Club News: Week Ending 01.03.15

This week’s Club News comes from Kilfeacle RFC, Nenagh Ormond RFC, Thurles RFC and Newcastle West RFC.

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 Kilfeacle RFC News

Click here for Newcastle West RFC News

Kilfeacle RFC News

Courtesy of: Jamie Keaty, Club PRO

On Sunday last, Kilfeacle RFC welcomed St. Marys RFC to Morrissey Park in the penultimate round of the Munster Junior League. The weather conditions on the day were not ideal for free – flowing rugby, with a bitterly cold breeze blowing, coupled with periodic showers. With these two teams having secured safety in Division 1 for another year, this game was being used by both teams as preparation for their next rounds of the Junior Cup and gave them the opportunity to give younger players a chance to gain some experience at this level.

After just 3 minutes, St. Marys opened the scoring with a try that came from loose defending at a lineout close to the Kilfeacle line. The home team responded after 13 minutes with a Darren Lowry penalty which came from an infringement at scrum – time. Immediately from the kick – off however, the Limerick side scored a converted try in the corner. This came from poor handling from Kilfeacle and a kick through from St. Marys scrumhalf which set up an easy touchdown in the corner. Kilfeacle weren't panicking yet as they knew there were scores available if they capitalised on the strong wind for the remainder of the half. Lowry converted another penalty after nineteen minutes. Seven minutes later, Kilfeacle were awarded a penalty try for a series of collapsed scrums on the St. Marys line. Lowry again converted to leave the halftime score 13-12 to Kilfeacle.

The second half began similar to the first, with St. Marys scoring a penalty after just 4 minutes. Utilising the strong breeze to their advantage, the Limerick side remained in control for the majority of the second half. Kilfeacle struggled to break down their defence and coupled with numerous weather – induced handling errors, allowed long, ranging clearances from the St. Marys backline. In fact it wasn't until the 30th minute of the second half, we saw the next score. This time it was the away side earning a converted try from a powerful scrum on the Kilfeacle line. St.Marys put the game to bed just 2 minutes from the end, when they scored a final converted try. This left the final score 29-13.

It is obvious to see that a lot of work is required over the next fortnight prior to playing Garryowen in the Junior Cup. It is imperative that all players are training Wednesday and Friday night.

Nenagh Ormond RFC News

Courtesy of:- Eithne Darcy, Club PRO

Senior XV Update
Nenagh Ormond Senior XV secured a 15-all draw in a tough match against Queen's University last Saturday. Nenagh's try scorers were Willie Coffey and Lemeki Vaipulu while Misi Salave added a conversion and a penalty.

Next up for the lads are Blackrock College in Dublin this Saturday, February 28th, at 2.30pm.

Under 14's
Nenagh Ormond Under 14's East Munster Cup match away to Galbally which was called off last Sunday, has been rescheduled for this Sunday, March 1st, at 11am in Galbally.

Mini Blitz
A big thanks to everyone who helped make Sunday's Mini Blitz in Lisatunny a success. Special word to the parents who looked after the traffic and parking, to the ladies who manned the kitchen and fed over 300 hungry souls and also cleaned up and to our own parents for providing the food. Without all these parents volunteering these blitzes could not happen and we appreciate your help.

Under 12's
The Under 12's played a home blitz on Sunday morning against Cashel and Birr. The conditions were awful with rain throughout but the players from all three clubs acquitted themselves really well and served up some great rugby. Nenagh played Cashel first and while losing 2 tries to nil gave a really good aggressive account of themselves. Cashel are the best team we've played all year but Nenagh never stopped carrying the ball at them and really put their defence under pressure.

Next up came Birr and Nenagh won this game 3 tries to 2 with Jack Gleeson, DJ McGrath and Eoghan Tighe getting the tries. While we don't like picking out individuals, special mention must go to Daire Slevin who had his best game ever in the red and white. Also Tom Kennedy and John Brislane whose work up front turning over numerous opposition ball has to be mentioned.

Under 11's
The Under 11's had a blitz against very strong Cashel and Birr sides at a wet and windy (and muddy!) New Ormond Park on Sunday. Conditions were very difficult for all the teams but the boys put on a very good exhibition of rugby. The tackling was good in parts but it remains the biggest area that the young men need to work at in training in the coming weeks.

There was excellent rucking on display, especially by Joe Shanahan, Luke Conneally and Sam O'Brien. Sean O'Callaghan had his best game in a Nenagh jersey making some excellent runs and was well supported by Charlie Cavanagh and Jack O'Flaherty. Jamie Coyne put in some of his trademark tackles and has definitely the mantle as the team's top tackler. Some of our new players such as Sean Moylan, Conor Tierney and Eoin Carroll are learning the game and improving all the time. Joseph Gleeson, Paddy Griffen, Joe Kyne and Darragh Kyne all worked very hard and performed well.

Training returns to Ballymackey next Sunday at 11.30am. Please bring €€;2 for the pitch. Many thanks to all the parents who helped out with food, in the kitchen and with the parking on the day, your efforts are very much appreciated.

Team: Joe Kyne, Paddy Griffen, Sean Moylan, Luke Conneally, Darragh Kyne, Conor Tierney, Charlie Cavanagh, Joseph Gleeson, Sam O'Brien, Joe Shanahan, Sean O'Callaghan, Eoin Carroll, Jamie Coyne, Jack O'Flaherty

Under 9's & 10's
We welcomed Birr RFC and Cashel RFC to a cold and rainy Lisatunny last Sunday morning. Whilst conditions were tough all our young players had a great morning of rugby. Because of our big numbers in training we were delighted to be able to field 3 teams, mixed between Under 9's and Under 10's. All teams got two matches against our visitors.

In extremely mucky conditions all our young players gave it everything and were rewarded with some great tries, tackling and passing on show. This is a great bunch of players who have improved greatly throughout the year. Credit as usual must go to all the parents who continue to support us in such numbers. Hopefully the washing machines and showers of North Tipperary recovered from the shock of such mucky children!

Our thanks to Birr and Cashel for a very sporting trip to Nenagh and our thanks to all who helped out with catering, parking etc. Special thanks to our young players who turn up and give their all every week. We will probably have a home match next Sunday, followed by an away match against UL Bohemians the following Sunday – details to follow by text. New players (boys and girls) are always welcome – just turn up Sunday mornings and make yourself known to any of the coaches.The Nenagh Ormond U-7s

Thurles RFC News

Courtesy of:- Brian Scanlon, Club PRO

Thurles Women's RFC played their final League fixture on Sunday at home against Bandon and notched up yet another victory leaving them the only team in their group not to have lost a game. The 34-0 bonus point victory for the Thurles Women sees them comfortable leaders in their group going into a semi-final. Another powerful and skilled team performance by the Women saw them score six tries while defending superbly to keep opponents Bandon scoreless. Bandon seemed to start well and tried a kick and chase from the back of a scrum early in the first half but this was easily collected by Thurles' Aisling O'Hagan who kicked for the line. A superb passage of play ensued that saw both sides determined in both defence and attack with Thurles' players Joanne Harrison and Ciara Quinn.

Thurles were superb in attack over the following minutes and secured some wonderful possession.

A Thurles steal from a Bandon lineout saw them set up an attack that included some wonderful passes from Miriam Harrison and Niamh Coman with Jean Ryan (right), Ruth Purcell and Maria Woodlock fantastic in support.

Maria Whelan had a wonderful solo run up the wing and Thurles were unlucky not to capitalise on the ground made.

In the end Thurles' first try came from Niamh Coman after a skilful passage of play from Aisling O'Hagan who gained vital ground. The try just under the posts meant that the conversion attempt was within easy range for Megan Callanan (left). Thurles were 7-0 ahead.

A Bandon lineout shortly after the re-start saw Thurles player Jean Ryan secure the ball in magnificent fashion. An unlucky turnover of possession moments later saw Thurles once more in defensive mode with Rebecca Byrne, Maria Woodlock and Ruth Purcell putting in some vital tackles. Thurles kept firm in defence and Bandon went out over the line to give Thurles a lineout. Ciara Quinn secured the ball for Thurles confidently and set up a wonderful attack for the home side. Aisling O'Hagan attempted a kick and chase moments later but in bad conditions lost the ball to the visitors but Thurles pressure saw the visitors kick for the line. Thurles secured the ball from the lineout and were edging closer to the line with every passage of play. Aisling O'Hagan was once again instrumental in the attack. A well timed and skilful offload from Miriam Harrison to Niamh Coman saw her go in for Thurles' second try and the second for Coman also. The conversion attempt was missed by the narrowest of margins leaving the score 12-0 in favour of Thurles.

Jean Ryan, who had a spectacular game for Thurles, secured the ball from the re-start and drove forward, the Bandon players were unable for her sheer strength and she gained vital ground for the home side. Thurles were unlucky to concede possession a few phases later but wonderful pressure from Stephanie Moore forced the visitors to kick for the line giving Thurles a lineout in a wonderful attacking position. However, the home side were unable to score in the minutes that remained in the first half. The half time score was 12-0 in favour of Thurles.

Thurles started the second half with a renewed sense of determination. They wanted to retain their perfect undefeated League record ahead of their upcoming semi-final. Aisling O'Hagan was unlucky to be denied her name on the score sheet early in the half. It was Joanne Harrison that was to score Thurles third try with support play coming from both Linda Ryan and Maria Woodlock. Although the conversion attempt was narrowly missed Thurles now looked as though they were in control of the game on a score line of 17-0.

Bandon had a chance inside the Thurles 22 moments later which was very well defended by the home side with Rebecca Byrne clearing the danger.

Bandon once again came on the attack and Thurles were forced to stand firm in defence once more. This time it was Joanne Harrison that proved to be the saviour for the home side with a wonderful steal in the break down. Moments later Thurles once again robbed vital possession from the visitors in the lineout.

A great run from Aimee Crowe (right) saw Thurles once again on the attack, looking for the all – important fourth try to secure the bonus point.

That elusive fourth try was scored by Ruth Purcell. Following a Thurles scrum inside the 22 Linda Ryan and Ruth Purcell teamed up for a fantastic passage of play that saw Purcell go in over the line and although the conversion attempt fell just short Thurles were well and truly ahead with a 22-0 lead over Bandon. An unbelievable solo run from Maria Whelan moments later saw her run almost the length of the pitch, Thurles looked on for yet another score. However, Whelan was incredibly unlucky to be pulled out over the line just on the try line to give Bandon the lineout.

There were to be more chances for the home side and Aimee Crowe was to score a fifth try for Thurles. The passage of play from a successful Thurles lineout saw Niamh Coman put in a fantastic run to gain vital yards before she offloaded possession. Once again in windy conditions the conversion fell just short. The score stood 27-0 in favour of Thurles.
Maria Woodlock races for the line in Thurles RFC's 34 – 0 bonus point win over Bandon RFC at Loughtagalla on Sunday

The final play of the match began with a Bandon lineout but once again they failed to hold onto possession and the ball was robbed by Niamh Coman who once again in a great solo run gained vital yards before popping the ball to Aimee Crowe who pulled off an excellent offload to Ciara Quinn who passed possession to Niamh Coman once more. Coman went in over the line her third and Thurles' sixth try of the game. The final kick of the game went to Megan Callanan and she slotted the conversion attempt over with ease to leave the final score 34-0 to Thurles.

Team: Aishling O'Hagan, Stephaine Moore, Aimee Crowe, Niamh Coman, Maria Whelan, Miriam Harrison, Rebecca Byrne, Jean Ryan, Catherine Kearney, Maria Woodlock, Linda Ryan, Megan Callanan, Ciara Quinn, Joanne Harrison, Ruth Purcell. Subs: Helena Birmingham(40), Susan Max (34), Michelle Ryan (55), Ciara O'Dwyer, (40), Tabea Fruchtenicht, Aisling Byrne, Shelley Loughnane.

Newcastle West RFC News

Courtesy of:- Martin O'Sullivan, Club PRO

Munster Junior League Div 1
Muskerry 7 – 18 Newcastle West

A good win in very poor conditions in Cork. Our tries were scored by James Kelly and Ronan Mulchahy and Sean Herlihy chipping in with 2 conversions and a penalty.

Upcoming Fixtures
Newcastle West take on Galbally in the Junior League in Cullinagh on Sunday March 15th @ 2.30pm. This is our final game of the season

Youth Fixtures
U13 Semi Final Newcastle West/Estuary v St Senan's, Killeline, 01/03/2015, 11:30
U14 Conference Final Newcastle West/Estuary v Ennis, Thomond Park (Back Pitch) , 28/02/2015, TBD
U16 Pan Munster Newcastle West/Estuary v Ennis, Cullinagh, 01/03/2015, 11:30

Under 13's
Newcastle West 19-5 Bruff
On Sunday morning last our under under 13s played host to Bruff in a challenge match. It was a dirty morning with the conditions not lending themselves to flowing rugby. But despite the weather both teams tried to throw the ball around with some success.

Bruff took and early lead, exploiting some poor tackling from Newcastle West. But minutes later, following a dominant scrum and some great work at the breakdown, David Walsh crashed over to level up proceedings. Aaron Heffernan added the extras to give us the lead. It looked like we would take our advantage into the break but Bruff stuck in the corner on the stroke of half time to leave us with a 10-7 deficit.

The lead changes continued after the break when Mike Cremin showed off his soccer skills to kick on a loose ball and dive on the ball over the line. Bruff were next to cross the white wash to leave the score at 15-12 with the game entering the closing stages. Throughout the game, the team never panicked and stuck to the game plan. And it produced the result as Bobby Donovan picked around the edge of a ruck and went over for the go ahead score. Kevin O'Connell slotted the conversion to give us a four point lead that we held to see out the game.

Training continues every Wednesday and Friday night at 6:30 in Killeline

Squad: Evan Sheehan, Aaron Rothwell, Darragh Lyons, Andrew Mortell, Daniel Donovan, Aaron Heffernan, Kevin O'Connell, Chris O'Riordan, Oliver Flanagan, David Walsh, E'ouenn Ferron, Bobby Donovan, Bryan Mortell, Todd Donovan, Mike Cremin

U14's
Newcastle West 21-3 Garyowen
This was an excellent game of rugby, played in very difficult conditions.It was our visitors who started brightly and within five minutes had three points on the board, from a penalty on the 22.It was to be their only score in the game, as ferocious tackling from the home team,constantly drove them backwards time after time. NCW started to get to grips with the game and scored a deserved try, with five minutes left in the half, Tom Murphy going over beside the posts, after excellent work from Alan Mcgrath and Jack Grimes.Alan Mcgrath added the extra's. Garyowen started the second half determined to peg us back, but again brilliant work by our pack, kept them well away from our line.

Our second try,midway through the half, was very nearly a carbon copy of the first, Tom Murphy again going over, from a move off a scrum, converted by Alan. Our third try, came most deservedly from our forwards, when Daniel Collins crashed over from five meters, with Alan again converting.

This was an excellent team performance, all the hard work in training paid off. Our forwards in particular gave Garyowen a torrid time and never let them settle. For me, our man of the match was Peter Moore, who carried, drove, and tackled himself to a standstill. A mention must also be given to our opponents Garyowen, the scoreline did not reflect fairly on the effort they put in, and the sporting and gracious manner they displayed after the game was an example to all.

We lined out as follows: Kevin Sheahan, Peter Moore, Chris Walsh, Daniel Collins, Aidan Shanahan, Diarmuid O'Flynn, Jack Corkery, David Massy, Jack Grimes, Alan McGrath, Eoghan Heffernan, Tom Murphy, Robert O'Grady, Daniel Normoyle, Lucas Costelloe, Darren Curtis, Keith Begley, Keiran Carmody, David McDaid, Jamie Mullane, Killian O'Donnell, Sean Bourke.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to our team-mate Killian Collins. Training as normal Tuesday and Thursday.

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.

Club raffle
The draw took place last night. Winners published Next week

Lotto
There was 1 winner of the February 20th Lotto draw which took place in The Bridge Bar
The numbers drawn were 7, 9, 15 and. 30

Full details Next week.

The next draw takes place on Friday 27th February in Ned Lynch's Bar. Your continued support for the weekly draw is greatly appreciated.