Club Notes: Week Ending 01.05.16

27th April 2016 By Munster Rugby

This week’s club notes come from Thurles and Waterford City rugby clubs.

Click here for Waterford City club notes

Courtesy of:- Brian Scanlon, Club PRO

Munster Junior Shield Final

Thurles RFC 18 – 19 Abbeyfeale RFC

Thurles RFC played Abbeyfeale in the Munster Junior Shield Final in Charleville. It was a sunny day and conditions were excellent for what promised to be a great game of rugby.
The first half didn't disappoint with some excellent passages of play from both sides.
John Lillis opened the scoring for Thurles with a well struck penalty after 30 minutes. Just 5 minutes later Thurles's dynamic winger "Pretty" Peter Coman finished a well executed move with some work left to do before touching down in the corner. The resulting conversion was nicely struck but tailed slightly wide.

Thurles scrum was under pressure in the opening half. However they held their own against a well drilled Abbeyfeale front row. Thurles's penalty count was high and this accounted for the scores conceded against them. On the half time whistle Abbeyfeale were ahead 9 points to Thurles's 8.
The veteran warrior Mossy Ryan replaced Conor Cooney and stepped once more into the breach. His experience helped Thurles steady their set piece and build momentum. After10 minutes of the second half the illusive Nicky Irwin does what he does best and glided between opposition players to touch down under the posts. John Lillis made no mistake with the resulting conversion.

Thurles's penalty count continued to be a thorn in their side, both on the scoreboard and on the field as with 10 mins left of normal time Thurles number 7 Paddy Phelan was shown yellow after an honest attempt to gather a ball which spilled from a scrappy scrum. Shortly after Thurles centre Shane Moloney was deemed to be offside and earned himself a golden ticket for a 10 minute break.
Thurles were leading by 4 and Abbeyfeales spirits were lifted with the thought of facing 13 Thurles jerseys. Thurles defended well for what seemed like an eternity, with captain Eoghan O'Dwyer second row Phil Kelly and the injured Colm Skehan all working tirelessly in defence. Alas after what was a great team effort defensively Abbeyfeale earned the right to go wide and with nearly 10 minutes of overtime played they exposed a 2 man overlap and touched down for what was to be the last action of the game which finished 19 – 18 to Abbeyfeale.

Well done to all involved for getting to a Munster final and for the hard work and preparation that went in not just on the day but for the entire season.
There will be successful days to come in the future for this crop of Thurles players and results like this will make any future victories all the sweeter.

Thanks to coaches John Lillis, Kevin O'Dwyer, Shay Scanlon for their immense effort all year and the many supporters who made the journey on the day.

Waterford City RFC

Courtesy of:- Deirdre Barry, Club PRO

Under 16's East Munster Cup Final
Waterpark 15 v Waterford City 10

This game started at a furious pace, with both sides attacking at every opportunity. Waterpark opened the scoring with a well struck penalty which lifted the home team's spirits. With the breeze at there backs waterpark went looking for the first try. City had there share of possession, but everytime they got into scoring range they made small mistakes which proved costly. Waterpark were quicker to the breakdown, and turned over a lot ofcity ball. Waterpark were well on top in the last 15 min. of the first half, and scored two fine tries, with one conversion to leave the half time score waterpark 15 City 0.

The second half began with city playing the game down in the opposition 22 and looking to get there first score. With some brave defending from the home team, changes had to be made after a few injuries. With 20min remaining city went through a few phases in the oppositions 22, and got there first try, scored by David [Gingy] White. City pressed on, and with 12min left scored there second try through the impressive cian wadding. The last 10 min was nail biting stuff, with bodies down injured and waterpark hanging on to a five point lead. But with there bench emptied, and resolute defence the home team held firm. Final score Waterpark 15 city 10. Congratulations to both teams for an exciting game of rugby played with plenty of skill and passion. Thanks to the great numbers of support, from both teams that made for a wonderful cup final atmosphere.

Annual Dinner Dance

The Waterford City RFC annual dinner dance took place on Friday night in the Woodlands. A great night was had by all. Our club prizes were given out on the night and big congratulations to Joe Delahunty – player of the year, Nicky Jacob – Unsung hero, Chris Glynn – Clubman of the year and Jason Power who received the Presidents prize.

AGM
The AGM will take place on Wednesday the 11th May in Kilbarry at 7.30 sharp

Youth and Mini's Rugby
The end of season fun day will take place in Kilbarry on Sunday 8th May, for both Mini's and Youth teams. Registration for next season will also take place on the day.

Waterford City Under 16s in action