Club News W/C 4/4

News from around the clubs for last weekend

U.L. BOHEMIAN
On last weekend the UL Bohs women’s team won the All Ireland Cup when beating Cooke from the North by 22-7.
Also on last Sat, the UL Bohs U-20 side travelled to Belfield to take on heavy favourites UCD in the semi-final of the All Ireland Frazer McMullen Cup. Despite being behind 8-5 at the break, a very strong second half saw the home side held scoreless, while UL Bohs got some good tries to record a 25-8 victory. The reward is a final date against Blackrock on Saturday next in Tullamore. UL Bohs are the holders of the trophy, but will once again go into this game as underdogs against a side well stocked with internationals. The selectors did not value the UL Bohs talent quite so highly, so this lack of recognition is a major motivating factor.
On Saturday the UL Bohs senior side will face Shannon in the penultimate game in the AIL. While it is statistically possible for UL Bohs to qualify for the Top 4 playoffs if results end up right, the more realistic scenario sees the club qualifying for the Top 8, but this will not affect the focus in what should be a very tightly fought local derby.
As if the club did not have enough on its plate, Monday finds UL Bohs and Garryowen contesting the Munster Junior Cup final. This trophy is one of the most difficult to win, and when these sides contested the final two seasons ago, the Dooradoyle side came out as narrow victors. UL Bohs will aim to balance the books on Easter Monday.
For details of these sides,

NENAGH ORMOND
Nenagh Ormond RFC Notes for Weekend 4th and 5th April 2009

SENIOR XV
Nenagh Ormond 5 – Munster Junior selection 0 – Try scorer Vima Tudiraki
Nenagh Ormond Senior XV played a Munster Junior Selection in New Ormond Park on Friday night last under lights. This was a great opportunity to blood new players and to continue to experiment with others playing different positions than they are used to. There were 4 under 20’s player’s who got game time and all accounted for themselves very well, Dan Fogarty, Steven Harvey, Rob Duff and John Coffey.
Best for Nenagh in the backs were Dan Fogarty at out half who controlled the game well mixing it through his kicking and moving the backline, Vima in the centre tackled viciously and made a wonderful break beating many defenders to score his individual try. There may have been a few of the opposition who had nightmares that night about their contact with Nenagh’s Fijian centre. The pack was led by Robbie Powell who is playing better than ever before and looking like he is thoroughly enjoying his game this season. The back row of Darren Horan who is just back from injury, Keith Quigley and Bryan Williams covered every blade of grass. The starting pack had six players under the age of 23 and their youth was not evident as the bossed around the pick of the Munster Junior selection, the future looks bright for the years ahead in Nenagh Rugby.
David Delaney also made his final appearance before his journey back to Australia. We wish himself and Stacey the best of luck for their future.
Team, M Kennedy, C Ryan, D Dunne, R Powell, M Slattery, D Horan, B Williams, K Quigley, M Fogarty, D Fogarty, G Hermse, K O’Meara, V Tudiraki, R Duff, D Corcoran. Subs all used J Coffey, C Langley, C McMahon, R O’Brien, S Harvey, T Connolly and D Delaney
Next week we return to league action with our last away fixture of the season in Banbridge on Saturday. Kick-off at 2.30pm as usual. All support welcome.
Our final league game of the season will be on 18th April when we welcome Portadown to Neangh.

LADIES

Nenagh Ladies had no game last weekend. We are hoping for a friendly this Friday night as it’s the last weekend before our league semi-final. The semi-final is set for 19th April at home against City of Derry. Training continues Wednesdays and Fridays at 7:30. New players always welcome, contact Louise on 087-2201596.

UNDERAGE ORMONDS
U14 Nenagh 12 Cashel 10

Nenagh for the 3rd week in a row were involved in a closely contested u14 East Munster
league game at home to a good Cashel side on Sunday. On this occasion Nenagh edged
the score line but more importantly their play reflected what is being done in training.
Nenagh started strongly and were well in command up front. Playing with the wind they
pressed from the off and were very unlucky not to score early in the game. Good work
by C Comerford, P Ryan, B O’ Flaherty, G White and J Nolan put E Moloney in position to
crash over from close range. E O’ Brien converted. Cashel got back into the game with a
try off a block down. From then to half time Nenagh pressed strongly with K Buckley, N
Flood, D Hassey and C Wallace to the fore.
In the second half Nenagh totally dominated with J O’ Flaherty, J Mayers, D Fox, B
Oconnor , A Hayes and G Hayes contributing well. The pack lead by C Lucey with C Leo,
D Flannery in close support started to tie in the Cashel defence with strong running. This
left gaps outside one of which J Donovan utilised and scored a good try from long range.
Cashel got another score but Nenagh were well on top to finish worthy winners.
With a few weeks left in the year training is changing to Tuesday this week to suit
players availability. U13 match will be played this week. All to attend training Tuesday at
7pm new players always welcome.
Squad: C Wallace, J OFlaherty, G White, J Donovan, D Fox, D Hassey, B OFaherty,
C Comerford, E OBrien, D Flannery, B OConnor, P Ryan, E Moloney, C Lucey, C Leo,
N Flood, J Nolan, J Mayers, G Hayes, A Hayes, K Buckley.

Juvenile Rugby Clonmel County Blitz U10 is on Good Friday next 10th April in Clonmel RFC grounds
A panel of 14 players will be selected at training on this Thursday night


Juvenile Rugby Clonmel County Blitz U12 is on Holy Saturday next 11th April in Clonmel RFC grounds
A panel of 14 players will be selected at training on this Thursday night

Unfortunately there is no Blitz for the U8s. All parents of Juvenile Rugby are asked to please come and support the Juvenile teams,
Teams and coaches leave Nenagh Ormond’s Training Ground, Tyone at 9.30am on both Friday & Saturday mornings. Kick Off at Clonmel RFC at 11am

Vicenza Tour
Nenagh Ormond Juveniles recently spent a very enjoyable few days on tour in Vicenza, in North Italy.
Two of the main organisers of the tour were David Lind (brother of Chris, Brookwatson and a resident of Vicenza) and Liam Young of NORFC. This tour was a great success again this year and a great time was had by all. Full report next week.

Munster v Connacht in Thomond Park
Nenagh Ormond are taking a party of our Under 12’s to the Munster v Connacht game in Thomond Park on April 18th.
We are short a number of tickets. If you have a ticket to spare, please contact Anthony Timmons on 087 2460290

CLONMEL
Clonmel 1st XV vs Cashel 1st XV
Clonmel took on Cashel n the final of the Mansergh Cup in Clanwilliam last Sunday. Cashel came away 22-19 victors after a hard fought contest. Paul McCarthy made some good breaks during the game, but was lacking in support at vital times. Neville Melbourne, playing at No. 8, threw himself around the pitch, and was able supported by John Long at scrum-half, Conor Cooney and Brian Lonergan.

That’s the 1st’s season finished for this year and thanks to everyone who came out to cheer on the lads!

Clonmel 2nd XV vs Kilfeacle 2nd XV
Clonmel 2nd XV were away to Kilfeacle in the semi-final of the Gleeson Cup on Sunday, and lost 28-6. Their next game is against Cashel at home in the Evans Final, date to be announced.

U18 girls
U18 girls were away on a stay over in Naas last week end and all had a blast. This was a great team bonding week end for all involved from the senior girls to the girls who just started this year. All 22 players travelled to make the most of the week end. We had a very convincing win over Naas running in 9 tries and kicking 6 conversions and our defence held solid and did not allow any score on the day. All 22 players played over the 70 minutes and again this was the first time that everyone played in a full game together and what a performance the girls put on! We then stayed on to watch the Naas senior men’s team play before heading back to the hotel for dinner and to watch Munster play. Thanks again to the adults mums who travelled as we could not have done it without them.

With only 2 weeks away to the Munster U18 tournament, April 18 is a date to remember. Your support is important to the girls so please come along. Live music on the day will be by local band TPM and with special guests and you never know who you might meet

Clonmel U-16s win East Munster Plate
On Sunday 29th March Clonmel travelled to Galbally for the final of the East Munster Plate to play Thurles. Both teams lined out for what was to become an extremely physical contest. Clonmel had worked hard in training for the past few months and all this effort finally came to fruition. Playing into a strong breeze Clonmel kept the ball in hand and set to work. The first score came from Matthew Hynes (Beinz). Good counter rucking from Sean Kelly and Luke Fennell allowed Ali Purcell to pass the ball out and after several silky passes from both backs and forwards (i.e. Jack Doyle and co) put Beinz in for the try. Straight from the restart a great take from Cian Mackey set up the ball for some great forward drives from Jamie Driver and Sean Kelly. This provided the platform for Luke Hogan and Charlie O’Donoghue to throw the ball out wide for Brain Condon to stretch his legs only to be stopped just short. Quick ball was presented for Purcell and the backs flashed it wide again only for Eoin Fox to be again stopped just short. All this pressure had to used and after a crunching tackle from Charlie O’Donoghue and good hands from the turnover Eoin Marsh crossed over for his second try of the season. Hynes added the conversion to leave the score 12-0 Clonmel.

More solid defensive work form Clonmel after great attacking from Thurles resulted in more turnovers thus allowing Liam Glendon and Eoin Fox to counter attack. Sustained pressure from the forwards through some great pick and drives from Brendan Lawlor set up the position for Tony Cantwell to cross the line, 17-0.

In the second half Clonmel used the wind to their advantage and pinged the corners. The introduction of Dan Kennedy, Shane Carroll, Adam Quilivan and Adam O’Dywer (Squire) brought fresh legs to the game. Clonmel were now under pressure from some brilliant attacking from Thurles and after some great work from their backs Thurles crossed the line for a try 17-5. That’s how it finished and it was a extremely physical and keenly contested game. Many thanks to those who made the occasion possible.

U14 Boys
Clonmel 49 Dungarvan 10
Clonmel played their last game in Group B of the East Munster league on Sunday morning and were once again victorious.
Clonmel knew that only a win would be enough to have any chance at winning the league. Clonmel got off to the perfect start when Shaun O’Donoghue dived in for the opening try following a Darren Cass break from outside the 22. In difficult conditions for kicking Cass’s effort fell just short to leave the score 5-0. More pressure from Clonmel had the pack inside the Dungarvan 22 and on the 5th phase Ethan Mulvee powered through the Dungarvan forwards to touchdown for Clonmel. A well deserved try for one of the most improved players on the team, 10-0. Poor tackling from Clonmel allowed Dungarvan to creep in for a try to bring the score back to 10-5. This was the wakeup call the team needed. Darragh Foley and Sean Twoomey both got in for good tries before halftime to extend the lead to 20-5.

The second half began with another great try from Shaun O’Donoghue, 25-5. Darren Cass then beat the Dungarvan tackles to score a try under the posts. He added the extra points with the boot and Clonmel were now leading 32-5. A lack of concentration allowed Dungarvan to cross the Clonmel line again for an unconverted try. David O’Callaghan got in for his first try of the season after a series of phases set up by Conal Guilfoyle and Alex Sheehan. Cass added the additional points to bring the score to 39-10. Darragh Foley got in for his second try of the day after good rucking from Kevin McMahon and Joel O’Dwyer. Conor Tobin on the wing was unlucky to get in for a try moments before. Cass’s kick just missed the posts, 44-10. Paudraig Keating had the last say when he bored through the Dungarvan pack to score another try. Final score 49-10.
Good performances from Aiden Rea, David Smith, Dylan Guidera, Evan English, Wayne Burke, Eoin O Connor, Andrew Ware and Colin on the wing. This rounds off a great league performance from a team that seem to get better and better with every game. The coaches Dave Cantwell and James Burke would like to thank all the players, parents, supporters and backroom staff for all their hard work throughout the season. Well done everyone on a great season and we look forward to having you all back with us soon!

Mini rugby:
U11s
After a promising start we finished the first match against Ballincollig 2 – 2. After a break we played Old Christians and came away with a good 7 – 0 win. All round there was good rucking, tackling and running by the teams. We then played the hosts Muskerry and won 5 – 0. We finished off with a 4 – 1 win against Highfield. This was a excellent outing for the eighteen players who travelled. Notable performances were put in by Jack O’Donnel at scum half and Tim Brennan on the win.

U10s
On Saturday last we travelled to the Muskerry Blitz with 2 teams, U9 and U10. We played Highfield, Muskerry, Old Christians, Kanturk and Tralee. Despite losing 4 and drawing 2 games this was a good performance with tries by Aaron Duffy, Gavin Whelan 2 and Blaine Hackett 3. Good tackling and running from Jack Lonergan, George Ryan, Conail Kennedy, Luke McSweeney, Ray Kennedy, Darragh Kelly, Lorcan Ball, Bradley Lyons and Conor Forest.
A special mention for the U9’s ,Conor Molloy, Louis Quirke, Darragh Johnson, Patrick Murchan, Tiernan O’Ceallaigh, Cian Brannigan, Katie Morrisey, Simon Perigoe, Ross McDwyer and Graham Blanche who battled on against much bigger opposition.

Training: U10 and U12s on Wednesday at 6.30pm.

Next fixture:
U10: On Good Friday we host the Eldon Morris Blitz. We are expecting ten visiting teams from across East Munster, Muskerry & Kilkenny. Players to be at the club for 10 am, kick off is 11 am latest.
U12: On Easter Saturday we host the Carroll Blitz. We are expecting eleven visiting teams from across East Munster, Muskerry & Kilkenny. Players to be at the club for 10 am, kick off is 11 am latest.
Parents, we will need your support with food for the visitors and help in running the events on the day, coaches will be in contact with specifics. Thank you for your support!

Golden Oldies
Clonmel Golden Oldies travelled to Bahrain for the St. Patrick’s Rugby Tournament and gave a great account of themselves with a display of good old Munster rugby. Clonmel played 3 games of tag and drew all games and then played a full game against a Bahrain 15. Captain Eddie Dillon led by example with the Morris Brothers Brian, Paul and Conor giving full support. The experience of first team prop John Stokes was needed at times along with Johnny Sheehan and Bob Campion. The halfs were Noel Cairns and Donal Lyons with Brian Keating in centre and one run boss Joe Winston on the wing. After the tag games the boys were ready for full action and they played with pride and passion but were just pipped at the post. Eddie Dillon made the run of his life from his own 22 but was caught at the line. He pop-passed to Johnny Sheehan who scored and the conversion was to draw the game but was missed resulting in a 12 points to 10 loss.
With the Management team of Jimmy Harney, Kevin Cronin and Paul Lonergan at the helm it was fitting Munster rugby to watch. Paddy Fitzgerald and Ned Nugent delivered the much needed water, Wally Long was on first aid and gave the kiss of life to Eddie Dillon (after his run). Frank Tyrell and Noel Peters were the cheer leaders – a very important role! This was a great game trip and we would like to thank John Sutcliffe and his company Aer Rianta for all the help and sponsorship they gave us over in Bahrain

KILFEACLE

Kilfeacle play out their last league game.

Old Christians RFC 30
Kilfeacle and District RFC 16.
Kilfeacle completed their Junior League program with a 30-16 loss away to Old Christians at Rathcooney. Kilfeacle R.F.C.’s position in the league could be predicted from watching this performance on Sunday. Not threatened by relegation and not threatening the league lead means that end of season league games can slip into meaningless encounters that are sometimes seen as a burden. Performances can easily deteriorate into mediocrity, priorities change and enthusiasm wane. The exit from the Munster Junior Cup created a hangover that even Munster’s win could not lift. For the majority of the first half Kilfeacle played as if they were immersed in a deep, thick fog. Unsure of their bearings, unable to find their way or each other and disappointingly at times they even looked lost. On the other hand Old Christians R.F.C.’s position in the league could be predicted from watching this performance on Sunday. They are threatened by relegation and needed not a performance but a result and found both. Just as hunger is a great sauce then threat of failure can be a great motivator. Old Christians started this game like their lives, their first division lives, depended on it. Tries from John O’Flynn, Paul McGrath and Dave Heaphy and a conversion and penalty by Aidan Tobin had the Cork side 20-3 ahead at half time. Shane Luby kicked a penalty for the visitors. A try by Alan O’Connell secured the bonus point and Tobin converted and also added another penalty. John Keenan got in for a try for Kilfeacle and Luby kicked the conversion as well as two further penalties.

Kilfeacle Under 18’s win East Munster Cup

Kilfeacle R.F.C. 15
Cashel R.F.C. 07

Kilfeacle R.F.C. Under 18’s team put together a string of excellent results to book their place in the East Munster Final. Having deservedly won the semi final against Waterpark the Boys in Blue went on to face Cashel RFC in an enthralling Munster Final played in Clanwilliam Park. Their exploits were awe inspiring and go to illustrate the depth in strength there is in the little club on the Hill.
Kilfeacle were the favourites going into this game. Knowing that they were underdogs did not sit well with the Cashel side and they were determined when they traveled to Clanwilliam for the Cup Final not to let themselves down. The sun was shining at kick off but there was a strong wind blowing directly down the pitch. However hard Cashel tried they were just no match for the far superior Kilfeacle squad, it was during this final that the true character of the Kilfeacle young men came to the fore and they gave a display of controlled team rugby that would not have been out of place in the professional game.
The final whistle sounded to unbridled scenes of jubilation. Team coach John O’Dwyer said he was delighted with the result. He said that the season so far has been fulfilling for everyone and the team has progressed in leaps and bounds. He asked that no individuals be singled out for this particular match and that the squad as a unit be praised for their achievement because no one individual deserved praise more than another. He thanked Clanwilliam for graciously providing the facilities and hosting the game, he thanked Cashel for an enormously entertaining game played in only the best spirit, he thanked the club, supporters and support structure that has been their from parents and family, finally he thanked the players themselves for their commitment and effort. The players themselves had nothing but praise for their coaches and said that this win would not have been possible without them.

Kilfeacle Under 10’s have impressive wins

Kilfeacle U10A vs. Galbally U10A 6 – 1 (Kilfeacle won)
Kilfeacle U10A vs. Galbally U10B 3 – 1 (Kilfeacle won)
Kilfeacle U10B vs. Galbally U10B 3 – 1 (Kilfeacle won)
Kilfeacle U10B vs. Galbally U10A 2 – 6 (Galbally won)

At the Galbally Rugby Grounds on Sunday 05 April 2009 the Kilfeacle U10s play 4 matches. The young Kilfeacle Blues maintained there superb form in winning three of their four games. Some exceptional handling by the young blues ensured the victories. Please note that there is no training on Good Friday evening 10th April but training resumes on Friday 17th April with two very important tournaments coming up on the 19th and 26th of April. Excellent players for Kilfeacle U10As on the day were:
Mickey O’ Brien, Arnold O’ Dwyer, Shane Farrell, James Dee, David Byron, Jake Flannery and Josh Ryan.
Excellent players for Kilfeacle U10Bs on the day were:
Christy Farrell, Mark Compton, Timmy Clarke, Maurice O’ Sullivan, Christopher Irwin, Kieran Breen and Mantus.

SHANNON

Shannon Ladies Crowned National Champs

All Ireland Plate Final

Shannon 20 Malahide 0

After starting the season with only 6 and 7 players attending training, Shannon’s senior ladies demonstrated just how far they have come since those worrying days when they won the National Plate final over Malahide.

It had been a long while since Shannon’s ladies reached a national final and from their point of view it was worth waiting for.

In the end it proved a comprehensive win over a valiant Malahide side with only a converted try between the sides heading into the break. Right from the start Shannon proved their mettle and had the Dublin outfit on the back foot, but despite their early pressure Shannon didn’t capitalise further than their try and Malahide forced their way back into the game.

It was a start Shannon barely expected when after a little over five minutes, former International Amanda Greensmith showed all her experience to dart over. It all came about from a well executed pre rehearsed move off a scrum, an area that should have provided further scores for Shannon given their dominance in that department. It was a resolute effort from Malahide that kept Shannon at bay and had their first centre not have spent an un scheduled 10 minutes off the pitch for a foot trip, they may well have evened things up. It was to prove a pivotal point in the game as Shannon used the numerical advantage to organise themselves a bit better in defence and continued to hold off the challenge to their line.

The second half began much as the first finished with Malahide pushing for parity, but it was Shannon’s determination to keep their lead intact that inspired them to increase their advantage. Their forwards made the hard yards when it counted which paved the way for Linda Tracy to add to her earlier conversion with a penalty. That proved a decisive score as Shannon’s confidence increased in tandem with their points tally. Soon after her penalty, Tracy was lining up a conversion attempt when another superb backline move came off to see Threase Heartley barge her way passed several attempted tackles to score Shannon’s second try. The fact that the conversion was missed meant little as Shannon were now in control in spite of Malahide’s best efforts.

Try as the Dublin side might, they just couldn’t break down Shannon’s defence and as time ticked away it looked more and more like Shannon’s title. Confirmation came with the last play off the game when an attempted clearance was blocked down by the alert Cathy Halley who gathered and crowned a great day for Shannon with another try to leave 20 points to nil scoreline. It might have been reflective of the game as a whole but, Malahide deserve immense credit for their never say die attitude in the face of an inspired Shannon team who thoroughly deserved the plaudits.

Their journey since the beginning of the season has been monumental. From a despairing 7 players to a solid crew of 23, this Shannon side along with their coaches Keith and Leonard have come a long way and Saturday’s victory was the pinnacle of their undulating journey. Even their bus driver got caught up in the euphoria and donated a sizable chunk of his Grand National winnings to the celebration fund.

For two players in particular it was a really special day. Maeve McNamara and Aine Savage have both decided to hang up their boots and their certainly was no better way to do it.

Already plans are afoot for their assault on further silverware, but for the moment, at least, Shannon ladies are basking in their moment of glory.

Shannon Team
Niamh Hogan (Debbie Cropper), Karen Keegan, Threase Heartley, Laura O’Shea (C), Katie McCloskey, Amanda Greensmith, Kate O’Connor (Ailish Toner), Maeve McNamara (Darina Duffy), Tracy Lawlor (Maeve Hackett), Eimear O’Dwyer (Sian Madden), Aine Savage, Slav Radic (Melissa Radic), Cathy Halley, Linda Tracy, Claire Ryan

We probably had one of the most mixed weeks of results and happenings off the pitch than we have had in some time with Superb highs and excruciating lows, all contained in a little under seven days. The president’s night was one of the most enjoyable club nights we have had for some time , but it was tinged with a deep sense of sadness as we mourned the death of Diarmuid Sheridan. Shock was something we all felt as news filtered through of the tragedy
Diarmuid played with our thirds for some time and transferred to Monkstown this season due to work commitments in Dublin. An affable and reliable person , He was a multi skilled person in sport and is mourned by many clubs of all codes. We convey the deepest sympathy to his friends ,family and colleagues in this difficult time for them. May he rest in peace.
Our president Liam Costello expressed the feelings of the club when he stood up to addressed those that gathered to honour him and his presidency. He also mentioned others that have died during the course of the year and the void they have left , notably Frankie and Mike Bourke and the fondness that both are remembered with. It was however a night of celebration and the reintroduction of club person of the year was perhaps the highlight of the evening. A standing ovation from the 170 people gathered greeted the announcement that the joint recipients were Ann Brown and Violet O’Flynn. Veiled in secrecy right up until the moment Tadhg Crowe announced it , both Ann and Violet were more than taken aback. It was a moment when you felt the entire club, past and present united behind two ladies that have represent the ethos and traits of Shannon for well over 50 years. It was a brilliant moment and one of many great throughout the entire night. Great credit is due to Liam and his wonderful wife Mary, as well as Gerry Ryan, Tommy Rowan and Martin Clancy for their efforts. Also Maire and her staff were highly instrumental in the success of the night.
The following couple of days brought great success on the field starting with the crowning of our ladies senior side as All Ireland plate winners. It had been some time since we competed at All Ireland final level and most of the side had never reached this level , but it barley showed as they swept past Malahide comprehensively , despite a dogged challenge throughout. Someone who has been around for a while with buckets of experience was Amanda Greensmith and it was her calming influence that set the tone for the day. Captain Laura O’Shea raised the trophy aloft on behalf of a team that certainly and their struggles over course of the season, it represented a journey of highs and lows. Their coaches Keith Wallace and Leonard Cassidy have brought their game up a notch and there’s no doubt without their guidance and coaching the ladies would not have been in an All Ireland Final. Congratulatuions to everyone involved.
Our U/20’s faced a physical Garryowen side in the North Munster league final on Tuesday evening and although they competed very well in the opening half they couldn’t maintain their efforts and Garryowen took the spoils. The gale force wind should have had a bigger influence of the game and while we held Garryowen to 8-3 facing the wind , the light blues played the conditions far better than we did. An early try by Garryowen followed by the awarding of a bizarre penalty gave saw us chasing the game, but they lads weren’t short on determination and heart. Colm Quinn slotted over a penalty and we kept chasing the score, but couldn’t convert endeavour to points. The second half saw Garryowen pull away and clinch the title. As mentioned before the U/20’s may not have won silverware , but this young side improved throughout the season which will stand to them next year when most are once again underage.
Given the circumstances the thirds Munster league quarter final with UCC was called off and is rescheduled for Monday at 3pm in Cork.
Underage was a hive of activity with no shortage of success. The U/10’s travelled to Midleton to play in an International festival of rugby and played briallantly throughout and won the competition , while the U/12’s went to Waterpark and just missed the cup playoffs on try count. It wasn’t the end of their participation and they went on to beat Pirati Italia from Bergamo in the plate semi final and then accounted hosts Waterpark in the final. It was confident display from the lads and they thoroughly deserved their success.
The U/14’s advanced to the league final with an excellent 17-0 win over Young Munster with all the points scored in the first half Cormac O’Donnell crashed over for the first and Conor Glynn then went over for trademark score. Michael Foley rounded off the try scoring with Ronan Mc Kenna adding to the scoreline with a conversion. Young Munster fought back well in the second half but the exertions earlier gave the lads the confidence to batten down the hatches. The final takes place this Friday evening in Coonagh at 6.30 against either Garryowen of Thomond. Also to advance was the U/13’s who had a great win over UL/Bohs by 17-9. The U/16’s tour to Treviso was a great success and all the hard work from parents and coaches in fundraising certainly paid off. They did play in a tournament and didn’t do too badly winning 2 , drawing 1 and losing 1. They are now back to reality and play away to Ennis on Monday .
The minis hosted a big contingent from Blackrock in Coonagh and then back in the clubhouse last Saturday. Bathed in sunshine the Coonagh pitches were a hive of activity with over a hundred players involved and after the minis vacated , the U/15’s played host to Ealing. On Saturday the U/11’s host a tournament in Coonagh from 11 am .
The big focus of this weekend is our senior side’s pursuit of a playoff place in the AIB league. We face a seriously difficult task against UL/Bohs in Annacotty and given we have played them a couple of times over the course of the season, both sides will be familiar with each other. Kickoff is at 2.30. Looking ahead to next week’s game with Dolphin a supporters lunch is being held in the clubhouse and bookings and details can be got from Ger McCloskey @087 2745926.
Tickets for Munster V Connacht next Saturday evening in Thomond Park are available from and anyone wishing to avail of same should contact Tadhg Crowe immediately.

OLD CRESCENT
Club Notes, 7 April 2009

Our senior squad had a rest last weekend, with all the focus being on Munster’s game against Leinster in Thomond Park. We send our congratulations to Munster on a magnificent display. It was a pleasure to watch for those of us lucky enough to be in Thomond Park last Saturday. Everyone at Old Crescent sends their best wishes to the Munster squad for next Sunday’s Heineken Cup quarter final against the Ospreys.

Our First Team play Highfield RFC in their AIL Division Two game at 2.30pm next Saturday in Rosbrien, with the objective of securing our top four place in the Div Two play-offs. This will be our final AIL home game for this season, and it will be a great opportunity for Old Crescent supporters to come out in big numbers to show their appreciation and support for the excellent performances of our first team squad throughout this season, ably led by our Coach, John Broderick, and Captain, Phil Glamuzina.

Our 3rd XV made the journey to Killballyowen Park on Saturday afternoon to play Bruff RFC in the Webb Cup Quarter Final. It was the second time to play Bruff in a cup game this season, with Bruff knocking us out of the McInerney Cup earlier in the season. We had a positive start with a Brian Clancy penalty cancelling out one for the home side to leave the half time score at 3 point apiece.

With the game on a knife-edge, we took the lead early in the second thanks to an excellent try from back row forward Dave O Neill. Bruff narrowed the gap to two points with a penalty goal and then took the lead with a converted try with just 10 minutes remaining. Despite having a number of chances we were unable to pull the game out of the fire. This concludes the competitive season for the 3rd XV. Thanks to Joe Nix, Fergal Kearney, and the players for the efforts that they put in this season.

Having lost to Clanwilliam RFC in the AIL League the previous week, our Under 20 team took to the pitch strengthened by the return to action of a number of injured players to challenge the same opposition again in the North Munster U20 cup at Rosbrien last Saturday.

The first half was a tight affair with both forward packs playing well in the tight and loose with very little between them. Old Crescent back line displayed a little more flair and spectators were entertained to some good incisive running from centres and wingers. However, Clanwilliam struck the first blow with a penalty goal after 12 minutes to lead 3pts to nil.

Late in the half the Old Crescent forwards steadily worked their way into the opposition’s half, with a series of effective rolling mauls and individual well supported breaks by Robert Costelloe and Jack Corrigan in the front row, well supported by a strong driving display from our second row, Cormac Ryan and especially Paddy Spillane. Back row forwards, William Cuddy, Shane O’Carroll, and Captain Niall Liston, were always in support and an eight phase movement resulted in Cormac Ryan bursting through the defence to score a great try out wide, leaving the score 5 pts to 3pts in Old Crescent’s favour at half time.

The second half started brightly for Old Crescent with the entire team upping the pace after an invigorating half time talk from coaches Euan Gee and Buffaloe. Scrumhalf Eoghan O’Driscoll and outhalf Padraigh Kennedy got the back line moving, with the ball reaching winger Rob O Callaghan and full back Eoghan Hennessy coming into the line and breaking through the gain line on most occasions creating forward momentum.

The forwards made great strides with a number of sustained ‘pick and drive’ moves gaining many metres at a time. Paddy Spillane was particularly noticeable in this regard and on one occasion was pulled down a metre short of the line having carried the ball a good 30 metres through 4 tackles. Jack Corrigan, as always in close support, picked the ball to score and shortly after finished off another forward drive to score a second try. The fourth try was an excellent backs move resulting in centre Diarmuid Lynch scoring close to the posts which Niall Kearney converted.

Paddy Spillane was the unanimous choice for ‘Man of the Match’, and he received a ticket to the Magners League match later that evening for his efforts Overall, a very satisfying display from an excellent Under 20 side with a 22pts to 3pts win which puts them in the next round match against UL Bohemians to be played in Rosbrien on Saturday 18th at 3pm.

In Under Age news, our Under 14s traveled to Fitzgerald Park on Tuesday night to play undefeated Thomond in the semi final of the U14 league. The difficult conditions impacted greatly on the quality of the game. Playing against the elements in the first half, our side defended well going behind to 2 penalties. Then came the turning point in the game. Picking up a ball deep inside his own 22, Tom Ryan took off on a 80 metre run which resulted in him touching down under the posts.

Eoin Walsh added the conversion to give us the lead and shortly afterwards added a penalty goal to give us a 10 – 6 lead at half time. Defences ruled in the second half and there was no further scoring. We now play Shannon in the final on Good Friday at 6.30pm in Coonagh and we ask as many as possible to come out to support the team.

Our Under 7’s and Under 8’s took part in a blitz in Coonagh on Saturday against Shannon and a visiting Blackrock side. Joshua Fitzgerald, Ben and Oscar Davey were the star players for the Under 7’s, and Cillian Toland and Cian Kearney were standout players for the Under 8’s. To round off a very successful season, there will be party for all U7’s and U8’s on Sunday, 19th April.

After much delay, the majority of the Under Age Cup competitions have now been scheduled to start with our U15’s down to play Thomond in Fitzgerald Park next Tuesday (14th) @ 7 pm. Our U18’s will play away to the winners of St. Sennans and Thomond on Wednesday next (15th) @ 7pm, while our U14’s are scheduled to play Young Munster on Sunday 19th @ 11:30 am in Rosbrien.

Old Crescent will host the Final of the Munster Junior Cup in Rosbrien at 2.30pm on Easter Monday, 13th April, when Garryowen and UL Bohemians will compete for Cup honours. All are welcome.

Lastly, Old Crescent is running a major fundraising Race Night in the Clubhouse on Saturday, 25th April. We appeal to all members and supporters to come out and support this event and round off the season in style. Further details on our Race Night can be obtained from Anthony O’Dwyer on 087 2214140.

SUNDAYS WELL

WE NEED your SUPPORT For OUR MATCHES NOW!
If you can get to get to Dublin this Saturday by Planes, Trains or Automobiles, Please make it out to Suttonians RFC on the north side of the city Click on this Link to find the pitch Support our seniorTeam.

Last weekends
Fixtures
Under 20s Sundays Well 8pts UCC 34pts
Sunday’s Well Under 20 were beaten by UCC in a highly competitive South Munster Cup Final on Friday night under lights in Musgrave Park. The Well were organized and committed in defense and the back row of Quill, O’Sullivan and Lane gave nothing away to the students. UCC scored a well taken try on 25 minutes after creating an overlap out wide. Cormac Horgan responded with a penalty which was cancelled by one from UCC penalty to make it 10-3 at the break.
In the second half UCC scored a fortuitous try from a kick ahead and followed up with an opportunistic interception try from a promising Well attack deep in the Students’ half. Sunday’s Well rallied with a serious of bursts from strong ball carriers such as Richard Lane, Shane Walsh and Stephen Landers and finished a number of phases with a hard-earned try by Colin Healy. Unfortunately College had more in the tank and despite dogged defense from the Well they scored a further two tries to seal the match.
The Well finished the season with a comfortable mid table position on their return to Division 1 Under 20 rugby and a strong performance in the Cup Final. All signals point to a strong campaign in next season’s Under 21 league with 18 of this season’s squad qualifying for the new age-group.
Match reports Tim Mulhall

Under 14s Dolphin RFC 7 pts Sundays Well 41pts
No Match report received.

Under 12s London Irish Tour

The newly crowned South Munster Cup champions, Sundays Well U 12 panel, had a very successful tour to London last weekend. Our first stop off was to Twickenham, the home of English rugby, on Friday afternoon, where the exiting from the tunnel to the pitch was the highlight.
On Sat morning we travelled to Reading, and played local club Redingensians in a series of matches winning 2 and losing the final game. We enjoyed food and drinks with the locals, who were very impressed with our standard of play, and invited us to call back when on tour again. In the afternoon we attended the Premiership game between London Irish and Bristol, where we were officially welcomed on the halftime announcements. We saw a great game of rugby, with 9 tries in total, Irish getting 6 and winning handsomely.
On Sun morning we travelled to Sunbury, the home of London Irish Amateur Rfc, to take part in a triangular competition with the locals, and Cobham Rfc. We were undefeated beating both Cobham teams, and drawing with Irish in the final game 1-1. Once again we impressed in our standard of rugby. We were again well looked after in the food and drinks department .Huge thanks must go to former pres boy Michael Conole, Irish U-12 manager for all his help and organisation. Special thanks to Terry Long, London Irish club secretary, former Chriost Ri pupil and Dolphin player who made us all feel so welcome.
It was a hugely successful tour, where the 23 boys and 11 adults did Sundays Well proud.
Match reports Martin Connolly

Under 11s Sundays Well Midelton Blitz
Our under 11s decided that they were only going to play in the Midleton Blitz on one day the Saturday. They were picked to play Midleton, Coolmine 1,2 and 3, Fermoy and Waterpark. In the first game the Well Warriors played a huge Midleton team and despite the size difference scored 9 tries against them running the ball out wide to win the game 9 tries to 4. In the second game the Well Sharks took on Coolmine 2 again we ran fast ball and our Dublin visitors could not handle the speed game our lads won 7 tries to 3. The Warriors then played a big but mobile Waterpark side and were lucky to just emerge on the winning side at 3 tries to 2. Our Sharks then played Coolmine 1 and were narrowly defeated 2 tries to 1.Fermoy and Coolmain 3 were well defeated by the rampant Well teams. Across the board we as coaches are hugely impressed by the improvement of our panel throughout the season and on last weekends display the step-up to 15 man rugby will cause our lads no problems. Away the Well

Match reports Brendan Keneally

Under 10s Sundays Well Midelton Blitz
The U10’s went to Midleton with two teams for two days and came back with two trophies! Not a bad return for their first tournament!
Teams from Shannon, Cobh and Midleton (2) provided the opposition. With two teams entered we decided to give everyone a chance and split our two teams as evenly as possible. This was reflected in the game where SW1 played SW2 with the latter edging out to win on a score line of 4-3. Despite Shannon going on to win the overall competition, our two teams gave them a run for their money losing just 2-1 and 5-1 respectively. If we had fielded a full strength side the score line against Shannon may well have gone in our favor.

With the intensity of the rugby on the Saturday it was no surprise that a number of prominent players suffered injuries preventing them from participating on the second day of the tournament. Another couple of players also missed Day 2 with holidays etc. so a slight reshuffle consisting of just 2 players transferring on a free Bosman ruling allowed both teams the couple of subs needed to ensure all players got sufficient rests throughout the day. With the notable absences it would have been easy for the remaining players to drop their heads. But no, the will to win and play for their team ensured that both teams put in some excellent performances and both teams won their respective finals with SW 2 beating Cobh 5-0 to win the Plate final and SW1 beating Midleton1 on a score line of 3-1 to clinch the Bowl final.
A proud couple of days for all the players, the coaches and last but not least, the parents who lent their support, both vocal and cars, and of course their Sunday morning lie in!
See you all on the 18th ( no rugby over the Easter weekend).

Match reports Tim Butler

Under 9s Sundays Well Dolphin
Match 1
Dolphin 1, Sundays Well 0
As always, we made up two teams, balanced with guys who have been playing for a few years and some of the new players to the club. We want to continue to give everyone a game, so while results don’t always go our way, we’ll continue to learn from our mistakes and get better as a team . The first match was a good solid game from both teams with pretty ferocious tackling keeping the scoreline down. The Well played well in the tight with some good drives and turnovers. Body positions needs to be lower and the lads will have to work on driving over the ball and setting it up. Too many guys looking at the ball on the ground! The Well tried a number of moves out the backline but was unlucky not to score. The Dolphin team have obviously improved a lot from last year and we have a few things to work on between now and the end of the season.
Match 2
Dolphin 5, Sundays Well 2
The Dolphin team took advantage of having played together in the first match and performed a little better. The Well did pretty well but the coaches acknowledge that we can do much better than this – especially in the area of tackling and positional awareness. We’ll work on this and make sure everyone is aware of the training regime for the summer, what to watch for in the Lions tour and to think about how they can improve their game for Under 11’s next season!

No session this weekend. Following weekend is a match against Kinsale ( to be confirmed) .
Match reports Andrew Mulhall

Under 7s Sundays Well tries Dolphin RFC
Fresh from their showcase of mauling on the verdant expanse of Musgrave Park, the under 7s had an away trip to local rivals Dolphin last Saturday. The squad was split into two to allow two simultaneous seven-a-side games against the neighbour’s selections. Some great determination and attitude was shown in the two games played on tight pitches, with all 28 of the Well players getting a run. Although we managed to run in a few tries in each game, unfortunately Dolphin triumphed 4-3 and 8-3 in the two games. The lads are all looking forward to their rest and recuperation over the Easter weekend.
Match reports Damian Arrigan Club News.
The Bar in the club will be open on Good Friday from 5pm until 9pm for members and friends.