Club News Weekending 21st October 2007

15th October 2007 By Munster Rugby

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

Thomond RFC

John Ryan PRO

Our thirds were the only team in competitive action on Saturday and continued their good run in the Gleeson League with a hard fought win away to Richmond at the Canal Bank. The team were made to work very hard but a tenacious home side in the first half. Two Kenneth McNamara penalties was our reward for a lot of possession, with many opportunities thwarted by the home defence leaving the half time score 6-3. In the second half our performance was a bit more clinical and following a great lineout drive from the 22, Eugene Payne once again was at the end of the maul which was converted. The game was put beyond doubt when Keith Ross made a break following quick lineout ball to score under the post which Kenneth McNamara also converted. A late home side try left the final score 21-8. The next Gleeson League game is on Saturday November 3rd at home to Shannon.

Our senior team travelled to Naas on Saturday for a friendly and lost our 34-24. It was an opportunity for the management to try our players prior to the AIL and while it would have been nice to win, a lot was learnt from the visit. With the AIL starting with an away game to Barnhall on Saturday October 27th, we play Nenagh in a training friendly this Saturday.

Our seconds team went down to UL Bohs in the Munster Senior Seconds League on Sunday losing 25-6. At half time we travelled 11-6 but were very much still in the game, but in the last quarter twice while attacking UL Bohs turned defence into a attack to cross under the posts for tries. This Sunday we entertain Shannon in Fitzgerald Park at 3pm.

Our U20s get their U20 AIL League under way this Saturday when we visit Coonagh to play Shannon at 2:30pm. Our last outing was against Shannon and they proved a little too strong for us but hopefully this Saturday we can up our performance and get the league off to a good start.

On the underage front their were good wins for our U13 and U16 teams on Sunday. Our U13s had very good 32-10 win over Newcastlewest in the league with Dylan Kelly crossing for four tries. U16s came from behind against Garryowen in a friendly in Dooradoyle with a late try to win 15-10. U12s play are at home to Shannon this Sunday. Our 18s play Young Munster in the league also in Fitzgerald Park at noon.

Club Membership Cards will be available very shortly and anyone who wishes to pay their subscription can do so to any committee member.Clonakilty RFC

Loosehead PRO

SPIRIT OF THE SOUTH

Clonakilty had just repelled another wave of assaults on their line, turned over the ball and made 50 metres when Murph uttered the stirring words “that’s the spirit of the south” and so it was. Last year Clon had returned empty handed from the hallowed grounds of Trinity College Dublin having dominated the match from start to finish. This year it was different. From the early try from Paul Dillon to the final whistle it was a spirited performance allied to clinical finishing that overcame a very good Dublin University outfit. Indeed the home side had plenty of possession and territory throughout but could not breach the Munster club’s defence. Early opportunities to the students were wasted when penalty awards were dispatched to touch in search of five pointers from mauled lines-out. This lack of respect or misplaced confidence in the pack that had prevailed over Sundays Well in the previous round was quickly reviewed after they made no headway and Johnny Watt the outhalf who had orchestrated the win the previous year landed the college’s only points with a penalty kick. This was a huge compliment to the Clon defence as the award was also in the red zone and the change of tactic spoke volumes.

Clon, still to field at full strength this season, were excellent value for the win. Dillon’s try was the culmination of great work from Alfie Harte and David Lombard before the excellent angle from Dillon gave the Dublin defence no chance. Gary Cribb converted. The same player had a fine game varying his contribution with effect. Eddie Knowles was a powerhouse as usual with ball in hand and Mike O’Hea was arguably man of the match with a complete performance. He excelled in the line out and was prominent in attack and defence. Darragh Lynch marked his homecoming with a well-taken try following a great break from Paul Dillon and Cribb again converted. When another returning traveller, Noel O’Sullivan added to his remarkable try scoring record with Clon’s third it was all over. The game was marked by the success of the new back row John O’Regan showed no signs of being hampered by the injury which sidelined him last year, John Darvill continues to impress and Aaron Spring again moved up a level for the third successive time in as many matches and will be a great asset this season. Derek Dillon and Colin Murphy were as consistent as ever and Dave Dowling and Tom Nyhans’ work rate were impressive.

The Squad was: Derek Dillon, Darragh Lynch, David Lombard, Paul Dillon, Noel O’Sullivan, Gary Cribb, Colin Murphy, Eddie Knowles, Alfie Harte, Dave Dowling, Sean Duignan, Mike O’Hea, John Oregan, John Darvill, Aaron Spring, Eoin Murphy, Hugh O’Neill, Tom Nyhan, Michael Peter O’Regan and Matt Kirby

Elsewhere the results were less joyful for the club. The Extra-Firsts, Bulldogs, Under 16s and Under 14s all went down to UCC, Dunmanway, Crosshaven and Kinsale respectively. Hopefully this weekend will bring better results.

Saturday: Under 14s V Skibbereen Away at 11.00am in the league.

Under 18s V Ballincollig Away at 12.00pm in the league

Under 20s V Dolphin The Vale at 2.30pm in the league

Sunday: Extra-Firsts V Sundays Well Musgrave Park at 3.00 in the League

Bulldogs V Bantry Bay Away at 3.00pm in the league

SHANNON RFC NOTES

Andrew McNamara RFC

For a change, it was a happy camp returning from Belfast last Saturday. We had to endure an all too familiar finale to the AIB cup game against Belfast Harlequins in Deramore Park before we could look to the next round, as once again the home side looked as if they would snatch victory at the death. The script for games between these two sides has been uncannily similar for the last four occasions we have meet in Belfast; we start well, take control, second half comeback by Harlequins. Home side win in the last few minutes; but this time round the lads dug deep and their resolve held firm and it was they who snatched a dramatic win in the dying minutes. High drama indeed.

It was probably no more than we expected, but nonetheless we can do without such circumstances. Our excellent start to the game began with the first of Andrew Thompson’s four penalties. It was added to by a Cain O’Connor try and before the 20^th minute had elapsed we were 16-0 up. All going well and even when Harlequins reduced the score to 16-3 at half time there was no indications of what was to materialise.

The second half saw us receive two rather harsh sinbinnings, and that was the kick-start that Harlequins needed. They scored a converted try which gave them confidence and then as the game closed out another came from a mistake and they took the lead. Been there, done that was the cry from their supporters. Well not this time was the response. In a mature and patient fashion we got back to their territory and engineered a penalty which Tommy knocked over. It wasn’t one of our better performances, but for character alone in those dying minutes it was a superb show. The serious rugby has well and truly started and continues this weekend with the ODM Munster senior cup. Reigning kingpins of Club Rugby Garryowen will come across town to Coonagh for what’s sure to be a cracker of a game. Kick off is at 3pm.

Our second XV began their league campaign with an impressive win over Young Munster in Coonagh on Sunday. Played in summer sunshine the game was entertaining throughout and Young Munster put up a battling performance, especially in the first half. It was however, an effort in vain as the lads raced into an unassailable lead as the second half progressed. Each of our four tries were impressive, all coming from their backs. With the breeze to their backs it was Young Munster who made all the running in the opening period and went into the lead with two penalties. The eventual outcome looked most unlikely during the first half and despite Richie Mullane crossing for a try; it was still the visitors who looked the more comfortable.

They added to their lead with a further penalty before the half time break, but the game turned very much in our favour as the second have progressed. We took the lead when Stephen Garvey raced to the line and then it was Johnny Paradise who crossed after some rampaging running from Brian Meade. We were now pretty comfortable and handled what little resistance Young Munster offered with much more confidence than that of the first half. The final try came from Dave Barry which was personally sweet for the scrum half as it was against his former club. Shane Mullally scored his second conversion which brought the final tally up to 24-9.

It was a very encouraging start for the lads and they’ll certainly want to keep it up when they face Thomond this Sunday in Woodview at 3pm.

The thirds suffered their first Gleeson defeat when Garryowen beat them by 18-13. It was a battle of two excellent sides that will no doubt cross swords again this season. Mark O’Brien was his usual productive self while Graham Culliton played well also scoring two penalties and a Conversion. The league is a long way from being over the lads and I’ve no doubt they’ll bounce back this Saturday when they play Richmond in Coonagh at 4.30.

What a weekend it was for U/12’s who travelled to Ealing for their annual tournament. Not only did the 46 players represent the club with pride and distinction, they produced scintillating performances and their endeavours were rewarded with a clean sweep of trophies. Three Shannon teams took to the field, with two sides playing in the one section. Magnificent throughout, all three teams remained unbeaten, but they did have serious challenges posed to them by the host club in all sections. In fact, in one such game between our selves and Ealing, neither side could be separated, and after extra time and sudden death, it game down to the toss of a coin and lady luck was shining on our side. All three sides were deemed winners in what was a superbly ran tournament. In total 104 people travelled with the organisational skills by the tour committee exemplary and it was a trip that will live long in the memory of those that travelled for a long time. Hearty congratulations to everyone involved.

It’s back to local matters this weekend for the U/12’s as the Blacks are away to Thomond and the Blues are away to Newcastlewest.

The U/18’s were rather unfortunate to draw 5-5 in their league game away to Bruff last Sunday. They lead throughout but a late try from the home side split the points on offer. Andrew Graham was our try scorer on the day.

This Sunday they are at home to Old Crescent at 11.30. Other underage fixtures this weekend sees the U/13’s away to Old Crescent and the U/14’s play Young Munster in a friendly.

The AIB league is only a mater of days away and our first game sees us travel to play newcomers Old Belvedere. A supporters Coach is being organised by the club and we would love to see a big support for the lads on the opening day and it’s a support that the lads will greatly appreciate. The Coach will leave Thomond Park at 9pm and will cost only €;10. I can be contacted on 087 2717163 for bookings and names will also be taken at the senior game this Saturday.

OLD CRESCENT RFC

Pat Rickard PRO

Our 1st XV continued their AIB Cup adventure on Saturday with a trip to Killballyowen Park to play Bruff. Without the services of many of our players, it was very much an experimental side that took the field, and this gave an opportunity for some to stake their claim for a place in the side for the forthcoming AIL campaign. But what was to follow was most disappointing. We were second best to a very determined Bruff side. Despite winning the try count 2-1 with tries from Alan Purcell and Billy Leahy one of which was converted by Alan, we were defeated by 19 points to 12. One can only hope that this defeat will serve as a wake up call to all those concerned and we will look back at this game as the turning point in a very successful season. This weekend it is a return to ODM Munster Senior Cup action with a trip to Musgrave Park to play Sunday Well on Saturday at 2.30pm.

The 2nd XV travelled to Musgrave Park on Sunday to play Sunday’s Well.

Again injuries resulted in a very inexperienced team taking the field but in this case our team put in a very brave performance going down by 19 points to 7. This weekend they also travel to Musgrave Park to play Dolphin on Sunday with a 3pm kick off.

The 3rd XV continued their Gleeson League programme on Saturday hosting UL Bohs at Rosbrien. This was a vital game for our side as defeat would have most certainly meant that we would not progress to the knockout stages. The was a closely fought game which was delicately poised at 12 points all early in the second half but our side took control of the game in the in the latter stages and took the victory along with the points on offer winning by 25 points to 15.

This weekend they travel to St. Marys with kick off on Saturday at 3pm.

The under 20s have no game last weekend, but this week they commence their AIL fixtures with a trip to Nenagh Ormond on Saturday at 3pm. We wish the players and management of this team every success in the AIL this season.

On the under age front, the highlight of the week with the visit of Garryowen to Rosbrien on Friday night for a under 12 fixture. A large crowd were on hand to watch two talented group of young players battle it out in perfect conditions. Maybe the idea of "Friday Night Lights "

is one that our administrators could adopt to bring the crowds back to club rugby. WE would ask those parents who have not yet returned their children’s registration forms to do so this weekend. The club is hosting a Coffee morning for parents on Sunday morning at 11am and all are welcome.

To conclude this week two social matters. The club is hosting a Club night in the clubhouse on Saturday night. The World Cup Final will be shown on the big screen and and we would ask as many members as possible to attend. Finally this week the Club’s Fashion Show will be have its media launch in Aubars on Monday next. Tickets for this event, which will take place on November 15th in the South Court Hotel are available for any member of the committee.

UL BOHEMIAN RFC

Denis Ryan PRO

The 1st XV made the long trip to Dungannon to play this second round game in the AIB All Ireland Cup, and somehow the return journey seemed shorter in the aftermath of a 26-19 victory. This was an excellent win, with the UL Bohs scores spread between four players. John Ed O’Connor and Frankie Leonard scored tries while Fergal Lawlor added a try and a drop goal. Full-back Ed Torrie also got on the score sheet with a conversion. On Saturday the action moves to Annacotty where UL Bohs take on Cork Con in the Munster Senior Cup. This is the third year on the trot we have met the Cork side at this stage, and having suffered narrow defeats in the previous games, will look for an overdue win.

In the Munster Senior Seconds League UL Bohs traveled to Fitzgerald Park and came away with a good win on a final scoreline of Thomond 6-UL Bohs 25. Thomond opened the scoring with a penalty after 5 minutes but UL Bohs responded with a try by Michael Long after a good driving maul. Two penalties kicked by Aiden McNulty followed by one from Thomond gave a half time score UL Bohs 11- Thomond 6. UL Bohs played some excellent rugby in the second half. After 10 minutes a great run by Philip Gardiner saw him offload to Cathal Parkes who scored a try converted by Aiden McNulty. Then on the 35 minute a great counterattacking movement by UL Bohs saw Finbar Dennehy scoring a try converted by A. McNulty to give Bohs a deserved win. On Sunday Highfield travel to Annacotty and this should be a very attractive game for all supporters.

In the Women’s All Ireland League, Division One, champions UL Bohemians continued their winning start to the campaign with a 46-0 victory over neighbours Shannon. Tries from Fiona Coghlan, Caroline Mahon, Louise Beamish, Nicole Fitzgerald, Mairead Kelly, Sarahjane Coady and player of the match Patrique Kelly sealed the win to ensure that UL Bohs have the maximum return from their first two games.

On Saturday the 3rd XV travel to Rosbrien to meet Old Crescent in the Gleeson League and will be hoping to return to winning ways after going down to St Mary’s in their last game.

The U-15s were missing some regular stars for the trip to Carlow, but this friendly was a very worthwhile exercise as it gave an opportunity for players who had not yet featured in the league to display their talents. Our captain on the day Cian Davis played very well and adapted to his role. Other players to shine were Neil Jordan and Ruairí Kavanagh. While we lost game by a fifteen points we played well in stages particularly for twenty after half time. Carlow were very generous hosts and provided an after match meal for all. This is a progressive club with which we should have other fixtures.

KILLORGLIN RFC
Aidan Clifford PRO

Killorglin Rugby Club made their debut in Junior Rugby on Sunday last with a home tie against Charleville. A very low scoring first half, Killorglin went in at half time 8-3 behind, having conceded a pushover try from a maul and scoring a long distance penalty curtosy of Brian Gannon. The second half, however, was a poor forty minutes for Killorglin. Charleville bullied the Killorglin pack and forced errors from the team, which led to two more tries being scored along with conversions. Killorglin will have a lot of work to do before next weekend?s away trip to Dungarven, Co Waterford. The final score was Killorglin 3-22 Charleville.
Killorglin Team:- 1 KJ Daly (c), 2 D Flynn, 3 J O?Sullivan, 4 C Conway, 5 C Stephens, 6 R Kelliher, 7 T Healy, 8 M Breen, 9 D Coffey, 10 T West, 11 D Curran, 12 A o?Reilly, 13 G Sheehan, 14 J Riordan, 15 B Gannon. Subs:- M Aherne for Breen, S Joy for Kelliher, R Curtayne for Coffey.
Killorglin RFC Under 14s faced Castleisland on Saturday last. Unfortunately, they lost the match 15-10 but can take some positives from the match, particularly the performance from dynamic forward Shane Corkery, and full-back Fergal Hallissey.
Killorglin Under 14 Team:- 1 Shane Mangan, 2 Dave Richards, 3 Dylan Costello, 4 Kyle Fitzgerald, 5 Tim Sheehan, 6 Cian Foley, 7 David O?Carroll, 8 Shane Corkery, 9 Fionn O?Shea, 10 Gary O?Sullivan, 11 Charlie O?Sullivan, 12 Eoin O?Sullivan, 13 Nathan Breen (c), 14 Clive Ashe, 15 Fergal Hallissey. Subs Used:- Aaron Regan, Timmy Walsh, Danny Griffin, Darren Murray, Peter Cotter, Hugh Quane, Cian O?Mahony.

Membership for Killorglin Rugby Club is open for the 2007/08 season. Killorglin RFC always welcomes new members, both playing and non-playing, to follow the ongoing development of the club as it has been promoted to Junior League 1 status this year. A full membership of the club costs ?30, a family membership costs ?50, and juvenile membership costs ?10.
Senior Team training takes place every Tuesday at 7pm and Friday at 7:30, at the Dragon?s Den All-weather pitch on Iveragh Road. New faces are always welcome and the club is happy to introduce new players to the game of rugby.
Training of Juvenile teams will takes place every Saturday at the Dragon?s Den. Killorglin RFC under 18 would welcome players who would like to take up the game of rugby, who train every Saturday at 1pm at The Dragon?s Den. Under12s, 13s, & 14s train at 11am and the Under 16s train at 1pm. All players are welcome to play. For information, contact Youth Officer John Costello on 0863558185.

SHANNON RFC
Shannon Reverse the Trend in Belfast
AIB Cup Second Round
Belfast Harlequins 17 Shannon 19
Andrew McNamara PRO

Shannon had to endure an all too familiar finale to their AIB cup game against Belfast Harlequins in Deramore Park before they could look to the next round, as once again the home side looked as if they would snatch victory at the death. The script for games between these two sides has been uncannily similar for the last four occasions the sides have meet in Belfast; Shannon start well, take control, second half comeback by Harlequins . Home side win in the last few minutes; but this time round Shannon?s resolve held firm and it was they who snatched a dramatic win in the dying minutes. High drama indeed.
The visitors raced into a 10 point lead with barely ten minutes registered, as first Andrew Thompson landed a penalty and then wing forward Cian O?Connor benefited from a big push to the line from his colleagues in the pack. Thompson converted and at this early stage Harlequins looked shaky to say the least.
Shannon?s pressure play seemed more than they could cope with and their woe?s continued as Thompson landed two more penalties before the 20th minute was reached.
It could well have signalled the white flag from the home side, but they slowly gained a foothold in the proceedings, and it took a couple of big tackles from Shannon?s captain David Quinlan from preventing them registering on the scoreboard.
Harlequins did eventually score, and it was through the boot of fullback Willem Slabbert, and had his accuracy been a bit better, Shannon?s 16-3 half time lead would have been less.
The home side?s improvement continued in the second half, but Shannon nonetheless looked reasonably comfortable; that was until two yellow cards in the space of two minutes reduced them to 13 men and gave Harlequins a big opportunity. They seized upon it as one would expect and from a 5 metre scrum, centre Daren Cave popped up to cross the try line in the 60th minute and give his side a massive boost. Slabbert converted and the once seemingly comfortable lead was cut to just four points.
These were worrying times for Shannon. Most of the players had been here before and the sense that Harlequins would once again produce a Houdini style escape was palpable. The nerves set in for Shannon and the confidence of the opening 20 minutes almost deserted them. They did hold the fort steady in the face of a revitalised Harlequins side, but it was through an unforced error, rather than anything spectacular from the home side, that they found themselves facing defeat. An ill judged attempt to run the ball from inside their ?22 in the 76th minute gave Harlequins their chance. The ball spilled loose and once again it was Darren Cave who capitalised and went in under the posts to give Slabbert the easy conversion. 17-16 and it was a case of been there, done that for the Belfast outfit, but this time the script deviated.
Shannon held their composure and worked their way down field with patience, and almost in an instance it was Harlequins turn to feel nervy. Those nerves translated into a Shannon penalty and with the calmness of man whose been around AIL rugby for almost 15 years, Andrew Thompson slotted home the difficult effort.
The tension remained right through the 5 minutes added time, but it was to be Shannon?s day and the final whistle brought relief at last in Belfast.

Shannon
D. O?Donovan, Pat O?Connor, J. Clogan, A. Finn, M. Tuohy (J. Moran), A. Thompson, F. O?Loughlin (J. Paradise), L. Hogan, S. Cronin, K. Griffin, P. O?Brien ( F. Broderick), F. Walsh, P. O?Connor (C. Nunan)
C O?Connor, D. Quinlan(Capt).

Harlequins
W. Slabbert , M. Kettyle, D. Cave, S. Stewart, P. McKenzie, T. Horner, K. Trask, N. Conlon, S. Philpot, C. Voisey, G. Jewhurst, N. McComb, A. Ward, A. Gillespie, C. McCarey(Capt)

Shannon?s Seconds Open League with Impressive Win

Shannon?s second XV began their Munster Senior second?s league campaign with an impressive win over Young Munster in Coonagh on Sunday. Played in summer sunshine the game was entertaining throughout and Young Munster put up a battling performance, especially in the first half. It was however, an effort in vain as the home side raced into an unassailable lead as the second half progressed .
Each of Shannon?s four tries were impressive, all coming from their backs.
With the breeze to their backs it was Young Munster who made all the running in the opening period and went into the lead with two penalties. The eventual outcome looked most unlikely during the first half and despite Shannon?s Richie Mullane crossing for a try, it was still the visitors who looked the more comfortable.
They added to their lead with a further penalty before the half time break, but the game turned very much in Shannon?s favour as the second have progressed . Outhalf Richie Mullane was quick to release his speedy backs and it was here that most of the damage inflicted .
Shannon Took the lead when replacement winger Stephen Garvey raced to the line and then it was Johnny Paradise who crossed after some rampaging running from Brian Meade. Shannon were now pretty comfortable and handled what little resistance Young Munster offered with much more confidence than that of the first half.
The final try came from Dave Barry which was personally sweet for the scrum half as it was against his former club. Shane Mullally scored his second conversion which brought the final tally up to 24-9.

CARRICK ON SUIR RFC
Collie Bartley PRO

Carrick go to top with bonus in Limerick

To say it was an unusual setting for this Carrick team would be a bit underplaying the venue. More used to vast open fields and livestock, the vista of green amongst the shopping centres and apartments had an eerie and tentative feel to it.
Carrick was a bit nervous going out onto the pitch and more so when St Mary?s strode across the white lines. The Limerick side were physically imposing, to a man perhaps bigger than Carrick.
Game plan in hand, the game kicked off and nerves were visible. Although initially comfortable in the scrum, some aspects of Carrick?s play were a bit loose. The forwards were unnerved by the size and physicality of the opponents and took a while to get to terms with the game.
From two knock-ons, Mary?s went into an eight point lead, with Gareth Griffin scoring a break away try for the home side. With half an hour gone and Carrick trailing by eight points away from home, a familiar tale was being spun.
It didn?t turn out to be, Carrick change tack a little, outhalf Ian Hillard started getting better ball, the back three of Rob Murphy, Shane O?Keeffe and Eddie O?Donnell, started receiving good ball to run the bigger Mary?s team around.
Carrick stared to get a foothold into Mary?s territory. The pack started moving as a unit, returning quick ball, punching holes around the fringes. Then Carrick got a penalty, just outside the 22 and to the right of the post. Ian Hillard dispatched it. 8-3
Minutes remained in the first half, where from the kick off Carrick took possession and the pack, through Pat Lanigan, Willie Stokes, John O?Keeffe and Jamie Walsh moved a considerable distance into Mary?s territory. Clean ball from the ruck saw Hillard make a great break through the centre. It looked like he?d make the line himself but passed it out to Noel Phelan, just about to be tackled he passed on to Eddie O?Donnell and that made it level at half time.
A frank exchange of opinions occurred at half time, Carrick did still not fully believe they could do this. The second half started nervously again, but Carrick held out grimly in the face of Mary?s incessant attacks. Some great clearances by Ian Hillard and scrum half Emmet Lonergan, complimented the exceptional work of the whole team on defence. This kept Carrick in the game and gave them the confidence to go on.
Number 8, John O?Keeffe came off injured and this looked to be a blow to Carrick, but our bench has a bit of grunt behind it now and Evan Stanley replaced him seamlessly.
Another substitution, Eddie Barry for Eddie O?Donnell had an impact on the game. O?Donnell?s injury let Eddie loose. In a tight, forwards orientated game, Barry received the ball of the side of the ruck and grubbered through. His kick down the blindside tied up two tacklers and allowed Rob Murphy and Jamie Walsh run onto it.
Walsh brought the ball to the line, Pat Lanigan brought it over and got the try his game deserved.
Leading 13-8, sub Brian Phelan, gave away a penalty under the posts. 13-11, but only for the intervention of the second row, Carrick could have gone behind. From here the game got tough, yards were hard to get and tackles were even harder.
Mary?s got the rub of the green and quickly moved the ball left, Shane O?Keeffe was faced with a three on one. He made the decision to go for the ball. He took man, ball and the wind out of Mary?s sails. After this huge hit, Mary?s didn?t threaten as much.
Moments later Ian Hillard read a Mary?s back move, intercepted and ran in from 60 metres under the posts. He converted.
At 20-11, Carrick had to remain composed to see out the game, the wise heads in the pack, James Heffernan and John Phelan came into their own, Emmet Lonergan at scrum half slowed down Mary?s attempts to get back in the game. Alan Murray stopped their source ball, disrupting lineouts and holding the scrum.
With time almost up and the clubhouse filling, James Wallace, who had a great game in the centre, tackled the winger on the touchline, picked up the ball and ran over at the flag for the fourth try and the bonus point for Carrick.
After the missed conversion the ref blew the game, 25-11 to Carrick and as good an away win as many of the team can remember. Carrick were under no illusions that the scoreline reflected the way they committed to the game, but knew the game was much tighter than 14 points.
In the huddle, the focus was already on next week’s huge game against Kinsale. A blast of the ?Carrick Smashers? and back to the task in hand. The talk was what has to be worked on in training, rather than how good the win was.
In a game of exception displays, it is hard to single one man out, but one man did stand out in the game. Pat Lanigan had possibly his finest game so far for Carrick. Rob Murphy was exception on the wing and our half backs offered a bit more to the Carrick game, with Ian Hillard growing into the team.
The front row was exceptional again and our Captain Willie Stokes has to be pleased with his own display, the lineout?s worked a treat.
This Sunday sees a massive game for Carrick, as unbeaten and promotion favourites, Kinsale, travel to Tybroughney for what should be a cracking game. Kinsale are the only team to have beaten Carrick so far this season, so there will be no fear from the Cork side.
Training is still at 7:30 Wednesday and Friday, all new players are welcome. Subs are due and membership also, any payments can be made out to the usual crew of Aiden, Dermot or Kenny.

Team: J HEFFERNAN, W STOKES (C), A MURRAY, S FITZPATRICK (B PHELAN 60 MINS), J PHELAN, J WALSH, P LANIGAN(R GOEFF 78 MINS) , J O?KEEFFE (E STANLEY 48 MINS), E LONERGAN, I HILLARD, S O?KEEFFE, J WALLACE, N PHELAN, R MURPHY, E?O DONNELL(E BARRY 45 MINS), subs not used S MURRAY

Carrick-on-Suir RFC underage

Our underage teams were all out this weekend and all travelling. The 18?s went to Roscrea and put up a great effort after a long journey but couldn?t eke out the win going down 20-5.
The 16?s played Kilfeacle in a friendly in a tight tough game the mid Tipp team came out on top by 10 points winning 36-26.
Our u-14?s travelled to Nenagh and put up a good display against a bigger team, again they only just failed to get over their visitors going down 30-20.
Training again for all these groups is on Friday night, numbers are good at the moment and the feedback is excellent, so keep it up lads and a good season is in prospect.

Sun Shines on Under Age Rugby
On a beautiful October Sunday morning in Tybroughney, Carrick?s under 8,9,10,11 and 12 teams did us proud. We played Waterpark and Dungarvan at all levels. Our under 12?s started the blitz with a very hard match against Waterpark and a draw was a very fair result here. Some outstanding performances from Andrew Bolger, Sean Dunphy, Thomas Kennedy and David Kinsella played a big part in this result. The second match was against Dungarvan which the boys won at ease, running in 7 tries.
The under 11 team were the stars of the day winning all three of their matches. The handling skills of this team which have come through the ranks over the last three years as a group are just superb. They beat both Waterpark teams by 5 tries to 3 tries and 5 tries to nil respectively and Dungarvan by 6 tries to nil. Claire Flanagan, Alan Dowley, Jack Murphy Aidan Ryan, David Norris, Josh Quinn, Jamie Murphy, Aidan Nugent, Oisin Teppan and Niall Blanchfield collectively were great.
The under 9?s and 10?s had very good matches too winning as many matches as they lost. They have made the transition from under 8?s very well and we can only look forward to great games during the year. Aaron Gallagher, Darragh Power, Michael Dineen, Cian Reidy, Ian Long and all the others were very good for the 10?s. The boys on the under 9 team of note were Ronan Ryan, Oisin Brophy, Richie Norris, Shane Grehan, Jack Murphy and all the rest did us proud.
The boys and girls who turned out to play with the under 8?s, most for their first match ever were both inspiring and a joy to watch. They passed the ball well to each other and ran like mad and scored tries for the first time. All eighteen including six girls who were Catherine Dineen, Hilary Balding, Anna Dowley, Hannah Eade, Alanna Gallagher and Isobel Dineen did us proud.
Well done to all who played on Sunday and a big thanks to all who helped out with the organisation and coaching.
Next week, all teams travel to Cashel to play a blitz. Bus leaving Carrick Garda Barricks at 9.45.