Club Notes – Thurles RFC, Newcastle West RFC and Kilfeacle & District RFC

This week’s Club Notes come from Thurles RFC, Newcastle West RFC and Kilfeacle & District RFC.

Thurles RFC

Courtesy of Brian Scanlon,

Thurles RFC Vs Muskerry RFC – Munster Junior League

The Thurles First XV were back in League action on Sunday last after a week off, in their third away game of the season, they were travelling to Cork for the third time as they took on the challenge of Muskerry who were relegated from Division 1 last season.  Conditions were excellent on Sunday to compliment the top class facilities Muskerry have in place at the venue.

The opening quarter of the game was a very even contest with John Lillis exchanging penalties with the home sides kicker to read 3-3 early on.  Thurles were reduced to 14 men following a yellow card but instead of retreating into their shells, Thurles continued to attack the home defence;  Eoghan O’Dwyer and Ger McCormack made powering runs as the Tipp men went through the phases, following a few pick and go’s from the Thurles pack, scrum half Seamus Holohan sent to ball to Aidan Dwyer who made light work of the would be tackling inside the 22 to make his way over the line to push Thurles into the lead; he added the extra’s himself to leave the score line reading 3-10.  Minutes later Dwyer slotted over a penalty to extend the Thurles lead to 3-13.

Muskerry failed to take advantage of the additional man with Thurles doing the most damage, scoring 10 points in that 10 minute period.  With Thurles now back to the full complement, the pack continued to dominate, with Shane Nugent, Luke Kelly & Seamus Telford impressing, Thurles were awarded another penalty with Lillis doing the honours to extend the lead to 3-16.

The home side did manage to register a try of the their own just on the stroke of half time, some uncharacteristic sloppy tackling from Thurles allowed Muskerry to sneak in out wide for an unconverted try to bring an end to the first half: 8-16.

As the second half kicked off, Thurles looked to keep the pressure on the home side, Eoghan O’Dwyer, Ciaran Ryan & Shane Moloney continued to torment the opposition defence as they took on the Cork men at every chance.  Thurles were rewarded for their pressure, a great run from John Lillis saw him break the cover from outside the 22 and race over in the right hand corner to extend their lead to 8-21.  Muskerry responded within minutes, slotting over a penalty, Thurles had been reduced to 14 men again which led to the penalty and this time the home side took advantage with their powerful number  8 crossing the line to reduce the deficit further: 18-21.

Thurles responded once again from the kick-off, the chasing pack forced the home side to knock on, the centre partnership of the two Dwyer’s, Aidan & Eoghan, continued to cause the home defence problems and even found themselves in a series of rucks, making goods yards against the Muskerry pack, this was before the Thurles forwards rallied in support and the smallest of the 8, Mark Cummins got his hands on the ball and wriggled his way through the defence to touch down excellently in the left corner, Lillis split the posts with the excellent conversion from the corner to put distance between the sides: 18-28.

This Thurles score pushed Muskerry outside of the losing bonus point territory and the Tipp men within another try of the try bonus point, as Muskerry went on the attack, pressure from the Thurles defence, forced the home sides centre to throw a loose pass & Conor O’Hagan intercepted on the halfway line and went the distance to touch down and secure the winning bonus point for Thurles with Lillis adding the extras: 18-35.

Muskerry didn’t give up the fight after this, they rallied for the remaining couple of minutes and got what was to be a consolation try which was converted to leave the final score reading 25-35 to Thurles.  This was a hard fought win for Thurles, with a number of players impressing on the day, with a lot of new personal in the fold compared to last year’s team, they are growing and improving as the games go by.

Thurles’s next outing is against Old Christians in the Cup with date and times to be confirmed.  The players and management would like to thanks all those who made the effort to travel to Muskerry, especially those who doubled up having already being in attendance at the Ladies game in Balllincollig earlier in the day, it was much appreciated by all involved.  Training continues Wednesdays & Fridays at 7.30pmsharp.

Thurles Scorers: Mark Cummins, Conor O’Hagan (1 Try Each), Aidan Dwyer (1 Try, 1 Conversion & 1 Penalty) & John Lillis (1 Try, 2 Conversions & 2 Penalties).  Thurles Starting XV vs Muskerry: 1. Ger McCormack 2. Shane Nugent 3. Seamus Telford 4. Luke Kelly 5. Shane McHugh 6. Mark Cummins 7. Paddy Phelan 8. Ciaran Ryan 9. Seamus Holohan 10. John Lillis 11. Conor O’Hagan 12. Aidan Dwyer 13. Eoghan O’Dwyer (c) 14. Shane Moloney (B) 15. John Coman: Replacements Used: Stephen Kirwin & Dwayne Stanley.

Thurles Women v Ballincollig Women – Sunday 5th November 2017

Thurles Women’s team hit the road once again this Sunday for Cork and Ballincollig.  With the move of several Highfield Players to Ballincollig it was apparent immediately that this was going to be a tight match but no one was prepared for the end to end action that took place throughout the match.  Thurles started stronger than Ballincollig with a great opening few minutes.  The Thurles forwards were proving to be way too strong in the scrum creating good opportunities for the backs to open up.  Ballincollig managed to turn over the ball but Ciara O’Dwyer made a savage tackle to allow Nicola Sweeney a great carry.  Maria Woodlock burst into action holding up a Ballincollig forward and winning a penalty.  Joanne Harrison took the penalty quickly but Collig’s No 5 Ger Rae made a super interception and attacked the Thurles line.  Aisling O’Hagan made a savage tackle on the number 5 pushing her backwards and turning the ball over following up with a great kick to bring Thurles to Collig’s 22 line.  The ball was won by Ballincollig and play ended up back near the half way with a scrum for Collig. From the scrum, Ballincollig attempt to  kick for touch but failed as Holly O’Dwyer skillfully kept it in and passed it quickly to Aisling O’Hagan who chipped the ball up the field and followed up with a fantastic run from near the half way to touch down for a Thurles try.

The strength of the Thurles scrum was allowing for some great Thurles attacking but Ballincollig were quick to snap up any possible loose ball and once again it took a superb tackle from Chris Coffey to cause a knock on from Collig.  Another strong scrum from Thurles and the ball reached Aisling O’Hagan who chipped the ball over the forwards heads hoping for a replay of the earlier try however the number 5 for Collig was there to retrieve.  Laura Carroll made a serious tackle with Holly Dwyer keeping the Thurles try line safe with a strong kick out.  Play continued at pace and Nicola Sweeney was called on to make a fantastic tackle with Megan Callanan then carrying great ball forward.

Ballincollig then entered a really strong attacking phase with constant pressure on the Thurles try line.  But pressure from Miriam Harrison and Chris Coffey forced an unlikely error from Ballincollig awarding Thurles a scrum.  Yet again the Thurles forwards had a great scrum pushing the Collig women backwards.  Ball came out and was chipped down the field but Collig came back with force and it took a great tackle once again from Niamh Coman followed by Ciara O’Dwyer to secure the ball with a great clearance kick from Aisling O’Hagan.  A knock on from the line out gave the scrum to Ballincollig and their attack reached the Thurles try line but some superb defending including tackles from Aisling Byrne and Maria Woodlock denied them their try with Aisling O’Hagan under the ball for a held up try.  Thurles forwards then drove the Collig women back in the scrum and at half time the score remained 5-0.

Ballincollig came out very strong at the start of the second half and some savage tackles were put in from Nicola Sweeney, Ciara O’Dwyer, Maria Woodlock and Chris Coffey.  Laura Carroll made a fantastic interception on the ball but unfortunately Ballincollig managed the turn the play over again.  A scrum for Thurles followed with Holly Dwyer making a great tackle to halt play and Aisling Byrne securing safety with a great kick to touch.  A line out followed and in the ensuing play a Collig player was yellow carded.  The intensity of the game meant that players were tiring on both sides now and the penalty toll rose as a result.  Ballincollig seemed to grab the upperhand of the game in the last quater and were playing some very attacking rugby with Niamh Coman making a tackle which drove her opposite number back helping Thurles steadytheir defence.  A scrum on the 22 for Collig meant yet more pressure and despite a great tackle from O’Hagan Collig finally got in for their first try of the game which they duly converted to lead 7-5.

Following a scrum Aisling Byrne broke quickly and made a great pass to Aisling O’Hagan who kicked the ball long and brought Thurles to Collig’s 22.  Thurles poured the pressure on with play after play from the forwards with Niamh Coman carrying great ball and forcing Collig to concede a penalty.  Megan Callanan opted to kick for the posts and duly scored – the tight game was notched up even further 8-7 Thurles.

This game was played from one end to the other with non-stop intensity and up to the last few minutes was anybody’s game to take – Ballincollig’s No 5 Ger Rae however was the deciding factor scoring a superb individual try in the dying minutes mowing through 3 or 4 of the Thurles Women to touch down and leave the score at 12-8.

Aisling Byrne however wasn’t finished for Thurles and a great tackle allowed Niamh Coman in to carry the ball forward and start a really quick snap move with the ball flying through the backs hands and Thurles were unlucky with an unfortunate knock on at the last minute.  Thurles attacked again and again but Ballincollig’s defence was strong and eventually the pressure showed with Thurles knocking on.  A scrum for Ballincollig followed and Joanne Harrison who had secured loads of ball for Thurles in the line outs now made a great tackle to slow the game down.  The final play of the game was a scrum with Ballincolliggetting their hands on the ball and kicking for touch.  Final score 12-8.

A thoroughly competitive aggressive game from both sides – Thurles will remember losing this one for a long time and learn from it.

The whole team and management would like to wish Miriam Harrison a very Happy Wedding Day on Friday next.

Thurles U18 Boys

Thurles 12 – Mallow 28

Thurles went down to Mallow on Saturday morning & performed in a very competitive game. They started slow with Mallow getting three early penalties. Thurles came back into the game nearing half time with a good try from Paidi  O Gorman. Thurles went in at half time 9 – 5 down. Mallow started strong in second half scoring two tries quickly to make it 21 – 5. Thurles woke up and came back into the game with Aaron Maher scoring a try which came from great ball handling skills and Paddy McGrath duly converted. Thurles had a lot of possession in the last ten minutes but Mallow scored in the last play to seal the victory.

Newcastle West RFC

Courtesy of Martin O’Sullivan

Fixture – Ulster Bank all Ireland Junior Cup Quarter Final

Saturday Nov 11th away to Enniskillen @ 2.30pm in Enniskillen.

Ulster Bank all Ireland Junior Cup Quarter Final (By Tim Mulcahy)

On Saturday 11th of November another bit of history will be created for the club, (Dave Cahill & John Cussen are adding every month to the Club annals), when we will play in the quarter final of the All-Ireland Junior Cup for the second time but it will be the first time that the club will play a competitive game in Ulster. The opportunity to play an away game in this competition is something that the players and management are looking forward and no stone will be left unturned in making sure it is an enjoyable and successful trip for all.

The team will depart Newcastle West on Friday and overnight on the road before arriving in Enniskillen on Saturday afternoon. I am aware at this stage that a number of supporters are travelling to the game and I have been informed by our hosts that they will do everything to make sure you enjoy the day.

This comes of the back off a great win over Enniscorthy and comprehensive 3-59 away win over Cobh, however consistency has been our weakness this year to date and a long haul north will not do us any favours.

Enniskillen currently lie in eight place in the Ulster Rugby Championship Division 1 with six games played and two wins. They received a walkover from Bandon the first round of the All-Ireland Junior Cup but come in to Saturday’s game after a solid home win over Cooke RFC.

Please take the opportunity to wish the team well by going to our Facebook page “Newcastle West Rugby Football Club”

Follow us on Facebook where up to the minute reports on the day will be submitted and photographs will follow ASAP.

Munster Junior League Div 1

Sunday Nov 5th Cobh RFC – 3 Newcastle West RFC – 59

The trip to Cobh was well worth it on Sunday as we came away with an 8 try haul. The home side could not cope with our movement and pace and we were handsomely rewarded with a score that will do no harm at all to our points difference.

Scorers: Stephen Kelly, Brian O’Doherty, Donal O’Sullivan, Dara O’Shea, James Kelly, Damien Kelly, Brian O’Sullivan, Dave Foley, 1 try each   Sean Herlihy 8 Conversions & 1 Penalty

U20 Notes (by Pat Burke)

Newcastle West / Estuary R.F.C – 12 Young Munster R.F.C – 17

We came up short by one score in a hard fought encounter in Cullinagh last Saturday .Both teams seemed evenly matched with the Young Munster attack being held by the Newcastle West /Estuary defence .

We got the opening score on twenty minutes when a Liam Tierney break was capitalised on by Sean Ivess who scored under the posts. Conversion added by Michael Bourke .Young Munster then ground out the hard yards and lived on our line for five minutes before getting a converted try on thirty five minutes .On the stroke of half time they went over on the corner for another try to leave the score at break 7 to 12. Despite Hugh work by Jason Woulfe, Darren O’Doherty and Dawid Marcinjak in the back row Young Munster got in for another unconverted try on sixty minutes . Our front five were very prominent in subsequent forays in to the opposition half but final handling errors lost us scoring opportunities out wide. Undaunted on seventy minutes good hands saw the ball go to Tadhg Callanan on the wing who finished well despite the attentions of 2 Young Munster defenders .Unconverted . We put in several more attacks but rustiness was perhaps a factor and the final tally remained 12 to 17.

Other performances of note came from Colum McSweeney ,Dara O’Shea and Darragh Fox .This was nevertheless a performance to be proud of as a team and we should not forget that we are the only junior team in Munster branch in this the Donal Walsh Trophy. Our next outing is against U.L/Bohemians R.F.C.

Team : Conor Brosnan, Johnathan Hartigan, Darragh O’Shea ,Patrick Cremin ,Dylan Murphy ,Dawid Marcinjak ,Darren O Doherty , Jason Woulfe , Darragh Fox ,Michael Bourke ,John McCoy ,Colm McSweeney ,Eoin Sheridan Miller ,Liam Tierney ,Sean Ivess John Walsh ,Jack Feane ,Cathal Finn, Tadhg Callanan

U18 Notes (by John Hennessy)

Bank of Ireland Munster Cup Conference 2

Castleisland/Abbeyfeale R.F.C – 15  Newcastle West/Estuary R.F.C – 15

Last Sunday we were on the road again heading west to the town of Castleisland where the great Mick Galwey and JJ Hanrahan learnt their rugby trade. We were travelling in hope and expectation with a few players out through injury still and family commitments. But still the mighty West men had a strong team to put out thanks to a good panel of players. We were going to lock horns again with our near rival Abbeyfeale who have amalgamated with Castleisland for the U18 competition. Oh how the battles have been fierce in the passing years of the deelers and fealers no man less of a player or a giant in these games.

No more so than today as the battle lines were drawn and it commenced at 11.30am. We received the kick off and immediately set about going at Castleisland/Abbeyfeale with good strong carries from Milan Hopp and aided by Eoghan Heffernan. We were making progress into their half when a good move of the back of a ruck saw us touchdown in the corner for it to be ruled to be in touch and goal. From the resulting 22 Daniel Normoyle returned the ball into the oppositions half. where we moved the ball through Ryan white and Cormac Nash from this ruck we moved it wide from Turlough O Connor to Oliver lynch who sent Emmet Wrenn over the line again for it to be disallowed for been in touch. By now the tension and temperatures were rising between both teams. From the resulting line out Castleisland/Abbeyfeale cleared their lines.

We Managed to turn over the ball through Michael Murphy and slick passing from Alan McGrath to David O Donovan saw us break the oppositions line and got into the twenty two where our captain and leader Adam Flanagan scored his first try of the day and our first try of the day the conversion was missed and we led 5 to 0 with five minutes left in the first half. Castleisland/Abbeyfeale were strong in defence and turned us over from the resulting kick off and attacked with venom and managed to get a penalty on our 22 which they chose to kick and converted it leaving the score line 5 to 3 in favour of us. the second half begun with us kicking off and we knocked on from the resulting kick off as ball bounced very high and no one seemed interested from the opposition to take it on. from the resulting scrum the opposition went into attack and managed to get over in the corner through good forward play the resulting Conversion was converted leaving the home side in front 10 to 5.

We regrouped and from the kick off a good turn over resulted in Liam McSweeney going on the attack to be stopped short of half way he was injured in the resulting attack he was replaced by Killian Collins. we got a penalty at the scrum we got into their half just short of their 22 Paudie Flavin who was having a great day at hooker through a brilliant lineout taken by Eoghan Heffernan and gave it to the forwards and they moved the ball through pick and going around the corner. a quick thinking Evan Donovan went over the top of the ruck with ball in hand no one was going to stop the big man scoring a try even the Bull Hayes would have been proud of. A few changes were made at this stage with us level with the home side 10 to 10. Kieran Carmody replacing Alan McGrath David Massey replacing Eoghan Heffernan Eamon Ambrose replacing Milan Hopp and Christopher Walsh replacing Paudie Flavin .

The tension could be felt all around the park with both teams tightly locked together no inch given no easy yard made. from the resulting kick off we were back into the attack with a good carry by Eamon Ambrose ably assisted by Christopher Walsh. We moved the ball back into the oppositions half. Good sniping from David Massey. saw us into their 22 where a very vigilant Adam Flanagan score a great try picking from the back of the ruck and scoring a C.J Stander type try.

The captain had a man of the match performance with what can only be described as a leading by example game. We were in front again 15 to 10 with ten minutes to go we received the kick off and were holding onto the ball going through a Munster type Phases at least 20 phases had been gone through before we gave away a poor penalty for holding on. The opposition opted for a scrum and in all fairness this was a text book try with the backs doing the work carrying and passing and punching a hole in our defence a good tackle by Kieran Carmody seemed to stem the onslaught but it was what followed was both brilliant in their part and devastating for us they got into a three verses two and touched down.

The resulting conversion was missed leaving the game a ty in the end 15 to 15 at fulltime. Subs not used David Condon Liam Mc Loughlin Stephen Lyons. Did either team deserve to loose possibly not did either team deserve to win possibly but those are all if’s and but’s. This was a very tense affair and could be felt throughout the game the fans on both sides enjoyed the game and showed their appreciation with what can only be described as a wonderful round of applause at the end of the game.

Our team have still much to work on the potential in this team is high and The management of Vinny O Doherty Mike Lyons Dave Flanagan Tom Flavin Rob Grimes John Hennessy and Niall McGrath would like to thank all the parents for travelling .On Behalf of the u18 squad we would also like to extend our Sympathies to the Family Of Seamus McMahon on his death at the weekend may he rest in peace. We would like to wish Liam McSweeney a quick and pain free recovery a badly sprained ankle. Training is every Tuesday and Friday Night. Our quest for Munster cup glory took a small dent but are still the team to catch UP THE WEST BOYS.

Squad as follows;  Ryan White, Paudie Flavin, Evan Donovan Milan Hopp Cormac Nash, Eoghan Heffernan, Michael Murphy, Adam Flanagan(C), Alan McGrath, Turlough O Connor, Liam McSweeney, David O’Donovan, Oliver Lynch, Emmett Wrenn, Daniel Normoyle, Christopher Walsh, David Condon, David Massey, Eamon Ambrose, Kieran Carmody, Killian Collins, Stephen Lyons, Liam Mcloughlin.

U16 Notes (by Darren Normoyle)

Over the past two weekends our U16s played two games in the Munster conference.

Bruff – 8   Newcastle West/Estuary – 20

On the 29th of October we travelled to Kilbarryowen Park to take on Bruff. As with all games in the conference, it was a tight game. The game started at a slow pace and neither team was able to establish dominance and the opening exchanges were really back and forth. Our discipline on the day was poor and we gave away a spat of rash penalties. One of these penalties allowed Bruff to take the lead. It wasn’t to last long as Andrew Mortell kicked us level within 10 minutes. Then, just as the half was closing, Sean McMahon went over the line in the corner to put us 8-3 to the good at the break. Unfortunately our discipline didn’t improve in the second half.

A flurry of infringements meant that Bruff were able to work their way down the pitch and force their way over to level things up once again. Thankfully we wouldn’t let them score again for the rest of the game. We regained confidence, possession and territory and with them came a score through David Walsh, who barged his way through 3 would-be defenders. Andrew was able to add the conversion. With nearly the last play of the game we scored another try. This one was the pick of the bunch. With an attacking scrum on the opposition 5 meter line, Conor Power picked and fed the ball to Cormac Lyons on the wing. Cormac the went infield and took 2 defenders with this and Ruadhan O’Connor cut a great switch line off him and touched down in the corner to leave the final score 20-8.

Panel: Bobby O’Donovan, Cormac Browne, David Walsh, E’ouenn Ferron, Darragh Lyons, Mike Cremin, Jack Corkery, Conor Power, Ruadhan O’Connor, Andrew Mortell, Jack Duggan, Eddie Murphy, Sean McMahon, Cormac Lyons, Jack Kiely, Chris O’Riordan, Bryan Mortell, Padraig Walsh, Oliver Flanagan.

Newcastle West/Estuary- 39  Garryowen/Shannon/Old Crescent – 31

It was a cold morning on Sunday last when we hosted the Limerick City amalgamation of Garryowen, Shannon and Old Crescent (GSOC). With a number of injuries and absent players and no knowledge of our opposition to speak of, we really didn’t know how this game would go. But we got off to a solid start and controlled possession early.

We powered to an early 5-0 lead when Conor Power scored the first score of the day. Jack Corkery followed that up with a length of the field score following great build up play from the entire back row. Andrew Mortell added the conversion as well as a penalty a few minutes later. GSOC scored their first try of the game soon after but we responded with another try from Conor Power to leave the half time score of 20-7.

Within 15 minutes after the break we were up 39-14 with two tries from Sean McMahon and a second from Jack Corkery sandwiching another GSOC try. Andrew Mortell and Aaron Heffernan added a conversion each. At this stage, when changes were made and a big lead we took our eye off the ball and let the opposition in for 3 handy, late tries but we done just enough to hang on for a 39-31 lead

Panel: Bryan Mortell, Cormac Browne, Bobby Donovan, Chris O’Riordan, Darragh Lyons, Mike Cremin, Jack Corkery, Conor Power, Ruadhan O’Connor, Andrew Mortell, Jack Duggan, Eddie Murphy, Sean McMahon, Cormac Lyons, Jack Kiely, David Walsh, Padraig Walsh, Aaron Heffernan, Oliver Flanagan, Jason Corbett

Membership

Membership for Adults, Players, Families and Youths is now payable on line. You can pay your membership by going to our website page www.Newcastlewestrfc.com or on our Facebook page Newcastle West Rugby Football Club on left side of face book page you will see Pay Membership click on this and it will take you to payment options for membership. You can contact us on Facebook or any committee member if you have any issues and we will be glad to help you out.

Lotto                                   

Our lotto draw takes place every Friday night. It’s our primary club fundraiser and tickets are available from various outlets and promotors. Tickets are €2.00 or 3 for €5.00.

Results from Friday November 3rd

NO WINNER

NUMBERS: 3, 15, 17, 26

LUCKY DIP €30.00:

Winner                                   Seller

J.W Barden                            Gerard O Connors

Michelle Hurley                    Tony Hayes

Eleanor O’Connell                Pat Ryan

Ann Harty                               Liam Sheehy

Patsy Curtin                           Mags Motors

Anthony Massey                   Joe Healy

PROMOTERS PRIZE:  Frank McEnery

Next week’s draw will be Lynch’s Bar on Friday 10th November. The jackpot stands at €2,200

Kilfeacle & District RFC Notes

Courtesy of Denis Wade

Kilfeacle’s draw with Clonmel.

Kilfeacle and District R.F.C 22-22 Clonmel RFC

Way back in August, most observers of Munster Junior rugby probably would not have predicted that at this stage of the season Kilfeacle and District would be welcoming Clonmel in the league, to Morrissey Park with a realistic chance of overtaking them at the top of the table. All right, they probably would have picked Richmond, Bandon and Clonmel as favourites to finish in the top three positions based on last season’s performances but what a difference a year makes. Kilfeacle and District RFC may not be the biggest club in the league, we may not have the longest history or the resources and membership that other clubs have but what “the little club on the hill” does have is a fantastic sense of family.

We are delighted with the endeavours and achievements of our community-based club however, such achievements are only achieved through tireless never ending endeavour by many volunteers behind the scenes none more so than the management and backroom staff of the firsts and seconds teams. Week after week the players receive the plaudits for their efforts and rightly so. However too often we leave it unsaid, so on behalf of the committee and everyone involved in Kilfeacle and District RFC, I would like to congratulate everyone involved and say that we appreciate that it is because of their skills and endeavour that the teams are performing in the manner in which they are.

Facing Clonmel is never an easy task and as ever we entered this match knowing that if we didn’t perform well in all facets that we would not come away with the desired result. The game started in bright, dry cold conditions with no breeze to speak of. Kilfeacle’s forwards, pack and bench, consisting of Luke Ashmore, Óisín O’Meara, Tom Doyle, Cormac Ryan, Kevin Kinnane, Cormac O’Donoghue, Simon Barry, Patrick McNamara, Diarmuid O’Donnell and Stephen Quirke immediately took the game to Clonmel.

Their persistence presented the opportunity of the first score of the game, a dropkick from Gavin Heuston after 8 minutes, which he unfortunately missed.  Clonmel then enjoyed a spell of concerted pressure and forced Kilfeacle and District back into their own 22, however they met with a very committed defence. The game entered a stage of both teams defending and attacking but neither were able to score that was until the 22nd minute when Clonmel, after many phases of play eventually scored a well earned team try which they were unlucky to convert. Kilfeacle now faced the fact that they were behind to a team who had earned maximum points in all games this year and were on course for their fourth consecutive league. Would they collapse or stand up and be counted.

The substantial crowd of supporters did not have to wait very long for the answer. Within 4 minutes Kilfeacle had levelled the score. Ferocious pressurizing by the backs consisting of Darren Lowry, Ciaran Lowry, Jamie Heuston, Gavin Heuston, Pat McCarthy, Thomas Cronin, Shane Luby,  Conor O’Sullivan, James Hogan and Keith Bourke set up the opportunity for Gavin Heuston to charge down a box kick and chase the ball back for a try which his brother, Jamie Heuston was unlucky not to convert.

Clonmel seldom find themselves in this position and after a spirited drive by the forwards which led to an excellent Kilfeacle try by Darren Lowry which Jamie Heuston converted, they suddenly found themselves 12-5 down. Kilfeacle could smell blood and Clonmel were on the ropes. Kilfeacle did not let up and with just 3 minutes remaining in the half Keith Bourke finished off a brilliant team effort by touching down in the corner. Jamie Heuston stepped up and put over the difficult conversion.

Leading by 19 points to 5 Kilfeacle were flying but teams of Calomel’s calibre don’t leave their oppositions get away easily and with seconds remaining in the first half they brought their opposition back to earth with a bang with a well taken and crucial penalty. The halftime whistle sounded an end to a pulsating first half with the scoreboard reading 19-8 in favour of Kilfeacle.

Kilfeacle didn’t lose any impetus because of the half time break and Jamie Heuston added a penalty three minutes into the second half. The second half was to mirror the first half with one team scoring first and the other finishing the strongest. Clonmel’s lineout was working well and they were winning their own scrums. This meant that Clonmel were retaining the ball better which was reflected by dominance and territorial superiority for large portions of the second half.

This said, Clonmel were finding it hard to break down the Kilfeacle defence. Clonmel were building phase after phase. It became one team trying to hold on and another trying to break through. It took Clonmel 35 minutes of the second half to finally register a score but when it came it was well worked and well deserved. This converted try brought the score to 22 points to 15. Entering into injury time Kilfeacle now found themselves in the same position as they did when they faced Richmond, they needed to hang on and their opponents needed to score a last ditch converted try to draw. Unfortunately for Kilfeacle history was to repeat itself and lightening was to strike twice.

Clonmel’s fitness and experience once more came to the fore and a try and a well taken conversion brought them level in the second minute of injury time. The referee’s whistle sounded soon after with both teams battered and bruised but unbowed.

“This was a great performance, I don’t think we have exceeded our expectations because we have always known what we are capable of,” first team manager Ted O’Conor said. “We have been more consistent throughout the whole season, which is something we haven’t previously done. We have done well as a squad to get where we are. All season, we’ve been working on skills, fitness and working as a team, that’s something that we really had to work at and the squad to a man has put the effort in.

“We haven’t been perfect at it all season but we are definitely moving in the right direction. When there’s a lot of pressure on us or when things aren’t going well, it’s easy to internalise things. But, we’ve been working in those situations and still communicating and we know that if we stick together as a team we are capable to step up to any challenge. We wish Clonmel the best for the rest of the season and thank them for a sporting and hard fought game.”

Our first team have their next outing next Saturday 11th at 14:30 away against Connemara in the AIB All Ireland Junior Cup.  The team hope that their supporters will continue to come along and support the “Boys in Blue”.

Seconds defeat Clanwilliam in the Gleeson League.

Clanwilliam R.F.C.0-26 Kilfeacle and District R.F.C.

Kilfeacle and District R.F.C.’s seconds travelled to Clanwilliam for the Gleeson league. This squad consisting of Thomas Peters, Ricky Whitney, Tadgh O’Donnell, Richard Donovan, Conor O’Sullivan, Rares Stocia, Ronan Hayes, Patrick Finnan, Cathal Donovan, John Bourke, Mark Bourke, Brian Roche, Gavin McCormack, Mike O’Connell, Brian Lowry, Patrick Kinnane, Patrick Noonan, Fiachra O’Grady and David Byron put in another fine display and remain unbeaten. David Byron, Brian Roche, Thomas Peters and Patrick Finnan were very impressive on the day.

After the game Eddie Nugent, second team coach said, “It took us a while to get going but when we did we eventually showed that we could play and were very unlucky not to score more. I was very happy with the younger members of the squad and the whole team’s defensive efforts in the second half. We are matching the first team with their unbeaten run and it shows where the little club on the hill is when both firsts and seconds are unbeaten. We had the capability and the desire to win and a very resolute Clanwilliam defence held us out in the second half when many more couldn’t and they deserve praise for that. I am delighted for the squad as it was a squad effort.”

Underage training

Mini rugby training continues in Kilfeacle on Sunday mornings at 10.30 to 11.30. This is an ideal environment to introduce both boys and girls to the game in a safe and controlled manner. Kilfeacle welcomes youngsters from 6 years and up to join us for the remainder of the season. We have great fun up on The Hill and have lots of matches planned against some great clubs over the next few months. Mini rugby is a perfect game for beginners as boys and girls play against children of their own ability and age. See you there!

Split the bucket this week won by Tommy Finnan who won €572, thanks to Tony Lowry’s bar Tipperary for hosting the draw. See you all next Friday night in Sir Rowland’s when we will have another guaranteed winner.