Club News Weekending April 27th 2008

Read the latest clubs news from around the province

UL Bohemian RFC
Denis Ryan PRO

The final of the Women’s All Ireland League took place in Nenagh on Saturday against a strong Blackrock side. UL Bohs, who have won the title for the past six years were trying to add to their impressive record, but the Dublin side, who won a close run game by 14-12 in Annacotty earlier in the season were equally determined to lift the trophy. In the event, the game could not have been closer. UL Bohs held a 10-7 lead at half time, but by the final whistle Blackrock had got back to 10-10. Extra time failed to provide a decisive result so it came down to the dreaded drop kicks at goal. Unfortunately for UL Bohs, Blackrock proved just that bit more adept, winning by 1 drop goal to nil. While disappointed to lose their proud record, UL Bohs congratulate a fine Blackrock squad, and look forward to renewing rivalries next season.
The 1st XV finished their AIL First Division campaign with a disappointing 33-18 defeat in Dublin at the hands of Old Belvedere. Three tries in a fifteen minute spell early in the second half did the damage, but with nothing at stake, UL Bohs did not raise their performance to the necessary level. In a season which had promised so much, the poor run of results after Christmas put paid to any chance of a place in the play-offs. While the consistently bad weather may have had an influence since it affected our running game, bad weather is not an unusual phenomenon in Ireland, and this is something we have to learn to cope with.
It was good to see Barry Murphy back playing for Munster again after his unlucky run of injuries, and together with Shaun Payne and Paul Warwick they helped the province to a win over a star-studded Ospreys side. Since the visitors to Musgrave Park had most of the Welsh team on the field, does this mean that Munster should be the Grand Slam Champions?
The U-15’s won the league following a hard fought victory over Shannon. Match report is now on the website.
The U-13’s toured the South of France, playing in Toulouse and Carcassonne. The hospitality was unrivalled with Trevor Brennan proving as good a host as he was a rugby player in his adopted city, while arrangements at the Carcassonne end were also outstanding. Photos and report of the 80-strong party on www.ulbohs.com

SHANNON RFC
Andrew McNamara PRO

The Thirds finished their season on a high with a hard fought and well deserved win in the final of the O’Carroll Plate against a strong Young Munster side in Bruff last Sunday. The match was played in front of a large, appreciative attendance and was a close affair throughout, with no quarter asked or given, and the fast paced, exciting game ebbed and flowed from end to end.
Young Munster struck first with a penalty in the opening quarter before Shannon outhalf Tony Hall levelled the scores just before the half-time interval. Shannon edged further ahead with two more Hall penalties after the break before Young Munster got themselves back in contention with two penalties to make it 9-9 with ten minutes remaining on the clock. However, Shannon rallied and with the forwards dominating, a great break from a set piece move by outside centre Tony Flynn brought play from the Shannon half deep into the Young Munster 22, where the pack controlled and recycled the ball superbly. Hall dropped back into the pocket and his drop goal attempt sailed over to the delight of the attendant Shannon support. Shannon held out until the final whistle when the celebrations could begin in earnest. This was a tremendous performance from everyone involved and it’s a well deserved reward for the players and the industrious management team of Tony Flynn, James Doran and Danny Keehan. Well done lads.
Just as it was last season our senior side achieved a bonus point win in Coonagh on the last day of the AIB league, but the difference this time round was that we were aiming for a home semi final and not just a place in the top four. Mission accomplished in emphatic fashion against a Greystones side fighting for survival and although we did reduce the pace late in the game, it was a more than satisfactory performance. Results elsewhere also went as predicted and we now have the very difficult task of trying to overcome Garryowen in the Semi final next week. Memories of our cliff-hanger classic of two seasons ago will no doubt be evoked in the build up to the game and with the RTE cameras coming to Coonagh the showcase is set once again to demonstrate all the positives of the AIB league. Last Saturday’s game was, at times played at the tempo which suits our style and our five tries were indicative of the variety in our game. The gulf between the sides became evident as the game progressed despite Greystones running everything in the first five minutes. The wind in our favour was certainly a big advantage in the first half and once momentum was with us the tries came This team has character and now the focus is solely on the semi final and everything else is of secondary importance. The management’s goal at the start of the year was to be exactly in the position we now find ourselves in at this stage of the season and nothing will detract from completing their overall objective. A break in proceedings for the lads this weekend as preparations continues.
After a length spell without game time the U/20’s play UL/Bohs in the North Munster league in Annacotty on Saturday while on Monday evening the seconds play Young Munster in the North Munster league at 7pm in Greenfields.
Shannon under 13s qualified for the final of the North Munster Cup last night courtesy of a 41-12 victory over Richmond at the Canal Bank. We got off to a flyer with winger Evan Fitzgerald touching down early on, followed shortly after by a Greg O’Shea try and then another from wing forward Michael Foley following a great 50 metre run from Coarie O’Keeffe. Richmond added a try of their own just before half time to leave the score at 17-7 at the break.
In the second half, we added four more tries – a beauty from Ryan Tsang, followed by three more from man of the match Greg O’Shea. Joey Purcell had another good night with the boot, converting three of the tries. Richmond crossed the line at the very end for a consolation try. Final score then 41-12 and we await developments at the other side of the draw to see who our final opponents will be.
On Sunday the U15 girl’s side played out a 5-5 draw with Thurles in the league final, but unfortunately due to a variance in rules meant they were denied a share of the spoils as they didn’t score first. This team has improved enormously over the course of the season and despite not actually winning the trophy they deserve immense credit for their efforts.
Other underage fixtures see the U/14’s take on touring side Ampthill on Saturday and then on Monday they are at home to Young Munster in the cup.
Finally we send our deep sympathies to Former club Chairman and current Munster Branch President Gerry O’Loughlin and his family on the recent loss of his Father after a short illness. May he rest in peace