Club News: Week Ending 22.02.15
18th February 2015 By Munster Rugby
This week’s Club News comes from Clonmel, Thurles, Newcastle West, Bruff and Waterpark.
If you would like to see your club on the Munster Rugby website, please send on any club news, upcoming events, match reports or photos to seangeary@munsterrugby.ie.
Click here for Clonmel RFC News
Click here for Thurles RFC News
Click here for Newcastle West RFC News
Click here for Waterpark RFC News
Courtesy of Paul Condon, Club PRO
Clonmel beat Cobh to take Munster Junior Clubs Challenge Cup
Clonmel's 1st X travelled to Fermoy on Sunday last in quest of their first silverware of the season. The opposition, Cobh Pirates RFC, at stake, the Munster Junior Clubs Challenge Cup. Clonmel had never won this competition previously and with its current good form in the league, they headed for Fermoy hoping to maintain the momentum.
In front of good support for both sides, a Conor Cooney penalty for Clonmel opened proceedings followed by a try from Ronan Crosse which was converted by Cooney which set up an early 10-0 lead. Cobh responded with a converted try to narrow the margin to 10-7. A second Clonmel penalty kicked by Cooney saw the sides go into half-time with Clonmel holding a 13-7 lead.
As the rain got heavier in the second half, Clonmel and Cobh exchanged penalties before Luke Hogan made a break up the side line to score a well taken try for Clonmel. Alex Sheehan followed up with a further Clonmel try which was converted by Cooney. 28-10 in the closing minutes before Cobh scored a late try to end the game 28-15 in favour of Clonmel, the new Munster Junior Clubs Cup champions! Well done to all on a fantastic performance and hopefully the first of a number of titles this season.
Munster Junior League Division 1
Its back to league action next Sunday when Clonmel's 1st XV play Cobh Pirates again, this time in the penultimate game of the Munster Junior League. Clonmel goes into this game with a five point lead over second place Newcastle West and very much in a commanding position. The club has never won the Division 1 league and now finds itself two games away from a potentially historic victory. A big crowd is anticipated in Clonmel on Sunday which has a 2.30pm kick and as always the home support is much appreciated.
Munster Women's League Division 1
The Clonmel women's team were in league action last Sunday, on this occasion at home to Thurles for the seventh round of the Munster Women's League Division 1. Currently sitting in second place in the league, behind Thurles, Sunday's encounter was the return leg after an away loss to Thurles at the start of the league season. Clonmel get off to the better start on the day and were 12-5 up at half time. However Thurles countered strongly in the second half scoring two unanswered tries to win the game 12-15. Clonmel still finish second in the South / East section of the league and go on to meet Abbeyfeale now in phase two. Next weekend Clonmel's women's team meet Richmond in the opening round of the cup. Details to be confirmed.
Underage Rugby
Clonmel U12s were winners of the Johnny Woods Memorial Cup in Killeaule on Sunday last. After winning all 3 pool games against Clanwilliam, Young Munster and Kilkenny RFC, the team had a very tough final against a strong, fast and well organised Bruff. Clonmel went down one try in the early stages but kept the heads and took two tries back to win 2-1.
Big congrats to Aaron Denny, Brandon Delicato, Chris Ryan,Eddie Dunphy, Jack O'Donoghue, James Cronin, Kian Lonergan, Luca Dennehy, Oran Ryan, Rían McCormack, Samuel McGowran, Tim Nugent, Thomas Fox and Tom Ross and our captain Rory Collins on a well deserved win.
Scheduled Fixtures
Mini's at home to Dungarvan and Thurlres in blitz on Saturday morning.
2nd XV at home to Highfield in the J2 League Phase 2 QF next weekend. KO to be confirmed
U18 at home to Bantry Bay on Saturday Feb 21st KO to be confirmed.
Women's team away to Richmond in the Munster Women's Cup next weekend. KO to be confirmed.
1st XV at home to Cobh Munster Junior League Division 1 on Sunday February 22nd at 2.30pm.
Fixture Updates will be posted on the club's website, Facebook page and on Twitter @ClonmelRFC.
Courtesy of Brian Scanlon, Club PRO
Thurles Women Prevail in Top of the Table Tipperary Derby: Clonmel 12-15 Thurles
The Thurles Women's Senior team were away to Clonmel in a crucial League game on Sunday. The game finished 12 – 15 in favour of Thurles. Thurles had the better start with a wonderful intercept from Niamh Coman setting up a Thurles attack. Clonmel unfortunately turned over possession and a skilful kick and chase resulted in an early try for the home side. The conversion attempt hit the posts and the score stood 5-0 in favour of Clonmel.
Although Thurles had numerous good attacking positions, with Aimee Crowe being particularly impressive in both attack and defence, they seemed unable to turn possession into a score. Clonmel were strong in the lineout and on numerous occasions built a very strong maul off the lineout. The Thurles pack put up some fantastic opposition to the Clonmel attacks. Clonmel proved too strong for them, however, and went in over the line to score their second try of the game.
The conversion attempt was successful and the score now stood 12 – 0 in favour of Clonmel. A fantastic period of play for visitors Thurles followed the second try and a fantastic tackle from Joanne Harrison saw Maria Woodlock gain back vital possession for the visitors. In what was a tough, physical game from the start both sides were putting in some hard tackles. Niamh Coman and Ruth Purcell pulled off some fantastic tackles in the period following the second Clonmel try. Indiscipline from Clonmel saw them lose a player to the sin bin with a half an hour played in the game.
Thurles capitalised on having an extra player on the pitch and put some vital points on the board before the break. A wonderful passage of play from the backs saw Aisling Byrne go in over the line for Thurles' first try. The try in the corner brought the score to 12-5. The conversion attempt from Megan Callanan was narrowly missed from a very tight angle. Clonmel were ahead by 7 points at half time.
The intensity of the first half was matched in the second half. Thurles once again got the better start with Ciara Quinn making a fantastic run early in the half. All over the pitch Thurles were dominant. Maria Woodlock had a fantastic tackling and rucking game in tough conditions. Niamh Coman played some very intelligent rugby and pulled off a magnificent and vital intercept early in the second half. Thurles were unlucky not to score a try from a wonderful passage of play which involved a superb run from Aisling Byrne, a powerful drive from Joanne Harrison and support play from Niamh Coman, Aimee Crowe and Stephaine Moore. An unfortunate knock- on denying them a well deserved try.
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The determination with which visitors Thurles were now playing was eventually rewarded with a wonderful try from Ruth Purcell (left). The try was the result of some great rucking and driving forward from the forwards. Maria Woodlock, Helena Bermingham and Ruth Purcell all teaming up to ensure that Thurles edged closer to their opponents. The conversion attempt was missed by the narrowest of margins and went just under the post. The score stood 12 – 10 in favour of Clonmel despite Thurles' second half dominance.
From the re-start Thurles played with the intensity of a team that were determined to come out on top and both Niamh Coman and Aisling Byrne had excellent runs from the re-start but Clonmel secured the turnover and were once again on the attack but some wonderful defending from Thurles and a superb tackle form Aimee Crowe prevented the home side from building a solid attack.
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The final minutes of the game proved to be incredibly physical with the scrum tested on numerous occasions but Thurles were firm in both attack and defence. Both sides had attacking chances in the dying minutes of the game but neither were able to build enough momentum to secure a score. Some confident and well executed tackles, from players such as Linda Ryan and Jean Ryan, ensured that Clonmel did not build an attack. Thurles were eventual winners on a 12 – 15 scoreline in what was a vital League game which both sides desperately wanted to win. In the end the sheer determination and skill of the Thurles side, particularly in the second half, proved too much for Clonmel who failed to score in the second half. Thurles came from 12 – 0 down to secure a well deserved victory.
Team: Rebecca Byrne, Stephanie Moore, Aimee Crowe, Niamh Coman, Aisling Byrne, Miriam Harrison, Ciara O'Dwyer, Jean Ryan, Catherine Kearney, Maria Woodlock, Megan Callanan, Linda Ryan, Ciara Quinn, Ruth Purcell, Joanne Harrison. Subs: Helena Bermingham(40), Maria Whelan (60), Michelle Ryan, Susan Max, Claire Mockler.
Thurles U18s: Waterford City 0 – 15 Thurles![""]("//db0847ijr709w.cloudfront.net/munster/Thurles_Underage_Article.gif")
Thurles U 18s beat Waterford City 15 – 0. It was a tough scrappy game with man of the match performance from captain Liam Devaney who also scored a try. Tries also came from Donogh Moore and John Shanahan. Another stand out performance on the day came from John Shanahan who gave a great display of tackling. It was great to get through the day with no injuries. Keep it up lads!
Thurles RFC's Lee Tierney breaks a tackle at Waterford City on Sunday with Paddy Dunican , Liam Devaney and Donagh Moore in close support
Thurles U16 Boys v Tralee
Tralee U16s travelled to Thurles last Saturday with one purpose , to put in a strong performance against the home side. Tralee had an outside chance of qualifying for the knock out stages of the pan Munster. Tralee had the best of starts when the ball was kicked in behind the Thurles full back and the kick chase ended with Thurles carrying the ball over their own try line.
From the scrum Tralee ran in a try with only 2 minutes played. This is pretty much how the game went. Thurles put Tralee under a lot of pressure but failed to convert. Tralee seemed to find space at will and ran in 8 tries with ease. This has been a good experience for Thurles and they now know the work they have to do to compete at this level. They now have to build themselves up for the East Munster cup competition which starts soon
Thurles Mini Rugby
There was a great turn in Thurles on a fine Sunday morning for a mini blitz with teams visiting from Birr and Portarlington. There were great displays of rugby from all teams involved from u7s right up to u12s. It was great to see such good numbers travelling to us from teams outside the area. The parents who provided the food to be served after the games deserve a big thank you. Next Saturday February 21st Thurles minis are away to Clonmel for a blitz kick off 10.30. Hope to see you all there. All who are involved keep up the good work.
Courtesy of:- Martin O'Sullivan, Club PRO
Munster Junior Cup: Newcastle West fail to close out – Newcastle West 13 Young Munster 24
At the Young Munster city grounds, Newcastle West RFC featured in one of the most action packed events of the season. In front of a crowd of over 600 the Newcastle West side encountered a side that brought with them chapters of AIL experience from this years AIL Division 1A.
The opening 20 minutes while scoreless was a display of significant skill by both sides. Newcastle West assisted by the breeze were very much stride for stride with the city pack. The opening score came from a good backs move and the full back touched down .The conversion was missed to leave a score line of 5 – 0 to Young Munster.
Newcastle West kicked off and after numerous attempts substitute James Kelly gave Newcastle West their opening score subsequently converted by captain Sean Herlihy. The intervening minutes leading to half time saw the NCW side failing to take advantage of their possession and territory with no further scores from either side the half time score was Newcastle West 7 Young Munster 5
The game resumed with the breeze assisting the city side but Newcastle West quickly resumed their attacking skills culminating in a penalty being awarded in front of the posts duly converted by Sean Herilhy. After more pressure from the NCW pack a further penalty was conceded by Young Munster bringing the scoreline to Newcastle West 13 Young Munster 5
The final quarter of this city and county encounter saw the city side produce their AIL class they were rewarded with a 5 metre scrum that led them to a penalty try after one of the Newcastle West forwards was deemed to have kicked the ball out of the scrum this saw Newcastle West granted a yellow card with a close score of Newcastle West 13 Young Munster 12 .
This gave the Young Munster side the front foot and they duly maintained their constant attacking position leading to their Tongan International player Kolio Hifo scoring the deciding try, converted successfully,
leaving the score Newcastle West 13 Young Munster 19
Newcastle West kicked off and were awarded a penalty 35 yards out which was tapped and this move broke down where the Young Munster winger scored in the corner the conversion was missed and the referee's whistle led to a Young Munster victory.
Newcastle West gave another great display of rugby and playing well for the side were Tommy Kelliher , Sean Neville, Conor Whelan , Michael Culhane , James Corbett and David Foley.
Upcoming Fixtures
Newcastle West take on Muskerry in the Junior League in Muskerry on Sunday next @ 2.30pm
Mini Rugby back for Sun 15-Feb-2015
The mini rugby for ages of under 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, train each Sunday morning 10:30 am to 11:30 am.
Age Home Team
U9 UL Bohs-Lions, UL Bohs-Stags, Bruff-Bears, Newcastle West
U11 Newcastle West, Bruff-Bulls, Old Crescent-1, Young Munster
Youth Fixtures
U14 Semi Final Newcastle West/Estuary v Garryowen, Kilelline, 22/02/2015, 11:30
U16 Pan Munster Waterpark v Newcastle West/Estuary, Waterpark, 21/02/2015, 14:00
Pay a visit to our Kilelline Shop
Please consider purchasing adult club merchandise and wear your club colours when cheering on your son(s) on match day. Special offers on; – Adult Hoodies and polo shirts. Pay a visit on Sunday's or order in advance by ringing either Eoin Cahill (085 1651763) or Pat Daly (087 2421682) after 6:30 pm or call up to coaches at any of weekday (Tue – Fri) youth training nights.
International Tickets
All International tickets for the 2015 6 Nations are now allocated.
Club raffle
Raffle Tickets are now available for the NCW Rugby Club draw for 2 tickets to the sold out clash between Ireland and England in the Aviva Stadium.
Tickets to the game are like gold dust so get your name in and you could be there to experience the atmosphere of one of rugby's oldest rivalries.
Tickets are only €2 each or 3 for €5
3 Prizes on offer
1. 2 Tickets to Ireland v England, March 2015 6 Nations in Dublin
2. €200 voucher for Noels Menswear
3.Cahill's Cheese Hamper
The draw takes place this Friday Feb 20th so this is your last chance to be there.
Good luck to all.
Lotto
There was no winner of the February 13th Lotto draw which took place in Cronins Bar
The numbers drawn were 3, 5, 9 and 13.
The lucky dip winners were:
Tom Noonan, c/o Pat Collins
Oscor, c/o Matt McCoy
Padraig Fogarty, Woodfield, NCW
Mick Lambert, c/o, Lee's Bar
Daphne Gleeson, c/o Pallas Foods
Robery Hayden, c/o Pallas Foods
Peggy O'Neill, c/o Pallas Foods
The promoter's prize went to The Dollar Bar
Next week's jackpot is €20,000 and the draw takes place on Friday 20th February in The Bridge Bar. Your continued support for the weekly draw is greatly appreciated.
Courtesy of:- Seamus Sheahan, Club PRO
There was a busy weekend on the field for a number of Bruff teams with good some results. On Saturday the u20's had a 48-23 away win over Kinsale/Clonakilty in the league.
Also played away on Saturday the u16's beat Dolphin 20-10 in the pan Munster league.The u18's were at home on Sunday in the Pan Munster league and bounced back from last weekend's defeat with a hard fought 15-12 win over Bantry Bay.
The Womens team had a 12-0 win over Richmond thanks to trys from Eilish O'Sullivan & Aoife O'Sullivan and a conversion from Catherine Quinn.
The J1 team were well beaten away to Nenagh in the Munster junior plate.
U20s League: Bruff -v- Clonakilty/Kinsale
The U20s were made the long trip to Kinsale on Saturday to take on a combined Clonakilty/Kinsale team in the u20's league. The 20's had lost out to UCC in the previous round and were looking to bounce back quickly from that lose. They didn't disappoint and travelled home happy with a 48-23 victory. Liam Tracey enjoyed a productive outing bagging himself 4 trys. There were also trys for Cian Tierney(2), Shane Doona, James Guinea and Shane Breen. David O Grady chipped in with 8 points from the boot.
Cork Cons are up next for the 20's, date & time TBC.
Underage Rugby
After the disappointment of losing a close game away to Waterpark last week the u18's had a hard fought victory of Bantry at home in Bruff on Sunday. Bruff lead 10-0 at half time thanks to a great individual try from prop Jack Fitz. The powerful forward took a pass from 10 metres out and ploughed his way over the Bantry line to touch down for the opening try of the game. Kevin McManus kicked the conversion and also added a penalty before the short whistle.
Bruff enjoyed good territory for the opening period of the second half and added a 2nd try with only minutes gone on the clock. Bruff were awarded a 5 metre scrum and executed a well worked pre-planned move for the ever reliable no.8 Dylan Reeves-Wasik to touch down in the corner.
With the score now 15-0 Bruff seemed to lose concentration and allowed Bantry back into the game. The visitors hit back with 2 trys of their own and Bruff were made to sweat it out for the last 5 minutes. The Bruff defence worked hard and were grateful to get out with a 15-12 victory.
Squad- Kevin McManus, Dean O'Shea, Odhran Ring, Thomas Breen, Darren Kennedy, Matthew Lockhart O'Dea, Tadgh Leddin, Brady Day, Thomas Quigley, Darragh Moore, Cian Mulqueen, Fearghal Cooke, Gareth Cooke, Conor Fitzpatrick, Simon Divilly, Jack Fitzgerald, Brian Bulfin, David Crofton Young, David Moloney, Cian Clifford, John Bulfin, Jack O'Grady, Dylan Reeves- Wasik, Niall Byrne , Sean Hartigan ,Adam Sheehy ,Cormac Daly ,Aaron Daly ,Lorcan Hayes
Bruff U-16s
The u16's travelled to Musgrave Park on Saturday to take on Dolphin in their second game of the pan Munster league. They kept their 100% record intact thanks to a 20-10 win. Bruff led 15-3 at half time thanks to 5 points from the boot of John Bateman and tries from Mike O'Grady and Jason Fitzgibbon. Fitzgibbon's try; a great team score came from a collective effort from backs and forwards with the winger touching down after some fantastic hands from the Bruff backs.
Bruff had their backs to the walls for most of the second half and were forced to defend for long periods. When Bruff did make a rare second half visit to Dolphins 22 they were clinical with John Bateman adding a third try. Dolphin scored a converted try near the end of the game but it was a case of too little too late and Bruff held out for the win.
Squad, U16s Callum Winship, Jamie Carey, Michael O'Grady, John Bateman, Jason Fitzgibbon, David Carroll, Martin Carew, Liam Cunningham, Jack O'Malley, Donnacha McCarthy, Jerry O'Dea, Daniel Gleeson, Bradley Riordan, Michael O'Donovan, Joseph O'Connell, Niall Breen, James Hanly, Seamas Bulaeir, Gearoid Moynihan, Declan Kenny, Mark Hanly, Shea Dunworth , Jamie McCarthy , Jack Houlihan, Jack O Connell, Sean McCarthy & Jonathon Fitzpatrick.
Fixtures
Please keep an eye on the website for the latest fixtures which will be updated by Wednesday Each week. www.bruffrfc.com
Unwanted Clothing collection
Bruff underage will be having a secondhand collection of Clothes/Belts/handbags and shoes in January. Items can be brought to the club in the New Year. Please give what you can.. Only items listed will be collected.
Courtesy of:- David Bowe, Club PRO
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Waterpark just came up short in this pulsating cup game against Cork side Highfield on Sunday in Ballinakill. The home side gave themselves a mountain to climb when the turned at the break 22-3 down, John Lillis kicked the penalty.
Waterpark fought back in the second half with tries from winger Richard Halley, No 8 David Pierce and Out half John Lillis. Highfield's only score in the second half came from a break way try inside their 22 which was good enough to take them to the next round of this competition.
Waterpark face a massive game next week away to Galbally who lie 3 points ahead the Ballinakill side in the league table.
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The Waterpark U-8s in action
Pan Munster Under 16s: Mallow 6- Waterpark 38
However the 15 who took the pitch put in a superb performance to run out easy winners at the final whistle. The visitors tries came from winger Gary Healy, second row Dion Ryan (2), centre Dylan Redmond and out half Glen Kavanagh. Kavanagh landed 5 conversions and one penalty in an excellent kicking display
This weekend's Fixtures
Munster Junior League:
1st at Away to Galbally on Sunday at 2.30pm
Mick Barry Cup:
2nd at Away to Clonakilty on Sunday at 2.30pm
Pan Munster:
Under 18s' At Home to Shannon on Sunday at 12.30
Pan Munster:
Under 16's at Home to Newcastle West on Sunday at 2pm
East Munster League
Under 15's Away to Dungarvan on Sunday at 11am
East Munster League
Under 14's at Home to Kilfeacle on Sunday at 11am
East Munster League
Under 13's Away to Dungarvan on Sunday at 11am
