Club News Weekending 14th December 2008

Read the latest news and match reports from clubs accross the province

SHANNON RFC
Andrew McNamara PRO

It’s not often that we report on the unwanted statistic of all our adult sides losing in competitive action, but that’s what unfortunately occurred last weekend. For our seniors it was a case of close but no cigar, as Clontarf snatched a late winner in Thomond Park. The visitors now hold a commanding position at the top of the table with a seemingly unassailable lead. For ourselves we still maintain a place in the top four, but only by a narrow point’s difference margin but what we have we’ll hope to hold and improve when St Mary’s come to Coonagh this Sunday. Last Saturday’s game began rather sluggishly, but the pace improved considerably in the second half. Two early missed penalty attempts by Tadgh was an unusual occurrence given his potency with the boot thus far this season and one or two try scoring chances were snuffed out in the first half . We limited Clontarf to only a few chances themselves, none transferred to scores though, and at half time our stand in MC, Frank Mc Namara, had no scores to announce.

An early try in the second half from Clontarf spurred our lads into action and they rallied with great commitment which should have yielded a little more than the two penalties we were awarded. They showed tremendous character and came close to crossing the line on numerous occasions only to be either blown up by the referee or committing errors.

Once Tadgh put us ahead in was Clontarf’s turn to push for a score and the crucial moment came when it appeared that we had wrestled the ball from an attack in front of the posts, but unfortunately our tactic didn’t correspond with the referee’s interpretation and a simple penalty was awarded.

For their second half efforts alone , the lads deserved more from this game other than the losing bonus point but one thing is for sure they can hold their heads high and look forward to going that extra bit this Sunday. Kickoff in Coonagh is at 2.30.

The seconds started well against UCC and took the lead, but as the game wore on it was the students took the initiative. It’s been a difficult few weeks for the seconds. With our senior panel depleted due to injuries the knock on effect for the seconds is severely hampering their progress this season. The junior cup is three weeks away and I’ve no doubt that we’ll be in good shape for that.

The thirds suffered a rare defeat in the Gleeson league while the U/20’s came close against Corinthians, but the home side just edged it by 12-8.

Underage games scheduled for last weekend were cancelled due to pitch conditions but hopefully this weekend will see some action.

The U/18’s play Young Munster in Coonagh at 10.45 whiles the U/13’s play Richmond in the Canal bank at 10.30. The U/12’s host a blitz in Coonagh beginning at 10.30.

There was some great news this week for two members of our U/18 squad. Both Aaron O’Brien and Ben Sargeant have been selected on the Irish Schools panel that travel to Italy next week. Both players come from serious Shannon stock and have been playing with the club since knee high to a grasshopper. We wish them all the very best.

Our Ladies side are in action on Sunday when they play Clanwilliam in LIT at 2.30.

Our Club Shop in Coonagh is very well stocked with some ideal gifts for Christmas and opens every Sunday morning from 10.30 to 12.30.

Finally, we are looking for any members interested in becoming active in our reformed House Committee. We are hoping that this committee will be in full flow soon organising events revolving mainly around our clubhouse such as pre match AIL functions and social events. If you are interested contact either myself on 087 2717163 /amcnamara@eircom.net or Tadhg Crowe.

KILLORGLIN RFC
Aidan Clifford PRO

Killorglin RFC Seniors travel to Limerick on Sunday next to face Presentation RFC in the Munster Junior League. This team defeated Killorglin on the opening day of the season so the visitors will be seeking revenge. Kickoff in Ballysheedy, Limerick is at 2:30pm.
The Under 18s & Under 14s travel to Castleisland on Saturday in their respective leagues.
Senior Team Training continues every Tuesday & Friday at the Intermediate School at 7:00pm. New players are most welcome and our coaches are happy to introduce novice players to the game. Killorglin RFC Underage training continues. Under-age training continues every Saturday at the Intermediate School. It is not too late to join us as coaches will be happy to coach novices to the game. All are welcome. Under 10, 12, & 13 teams will train on the Dragon’s Den All weather pitch at the Intermediate School at 11am. The Under 16 players will train on the Community College Grounds at 1pm. For information on any age grade issues, contact Youth Officer John Costello on 0863558185 or P.R.O Aidan Clifford on 0879065927.
Membership for Killorglin Rugby Club is still open for the 2008-2009 season. Family membership costs €50, a single membership costs €30, while a juvenile membership costs €10. The above numbers can be contacted also for more information.

Old Crescent RFC Club Notes

Last Saturday, our First Team played Instonians RFC in Belfast in the AIL and made the long trip worthwhile by coming away with a hard fought victory by 13 points to 8. The game was played in difficult conditions with parts of the pitch frozen. Old Crescent were behind at half time. Mark Woods kicked two penalties, and Instonians scored an unconverted try and a penalty to leave the half time score at 6 for Crescent and 8 for Instonians.

After a period of pressure, midway through the second half, Billy Leahy made the decisive break, picking the ball up of his toes and passing to our Captain, Phil Glamuzina, who crossed the line out wide and grounded the ball near the posts for a vital try, making the successful conversion easier for Mark Woods. Our try and convert were the only scores in the second half, and Old Crescent held on for a well earned victory on the road.

Our Seconds game away against Nenagh Ormond in the Munster Junior Cup last Sunday was cancelled due to a frozen pitch, and our Under 20’s game against Clanwilliam was also cancelled.

Our Thirds continued their good run of form in the Gleeson League by winning away against the previously unbeaten Shannon RFC, by 16 points to 5. Crescent scores were a try by Liam Brown, and the successful conversion and three penalties were taken by Brian Clancy. It was a great display by our Thirds, and in particular, our two wingers, Don Caulfield and John O’Conner, were always in the action.

All Under Age games were cancelled last Sunday due to frozen pitches. Our Under 10’s were due to have a blitz in Bruff, with Newport, UL Bohs, Bruff and ourselves. Unfortunately, the very heavy frost on Saturday night made the Bruff pitches unplayable, and led to the decision to abandon the blitz early on Sunday morning. Our young players were disappointed as they were looking forward to testing their skills against new opposition.

Fixtures for next weekend:
Our Firsts play Belfast Harlequins in the AIL at home in Rosbrien at the earlier kick off time of 12.30pm next Saturday. Please note the early kick off time, which is to facilitate supporters wishing to attend the Munster Heineken Cup game in Thomond Park later that afternoon. Soup and sandwiches will be available in the Clubhouse for all who want to stay on to watch the Munster game on TV.

Our Seconds will play their refixed Munster Junior Cup game against Nenagh Ormond in Nenagh at 2.00pm next Sunday. Please support our Seconds in this important game next Sunday. Our Thirds game this weekend is postponed.

In Under Age News, our Under 12s are holding a blitz next Sunday morning from 10:30am – 12:00noon, and in conjunction with this there will be a fundraising coffee morning for parents and friends. All club members are welcome.
Come and have fun at the Clubhouse in Rosbrien next Sunday – we will have a great array of goodies to get the Christmas underway and you will be supporting the future players of the Club. Doors will open at 10am (earlier for those who are bringing their kids to training) and will go on until about 12:30ish. So bring the family and the pals to the Club next Sunday for what will be a most pleasant morning

BRUFF RFC
Senior XV: Bruff managed to keep their winning streak going when they held on to come away with the win from their Division two clash with De La Salle Palmerston in Kilternan on Saturday. Bruff opened the scoring with a Garry Leonard try on 9 minutes, DLSP Scrum half Dustin Jinka slotting a penalty 7 minutes later to bring it back to a 2 point lead. Following a lost lineout which DLSP quickly grabbed, Centre Francis Cooney broke two tackles to run in for their first try of the day. With both sides trading missed penalties, Play swayed over and back between the trylines with both sides attacking at various periods and both defences holding strong. The binning of David Horan 3 minutes into injury time only caused the Bruff pack to stiffen their resolve and constant pressure earned them a penalty in front of the posts which David Maw slotted over with 8 minutes of injury time played in the first half.
Half time score 8 points apiece.
The second half began with more of the same, both sides attacking, both defences holding, mistakes in passing and kicking going astray causing a string of phases to break down until Cathal O’ Regan fulfilling the captains role after a maul over the DLSP try line went down. The referee peered into the resulting melee for what seemed like a minute before finally granting the try. With Maw slotting the kick Bruff took a seven point lead and this led to their strongest period in the game. A ten minute period of relentless attack followed and finally the frustration seemed to be getting to DLSP when their winger was sent to the bin. Again however this seemed to galvanise them into a strong period of attack and Cooney again made a very strong run down the left hand side resulting in his second try. Jinka missed the conversion to leave the score 15 to 13 with a nail biting final eleven minutes. At this stage the Bruff discipline really shone through and despite constant pack pressure in the final few minutes DLSP failed to get the penalty needed to capture the four league points on offer. After repulsing a number of DLSP attacks Bruff ground their way into Salmo territory finally being granted a penalty in the last minute which Maw duly slotted over to allow Bruff run out 18-13 point winners. The Live 95 FM announcer had to wait again to get the scores almost 15 minutes longer than anyone else. We seem to be getting a run of having to hold out for long periods of extra time in our last few matches.
Bruff Scores: Tries G. Leonard, C O’ Regan, 2 Penalties & 1 Conversion: D. Maw.
DLSP Scores: Tries Francis Cooney x 2, 1 Pen: D. Jinka
Bruff: D. Horan, C. O’ Regan, S. Foster, D. Murnane, A. Laffan, A. Bourke, J.S. Shine, P. Malone. B. Cahill, D. Maw, J. Moore, G. Leonard, J. Malone, P. O’ Brien, B. Deady.

Next weekend sees our last home weekend before the Christmas break. The first XV play on Sunday against Highfield K.O. @ 2:30 pm. We’re hoping that you’ll join us for our last day of festivities before the break up, some food, hot toddies etc. will more than likely be on order if the weather keeps up like it has been for the last week or so.

J1 XV: A strong U.L. Bohemians side inflicted a heavy defeat on the Bruff, running in a good number of scores in the last fifteen minutes of the match to win by 46 to 13.
J2 XV: No Game.
U20 XV: Bruff were again unlucky to go down to Sunday’s Well on Saturday by 15 points to 8. Bruff Scores from Philip O’ Loughlin Penalty on ten minutes. Try and conversion Sunday’s Well 20, Unconverted try by Sunday’s Well, on 33, Penalty on 35 minutes. Bruff try by Michéal Fitzgerald in the corner on 40. Half time score was 15 points to 8. Despite constant pressure inside the Sunday’s Well half of the pitch for almost all of the second half, Bruff were unluckily unable to convert the pressure to scores.
Bruff: T. Quirke, J. O’ Leary, C. Laffan, P. Dempsey, T. O’ Brien, G. Bolger, A. White, S. Casey, J. Loughman, P. O’ Brien, N. McNamara, P. Cleary, P. O’ Loughlin, M. Fitzgerald, S. Daly.
Subs S. Luby (Loughman 20), C. O’ Rourke (N. McNamara, 52) B. Heffernan (C. Laffan, 63).
All Underage games cancelled

Fixtures: : (Home team listed first)
Sunday 14th December
AIL Division 2: Bruff v Highfield, 2.30pm
J2 Friendly: Bruff v UL Bohs, 12:30pm;
Youth: U13 Game at home @ 11:30 am.
Next Committee meeting is Monday 15th Dec. @ 8:00 pm.

NENAGH ORMOND RFC
Senior XV
Saturday turned out to be both disappointing and frustrating from a Nenagh perspective arising out of their trip to play Suttonians in Dublin. On a cool but fine day with dry conditions it seemed set for open and flowing rugby.

For the large part of the first half Suttonians were far sharper and did a lot of pressing. They were awarded with a penalty after about five minutes. Nenagh gradually got to grip with their opponents and dominated the second half. Any sustained Nenagh progress seemed to be halted by either poor execution or ball not going to hand, or losing our own ball.

The whole turning point of the game came with three minutes to go to half time. Nenagh were still 3 – 0 down and pressing. Nenagh seemed to be making great progress up front but a ball was spun wide and the Suttonian defenders made a excellent job of breaking up the movement. The play moved down towards the half way. Fergal Brislane was penalised for using his hand in a ruck and was immediately given a yellow card. Things were to get worse, Suttonians were pressing using their numerical advantage and got encamped on the Nenagh line. The ball squirted out of a ruck and Michael Fogarty dived on it. The referee awarded a penalty try under the post. Nenagh were now 10 – 0 down and were down to 14 for at least seven minutes of the second half.

The second half started as did the first. Suttonians were brighter and were using their numerical advantage. Nenagh conceded three penalties from scrums as well as the penalties on various other types of infringements. Frustrations boiled over and meanwhile Suttonians tagged on two more penalties to make it 16 – 0. Nenagh had further sin binnings for Mosese Volavola and Eoin Ryan. Suttonians kicked another penalty to go 19 – 0 ahead. In fairness to Nenagh they kept battling and were awarded with a Michael Fogarty try which was converted by John Lillis.

All in all it was a very forgettable experience. The problem is that Nenagh has lost the opportunity of closing on the leaders and now must rally to deal with Ards in Lisatunny next Saturday. This game will kick off at 1pm in order to facilitate supporters to see the Munster/Claremont game. It is vital that Nenagh close this part of the season with a win to maintain momentum. Last Saturday will have to be quickly forgotten.

TEAM: M. Kennedy (Captain), C Griffin, F. Brislane, R. Powell, J. Quigley, M. Volavola, C McMahon, D. Horan, M Fogarty, D. Delaney, J. Lillis, T Connolly, V Tudiracki, R O’Brien, K O’Meara.
SUBS: E. Ryan, D Dunne, D. Corcoran, D. Fogarty, C Langley

Seconds XV
The Seconds were due to play Old Crescent in the first round of the Junior Cup on Sunday last but this was called off just before kick-off as the referee declared the pitch unfit. This game has now been rescheduled for Sunday next at 2pm in Lisatunny. All support greatly appreciated.

Ladies XV
The Ladies XV were due to play Young Munster on Sunday morning last but this game was also called off due to weather conditions. It will be replayed in January.

Tag Rugby for Ladies:
Girls…want to stay fit over Christmas? Nenagh Ladies rugby team are continuing to train over the Christmas holidays with Tag Rugby every Wednesday and Friday night in Lisatunny. This is a non-contact form of rugby and anyone is welcome to come along and try it. Phone or text Louise on 087 2201596.

Under 20s
The under 20s game against Cashel which was due to be played last weekend was called off due to the weather conditions. We hope to play it this weekend.

Underage Ormonds
Under 18s
This week’s under 18s match was cancelled as Clanwilliam were unable to field a team and therefore Nenagh were awarded a ‘walkover’.didn’t turn up.

Under 16 East Munster League

Nenagh Ormond 46 Dungarvan 12

The Nenagh U16 team had a welcome return to form last weekend in an entertaining game played against a spirited Dungarvan side.
Neangh were very quickly on the score sheet, when from the kick off the ball was moved wide and the impressive Cathal Carey outsprinted the Dungarvan defence to score in the corner. Nenagh’s ability to move the ball wide at pace was a feature of the game and they proceeded to score 6 additional tries during the first half. There were some memorable scores from both forwards and backs , one in particular from Arron Nevin is worth mentioning where, he showed great judgement close to the line to score in a manner reminiscent of the many scored by his uncle in the past. To their credit the Dungarvan team continued to take the game to Nenagh and got in for two scores either side of half time, the final word however rested with the Nenagh men when Captain Ronan Murray crossed near the posts to close out the game in the final quarter. Overall a very impressive and entertaining game from the Nenagh side, however they need to bring a higher level of consistency to their performances if they are to deliver silverware this year.
Team R Hayes, T McNamara, K Keogh, C Whelan, C Gleeson, D White, K Seymour, R Murray, A Nevin, D Quinn, M McNamara, K Kennedy, C Carey, E Darcy, A Collins, K Flaherty, J Flaherty, B Sherlock, D Cottam, A Cummane, D Walsh, E Maher.

The under 13s played Scariff last weekend. Nenagh won 25 – 7

The under 14s game against Thurles which was to be played on Sunday morning last was called off due to the the pitch being unplayable.

The under 16s are away to Thurles on Sunday next and the under 13s are away to Kilfeacle, also on Sunday

Clonakilty Club Notes by Loosehead

Thomond 19 – Clonakilty 11

Thomond piled on the agony for Clonakilty in Limerick last Saturday when they took their first win of the season at the West Cork club’s expense. Clonakilty didn’t even manage a losing bonus point and they are now seriously looking at a relegation scrap for the remainder of the season. It should be noted however that Clon are in exactly the same position this season as they were at the same time last year ie having won just pne game of the first six and we all know how things improved dramatically then. The remaining nine games will not lack drama. This weekend they will need all their character and support to defeat De La Salle Palmerston in The Vale to start the revival if it is to happen.

It was a disappointing display in the main but the last 20 minutes did hold out some hope as Clon found their traditional form and were very impressive in this period. It is widely accepted that it is more prudent to play for field position, kick to the corners and then mount attacks from set pieces. However Clon have entertained in the past attacking from all over the park and mixing backs and forwards to great effect. It was this style that brought the successes in the past and they showed that they still have that ability in the dying moments of the game, which deserved something.

It is great when it works but when it breaks down the recriminations can come hot and heavy and thus it is more likely that the structured approach will be the style used by most modern teams. Decision making is the key to the success of the open game. Make the right decision and you’re a hero make the wrong one and your zero. Whether the decision is right or wrong is only apparent after it is made and so many players will opt to play safe. More’s the pity. Perhaps this Saturday we might see a renaissance of the Clonakilty "style"?

Clon looked capable in the opening quarter but still fell behind to two penalties. When poor tackling allowed the impressive Thomond full back to weave his way to the line the doubts started to creep into Clon’s game. The conversion left Clon chasing the game at 13 – 0 at half time. They had a better second half and it was expected that Clon’s forwards would outstay their heavier opponents but doughty resistance negated most of their efforts. They were rewarded when Bless Ngaheu, who had his best game for Clon to date, drove over for a try. Eric White narrowed the gap with a penalty and it was game on. Clon were impressive as previously said in this final quarter but Thomond sealed it with a drop goal and another penalty put paid to Clon’s bonus point aspirations.

If Clon can take up where they left off last Saturday maybe all is not lost. The game is being played at the earlier time of 1.00pm to facilitate the viewing of another crucial match, Munster v CSM Clermont Auvergne in the Heineken Cup at 3.30pm. The squad was: – Derek Dillon, Darragh Lynch, Paul Dillon, David Lombard (Capt), Noel O’Sullivan, Eric Whiite, Joe Crowley, Edie Knowles, Alfie Harte, Joe Knowles, Danny Whelton, Mike O’Hea, Bless Ngaheu, Lenny Harte, Mike Keohane, Robert Bogue, Hugh O’Neill, John O’Regan, Eric Murphy and James Deasy.

Killarney 14 – Clonakilty 23

There was better news from Killarney on Sunday when Clonakilty progressed to the second round of the Munster Junior Cup. The first half was totally domanited by Killarney and they led deservedly 9-3 at the break. James Deasy had opened the scoring for Clon with a penalty. Eric Murphy and Matt Kirby formed a new half-back partnership in the second half which took some time to show results. Killarney continued to dominate the game and extended their lead to 14-3 with 20 mins to go.

Then Eddie Knowles was introduced and immediately the pack raised their game. Soon after Joe Knowles entered the fray and Clon completely took over. A second penalty by Deasy established momentum and when Seán Dignan touched down and Deasy converted there was only a single point between the sides. Kirby was kicking superblly to the corners and it was only a matter of time before Clon would take the lead. They did so with another penalty from Deasy

Right at the death Ger McCarthy put a flattering look to the scoreboard for clon with a try that Deasy also converted. Mrs. Knowles’ boys and Kirby were the pick of the Clon team and the excellent goal kicking by Deasy was a major factor in the victory. Others to catch the eye were the try scorers Seán Dignan and Ger McCarthy and Michael Peter O’Regan.

The reward for this win is a home tie against Carrick-on-Suir on 21st of December. Carrick have been in impressive form this season and a major effort will be needed to progress. The final score was 23-14 and the squad was : James Deasy, Felim O’ Neill, David Cookson, Matt Kirby, Eric Murphy, Ciarán Calnan, Emmet McCarthy, Ger McCarthy (capt), Michael Peter O’ Regan, John O’ Regan, Sam Dignan, Seán Dignan, Michael Murphy, Hugh O’ Neill, Cathal Kirby, Eddie Knowles, Joe Knowles and Richie Draper.

This week’s fixtures :