Club News: Week Ending 29.03.15

This week’s Club News comes from Waterford City, Clonmel, Thurles and Shannon.

Click here for Waterford City News.

Click here for Shannon News.

Waterford City RFC News

Courtesy of:- Fintan Purcell, Club PRO

Munster Junior Cup: Waterford City 12-24 Young Munster
On a perfect day for attacking rugby, City entertained a senior club at Kilbarry in the Munster Junior Cup. Young Munster arrived with a very strong side and would probably have expected a comfortable win but they weren't going to get anything easy from the home side who had won their last 6 matches in a row.

City started really well, running the ball from deep against the wind, a quick tempo and some excellent handling saw the home team ask some questions of the away side but a turnover in the Young Munster 22 allowed them to clear their lines. Young Munster then settled in to the game and with the wind at their backs they began to put some pressure on the City defence.

A strong rolling maul got the away side close to the line but when they went down the short side, a miss pass was anticipated brilliantly by Darren 'Chicky' Walsh who intercepted and ran half the length of the pitch before putting an excellent chip in behind just as the covering defence managed to catch him. The support play was fantastic from City and they turned over the ball as Young Munster tried to recover the kick on, quick hands from Kevin Whelan, Connor Power and Nicky Jacob put Ryan Philips in for a try under the posts.

City led 7-0 after 20 minutes but Young Munster were quickly back on the attack with a series of attacking line outs from near the City 22, the home team's defence created a number of turnovers but kicking against the wind prevented the Waterford team from getting the ball too far their own line. It was from one of the lineouts that the City defence was finally breached. Another strong rolling maul sucked in a number of City defenders before the Young Munster out half crossed from close range to level the scores at 7 all. Shortly after the try, Young Munster were awarded a penalty and from 30 metres out they took a 10-7 lead.

The home side defended bravely throughout the first half with some great hits going in from the back row of O'Hara, Whelan and Foskin, Nicky Jacob also made a couple of crucial covering tackles. The 3 point deficit was a reasonable score line approaching the half given the wind and hill but a conceding a disappointing second try before the break left City with some work to do 17-7 down at the half.

The home side had plenty of support at the game and fancied their chances of an unlikely comeback against the senior club. City started the second half well; they used the wind with some great kicking from Aaron Foskin and started to play more in the Young Munster half. The home team won a penalty on half way after 60 minutes and went for the corner, the resulting lineout produced and fantastic rolling maul which got City over the line for a score from skipper Dave O'Connor.

The touchline conversion was missed but at only 5 points behind, City were in the ascendency and an upset was on the cards. As the home defence pressed Young Munster back in their half, they conceded a penalty and the referee awarded a very harsh yellow card. With only 10 minutes to play, City needed everyone and the decision allowed Young Munster a foothold in the home teams half and with the extra man they managed a further try to lead 24-12. In addition to the try, the referee binned a second player and the last 8 minutes were played with 13 men. City kept going though and finished strongly attacking the Young Munster line. Congratulations to Darren Walsh on an outstanding performance and getting City man of the match.

Clonmel RFC News

Courtesy of:- Paul Condon, Club PRO

Clonmel through to Quarter Final of Munster Junior Cup
Clonmel RFC's defence of their Munster Junior Cup title, won for the first time last year, remains intact after a comfortable 36-6 win at home to Limerick side, Presentation RFC last Sunday in Clonmel. In characteristically non-rugby like weather, the home side welcomed Presentation RFC for this third round tie with Presentation having overcome Tralee and Middleton en route. For Clonmel, it was the first outing in the Cup having received walkovers from Crosshaven and Bandon in rounds one and two respectively.

The game's opening half was an evenly contested affair with Clonmel's Conor Cooney taking nine points from three penalties to Presentation's six points from two penalties. Clonmel upped the pace in the second half and got off to a good start with a well worked move to see Cooney break for the line and score under the posts. He duly converted his own try. Within ten minutes it was the turn of team captain Ronan Crosse to score with Cooney again obliging with a well taken conversion.Ronan Crosse on the charge for Clonmel at the weekend

A lineout close to the twenty-two was well won by Clonmel on the 58minute to set up a great drive by the forwards and prop Billy O'Kelly took the honours with Clonmel's third try. Greg Carroll made it try number four for the home side inside the last quarter. Presentation continued to respond and apply pressure with an away try only missed by a wayward foot in touch close to the try line.

In the closing minutes, head coach Denis Leamy emptied the bench to allow the full squad play an active part of the day's win. Full time score 36-6 and a place in the quarter finals against Limerick side St Mary's secured. Date and venue to be confirmed.

Gleeson Cup
Clonmel's 2nd XV advanced to the semi-finals of the Tipperay based Gleeson Cup with a 30-18 win at home to local rivals Kilfeacle also on Sunday last. Tries by Brian Condon, Matthew Hynes (2) and Aiden Rea along with two conversions and two penalties from Brian Lonergan secured the points. Clonmel's Neil O'Brien came off injured early in the game and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Clonmel's Aiden Rea touches down against Kilfeacle

All Ireland Provincial League Championship play-offs
Having won the Munster Junior League Division 1 title for the first time in the club's history, Clonmel now enter the provincial round-robin play offs meeting Connacht winners Connemara in Clonmel on Saturday next, March 28th at 2.30pm. With games against Dundalk and Instonians (Belfast) to follow, the next few weeks will be crucial for the club, as they take on the best in Junior Club rugby from around the country.

Munster Women's League Final
Clonmel RFC's women's team will meet Thurles RFC women for the third time this season when the sides line out against each other in the Munster Women's League Division 1 Final on Sunday next in Cashel RFC. Kick-off is at 1pm

Clonmel came second to Thurles in their pool games but overcame Limerick side Abbeyfeale in the semi-final to set up the all Tipperay final this Sunday.

Scheduled Fixtures
1st XV at home to Connemara in the All Ireland Provincial League Champoinship round-robin on Saturday March 28th at 2.30pm.
Clonmel RFC women v Thurles in the Munster Women's League Div 1 final on Sunday March 29th in Cashel RFC. KO at 1pm.

Fixture Updates will be posted on the club's website, Facebook page and on Twitter @ClonmelRFC.

Thurles RFC News

Courtesy of:- Brian Scanlon, Club PRO

Munster Junior Plate Q/F – Richmond RFC 16-36 Thurles RFC

The Thurles First XV took to the road to take on Limerick Senior side Richmond's Second XV in the Quarter Final of the Munster Junior League. Thurles travelled minus a number of regulars once again due to work commitments but those who took their place were able to stake a claim to hold onto the jersey for the next game.

Thurles started the game brightly, winning the early exchanges both in the pack and the back line before Aidan Dwyer touched down out wide as reward for some great play from the team as a whole. Thurles continued in this manner as Eoghan O'Dwyer followed up shortly with a try of his own which Aidan Dwyer converted to push the lead out to 0-12.

Richmond finally woke up after the quarter of an hour mark to register their first score through a penalty from their out-half after a Thurles player had drifted offside. From the resultant kick off, Thurles were close to regaining possession but the ball landed in the hands of the home winger who managed to dodge some would be tacklers, as he ran across field he managed to send the winger on the opposite side away down the flank to touchdown for an unconverted try, 8-12.

The remainder of the half was nip and tuck but another great piece of team play from Thurles saw Adrian Bourke set off near the half way line, beating a number of players down the right hand side of the field he found his way in under the posts for a converted try to leave the score 8-19 at half time.

Richmond started brightest in the second half having introduced a number of substitutes at the break, they made use of what wind they had, they kicked for the corners early on and after a number of attempts, they eventually found their way over the line, although it did seem a number of Thurles players had their bodies under the ball, the try was given but they conversion went astray, 13-19.Aidan Dwyer swings a pass wide for Thurles

Richmond continued to press at the Thurles line, another penalty was awarded to the home side and their replacement out-half slotted the kick between the posts to put just a score between the sides, 16-19.

Following this latest try, Thurles regained their composure and started putting some good passages of play together before Eoghan O'Dwyer went on one of his powerful runs to increase his tally to two for the day. Shortly after, Nicky Irwin found himself with space and powered on beating a number of defenders to put Thurles out of sight after Aidan Dwyer added the conversion, 19-31.

Richmond did make their way back up for a few attempts at the Thurles line before the final whistle but a fine team try finished off by Paddy Phelan put the icing on the cake and put Thurles comfortably into the Semi Final of the Munster Junior Plate on a score line of 19-36, where they will once again have to travel away as they take on Cork Constitution for a place in the final.

Training will continue for Firsts and Seconds at 7.20pm Sharp this Friday in prepartation for the upcoming games. Full attendance is expected. The players and mangagement would like to thank all those who travelled to Limerick on Sunday to support the team, it was greatly appreciated. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for updates on a date and time for the Semi Final.

Scorers vs. Richmond: Eoghan O'Dwyer (2 Tries), Nicky Irwin, Adrian Bourke and Paddy Phelan (1 Try Each), Aidan Dwyer (1 Try & 3 Conversions).

Team vs. Richmond: 1. Ger McCormack 2. Dave Kelly 3. David O'Dwyer 4. Phil Kelly 5. Brian Lyons (c) 6. Conor Cooney 7. Paddy Phelan 8. Colm Skehan 9. Nicky Irwin 10. Ollie Geoghan 11. John Coman 12. Shane Moloney 13. Eoghan O'Dwyer 14 Adrian Bourke 15. Aidan Dwyer 16. Jason O'Mahony 17. Colin Feeley 18. Luke Kelly 19. Ollie Delaney 20. Peter Coman, Eoin Long, Tommy Connolly and James Ryan.

East Munster U18 Cup: Thurles 17-17 Galbally Kilfeacle
Thurles played out a 17 all draw at home on Sunday morning. It was a tough game with a lot of tired bodies from a league final the previous weekend.

Thurles went in 12- 7 down at half time after scoring first. They soon equalised to make it 12 all. After that it was one try after the other for both teams ending 17 all. Man of the Match was Dan Taylor. Well done lads roll the next game!

Thurles RFC wishes to extend its gratitude to all those that made our first ever Sale of Work and Dog Show such a resounding success, raising much needed funds for the club. Based on Sunday's success, we hope to make this an annual event. Thank you again to all who contributed and also to all our helpers on the day.

Shannon RFC News

Courtesy of:- Síofra Scanlan

What a display of International Rugby last weekend!! All at Shannon RFC wish to congratulate all the players, men and women, on their fantastic 6 Nations wins.

Now that all our blood pressures are relatively back to normal we look forward to another great weekend of rugby with our Senior side back in AIL action in Coonagh on Saturday and the Munster Junior Cup quarter final being played on Sunday in Coonagh also.

Fixtures Weekend 28th/29th March

Saturday 28th March
AIL ~ Seniors ~ Shannon V Ballymena, Coonagh, 2pm
3rds ~ Friendly ~ UL Bohs V Shannon, Annacotty, 2.30pm

Sunday 29th March
MJC ~ Quarter Final ~ Shannon V St Senans, Coonagh, 2.30pm

Remember If you cannot come to the matches we would ask that you come out and support any of our upcoming events. All details can be found at www.shannonrfc.com

SHANNON RFC ~ TICKET PACKAGES ~ 2015/16

1. Munster Branch (MB) has proposed the purchase of Ticket Packages for EC Pool and Pro12 League games in Thomond Park, for season 2015/16, on the current understanding of no price changes from last season.

2. However, please be aware of the following conditions, again imposed by MB :-
a. Club Order, for 2015/16 Ticket Packages, must be submitted by 09 Apr 15.
b. Payment of 50%, of total cost of Ticket Packages, must be made by 30 Jul 15.
c. Balance must be paid by 30 Aug 15.
d. Shannon RFC will only receive those Ticket Packages fully paid for.
e. Some ticket categories are subject to availability.
f. Child is defined by MB as under 16.

3. To comply with the above, the following is required from all intending purchasers :-
a. Return of completed Order Form (attached) no later than 06 Apr 15.
b. Payment, of at least 50%, by 26 Jul 15.
c. Payment of outstanding balance by 26 Aug 15.
d. If payment(s) is not received on time, then Order will be cancelled.

4. a. TICKET COSTS and LOCATIONS

1. TICKET PACKAGES

1. I _____________________________ wish to apply for Ticket Package __________ x ___________
( Blocks)

2. Please find enclosed the following payments:- _______ for ____ by ERC ___ Packages

_______ for Membership 2015/16 : _____ for Lotto, starting on ______________
Numbers : ____ ____ ____ ____
3. Signed ________________________________ Date ________________

Address ____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

Ph No : __________________ E-Mail _____________________________________________

Reminder : Completed Order Form must be returned by 06 Apr 15
————————————————————————————————————————————–

Club Use only

Application received on _______________ Total Monies enclosed __________________

(Membership 2015/16 _______ Lotto ______ Packages _______________________)

Signed _________________________________ Date _________________
( )

————————————————————————————————————————————–

Please Note

1. All Tickets/Packages ordered MUST be paid for.
2. There is no guarantee that Shannon RFC will receive all Tickets/Packages ordered.
3. There is no guarantee that Shannon RFC will receive the same Seat Allocations, as last season.
4. Priority will be given to paid-up Club Members, particularly to those Members who are consistent purchasers of Tickets.