Club News Weekending 7th October 2007

A round up of club news from around the province

OLD CRESCENT RFC
Pat Rickard PRO

A mixed bag of a week in the club on the playing side.

The 1st XV hosted Nenagh Ormond in the ODM Munster Senior Cup on Saturday and hopes were high for victory to provide the springboard for a good season. A combination of injuries and some new signings meant that it was an unfamiliar look to the side which is captained this season by experienced front row forward James Cullanine. Our side hit the ground running with new signing from Wales, Gareth James scoring a try under the posts and converting and then adding a penalty goal to open up a ten point lead. Our opponents regrouped and some poor discipline and defensive breakdowns resulted in a converted try and 2 penalty goals to bring them right back into the game. Our side managed to tack on two more penalties from Gareth James to give us a three point lead at halftime. In the second half we had the opportunities to put the game away but failed to take them and as a result it was nip and tuck all the way to the finish with a try from Mark Ryan and a conversion and penalty goal for Gareth James giving us the victory by 29 points to 23. This weekend the attention turns to the revamped AIB Cup and we host Naas for the first time in a competitive fixture at 2.30pm on Saturday.

The 3rd XV had their first home Gleeson League fixture of the season with Shannon the visitors on Saturday morning. Despite having most of the possession and the territory in the opening period we failed to capitalise on our opportunities and went in the the interval two points down on a five points to three scoreline. In the second half we dominated the lineout and this proved to be the basis for controlling the game. When we went ahead by 9 points to 8 in the closing minutes the game was there to be closed out, but a critical mistake in the final minute allowed Shannon in for a converted try to snatch victory by 15 points to 9. It was a much improved performance from the team and hopefully the lessons learned in this game will help us in future games. This weekend’s opponents are St. Senan’s which the kickoff time still to be finalised. Please consult the club website www.oldcrescentrfc.com for further information.

The under 20s played near neighbours Garryowen in the North Munster under 20 league and were competitive for a long period before the visitors pulled away in he closing stages to record a victory.

Our 2nd XV return to action on Sunday at 2.30 with the visit of Waterpark to Rosbrien.

In under age rugby the under 18s hosted Garryowen in their second game of the under 18 league on Sunday morning. Our side started slow and at the interval found themselves 18 points to nil behind. It was a different Old Crescent team that took the field for the second half and they dominated the game but only managed to score 12 points. It was great to see them make such a spirited comeback and it will hopefully give them the confidence for future games. The only other side in actions were the under 11s who hosted a club day and put in a brave performance.

This weekend the under 15 travel to Newcastle West on Sunday morning for a league game and the under 10 are on the road as well for a club day in Abbeyfeale.

Finally this week we ask our members to support the Table quiz in aid of Rehab which is taking place in O’Dwyers pub in Wolf tone Street on Tuesday October 9th at 8pm. Table of 4 are priced at €40.

Kinsale RFC
Maria O’Mahony PRO

Kinsale Rugby enjoyed success on the last day of September in winning the Munster Junior Challenge Cup quarter-final at Snugmore against the top Division 2 side Abbeyfeale, from Limerick. Kinsale fully anticipated a tough encounter and that’s what they got. Nevertheless, the seasiders got off to a bright start with Jeremy Coughlan finishing a series of moves starting from ruck and loose ball within the first few minutes.

Frazer Hodgson kicked a penalty shortly after. The game ebbed and flowed with Kinsale imposing themselves better with a string of phases with one started and finished by Tadgh Wright. Hodgson converted and later scored a useful second penalty before half time. Abbeyfeale were not to be outdone and, importantly, opened their account with a corner try by Conor Guiney. Blake Charteris, their ‘Cook Islands’ Star no 10, converted. 18 – 7 to Kinsale at half – time.

Abbeyfeale continued into the second half where the left at the turnaround with full intent. Strong in the set pieces, they won possession to set up several phases which threatened, but Kinsale’s defence was resolute. A penalty was their only reward. Kinsale managed to keep the pressure on, but Abbeyfeale were equal to the task and held their tryline in the second half. Kinsale were compensated by two penalties in the last quarter – taken by Hodgson – Abbeyfeale raised their intensity in the last 5 minutes and were rewarded with a last minute try and converted by Charteris.

Kinsale did enough – Abbeyfeale made a real match of it – in a game played in the best tradition and spirit of Munster Rugby. Indeed, a little bit of history was recorded at Snugmore, by virtue of Kinsale, led by John O’Sullivan, progressing to the semi-final stages and accordingly progressing to the All-Ireland Junior Cup – the first J1 Division 3 club from Munster, or indeed from any of the provinces, to do so. Strong local support witnessed this memorable occasion.

Kinsale will now concentrate on the league starting the first Sunday of October – away to Dungarvan, home to Killarney the following Sunday, and away to Carrick-on-Suir on the weekend after that. Kinsale will play Crosshaven , at a neutral venue, will be held on Sunday 28th October, the Jazz weekend. The other semi-final will be between Kanturk V Clonmel.

Kinsale’s 2nd XV have had two outings in challenge games – defeating Bandon at Oldchapel 10-37, whilst narrowly losing against a Ballincollig J2 XV 19 – 17 in what was a tough and robust encounter. The 2nd XV, too, start their league campaign with a trip to Mallow, followed by home tie against Sunday’s Well – two weeks later.

CLONAKILTY RFC
Loosehead PRO

The Season So Far

With the world cup over, as far as Ireland is concerned anyway, we can concentrate on matters closer to home. At least we will have our Munster players back sooner than expected – but what state will they be in? Just when it looked as if Munster would have their strongest squad ever it is to be hoped that the experience in France does not damage the returning stars.

Seniors
Clonakilty also face a daunting season at senior level. Having scaled the heights of division two in their first year after winning division three, season 07/08 will test the traditionally small squad to the limit. Clon have lost a number of influential players through retirement and transfers and those coming on board will do well to keep the ship on course. More about arrivals and departures next week. Although the seniors have lost their two games to date against arguably the two biggest and strongest clubs on the island, Cork Constitution and Shannon, there were positives to be taken from both. The benefits of playing against that sort of quality, regardless of the result, outweighs the disadvantages and hopefully the experience will show when the All Ireland League starts on the 27th Oct. New club captain, Alfie Harte, if anything has benefited from the responsibility with excellent form. Alfie is no stranger to captaincy as he successfully led the Irish Youths some years ago. John O’Regan’s return from the injury that kept him sidelined for most of last season was encouraging against Cork Con in The Charity Cup and Dave Dowling’s return from a five year exile was marked by a performance against Shannon in the Munster Senior Cup which indicated that he will add considerably to the five AIL "caps" he got in Clon’s inaugural senior season 01/02.

This weekend another arduous task for the squad will be a trip to Derry for the AIB Cup tie with the locals. Should they return victorious they will be on the road again to the winners of Sunday’s Well and Dublin University the following Saturday. The serious business starts on the 27th when they travel to Athlone to take on Buccaneers for the first time ever. Buccs came down from Division one last season and will fancy their chances of going straight back up. The first home game the following Saturday doesn’t get any easier with the visit of Young Munster so plenty of support needed this season. Coach Terry Dillon is well aware of the challenge facing the club this season and has his charges training Monday, Tuesday and Thursday leading up to the start of the AIL.

Extra-Firsts
Only one outing so far with a win over Dungarvan but new Captain Michael Peter O’Regan is building a nice Sunday side from the senior squad that do not start on the Saturday. Obviously this side trains as part of the senior squad on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Bulldogs
The Bulldogs, as ever, give cause for optimism. They were cruelly robbed in the first round of the Dennehy Cup when a perfectly good try was controversially disallowed resulting in a 5 – 0 defeat at the hands of Old Christians. Last Sunday they hosted Crosshaven in the semi-final of The O’Sullivan Cup. The visitors had put an end to any cup aspirations the Extra-Firsts might have had last season, This year the Bulldogs have moved up a league to J2 and as the first half drew to a close there were those who may have thought that it was a step up too far as they trailed 3-14. Crosshaven were a well balanced and organised side but Clon had not helped themselves with a lethargic performance and poor tackling.

However, following a good talking to at half time from the management team of Mike Murphy and Mel Long, captain, Danny Collins led his men by example and gradually getting on terms up front allowed the backs the room they needed and Clon pulled it back to 10 – 14 with 10 minutes to go. It is perhaps an unfair reflection on the game that Clon ran out 29 – 14 winners at the end but the win was deserved if not the margin. Stephen Lowney, Tom Nyhan, and Kenneth O’Regan were prominent in the pack while Gearoid O’Rourke caught the eye in the backline. Alan Harte was man of the match with a superb performance in the forwards, then the backline and finally back in the pack. There is special training for the Bulldogs on Friday nights.

Under 20’s
The under 20s have yet to play but are training and recruiting for the new season. They train on Fridays but are welcome to train with the seniors also. Any under 20 wishing to register should contact Ray O’Neill.

Under 18’s
New captain, Ciarán, Murphy, got his side off to a winning start with a hard earned victory over Bandon last Sunday by 19-12. An excellent Try by Hooker Declan McCarthy and two trys and two conversions by impressive full back, James Deasy was just enough to see off "the neighbours’" two trys and two conversions.

Under 16’s
This side has yet to field and further info will appear in the near future. Malachy Boohig, Conor Murphy and Jonathan Jennings are training the squad.

Under 14’s
The 14s also have a late start to the season but should be in competition soon. Leo Deasy, Rory Quirke and Barry Dillon are looking after this crop of stars.

Veterans
The Veterans continue to train on Tuesdays despite their energy-sapping trip to Bordeaux. The magnificent win over Archiball Bordeaux recently by 26 – 16 has given many delusions of adequacy and a tilt at the Veterans club world cup in New Zealand next September is being spoken of seriously. A detailed account of "Le Tour" will appear in time with photos on the Latest News Blog on the website http://www.clonakiltyrugby.ie/ However the abiding moments in the game will forever be Kevin O’Regan’s 30 metre storming run for a try and Mel Long’s try saving tackle. Special thanks to Richy Draper for his preparation of the squad in the weeks leading up to the big game.

An invitation to participate in another tournament in Bourgoin in May is also being considered. So if you are over 35 and simple join the club by playing "tip" on Tuesdays at 7.00pm

Mini Rugby
A hugely successful registration morning was held last Saturday and Chairman of the underage section Willie Wilcox declared himself delighted at the response. Although the registration was necessary for all players from under 7s to under 18s it was the under 12s down to the under 7s that were most sought after and they turned up in big numbers. It is still possible to register any Saturday morning from 11 – 12 at The Vale. Willie Wilcox, Bernard Harte, Johnny O’Donoghue, brothers Paudie and Mark O’Connor, Howard Deane, Andrew Bradley, Johnny Lawless, Rob Walsh, Mick Kiernan, Dave Jennings, Sam Kingston and Eugene Brennan are the dedicated mentors for this important section.

F1 at The Vale
Great developments for both the rugby club and the wider community has taken place at the Vale. Roger Adams has brought his FI fitness centre to Clonakilty and is working out of the state of the art facility at The Vale. Roger is the senior squad’s strength and conditioning coach and works with the players on a one to one basis. However he has extended the opening hours to provide his expertise to the general public. Already he has built an impressive membership from ladies and gentlemen wishing to improve their fitness levels. The only requirement is that members must be over 18 (years not stones). Roger will provide personal training and diet and nutrition advice where necessary. Experienced gym users can, of course, work away with their own programs if so desired with Roger always on hand to help out.
There are also a number of classes such as circuit training and at only €5 a session represents excellent value. A years full membership is only €300 and there are quarterly and weekly memberships also. Roger, a registered distributor of MaxiMuscle supplements, comes from Nottingham but fell for a Clon lass, Anna McCarthy, and has now made her home town his and with their 18 month old son Ryan have settled in West Cork. Serendipity at its best! With a varied sporting background including Martial Arts, Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, Marathon Running, Boxing and Rugby he brings a refreshing attitude to the fitness scene. The classes and the training are actually fun as well as beneficial. A Personal Best competition will commence shortly called Record Breakers which will have great incentives and a prize at Christmas. Personal improvement is the goal. As the record breaking is measured against an individual’s own performances it is possible for a 50 year old lady to beat a 20 year old male athlete – and they do not even have to be in the gym at the same time! F1 is open from 9 to 9 Mon to Fri and from 10 to 12 on Saturdays. For membership details and further information call Roger on 087 627 5173.

Fixtures
This weekend the seniors travel to Derry for the first round of the AIB Cup on Saturday at 2.30pm. The Bulldogs will line out against Dolphin in the final of the O’Sullivan Cup on Sunday at 3.00pm in Muskerry.

WATERPARK RUGBY

DAVID ELLICKSON/JOHN KAVANAGH MEMORIAL UNDER 20’S TOURNAMENT

CLEAN SWEEP BY BLACKROCK

At the end of an absolutely fabulous days rugby on Saturday last, Blackrock RFC on their first visit to Ballinakill for the David Ellickson / John Kavanagh Memorial Trophies, swept the boards and returned to Stradbook laden down with silverware when they claimed both the John Kavanagh Trophy for the winning club by virtue of a victory over U.C.C in the final and the David Ellickson Trophy for the Player of the Tournament through Ian Madigan.

Twelve teams competed, Dolphin, Waterpark, Clonmel, Fermoy, Greystones and Skerries in Pool A and U.C.C., Blackrock, Highfield, Naas, Sundays Well and Dublin University in Pool B.

Darryl Kavanagh presenting the John Kavanagh Memorial trophy to Blackrock captain, David O’Brien. Also in pic from left, Paul Nolan, Chairman, Rugby Committee and Jim Drohan, Tournament Organiser.

Greystones topped Pool A with wins over Dolphin, Waterpark, Clonmel and Skerries with host club Waterpark taking the second spot with wins over Dolphin, Clonmel and Skerries. Unfortunately in this group Fermoy had to retire due to injuries and lack of numbers.

In Pool B it was a much closer affair with Blackrock, finishing all square at 0-0 in their first game against U.C.C and after going down to Naas at 7-5 in their second, they proceeded to turn on the style and ran out easy winners against the remainder of the group to top the Pool. U.C.C secured the runner-up berth at the expense of Dublin University by virtue of a try countback with only a single try the difference between the sides.

In the semi-finals Blackrock over ran Waterpark, and with U.C.C just edging out Greystones the stage was set for a grandstand finish to the tournament and so it proved for after an extremely entertaining game during which the quality of rugby was of the highest order, the Dublin side emerged victorious on a scoreline of 10-0 to claim both trophies which are kindly donated by the Ellickson and Kavanagh families.

KILLORGLIN RFC
Aidan Clifford PRO

Killorglin Rugby Club travelled to Tralee on Sunday last to play a challenge game as a warm-up to the upcoming season. The first half was very tight, with Killorglin conceding two unconverted tries and scoring a penalty to make the half time score 10-3.
Tralee pulled away in the second half, scoring three more tries and holding the visitors scoreless. Killorglin were unlucky to an extent, as the scoreline didn’t give a true outlook to their performance. The final score was Tralee 29-3 Killorglin. Killorglin Team:- 1 KJ Daly(c), 2 D Flynn, 3 J O’Sullivan, 4 A Spring, 5 C Conway, 6 S Joy, 7 T Healy, 8 M Breen, 9 G Sheehan, 10 T West, 11 E O’Shea, 12 A O’Reilly, 13 J Riordan, 14 B Jones, 15 B Gannon.
Substitutes: S Cotter for Flynn, C Johnson for O’Reilly, S Ireland for Gannon

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. For a club that reformed only eight years ago, this is a great achievement. A full membership of the club costs €30, a family membership costs €50, and juvenile membership costs €10. The club would also like to meet anybody interested in under-age coaching. Anybody interested can contact club PRO Aidan Clifford at 0879065927, or alternatively leave a message with club secretary Madeline Foley (066) 9762102.
Senior Team training takes place every Tuesday at 7pm and Friday at 6:30, 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 any 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.

THOMOND RFC
John Ryan PRO

On Saturday the U20’s began their North Munster League campaign with a 13 – 5 defeat to UL Bohemians. This was a good effort from our guys- they lived with the bigger Bohs side for pretty much all the game. Our problems in recent weeks have been well documented and as a result we were short of about 4 regulars.
The first half was a scrappy affair with Bohs mostly on the front foot (their scrum half in particular was looking dangerous). However we defended well and the game was over half an hour old when Bohs went in for their first try in the left corner. This was the way it remained at the break. In the 2nd half Bohs doubled their lead on 50mins, after a Thomond mistake while running out of defence. We upped the pace after this and started to exert some pressure on the Bohs line. Eventually after numerous phases the impressive Dean Curley dived over for a good try. Towards the end we looked dangerous but unfortunately were unable to get the try that could have seen us draw level or even take the lead. Bohs sealed the game when they kicked a last minute penalty (which was originally missed but the referee ordered a retake). On the day the set piece was probably the difference between the teams, the Bohs pack were that little bit stronger, particularly in the scrums. We know we have some work to do but the nucleus of a really good squad is there and we have some gifted runners behind the scrum. On the day the pick for Thomond was Michael O’Halloran (playing in an unfamiliar role of scrum half), Dean Curley and Diarmuid Ryan. This weekend we entertain Shannon in Fitzgerald Park at 12:30pm.
Our Thirds won their second Glesson League in a tough encounter against Young Munster in Derryknockane winning 17-10. We started very well, following a good break from David O’Mahony and good hands, captain Glen O’Callaghan crossed for a try in the corner. After withstanding a number of driving lineouts in our 22 from Young Munster, it was Thomond’s forwards opportunity to exert some pressure at the other end and following a 5 metre lineout, Eugene Payne was the end of a driving maul to extend the lead. The home side cut the deficit before half time to 10-5 with a break away try. The second half was evenly contested, David O’Mahony extended our lead from a quick taken penalty which was converted by Kenneth McNamara which proved our last score. Young Munster once again rallied to cut our lead to 17-10 but could add no more. All in all this was a very tough battle we both team’s cancelling each other out, Thomond failed to produce the free flowing rugby of the previous week but were still able to dig deep to get the win. This week we face Garryowen in Fitzgerald Park at 4:30pm.
The senior team entertain Belfast Harlequins in the first round of the AIB Cup at 2:30pm. Harlequins have recruited heavily in a bid to seek a quick return to Division One, so we face a a difficult task but I’m sure Martin Ryan and Niall McNamara will have the team well prepared for the encounter.
The club would like to pass on their sympathies to the Earls family on their recent bereavement.

SHANNON RFC
Andrew McNamara PRO

It wasn’t quite the result we expected, but we’ll take it none the less. Few would have predicted the 53-10 scoreline prior to the senior’s cup game away to Clonakilty last Saturday. For sure, we were playing a side a division below us and were expected to win but Shannonvale is a notoriously difficult venue to get a win from so we would have taken any result. But let’s not get carried away by any means. Clonakilty didn’t really test the lads to any great degree and our seven tries came with relative ease. However, nothing can be taken from the good performance of our own lads. They pressured the home side into making the mistakes and more often than not someone was there to capitalise on them. As early as the third minute Andrew Thompson kicked the first of his seven successful kicks at goal and then Sean Cronin set in motion the try scoring. It wasn’t all plain sailing in the first half and the lads were made to work hard and it took until just before the break for David O’Donovan to cross the line again. It was a score that led to the eventual demolition job on Clonakilty. The second have saw a further five tries scored, two from wonderful intercepts. Replacement Joey Moran timed his run to perfection as he gathered a Clonakilty pass from his ankles on the half way line and Sean Cronin’s second try came when he grabbed another wayward pass.
Andrew Finn also crossed twice and it was left to Les Hogan to rack up the half century as he meandered his way under the posts. Garryowen in the quarter final is our reward which takes place
The senior cup has always been dear to Shannon and it still remains a major priority for the lads. Bigger tests will follow, but the lads can be happy with a good start. No game for the seniors this week as they head off to the South of France for some intensive training.
The thirds won their second Gleeson league game with a 15-9 win over Old Crescent in Rosbrien. Paul Ryan was the player on form and crossed for two tries with Graham Culliton scoring a conversion and a penalty. It’s a good start for the thirds and hopefully they’ll maintain that when they play Young Munster this Saturday at 12pm.
The U/20’s resume the North Munster League this Saturday when they play Thomond in Woodview at 12.30 while on Sunday the Ladies begin their All Ireland League campaign against Boyne at 2.30 in Coonagh.
The U/18’s began their league campaign with a good win over Richmond by 17-10 and this Sunday they host the Annual Michael Yelverton tournament which begins at 11am. Other underage fixtures see the U/13’s play Old Crescent away.

UL Bohemian RFC
Denis Ryan PRO

In a weekend when the dismal display by Ireland put the Irish rugby public in deep despair, UL Bohs traveled away and got speedy revenge against Bruff for the Charity Cup defeat when coming out on top in this Munster Senior Cup game by 24-12. It took 28 minutes for UL Bohs to open scoring with a well taken unconverted try, touched down by Ian Hanley. This was followed a couple of minutes later by another try scored by Martin McPhail converted by Ed Torries to give UL Bohs a 12 – O half time lead. The visitors continued to dominate the second half and a splendid back movement was finished off by a try scored and converted by Ed Torries after 12 minutes. This lead was increased eight minutes later when a counter attack by UL Bohs from their own line saw a sweeping movement the length of the pitch which was finished by Ian Hanley in the corner (unconverted) to give Bohs a 24 – 0 lead. With six minutes remaining UL Bohs were reduced to 14 men (yellow card) and this gave Bruff the scope to run in 2 tries (one conversion) leaving the final score UL Bohs 24 – Bruff 12. As a reward for this victory, UL Bohs now meet Cork Constitution in the next round.
In the North Munster U-20 League game played in Annacotty, UL Bohs just got home against the usual tough challenge of Thomond by 13-5.