Club Notes: Week Ending 03.04.16

This week’s club notes come from Bruff, Newcastle West and Waterford City rugby clubs.

Click here for Bruff rugby club notes

Click here for Newcastle West club notes

Click here for Waterford City club notes

Bruff RFC

Courtesy of:- Seamus Sheahan, Club PRO

Seniors Vs Tullamore

The seniors travelled to Tullamore at the weekend knowing they needed a huge performance if they were going to remain in the playoff places. Tullamore occupied second place in the league going into the game and were the only team that could knock league leaders Old Crescent off top spot. Tullamore have the best defence in the league and have racked up six try bonus wins on the way to a title chasing position. However Bruff had already proven that they can beat the Offaly outfit having won 22-15 when the sides met in the reverse fixture earlier this season.

Saturday's contest was a tight affair with very few chances presenting themselves in the opening 40. Both sides managed to convert a penalty each in the first half which meant the sides went into the half time break level on 3 points each. Bruff's score came after fifteen minutes from the boot of Declan Bannon after Tullamore had infringed illegally at a Bruff lineout.

Tullamore were quick out of the blocks in the second half and scored the only try of the game after just seven minutes of the second period to make it 8-3 to the home side. Little did they know at the time but the missed conversion was to prove costly. Try scoring opportunities were few and far between and the game was to be decided by the boot of Deccie Bannon. Bannon nailed a penalty in the 56^th minute to make it 8-6 and again stepped up in the 72^nd minute to nail a monster kick from 45 metres for what would be the game winning kick. The result means that Tullamore are now out of the title race but more importantly for Bruff it means that Bruff have now qualified for a promotion playoff spot.

Dundalk are the visitors to Bruff on Saturday for what is set-up to be a very interesting afternoon. Dundalk are one of four teams still fighting relegation going into the last day of the season and they will be travelling to Bruff with a lot at stake. Likewise Bruff have something to play for. If results were to go Bruff's way, starting with a home win, we could still potentially qualify for a home semi-final.

Saturdays game has a 2.30pm K.O. and a large crowd is anticipated for what could be the seniors last game of the season. Please come along and support.

Bruff Team : 1.Dave Horan 2.Johnny Hogan 3. Keith Laffan 4.Barry Laffan 5.Brian Morissey 6.Cillian Rea 7.Mikey Carroll 8.Paddy Clery 9.Davy O Grady 10.Tony Cahill 11. Mark Cosgrove 12. Sean Darcy 13.Declan Bannon 14.Barry Enright 15. Brendan Deady 16. Keith Laffan 17. Danny Keogh 18. Neilus Keogh 19 Graham Whelan 20 Darragh Mulcahy

U20's Play-off
The under 20's travelled to Coonagh on Saturday to take on Shannon in a winner takes all playoff game. The reward for the winners was an all-Ireland quarter final spot but unfortunately things didn't go Bruff's way losing by the tightest of margins 18-17. Bruff had tries on 5 and 65 minutes from Jack O Grady as well as a 70^th minute try from Liam Tracey. Bruff left too much to do and only really got going after O'Grady's 65^th minute try. Shannon now progress to play UCD while Bruff's attention turns the upcoming cup.

Congratulations to the u10's
The u10's were in action on Good Friday travelling to Coonagh to play in their annual mini rugby festival. It was a great day for Bruff who went on the win the u10's section beating UL Bohs 3 tries to nil in the very competitive final. Bruff had wins over Ennis, Shannon & St Senans on the way to the final conceding 1 try and scoring 11 en-route to the decider. Bruff's second team also played some great rugby taking on Loughrea, Shannon & UL Bohs in the pool games and St Senans in the 5^th/6^th place play off. Well done to all involved, the future of underage rugby in Bruff looks bright.

Newcastle West RFC

Courtesy of Martin O'Sullivan, Club PRO

Munster Junior Plate
Newcastle West RFC – 13 St Mary's RFC 12

We advance to the next round of the Munster Junior Plate thanks to a victory over St Mary's last Sunday in Cullinagh. A penalty try along with a conversion and 2 penalties from Sean Herlihy secured a hard-fought win.

Details of the next round to be confirmed.

Race Night
Our major club fundraiser takes place on Friday April 8^th with a Race Night in The Ballintemple Inn. Our last race night in 2013 was a brilliant night and helped raise much needed funds for the club for the following season. Sponsorship cards are now available so why not get your friends together and be like the owners and trainers for 1 night only. A great night is a certainty so spread the word and let's get a massive crowd to support the club on the night.

Newcastle west RFC Race Night, Friday April 8^th Ballintemple Inn, Churchtown Newcastle West.

Mini fixtures for next weekend
All mini teams from u6 to u12 incl training in Kilelline from 10:30am to 11:30 am.

Youth fixtures for next weekend

Waterford City RFC

Courtesy of:- Deirdre Barry, Club PRO

Waterford City Club Notes
27/03/2016

Waterford City host Majadahonda of Madrid

WCRFC had the pleasure of hosting Rugby Club Majadahonda, from Madrid last weekend. The team consisting of 19 youth players and 3 coaches who arrived in Kilbarry on Friday. After a brief introduction and in some cases, a reunion between players and adults, the visitors were brought to their accommodation.

On Saturday, we held a blitz between WCRFC, Majahdahonda and Clonmel RFC. This was a fantastic day, in cold but dry and sunny conditions. We had a good turnout from parents, coaches and senior players. The Madrid squad were also represented by one of their ladies youths who played superb, gutsy rugby alongside all the boys. After the blitz, food and drinks were given to all the players and after a quick presentation and exchange of "penants", we were all treated to the Ireland V Scotland rugby match.

Sunday morning – three mixed squads played a 7's tournament. Again, the weather held out and conditions were ideal for a good running game of rugby. 210 minutes of rugby over 24 hours is not a bad accomplishment for these young players. The games were watched by a number of our senior members as City first team were playing Ballincollig, with City running in 9 tries and 6 conversions. Food and refreshments were provided for all the squads and by 5pm our youths, departed back to their accommodation for a deserved night's rest. We invited their coaches into Waterford City that evening, to sample some of the local cuisine and entertainment.
Monday was spent touring the Viking Triangle in Waterford City followed by a Mayoral Reception with Cllr. John Cummins.

Day 5, was a sad day for all concerned as RC Majadahonda started preparing for their return trip home. Long term friendships and international relationships were formed this weekend, something which these kids will carry and speak about for many years. Just before the bus departed, there was literally one last "splash" as a number of the youths and coaches ventured into the cold Atlantic Ocean in Tramore Bay.

Thanks to everyone who assisted in any way over the weekend. Special thanks' to Club President Jemma Jacob, Committee Members, Hosting Parents, Lorraine Lally, and the rest of the girls who worked tirelessly in the canteen, Club Captain Ben Duggan and Head Coach Peter Jones, Dixie Daniels, The U-16 and U-18 Squad, Jimmy Smith, Dean Cox, Cian Foskin, Jason Power, Simon O Hara, John Mac, Keith Twist, Liam Maher, Jimmy Foskin, Clonmel Rugby Club, T Bay Surf Club, Ray O Sullivan, John Jacob Taxi Service and Nicholas Jacob.

J2 Cup
Clonmel 25 v Waterford City 25 (extra time – City Win)
For the second time in three weeks, City travelled to Tipperary for an away cup fixture against Clonmel. Two weeks ago a narrow 13-12 defeat was tough for City to take. After a good game of rugby and extra time the match ended 25 points apiece. Waterford City scored the first try and therefore wins the match.
Thanks as always to our supporters and sponsors kingfisher club and done deal

Dinner Dance
Our Annual Club Dinner Dance is in the Woodlands Hotel this year. KO 7.30 pm, Friday 22nd April 2016. Tickets available from Jemma Jacob, €40.00. Price includes, meal, bar extension, band and DJ. All Members, Players, Coaches and Parents are invited to our biggest social event of the year.

Under 11's play at half time in Thomond Park
On Good Friday the under 11's travelled with coaches Damien Barry and Jack Jacob to Thomond Park to watch Munster take on Zebre. At half time the squad got a chance to take to the field and play teams from Bruff, Shandon and St Mary's. Well done to all players, you did us proud.