Read the latest club news and reports from around the province.
WATERPARK RFC
Jim Drohan
Park Tops in Ballinakill Thriller
Waterpark 28-27 Instonians
Last Saturday 16th February will live long in the memory of the Park faithful, as a totally committed display on the paddock by the guys in red and black, saw the return of pride and passion, to a side who have suffered several defeats to date, to record an amazing and well deserved victory against high flying Instonians in this A.I.L. Division 3 encounter played in Ballinakill. Coming into this game Park were rooted at the bottom of the division with only one win to show for all their efforts throughout the season and with the visitors from the north long odds on to collect full points, allied to a complete change of personnel in the coaching department of the home side. However the form book went out the window and at the end of eighty pulsating minutes Park had bagged four vital points in their quest to stave off relegation by the minimum of margins at 28-27.
Play Disrupted
The opening exchanges of the first quarter were fairly evenly contested with the visitors using the considerable bulk of their forwards to punch holes in the opposition defence. However the home side stood firm and on twenty five minutes, after a lengthy stoppage for an injury to Instonians centre, Michael McKeever, Park winger David Copeland put in a lovely placed kick ahead deep into the visitors half which he chased and latched onto a favourable bounce and offloaded to the supporting Shane Kavanagh who galloped over for the opening score and with outhalf Gary Jones adding the conversion, Park were ahead by 7-0. Instonians were back on level terms within five minutes when Instonian?s outhalf Niall Malone got the touchdown which was converted by full back Owen McMurray. Jones then restored his sides lead with a long range penalty but just on the stroke of halftime the visitors took the lead for the first time at 10-12 after prop, Gary Mitchell, burrowed over from close range.
Purple Patch
Five minutes after the break Jones was again successful with another penalty to put Park ahead at 13-12 and three minutes later they hit a purple patch when centre Craig Doyle made a magnificent break in midfield that took him from inside his own half up to within five metres of the opposition line where he found team captain Mark Murphy at his side to go over for a wonderful try. Jones added the easy kick to put Park eight points clear at 20-12. On fifty five minutes Jones put further daylight between the sides with another penalty but three minutes later Instonians had reduced the deficit to four points at 23-19 with a well worked try by centre, Jamie Scott which was converted by McMurray. On sixty five minutes the visitors took the lead at 23-24 after a crooked throw to a lineout just on the Park twenty two went unpunished, the ball was recycled to the backs for Neil Simpson to crash over in the corner.
Try Saving Tackle
This margin was increased to 23-27 with another penalty by McMurray with eight minutes left and a minute later it looked curtains for Park when with the Instonians three quarters in full flow and Scott heading straight under the posts a magnificent tackle from behind by winger Mick O?Grady five metres out saved the day. With five minutes left McMurray was again wide with a penalty and straight from the kick off Park?s Doyle reacted quicker to the bouncing ball to shoot clear down the left wing and with the visiting defence bearing down he put in a delightful cross kick in behind the cover towards the posts and with the intensity of the pressure being applied by the chasing Park players, full back McMurray had little option but to carry over his own line and concede a five metre scrum to the home side from which Jones broke right and looped with Copeland to crash over for the final try and put his side ahead at 28-27. During time added on Park had to survive a few scary moments but survive they did and this victory lifts them off the bottom of the Division and even though there are a few games in hand we are not out of the woods as of yet.
Magnificent Team Performance
This was a truly amazing game with every ball being fiercely contested from start to finish and with the scoreline changing almost every few minutes the supporters from both sides were kept on their toes throughout the entire affair. The talk around the ground was that even if Park had been on the wrong side of the scoreline, it was still a great game and a wonderful team performance from which every player emerged with flying colours. Congratulations to all concerned !!
Five Left !!
We now have two away games against Nenagh on Saturday next and Sundays Well on the 2nd. March. These will be followed by three home games for the final run in on 17th, 22nd and 29th March against Queens University, Old Wesley and City of Derry respectively, so mark these dates in your diary and come out to Ballinakill and support the team in their endeavour to maintain Senior Rugby in the South East.
KINSALE RFC
*A very good win for Kinsale on Sunday in the J3 Round Robin League beating Charleville at home by 20 pts to 10. 4 unconverted tries scored by Kinsale. Try scorers included Fintan Lawton, Gordon Sullivan, Joe Lyons. This is new league competition. Kinsale achieved 3rd place last time out and will be seeking to better that ..
* Next Sunday sees the 2nd XV building on that success with a league game away to Ballincollig 12.00 k.o.
* Kinsale Women are continuing to train .. numbers are consistent ; the coaching team are pleased with the progress in fitness and skillset levels. A fixture is to be arranged against Highfield B, but no final details have been arranged.
* Kinsale 1st XV were given another walkover today by Killorglin in the J1 League. Incredibly, the team have had no competitive rugby in a month due to cancellations and walkovers. Next Sunday sees Kinsale travelling to north Munster to play Galbally in the Martin O’Sullivan Cup. No doubt the players will be well up for this competitive fixture.
* The following Sunday 2nd March is also most eagerly awaited … ‘ The Final Coundown ‘ against Charleville in the final league game. Charleville beat St Marys, from Limerick, 17-3. However the bonus point eluded them today. Kinsale are the remaining undefeated team in the competition and will want to keep their league record intact, particularly at home.
* Have no doubt – this is a big occasion and the team will be hoping for a big turnout from club members, supporters, and sports enthusiasts to be there before the 2.30. k.o. Charleville, too, will want to play their part in what will be a cracker of a game!
KILLORGLIN RFC
Aidan Clifford PRO
Killorglin Rugby Club Senior Team were due to play Kinsale in the Munster Junior League last Sunday, but after a run of bad luck that has seen injury strike through the panel, they were forced to concede the match and the points. However the Under 18 team was in action in the final of the West Munster League against Tralee. The match was played in Killarney, and Killorglin travelled there with confidence having lost only a single game all season. The match proved to be as close as expected. Tralee took the game to Killorglin from the start and took the lead with a penalty after 8 minutes ? Killorglin?s defense eventually penalised after stellar work in the opening exchanges. Killorglin kept their heads up though and took the lead on 22 minutes. Liam Walsh stole possession of the ball and passed to hooker Stephen Cotter, who then off-loaded to outhalf and captain Luke O?Shea. O?Shea then beat the winger & fullback to score in the corner. He was unable to convert, leaving the score at 5-3 and that is how it stayed until the break. Killorglin conceded a penalty early in the second half and trailed 6-5 until the 45th minute when Killorglin?s forwards again turned over possession giving the ball to Luke O?Shea who then sent a beautiful pass to centre Chris O?Sullivan. O?Sullivan turned down the option of a pass back to O?Shea, but instead spotted a gap in the defense and sauntered through to score a cracking try. A missed conversion left the score at 10-6 but O?Shea made up for his missed kick 10 minutes later with a superb penalty kick to extend Killorglin?s lead to 13-6 with 15 minutes remaining. The closing stages of the game was very close, with tension almost getting the better of both teams. Disaster struck for Killorglin with a minute to go when a clearing kick by O?Shea was blocked down and the chase was on for the line between three Tralee players and Killorglin?s last man Noel O?Reilly. O?Reilly looked certain to win the race and secure victory for Killorglin when the ball bounced into the goalpost and back into the arms of the onrushing attacker to give them a try under the posts. The game was now tied 13-13 and that is how it stayed at the final whistle. It sets up a promising replay in Killarney at 12pm this Saturday. Killorglin will be really up for the game and hope to get as much support there as possible.
Killorglin Rugby Team: – 1 Barry Sheehan, 2 Stephen Cotter, 3 Michael Breen, 4 Shane Costello, 5 Daniel Clifford, 6 Declan Lillis, 7 John James Johnson, 8 Liam Walsh, 9 Pa Knightly, 10 Luke O?Shea (c), 11 Stephen Mullins, 12 Rikus O?Connor, 13 Chris O?Sullivan, 14 Lorca Maher, 15 Noel O?Reilly.
Subs: – Donagh McGillicuddy for Mullins.
Fixtures: On Saturday next, February 23rd, Killorglin?s under 18 team take on Tralee in the West Munster League final replay in Direen , Killarney at 12 noon. All support would be greatly appreciated in what promises to be a super game of rugby. On Sunday, the senior side host Kilrush in the O?Sullivan Cup for Munster Junior Clubs. We would appreciate all support for what promises to be a great match. Kickoff is at 2:30pm in Community College grounds, Langford Street.
ST. SENAN’S RFC
Val Byrnes P.R.O.
Munster Junior League
Sun 17th Feb.’08
St. Senan’s 27-26 Newcastle West
Senan’s played host to Newcastle West in their penultimate game in this Seasons Munster Junior 2 League on Sunday last in "Jimmy Slattery Park" 5 mins.into the game Newcastlewest got the scoring under way with a penalty kick at goal. The visiting side continued to pile on the pressure and were rewarded with a try under the posts after 20 mins. To put them in front by 10 – 0. After 25 mins. of play Senan’s were awarded a scrum on N.C.W.10 yard line and with a mighty surge forward by the Saints pack Captain Stephan Ryan was the on e to touch the ball down for a mighty try.
Just a few minutes later after a few defensive errors by N.C.W. and some great rucking the Saints were under the posts and Ger Hall touched down for Senan’s 2
nd.try. which was dually converted by Declan Collins to put Senan’s in front 12 –
10 at Half time.
2 mins.into the second half N.C.W. scored a penalty kick to put them back in front. It was the visitors who got the first try in the second half after 23mins. Senan’s responded with sheer determination and Ger Hall was over the line for his second try of the day for the Saints. And again was converted by a totally on form Declan Collins to put the Saints back in front 19 -18. N.C.W. responded quickly with a pen which was dually converted.
Stephan Ryan was over the line after 73mins. For his second try on the day, which also gave the Saints an all important bonus point and a lead of 24-21. 3 mins into added time Declan Collins kicked another great penalty to put the Saints onto 27points. But the visitors weren’t done yet and came back to within a point with a late try to leave the final score 27 -26 in Senan’s favour. Exceptional on the day for the Saints was without doubt, Declan Collins.
Senan’s: P Ryan, G Hall, ToBrien, T Skerritt, A Skerritt, D Fitzgerald, MoConnell, S Ryan, F Duggan, D Collins, C Sloan, A Cawley, B Collins, W Kelly, GmcNamara.
Replacements: F Lawlor, M Lyons, D Horkin, PoHalloran, D Sonnerman.
Senan’s next game is at home to Old Crescent in "Jimmy Slattery Park" in the Munster Junior Plate on Sun.24th.Feb. and kick off is at 2.30pm.
All support welcome.
Senan’s 2nd‘s are away to Bruff on Sat 23rd.in the Quater Final of the McInerney Cup kick off there is at 2.30 and again all support is welcome.
LOTTO
Jackpot €;9,700
No.s 5,11,17,19.
No Winner.
Lucky Dip: Christy Sherlock, John O Sullivan, Raylene o Loughlin, Caimin McNamara, Eoghan Quish.
UL Bohemian RFC
Denis Ryan PRO
After the disappointment of the defeat in Clontarf, the 1st XV got right back on the winning track with a very good win by 25-6 in Terenure. Most games so far this season have been destroyed by the weather, wind and rain, not to mention the fixture in Dungannon postponed because of frost. However, with a solid ground and a sunny day, the UL Bohs backs showed how they like to play the game. Although the home side took an early lead with a penalty, it did not last long as Tommy O’Donnell broke through some slack tackling to score a try in the left corner. While Terenure regained the lead with another penalty, Tommy O’Donnell showed good pace when appearing on the right wing to finish off another good move, to leave UL Bohs leading 10-6 at the break. On the resumption, Fergal Lawlor continued to find gaps in the home defence, and a clever kick through saw Martin McPhail grab the ball from the sky to touch down in the right corner. The outhalf put over a penalty to extend the lead before coming in at the end of another flowing move to score between the posts, adding the points for a 25-6 win. A pleasing aspect of the game was the number of U-20s who got a run and showed they are not overawed at this level. Sean Henry, David Foley, Kieran Essex and Murray Kinsella have featured in the past, but players such as Myles O’Riordan, and Giles Boland also slotted in well. While there is a lot of work still to be done, our present position is distorted b the game in hand. The next series will see UL Bohs entertain Ballymena, and the refixed game against Dungannon will take place on 8th March.
In the Junior Cup game on Sunday in Annacotty, the absence of some of those players who had played on the Saturday was noticeable when Cork Con, yet again, got home by the bare minimum, 14-13. In the first half, the visitors had the stronger lineout initially, but UL Bohs gradually got to grips with the demands. A splendid Jamie English try, when he took a pass off his toes and then sprinted for the corner, gave the home side a 5-3 lead, but another Cork Con penalty saw them in front 6-5 at the break. Aidan McNulty put over a penalty on the resumption and with UL Bohs showing more enterprise, it looked as if they might narrowly survive. However, very slack tackling allowed the Con centre get in at the corner, and when the restart went directly to touch, a penalty for a late tackle on the scrumhalf opened up a 14-8 lead. Some frenetic back play left UL Bohs with clear overlaps on a few occasions, but snatched passes saw the ball go to ground and the chances lost. Then, with the game deep in injury time, UL Bohs were awarded a penalty outside their ‘22’ on the left side of the field. The ball was tapped and passed to Aidan McNulty. The outhalf collected in a static position, but immediately spotted a gap and sprinted in an arcing run towards the right touchline. He swerved and jinked through the opposition defence, and reaching the touchline, he accelerated past the remaining troops to touch down half way between the corner flag and the posts after a run of some 70 metres. Unfortunately, after his heroics, Aidan did not have enough recovery time before taking the conversion, and watched heartbroken as the ball slid wide of the target to the relieved cheers of the visitors. However, the skill and determination shown by this U-20 player in making such a break has marked him out as someone special, and we will expect the exceptional to become commonplace from now on. The management team of Ken Rennison, Paul Hennessy and Sean Browne were naturally disappointed at the outcome, but we know they will bounce back even stronger.
The UL Bohs women’s team took on Galwegians in the cup, and ran out winners by 17-7. The team was a blend of the young and experienced, with tries scored by Susan McCarthy, Lynn Cantwell and Laura Guest with Nicole Fitzgerald putting over a conversion.
The U-15s travelled to Seapoint to play the home side and then support the 1st XV at Terenure. The Dublin side were very hospitable hosts in every sense except on the field, where they won 27-12. The next game is against Corinthians in Galway on Sunday.
Congratulations to our new internationals, Gillian Bourke, who joins the long list of women in the club who have played for Ireland; John Ed O’Connor who has become the first member of UL Bohs to represent the Ireland Club side; Ed Torrie who recently played for the winning Ireland Colleges team, and Kieran Essex, who has played so well for the Ireland U-21s.
CLONKILTY RFC
Loosehad PRO
Clon Win Local Derby
Clonakilty 13 UCC 10
Clonakilty gained revenge for last year’s narrow defeat when they dented the title hopes of UCC in The Vale last Saturday. A win would have put the students, who had only lost one other game, into the promotion places but the loss, albeit with a bonus point, places them just outside the play-off spots. The win continued the climb up the table for the West Cork side gaining another place and moving into the top half for the first time this season. It is an amazing turnaround for a side that occupied a relegation spot for so long at the beginning of the season and although the sides currently in the play off spots look good enough to stay there, Clon will take advantage of any slips up in the run in if they can hold their form.
A very large turn out, in excellent conditions, enjoyed a match that was tight and physical and celebrated a great and historic win afterwards when the gladiators of yore – members of the first ever team to field for Clon 30 years ago – were presented with a memento of that great day. Tributes from president, Pat Hogan and Colm Quirke were made to Captain Kevin Dillon and his side for laying the groundwork for what the club has achieved today. That squad that beat Bandon by 9 – 8 in Jennings’ Field was; Mick O’Mahony, Colm Quirke, Pa Googan, Robert Helen, Kevin Dillon, Denis Noonan (Capt), Donal Kiely, John Ryan, Howard Deane, Pat Morrissey, Sean McCarthy, John Cullinane, Chris Jennings, Rory Deasy, Tadhg Harte, Eugene McCarthy and Pat Sullivan.
Special mention was made of those great stalwarts whose efforts also on and off the pitch left indelible footprints on the history of the club. Grattan Neville, Tony Deane, Jimmy Blewitt, Robbie O’Higgins and Justin Houlihan all sadly passed on but never forgotten. The flags were at half-mast and the side played in an all black strip as a mark of respect to the late Justin who had only been buried on Thursday. The game had gone ahead, as he would have wanted, at the request of his family and it was particularly special and a great boost for the team and all associated with the club to see Helen, Jean, Laura, David and Barry in brave attendance.
Early pressure from UCC came to nothing when an intercept from who else but Paul Dillon brought play into the UCC half for the first time. Mike O’Hea took a great catch from a line out on the 10 metre line and the ball was moved quickly across the backs to Derek Dillon coming into the line from Full Back at pace. Although taken out late his chip ahead was spot on and Shay O’Donovan was on hand to race on to it for a great score. Gary Cribb converted and Clon were 7 – 0 up after five minutes. Clon’s line out was in difficulty and the penalty count threatened to undo them but a great line out take by Mike Keohane, a well placed kick from Cribb, a crunching tackle from Aaron Spring and good work from John Darvil, Eddie Knowles and Eoin Scannell brought play into the UCC 22 and a penalty. Quick thinking from Colin Murphy with a tap and go got another ten metres and Cribb put Clon out to 10 – 0. The students responded with five minutes of intense pressure and were rewarded with a well deserved and well worked try. The conversion left the half time score at 10 – 7.
The second half was an intense tight affair with missed chances on both sides and Cribb exchanging penalties with the UCC’s outhalf Gavin Dunne to leave the final score 13 – 10 to Clon. Mike O’Hea was again prominent but the back row of Spring Darvil and Keohane was superb. Keohane’s all round performance won him the man of the match accolade. His line out work, tidying at the base of the scrum and tackling was of the highest order but his break upfield, selling two outrageous dummies before putting in a kick for his winger will be something he will remember for a long time and no doubt embellish around the campfires. The backs as a unit were excellent and the triumvirate of Dave Lombard, Paul and Derek Dillon were a class apart. The half backs Murphy and Cribb controlled things while wingers O’Sullivan and O’Donovan always looked likely to score.
This Saturday the show moves to Dublin for the postponed match against Suttonians. A huge game for the hosts, currently facing the drop and in desperate need of points. Games between the clubs have always been hotly contested and this will be no different. The squad was;- Derek Dillon, Shay O’Donovan, Paul Dillon, David Lombard, Noel O’Sullivan, Gary Cribb, Colin Murphy, Eddie Knowles, Hugh O’Neill, Joe Knowles, Mike O’Hea, Eoin Scannell, Aaron Spring, John Darvil, Mike Keohane, Eoin Murphy, Cathal Kirby, John O’Regan, John O’Donnell and Darragh Lynch.
The Under 18s lost narrowly to Highfield 3 – 6 in the semi-final of the league in a game in which both sides played poorly. Clon’s under 14s lost also to Sunday’s Well but the under 16s defeated Dunmanway 12 – 7. The mini rugby outing was a huge success with hordes of future stars from 6 to 10 enjoying a great day out with Kinsale. The club would like to thank all who participated in the recent match day raffles run by John Lombard in the clubhouse and the proceeds will be donated to the Children of the late Rose Patterson fund.
SHANNON RFC
Andrew McNamara PRO
Four games remaining, two points adrift of Cork Con, three ahead of Garryowen and seven clear of forth placed side Clontarf. It’s no bad place to be in the AIB league as the ground gets harder and the evenings brighter. A rare four try bonus point win was a thoroughly justified result against a Ballymena side that was competitive throughout and did, at times make life difficult for us. However the victory came at a price. Tadgh Bennett lasted only four minutes in the game after he badly dislocated his shoulder and the painful injury looks set to sideline him for a while. David Quinlan lasted a little longer, 24 minutes, but his finger dislocation will see will see him miss out for a few weeks at least. That was the bad news. The good news was the win which keeps us at the right end of the table However, despite the four tries the mid game lulls are still apparent as we allowed Ballymena in for a few tries when we comfortably leading. These lulls could cost us but on Saturday we had sufficient points accumulated with our four tries. An excellent start saw David Quinlan score our opener, and with Tadgh off the field his replacement, Joey Moran, himself only returning from an injury induced layoff, slotted in seamlessly and went on to receive the AIB man of the match award. Next to cross the whitewash was Andrew Thompson who scored again in the second half to bring his personal tally to 18 points on the day. Jake Paringatai was having a very industrious outing and has blended well into the panel. Ballymena’s response was a try from their main attacking threat, a strong effective maul from a lineout, but before the break Fiach’s eye for a gap reaped a fine try. When all is said and done it was a good win over a side that was always competitive. A break in the league programme sees us travel to Dublin to play St Mary’s in the AIB Cup. We don’t need much reminding as to the result on our previous trip to Templeogue; suffice to say we owe them one. Sunday’s kickoff is at 2.30
The seconds were much more emphatic on Sunday as they comprehensively beat Ballincollig in the junior cup. A superb second half saw them thoroughly outclass the visitors to Coonagh and secure safe passage to the quarter final. There was some resistance in the opening half, but after 15 minutes of play the first of our seven tries came when Eoghan Grace scored a superb try whilst demonstrating his repertoire of skills. Although Ballincollig immediately scored a penalty, our lads were always in control, and just before the halftime break Jason O’Brien crossed the line 12-3 at the break soon became 19 -3 as almost immediately after the restart Eoghan bagged another and the almost incessant onslaught began. Coach George Murray was forced to lineout and put his methods into practice when he scored next. Shane Mullally, Eamon Lane and another from Jason O’Brien completed the rout and left the scoreline at 47-3. The lads will have to wait until March 16th before their next outing as two games are to be played to determine their quarter final opponents.
The thirds continued their good run of form with a hard earned 19-10 away victory over a strong Cashel side on Saturday. The pack again laid the foundation for the win with a solid performance in the set pieces and in the loose. The front row in particular were outstanding, with the man of the match accolade shared by hooker Cian Noonan and tight-head Ger Broderick, who between them scored all three of Shannon’s tries. Noonan crossed for a brace, with both scores coming in the first half. Outside of the front five, Pat Quinn, Mike Goode, Jim Henegar and Jeff Collins all played well. Jimmy Doran made a welcome return to the fray after a long lay-off through injury. Pat Dundon and Ger Ryan had their usual solid games at full back and scrum half, and Jonathan Bedford made some excellent carries on the wing. He was well supported by centres Padraig O’Doherty and Kieran Corcoran. Tony Hall completed the scoring for Shannon with two conversions. The thirds resume competitive action this Saturday when they play Thomond in the McInerney Cup in Woodview.
The last league match for our 18’s season saw them beat a gallant UL/Bohs side by 29-5. Both sides started well and the fine morning encouraged the teams to play open attacking rugby. Connor O’Driscoll opened the scoring with a fine try .The pressure was maintained and just before half time they were rewarded with another try by Sean O’Connor. The lads were forced to defend for a period, in the second half, but they gradually reasserted the dominance.3 further tries from Gordon Britchfield, Neal McDonagh and Martin wrapped up the win. The UL/Bohs side got a late try which left the final score at 29-5 to Shannon.
A top of the table clash against Young Munster in Derryknockane saw the U/13’s lose their 100% record in the North Munster League with a narrow 8-5 loss to Young Munster. Scoreless at half time, Shannon struck first in the second half with a well taken unconverted try from Evan Fitzgerald after some excellent work from our forwards. Munster’s equalized a few minutes later, and it was obvious as the match wore on that the next score would win it. A long range penalty chance for us five minutes from the final whistle dropped just short of the posts, and in the end sustained pressure from Munster’s who were camped inside our 22 saw us concede a last minute penalty which was converted .
We wish the AIB Club International side all the best in their game with Scotland and in particular our sole representative Andrew Finn who is a replacement and indeed we extend our well wishes to all the Club players involved throughout the weekend.
OLD CRESCENT RFC
Pat Rickard PRO
A quiet week on the adult teams front with only one team in competitive action last weekend. Our 1st XV made the cross town journey to Liam Fitzgerald Park to play Thomond in a game critical for both sides survival in Division 2 of the AIL next season. We did not have a good start conceding three points within the opening five minutes of play. We regrouped and levelled the scores with a penalty goal from Alan Purcell after 15 minutes but our discipline let us down again and we suffered two yellow cards. Our opponents took advantage of the superiority in the forwards, scoring a converted try after kicking a penalty goal into the corner for position and mauling the resulting line out over the line. We went into the interval with the seven point deficit but hopeful that we could mount a challenge in the second half. Our performance was much improved in the second half but we suffered a blow when we conceded an intercept try midway through the half. But this did not deter our side and controlled the game for the next twenty minutes and brought the game level with tries from Alan Purcell & Manus Collins-Smith. With ten minutes to play the game was anybody’s but crucially it was the host who got the next score, an unconverted try to give them a five point lead. The rest of the game was a prolonged attack on the Thomond defence which just about managed to withstand the onslaught and take the four points on offer. The losing bonus point was scant reward for our teams efforts, but hopefully they will take encouragement from the performance into their next game which is on Saturday at 1pm in College Park, Dublin with Dublin University our hosts.
Our 2nd XV begin their Munster Junior Plate campaign on Sunday at 2.30pm with a trip to Jimmy Slattery Park to play St. Senan’s.
The 3rd XV host Garryowen in the semi final of the Mc Inerney Cup in Rosbrien on Saturday at 2.30pm. This promises to be an excellent game and we would encourage members not traveling to Dublin for the AIL game to come out to Rosbrien and support the 3rd XV.
On the under age front it was a busy day on Sunday with Clanwilliam bringing teams at a number of age groups for friendlies with our sides. The under 18 game was won by Old Crescent by 27 points to 10 and the under 8, 10 & 12 also held matches which were very enjoyable.
The under 13 put in a brave performance against a well organised UL Bohs team.
