took the win! Great start to the season ladies! Roll on the next match at home to Thurles on Sunday 3rd November. Kick-off 1 p.m.
Huge Well Done to our Ladies.
Courtesy of:- Siofra Scanlan, Club PRO
A great weekend for the club with the Seniors, 2nds, U20s and U16s all wining their matches (Apologies if I omitted anyone) . This weekend sees us play Dungannon in the AIL. It goes with out saying that your support is vital and we would like to see as many people in Coonagh for the match on Saturday as possible.
Events & News
HEINEKEN CUP TICKETS MUNSTER V PERPIGNAN DECEMBER 8TH
Shannon RFC have Heineken Cup match tickets for sale for the Munster V Perpignan game on December 8th. We are offering anyone who purchases a ticket a free pint, hot whiskey, tea/coffee or soft drink on producing your Shannon RFC Match ticket at the bar in the clubhouse. Should anyone wish to purchase tickets please contact Tadhg Crowe on 0876524958 or secretary@shannonrfc.com. Cat A, Cat B and Terrace tickets available.
PRE-MATCH LUNCH
There will be a Pre-Match lunch held in Shannon RFC Clubhouse on Saturday 26th October at 12.30pm before the AIL Match, Shannon V Dungannon at Coonagh. Tickets are priced Adults €20, OAP/UNWAGED €15 (tickets include lunch and match entry).Bookings should be confirmed no later than Thursday, 24th October 5pm, to Denis O’Driscoll, on 086-8377263 or email infoshannonrfc@gmail.com
PRESIDENTS WALK
The "Presidents Walk" is on Sunday 27th October starting in the Club House at 12 pm. The routes are the same as last year at 5k and 10k. A percentage of the money collected will go to local charities. Afterwards back in the clubhouse, food and beverages will be served, music and prizes. Last year was a great success so lets try and make it even better this time. Should you wish to obtain a sponsorship card please contact any member of the Executive Committee. All contact details can be found on www.shannonrfc.com in the contact section. We would urge everyone to support this great event. It is raising important funds for your club and community.
SHANNON RFC CLUBHOUSE, YOUR LOCAL FOR MATCHES
Shannon RFC Clubhouse will be open on Sunday 8th December for the Heineken Cup game between Munster and Perpignan. Why not stop in before the match and see the new look clubhouse. Full bar available and now also serving Heineken beer on tap. Doors open early with kick off at 12.45pm in Thomond Park.
SHANNON RFC APP
The info is in and we have officially reached 4,625 people, 495 have downloaded the app and we have a following in 60 countries all over the world. Please feel free to share the link with anyone who may be interested. We would love some feedback from all of you who are following us on the app so feel free to email me directly at siofrascanlan@gmail.com
If you still have not downloaded yet here is the link. http://clubapplive.com/shannonrfc.
SHANNON RFC SCRAP METAL CHALLENGE SUNDAY
Shannon RFC in association with United Metals hosted a Scrap Metal day on Sunday 20th October in Coonagh from 11am to 6pm. All at Shannon RFC would like to thank everyone who contributed to this event. You have raised some very important funds for the club and it is much appreciated. A special mention to Morgan who organised this event.
YOUR CLUB, YOUR COUNTRY IRFU DRAW 2013
Tickets are available for the 2013, Your Club Your Country IRFU Grand Draw. The tickets are €10 each. The Prizes are amazing and it is a great way to support your club. Tickets are available from any Shannon Committee member. All contact details for committee members can be found on http://www.shannonrfc.com/contact.htm
For a full list of prizes please see the IRFU website at http://www.irishrugby.ie/club/your_club_your_country.php
PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY THROUGH COONAGH
We would ask everyone to please take care, slow down and observe the speed limit through Coonagh Village on the way to and from the matches and training.
YOUR CLUB, YOUR THOUGHTS
We always like to hear from our members near and far. If you have a story, any interesting historical information or an article about the club that you would like to share we would love to hear it. Any submissions for consideration can be sent siofrascanlan@gmail.com
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Saturday 26th October
AIL~ Seniors~ Shannon V Dungannon, Coonagh, 2.30pm
Gleeson League ~3rds~ St Marys V Shannon, St Marys, 2.30pm
Sunday 27th October
MSSL ~2nds~ Shannon v Nenagh Ormond, Coonagh2.30pm
Underage Training and Fixtures
Sunday 27th October
Minis
No Training
Monday 28th
U12s Keating Festival Bruff
Saturday 26th
U13 League v Old Crescent @12.00 Rosbrien
Courtesy of Damien Kennedy, Club PRO
City fall to first defeat of the league season
Our seniors faced a tough afternoon away to Clanwilliam last Sunday in the 3rd round of the Junior League. Right from the start Clanwilliam showed their intentions looking to move the ball wide and playing all out attack rugby. City found themselves trailing early on with Clanwilliam running in two early tries with some great play from their impressive backline. City worked their way back into the game but went into half time trailing 15-3. The opening 15 mins of the 2nd half saw City wake up and they worked themselves into another penalty to bring the score to 15-6. The next 5 mins saw City deep in the Clanwilliam half only to cough up possession and allow the home team to strike again with their 1st try of the 2nd half, this was a hammer blow to City and from here the flood gates opened and Clanwilliam scored two more tries. This was a hard result for our lads and a tough lesson to take but well done to Clanwilliam and best wishes to their player who unfortunately broke his leg in the closing minutes of the game
Ladies
Hard luck to our ladies who lost by a narrow 5 points to Cobh Pirates last Sunday, a lot of ladies on this team are still only learning the game, the wins will come!!
U-18s
We played Dungarvan on Sunday and it was a very close affair in the end.We started the game quite well and played some good rugby without really creating any really chances for the first 10 minutes.The next 25 were the worst we have played where we conceded 3 trys 2 from missed tackles and standing and watching players run at us.We made the same mistakes over and over again not helped by decisions that were being made and the penalty count just kept raising. Dungarvan’s third try was from a scrum that was given to them after an injury was blown for and we had turned the ball over and were running with it.If not for a spark of genius from Ryan Phillips who took a quick tap penalty on our 5 meter line and he wasn’t taken out in the first 10 meters as most had been and let play was left go on and after breaking 3 tackles he sprinted in under the posts and Connor Brennan slotted the conversion.Half time we were 7 to 17 down.After some Stern honest assessment at half time we started brightly but from another turnover and some good play by Dungarvan they scored again to make it 7 to 22.After this we did wake up and although we didn’t play our best we did pick it up.Our second try was in away another individual effort although Liam Hayes, who played really well when he came on at HT,ripped the ball loose made good ground and popped it to Tony O’Brian who had had half the Dungarvan team in front of him he accelerated handed off the first tackler then the 2nd and finally the 15 and went over for the score with a man on his back.Our 3rd try was a good team try with forward driving it on and then quick hands out to John Kearney to put down in the corner. Conor slotted the 2 difficult conversions to make it 21 to 22 with 10 minutes to play.For these 10 minutes Dungarvan held possession really well if with a little luck/help for the game to finish with a loss by 22 to 21 hard to swallow all round.The coaches would like to mention Jason DeCourcey who came on just before HT and made a real impact and Adian Power who was back to his superb best today and if it wasn’t man of the match Laim’s massive improvement he would have taken it easily.
U-14
Hard Luck to our lads who lost 15-0 away to Waterpark last Sunday, the result does not reflect the game and our lads know they can improve but well done to Waterpark, special mention goes to Louis Burns for his stand out performance.