Club News Weekending 13th April 2008

Read the latest match reports and club news from around the province, including details of UL Bohemian’s U15 League title win

UL BOHEMIAN RFC

UL Bohs Capture U15 League Title

UL Bohemian RFC (15) 15 Shannon (06) 09

Scorers: Enda Carroll & Neil Cronin try each, Cormac Fay pen and con

Referee: Tommy O’Donoghue

The game started with Shannon forcing Bohs to concede three early scrums putting the home side under pressure resulting in Shannon getting three points from 20 metres out. After settling down Bohs dominated the remainder of the half. Our first try came from a thrilling break down the left wing by Enda Carroll who fought off two defenders before going in at the left corner and touching down under the posts. The conversion was completed by Cormac Fay. Shannon responded immediately with a well struck penalty. After twenty minutes Bohs mauled well from a scrum in the middle and again we broke down the left wing with Neil Cronin bursting for the line and his tenacity was eventually rewarded with a try close to the corner flag. The conversion attempt failed but saw Bohs still lading 12-0 playing good support rugby. By varying the attack, Bohs kept Shannon pinned inside their 22 and were awarded a penalty at the stroke of half time which was converted to leave the score 15-6 to Bohs at the break. After the break, Bohs were forced to defend for long periods in the second half. Shannon’s pressure was eventually rewarded with a penalty and with eight minutes to go the match could go either way. To compound matters Bohs had two players yellow carded within two minutes of each other. Shannon piled on the pressure but Bohs remained dogged in defence. Bohs eventually lifted the siege and played the last three minutes inside Shannon’s 22. The final whistle sounded to joyous scenes of celebration. Overall the heroic defence and never say die attitude of these players resulted in Bohs capturing this trophy. Coach Mick McLoughlin said after the game ?full credit to Shannon who made us work very hard indeed for this win. We are loathe to single out players who to a man defended and attacked in numbers.?

Captain Kevin Walsh, a student of Ardscoil Ris, and from Adare, lifted the Cup presented by Denis Ryan Munster Branch Delegate

UL Bohs Team: J.O’Sullivan, D.Nolan, E.Carroll, C.Fay, K.Phelan, C.McLoughlin, N.Cronin, K.Walsh (Capt), N.Horan, C.Clancy, C.O’Connor, T.O’Regan, V.Walsh, T.O’Sullivan, R.Kavanagh.

Subs. C.Davis, G.Doherty (for V.Walsh 48 min), C.Doyle, K.Reale, J.Wallis, D.Lillis, S.Madden & B.Neville.

Frazer McMullen Cup
All Ireland U-20 Final
UL Bohemian 5 Lansdowne 0
Port Laoise
Saturday 5th April

In dry conditions, but with a very strong crosswind influencing matters, UL Bohs deservedly won the Frazer McMullen Cup, but not before heroically defending for most of the last 20 minutes.
Proceedings in the first half were delayed for almost 15 minutes due to a severe leg injury sustained by Lansdowne second row Nick Mullen when a maul collapsed. All wish him a speedy recovery. While replacement Paddy Mallon performed well, this disruption clearly affected both sides for a time.
The UL Bohs backs looked the more threatening, with scrumhalf Cathal Sheridan and Myles O’Riordan linking well, while Giles Boland and Murray Kinsella were a constant threat to the Lansdowne defence. The strong wind proved difficult to read as evidenced when two well struck penalties by Myles O’Riordan just drifted wide. Then, a thrilling break by the outhalf seemed to put Murray Kinsella through, but last ditch tackling held him up on the line. Lansdowne cleared and as the half drew to a close, they made their most telling advance into UL Bohs territory. They were awarded a penalty on the right touchline, and while it was assisted by the wind, it too just faded wide.
The Dublin side began to play a more territorial game in the second half, keeping UL Bohs on the defence. However, their backs lacked the cutting edge, and some wrong options were taken. On one occasion, with the UL Bohs defence dragged in towards the right touchline, two Lansdowne players were yelling for the ball on the otherwise deserted left wing, however, their calls were ignored and a possible tryscoring opportunity was lost.
The Lansdowne maul began to roll ominously, but timely interceptions by Kieran Essex, David Foley and Kevin Bracken brought relief to the Limerick side. Then, midway through the half, a break by Myles O’Riordan outside his own ’22’ was taken on by Murray Kinsella who fed Aidan McNulty. The flying full back drew the cover and released Dave Moloney. The right winger still had a lot of work to do, beating one man on the inside, and then going back out before crashing through another tackle on the line to score a spectacular team try. The conversion once again floated by the posts, and with Lansdowne applying constant pressure, UL Bohs nerves were fraught, but the nearest they came to scoring was when a drop goal attempt was blown wide. The Limerick side lifted the siege, and having been told time was up, Cathal Sheridan gratefully blasted the ball into touch.
UL Bohemians: Aidan McNulty, Philip Gardiner, Giles Boland (Capt), Murray Kinsella, Dave Moloney, Myles O’Riordan, Cathal Sheridan, David Kilcoyne, Sean Henry (Eddie Rossiter), Pat O’Regan, Noel Kinnane, David Foley, Kevin Bracken, Kieran Essex (Sean Rennison 70), Paul Grennell
Scorers: UL Bohs; Try Dave Moloney
Ref: Jonathan Peak

Women’s All Ireland League semi-final
UL Bohemians 33 Clonmel 12
Annacotty

An icy wind blew the length of the pitch and made handling difficult in this game. Clonmel had the wind advantage in the first half, but it was still the home side which was first off the mark, when Lynn Cantwell dashed over for a try out on the right wing. The conversion attempt by Nicole Fitzgerald was well struck, but held up by the wind it rebounded off the cross bar. The large Clonmel pack began to take charge, and using the wind to good effect, they camped in the UL Bohs half. The outhalf then used strength and speed to create space and touched down for a very good try beside the posts. Shortly after, following a series of drives up to the UL Bohs line which sucked in the defence, the outhalf put in a clever cross kick to give the right winger a well worked try. The conversion attempt just went wide, but 12-5 was a good result as half time approached. However, some splendid mauling by the home pack opened up a gap and when Patrique Kelly got the ball she surged through to score between the posts. The conversion by Nicole Fitzgerald brought the half to a halt with the sides level. After the break, UL Bohs still tried to play a running game, but the strong wind made long passing risky, and the Clonmel pack continued to apply pressure in the tight. Finally Lynn Cantwell got some space and despite some brave attempts to tackle her, she shrugged herself free and scored behind the posts. UL Bohs had brought on Sarah Jane Belton at this stage, and the Irish captain made her class show with some excellent clearances before turning on the speed to cross for two tries. Nicole Fitzgerald converted all three second half tries.
Clonmel tried valiantly, and only excellent last ditch defence kept the line intact. However, the improvement in women’s rugby is evident from the display of these two well coached teams.
UL Bohs scorers: Tries: Lynn Cantwell (2), Patrique Kelly, Sarah Jane Belton (2). Conversions: Nicole Fitzgerald (4)

KILFEACLE RFC
Denis Wade PRO

Kilfeacle Season comes to an End!

Kilfeacle and District RFC’s season has ended and what a season it has been. Although it has not been our most successful year, there are definite indicators that the club is moving in the correct direction. Clubs like Kilfeacle will always be measured by the performance and success of their First team. Fifth in the league, beaten quarter finalists in the Munster Junior Cup and winners of the Garryowen Cup is very respectable but doesn’t tell the true story of an improving team’s efforts for the year. The league position could have been a lot higher when one considers that here were defeats against top of the table opponents in which the margin was less than a single score. The Munster Junior Cup quarter final will always be remembered as ?the one that got away?. When lifting the Garryowen they deserved to do so and they lifted the expectations of the club by a performance that injected a new sense of belief in the possibilities for the upcoming season. When this team starts next years season with the same passion, determination, skill and endeavour they will be a force to be reckoned with.
To reflect on the season in full and do justice to all involved would be impossible. The club can look back on a year where the underage system has caught the eye of many as one to be admired. The support structure from the club through parents, coaches, selectors, patrons and supporters is immense and something to be proud of. They are the pulse and the lifeline, of the club, to the future and what a future it promises to be. Every team from the 7’s, 8’s, 10’s, 12’s, 14’s, 16’s, 18’s, 20’s and Seconds have done the club proud. The numbers of players on the Hill on those cold Friday nights was nothing short of inspiring. Special mention must go to the Under 16’s and 18’s teams and coaches for having excellent seasons which just goes to show the strength in depth in the club and the talent that permeates through the different teams that wear the Blue for the Little Club on the Hill! The player’s commitment to the club, on the pitch, is obvious for all to see and could not be questioned, however this year the committee have an initiative in place to build on all the positives from the previous season and with the players help, drive the club in the right direction.
The club has grown from a fledgling team, with a big heart, to an established club, with great ideals. This has only happened because of the work, commitment and endeavour of many people, past and present. The committee can confidently predict that the future is a secure and promising one because of the effort put in by our players and coaches, the backing shown repeatedly by patrons and sponsors, the flourishing underage system and our resolute, passionate supporters.

Under 8’s final outing of the season.
On Saturday the 19th of May we ask that you all attend so together we can kneel and remember in prayer, sit and discuss in earnest and stand to celebrate with pride the family that is Kilfeacle and District Rugby Club!
Kilfeacle U8 a vs. Thurles 4 ? 3
Kilfeacle U8 a vs. Roscrea 4 ? 1
Kilfeacle U8 b vs. Thurles 5 ? 2
Kilfeacle U8 b vs. Roscrea 3 ? 2

There were 4 games played by our Kilfeacle U8s on Sunday the 6th of April at Thurles Rugby Grounds. The young ‘Blues’ performed exceptionally well coming away with some very well earned victories on the day. A thank you to the coaches and officials of Thurles for a well organised day. Both sides played excellent rugby for the age level showing the skill, ability and discipline often expected from teams far older. Notable players for Kilfeacle on the day were Byron O’ Neill, Jack Ryan, Alan Flannery, Kevin Hally, Jake Flannery, Brian Barlow, Killian Noonan, Cormac Ryan, Brendan and Ciaran Ryan (the twins), Mark Compton, John O’ Sullivan, Christy Farrell and Tony Byron.

U8 Celebration for the Season Year End and Winning the Cup
Sunday 13/04/2008. Parents Drop off kids at Empire of Fun Tipperary Town. (Parents are welcome to stay) from 11.00am until 12.30pm. Tipperary Sports Complex Astro Pitch ? Football from 1.00pm until 3.00pm. Food in Complex Upstairs from 3.00pm until 3.30pm. Parents Pick Up kids at Complex in Tipperary Town at 3.30pm.

OLD CRESCENT RFC