Club Notes Week Ending 04.03.12

This week’s Club Notes come from Killorglin RFC, Shannon RFC and Young Munster RFC

Killorglin RFC

Killorglin 19 – 17 Fermoy – Munster Junior League

Killorglin were on the road again and made the trip to Fer-moy on Sunday in the later stages of the League. The Puck Pack headed to Fermoy with 2 things on their mind; rectifying a heavy defeat suffered their last year and picking up a bonus point to keep their promotion hopes alive. The former was well and truly accomplished with Killorglin completely dominating Fermoy at the set piece from start to finish. The front row of John “Twin” O Sullivan, James Hayes & Barry Sheehan were excellent all day. Killorglin started well with the dangerous Mark Healy collecting a long relieving kick from the Fermoy fly-half and counter attacking brilliantly opening up the far corner allowing Noel O Reilly to touch down in the corner. The score at half time was Killorglin 5-0 Fermoy. Again Killorglin started the brighter in the 2nd half and Darren Curtayne broke away in mid-field to score and continue his personal scoring spree for the blues. Luke O Shea converted leaving the score 12-0 to the Killorglin men. This is when Killorglin started to chase the bonus point and the game opened up for Fermoy who scored 2 tries of their own, however the Puck Pack exerted more pressure allowing Big Tony Lynch to cross the white wash from close range.

Luke O Shea again added the conversion making the score 19-12 with 10mins to go. Fermoy with nothing to loose threw everything at Killorglin and were rewarded were a try in the corner with the last play of the game to make the final score Fermoy 17-19 Killorglin.

Killorglin RFC 14 – 12 Corca Dhuibhne RFC – West Munster U17 Plate

Having missed out on a West Munster Top Four and Pan Munster place on a technicality, our Under 17s put all of their efforts into the West Munster Plate competition. Corca Dhuibhne, having already secured full points to date, would win the competition if they avoided defeat on the day. When these two sides met in December in the League, Killorglin won by 10 points to 8, so another tight game was anticipated.

In perfect pitch conditions, on a calm, sunny day, the lads showed their intent straight from the kick off. Showing an aggressive, and much improved defensive performance, the pressure paid off when Sean Teahan came in off his wing to intercept, and outsprinted the chasers to touch down under the posts. Scrum half, Fionn O’Shea added the conversion.Converting their superiority into scores resulted in a good team try, touched down by Aaron O’Mahony, once again converted by Fionn. Half time and Killorglin led 14 nil.

As in our previous meeting our hosts upped their game in the second half and scored a try within minutes of the re-start. 5 – 14.Killorglin had a number of opportunities to ex-tend their lead but a mixture of solid defence and unfortunate handling kept Corca Dhuibhne in the game. Our hosts broke through for a second try, which when converted left the score at 12 – 14 coming into the last quarter. Both teams gave everything and ensured that no try or drop goal opportunities were allowed. Superiority switched between the two sides, and scoring.

Under 8’s Notes: Training is on Saturdays Dragon Den 11.30am until 12.30. For further information please con-tact Breda O’ Sullivan on 087 7545408.

Under 10’s Notes: Training: is on Saturdays, Dragon Den 11.30am For further information please contact Deb-bie O’ Sullivan on 087 2457687.

Under 12’s Notes: Training is on Saturdays Dragon Den 11.30. For further information please contact Andrew Eadie on 087 4170403.

Upcoming Fixtures

Saturday 10th

West Munster U17 Plate: Killorglin v Castleisland, Castleisland, 12.00

West Munster U15 Cup: Castleisland v Killorglin, Castleisland, 11.00am

Saturday 10th/Sunday 11th

West Munster U13 Cup: Killorglin v Kenmare, Killorglin, 11.00am

Sunday 11th

Munster Bowl Senior: Killorglin V Dingle, Sunday 11th March, Location: Dingle, KO 2.30pm

Shannon RFC

The one that got away. We’ve heard that a few times already this season when we refer to our difficult Ulster Bank league campaign. There have just been some games that were there for the taking, but we simply couldn’t take what was on offer. Last Friday night in Thomond Park, the game was poised in our favour as the second half Progressed.

Garryowen had taken the first half lead with 10 unanswered points, but we didn’t really need to panic. The considerable wind would be to our advantage and it was definitely worth a few points. The optimism was further enhanced when Rob Guerin burrowed his way over from close range just before the break and we had an unlikely deficit by only three points. More good news, when Tadgh landed a drop goal 3 minutes into the second half. Now there’s no way you could describe way we had going as domineering , but it would be fair to say we looked comfortable in most aspects, however when it came to extending our lead, that’s where our main difficulties lay. We had got ourselves into positions, but a recurring downfall is our inability to convert our territorial advantages into the all-important points.

Still, though we didn’t fret. An oul penalty or another drop goal might settle things, so we waited, and we waited, but nothing came. Perhaps the turning point in the game came mid way through the second half when we were awarded scrum 5 metres from the Light Blues line. Nothing that had gone previously would suggest that the least we could expect was clean ball, ready to set up a scoring shot. “Crouch, Touch, and Pause”……Loud shrill of the whistle, and an early engagement given against us. What happened after that was calamitous. It seemed in that split second that lost our way. Garryowen seemed to know that they got off the hook and began to revert to a direct style that suited them in the first half.

Sometimes you can’ legislate for the bizarre, or coming from the benefactor’s perspective, pure luck.

Garryowen got into position, set up for a drop goal; we managed to get a half block, the ball’s flight altered and straight into the hands of Conor Haritigan, three metres from the line. He was onside from the block down, not that he was waiting for confirmation, and simply hurled his considerable bulk over the line.

It was a devastating blow, and one, which we never recovered from. If Garryowen’s second try was down to good fortune, their subsequent two quick tries were eminently avoidable as we shadow tackled in places.

It was desperately disappointing to see how we such a turnaround occurred. Again, though it was avoidable. Kevin Griffin did manage to get over the Garryowen for a late try, and in fairness it was just reward for the prop who had an excellent day all round, apart from the result. 29-17, was it fair, well the light blues would certainly say it was, but even they were more than surprised that they managed a bonus point. From our perspective, we must look deep within again and hope that the bounce back will be in our favour.

It’s not often that you play the same opposition twice in succession, but such is the case as we head to Dooradoyle for the postponed league game. Familiarity, in this instance will not breed contempt, and both sides will once again be looking for victory and despite the luxury of safety in the division practically guaranteed, Garryowen will relish a two-leg win. We’re just going to have to work that bit harder, but again it’s the little things that will either go with us or against us. Fingers crossed it's the former. Kick off is at 7.30

If we are to gauge just the seniors results as a barometer for our weekend success , that it would be obviously disappointing, but thankfully we had a otherwise great weekend of victories across the board, none more so than the outstanding result in the U/19 Pan Munster Semi final in Cork. We were up against it all counts against Highfield, but yet another gritty and determined performance saw the Shannon/St Marys merger deliver a Munster final, which will be eagerly anticipated. I’m reluctant to refer to it as an outstanding performance, as Brendan Mc will no doubt pull me up on it. He’s a hard man to please, but in most instances, he’s right. However, the positives far outweigh what he might described as “room for improvement”, and how can you argue with a cup win in Cork. Brilliant. Highfield were a fine side and were equal in many facets of the game, but when it came to the crunch the desire and attitude that this team has in abundance shone through for a 19-10 win. We opened the scoring when Dave Evans scuttled over and the start got better when Conor Burns tapped over the conversion. Any notions of a sage passage were dispelled when the home side bounded back, with a try and then almost immediately after a converted try after a mistake on our behalf.

They began to get the upper hand and as the half time approached it looked as if 10-7 would remain, but a brilliantly timed intercept from Mel Corbett saw him win the 60 metre sprint to the line, where he would gladly have accepted a couple of darts of oxygen. The simple conversion was added by Mr. Burns and a huge morale boast was welcome.
It wasn’t over by any means and alertness and concentration were the buzzwords for the second half. Try, though as Highfield might, our line remained intact and not only did we hold the lead, but with time ticking away, Conor Burns went in for another try, which secured the final berth.

Bandon won the other semi final and the date for this final has yet to be fixed, but at least it's something to look forward too.

On Sunday, the good results continued when we had victories for the seconds and women’s.

Already qualified for a playoff spot , the seconds travelled to Nenagh with a higher table position in mind and with very limited resources managed to come away with a 12-0 nil win. Cathal O'Neill scored a try and Ciaran Cunnane crossed as well and added a conversion.

Back in Limerick, The women had a tough AIL cup game against Enniskillen , but managed to withstand a severe test of ability and character to win by 12-8. This was an enormous boast for the women, as the Northerners would have been considered favourites. The games don't get any easier with an away game to Blackrock up next.

The U/11's had a big day out in Dublin when they entered two teams in the prestigious Willow Park Tournament. The early 5.45 am start didn't seem to hamper their preparations and both sides represented the club with honour. A full report is on the underage news on the Club website.

As part of our continuing efforts to upgrade our Thomond Park clubhouse, we are hosting a table quiz on March 23rd as a way of raising a few quid to keep our upgrade programme in motion. The prizes for this night will surely be very attractive to any ruby fan. Four much sought after Heineken cup quarterfinal tickets will be on offer for the winners, with second prize as four tickets for the Munster V Leinster Rabo PRO 12 game, and third prize, four tickets for the Munster V Ulster Rabo PRO 12 game.

A table of four will cost €;40 and we are limiting the table to 35. So, to be in with a shout, give Pat Downey a ring to book your table on 086709225.

Finally, we conclude with an apology the friends and family of yet another club member that passed away recently. Tom Piggott died unexpectedly in America a few weeks ago and I failed to mention it in our recent notes. Tom was a great supporter of the club for a long number of years and even whilst working in the states, he always kept a very keen eye of the weekly happenings. We express our deepest Condolences to Tom's family and Friends.

Adult Fixtures

Friday

Seniors AIL V Garryowen Dooradoyle. 7.30pm

Saturday

U/21 SWC AIL V Old Crescent Rosbrien, 2.30 away v OC
3rds O'Carroll Plate V Richmond, Canal Bank, 2.30pm

Sunday

Women's AIL Cup V Blackrock, Stradbrook TBC

Underage Fixtures

Saturday

U/8 Blitz in Coonagh 10 am
U/9 Blitz in Coonagh 10 am
U/14 Fr. V St Senans, Coonagh, 12pm
U/16 Lg V Richmond /Presentation, Grove Island, 11.30

Young Munster RFC

Drama to the very end in our Ulster Bank League away game to Old Belvedere

At Young Munster RFC we’ve had some extremely tense games this season, but it’s doubtful any can match the tension felt in the final ten minutes of our game v Old Belvedere at Anglesea Road last Saturday. This was not a place for the faint-hearted – those of us with perfectly healthy tickers had to work on lowering the pulse rate after the final whistle of an excruciating closing few moments for both sides.

We started the game very well. Always going to be the favourites going into this fixture given the way the season has panned out for both clubs, our boys were confident and dominated the first 25 minutes. Even early on Darren Gallagher was proving a force in the air at the line-out, and our first try came from a turnover by Mike Kelliher at halfway which was moved wide to Darragh O’Neill on the opposite wing. O’Neill used his combination of pace and power to score in the corner giving us the first points on the board. A breeze wasn’t helping Willie Staunton’s kicking early on, one penalty had already gotten away from him, and he couldn’t land the conversion from the touchline but he had another shot at goal on 18 minutes and landed the penalty to make the score 8-0 in our favour.

Five minutes later, a Belvo player spilled the ball in our 22 which was collected by our nimble tighthead prop Alan Cotter (aka ‘Barney’). Cotter proceeded to sprint 60m downfield causing the traveling support to erupt on the sidelines, and time a perfect offload to Mark Doyle to touch down over the line. The conversion kick didn’t find its target in an uncharacteristic number of misses for Staunton so the score remained 13-0 to us after 23 minutes.

It didn’t stay like that for long however, before the half hour Old Belvedere had breached our line for a try of their own in the right corner by Daniel Riordan. Aidan Wynne missed the conversion to leave the score at 13-8 to us on 35 minutes.

We had a tough five minutes until the break as Old Belvedere showed more confidence following their try and upped the intensity of their attack. Following some below par kicking out of hand we found ourselves on the back foot defending ferociously before the whistle with supporters praying for half-time to come, and eventually it did, following a timely turnover by James O’Neill (‘Ham’).

Five minutes into the second half, Belvo were to strike again. Stephen Crosbie found a gap after several waves of attack in our 22, and he nipped in under the posts to touch down. Wynne added the conversion to bring the score to 15-13 in Belvo’s favour but minutes later, Willie rectified the scoreboard and took us ahead 16-15 slotting over a penalty.

The last half hour was neck and neck. Gallagher had a superb steal in the line-out, Old Belvedere’s (and Leinster’s) Leo Auva’a received a yellow card from George Clancy but Willie’s resulting penalty went wide. At one stage Neville Melbourne looked like he might get in from a block down but he just knocked on trying to collect the ball. Our scrum heaped the pressure on the Dublin side but we failed to capitalize while they were down to 14 men.
Ten minutes from time, the home support were celebrating what they thought was a try but Ref Clancy deemed otherwise as the player didn’t get the ball down before trundling into touch. On 73 minutes Old Belvedere did have something to celebrate however, as Wynne landed a penalty to take them ahead 18-16.

We had been out played in the second half only scoring one penalty while Belvo knocked up 10 points yet we somehow held in there and nobody was ready to leave here without a fight to the bitter end. Old Belvedere were looking for their first win of the season, and they hadn’t forgotten the opening game when we met in Limerick in October, a game which many there feel was a sign of things to come for their season. We knew a defeat here would very likely knock us out of contention for the league title.

Finding ourselves behind on 73 minutes to the bottom side in the league having underperformed for most of the game and taken no scores while we had the extra man would take its toll on many teams. But this is where your mettle is tested, and the character of the team reveals itself. In the few minutes after that Belvo penalty, we were more clinical and composed than we had been for the whole half. The lads knew exactly what they had to do, get downfield, recycle ball carefully, get Willie into position and send it back for the drop. And this is exactly what they did, clinical and methodical and Staunton showed no sign of any lingering doubts from the earlier misses as he slotted it over perfectly – job done, thank you.

The drama didn’t end there however. In the final play of the game, Mr Clancy penalised us from the restart and awarded an immediate penalty to Old Belvedere 30 metres out.

This was the game decider, it was all down to this very-kickable penalty. We hoped on the sidelines that somehow it wouldn’t go over, but nobody expected Wynne to miss it. But he did. And that was it, final whistle, game over.

Final Score: Old Belvedere 18 – 19 Young Munster

SCORERS – Old Belvedere 18 (Daniel Riordan try, Stephen Crosbie try, con, Aidan Wynne two pens); Young Munster 19 (Darragh O’Neill, Mark Doyle try each, Willie Staunton two pens, drop goal).

Young Munster – Ray Moloney; Mark Doyle, Andrew Burke, Mike Kelliher, Darragh O’Neill; Willie Staunton, Mike Prendergast; Ger Flaherty, Ger Slattery, Alan Cotter; Darren Gallagher, Shane O’Neill; Liam Og Murphy, James O’Neill, Neville Melbourne. Replacements: Ger Bourke, Hugh McGrath, John Moroney, Mark Rowley, Declan Bannon.

Only 4 games to go …

YM UBL GAME 15 – Clontarf at home 24/03/12 [*book now for this Pre-Match Lunch]

YM UBL GAME 16 –Lansdowne away 31/03/12

YM UBL GAME 17 – Dolphin at home 14/04/12 [*book now for this Pre-Match Lunch]

YM UBL GAME 18 –St. Mary’s away 21/04/12

* to reserve your place at the Pre-Match Lunches for Clontarf and Dolphin at home, contact Brendan Collopy at 086-6062606 or Fergal Deegan 086-2265692. €;25 includes admission, 2-course lunch with wine and match programme. All are welcome.

CONGRATS to our 4 Irish Clubs representatives

The Ireland Club Squad has been named to defend of the Dal Riada trophy in the Ulster Bank Club Internationals featuring eleven Munster Club Players, four of which are from Young Munster RFC. Congratulations to Mike Kelliher, Hugh McGrath, Liam Og Murphy and Ger Slattery.

The Ireland Club Squad will face Scotland Clubs at Anglesea Road this Friday, March 9 and play the England Counties on March 16th away in Preston Grasshoppers RFC.

Munster Seconds League

MSL Result from Saturday March 3rd: Garryowen 13-13 Young Munster.
Scores for us: Aaron Carroll try, Brian Haugh 2 penalties + 1 conversion.
(more on this next week)

Senior Fixtures

SATURDAY 10TH

J2 Friendly
Young Munster V Tillburg (Netherlands)
1.00pm Tom Clifford Park

SUNDAY 11TH

Women’s Bowl Competition
Young Munster V Barnhall
1.00pm Tom Clifford Park

*** PLEASE NOTE THE CLUBHOUSE WILL BE OPEN ON SATURDAY FOR THE WALES V ITALY AND IRELAND V SCOTLAND MATCHES ******

Visiting U19 side from Majadahonda, Spain

Congratulations to our U19s who played Spanish side Majadahonda in Tom Clifford Park, winning 27-5. The U19 boys from Spain had a great trip to Limerick and were welcomed with a Mayoral Reception by Cllr. Diarmuid Scully in City Hall. They also visited the Thomond Park Museum as well as playing the challenge game v our U19 side.

Under 11's trip to Willow Park

Congratulations to Young Munster U11s on a great trip to the annual Willow Park tournament in Blackrock, Dublin. We had a great panel of players to make up two teams. Our first team had a great day coming away with a plaque for the best team in their grade. Our second team was not so lucky but they played some great rugby on the day. Great credit is due to all of our players and a special mention to four U10 players who helped us. Thanks to all our coaches and our captain on the day Jake Connolly who fell ill with a stomach bug en route and had to sit out most of the matches. Congratulations to all the staff and medics in Willow Park for a very well organised tournament.

[photo attached]

U10s win 3 from 3 in Co.Clare Blitz

The Young Munster U10s went to Tulla in Clare last Sunday morning for a Blitz and won all three matches. In our first match we played Newport. We started this match playing an open game passing the across the pitch at every opportunity and we were rewarded when Darragh Long raced up the wing to score a try in the corner. Ben Murphy kept taking on the Newport defence and got over the line to score after good play by Patrick O Donnell, Sean Farrell and Killian Higgins. Ben Dillon was playing his best match in a Young Munster jersey and followed up to score a great try. Cayden Malone put in some super tackles in this match. Our captain in this match was Cian Casey and he lead by example when he scored our final try. Final score YM 4 – Newport 0.

Our next match was against a Big Bruff team and our team stepped up to the challenge by putting in a great display of tackling and support play. Josh Crawford paved the way for this win by putting in some very strong runs and was rewarded for his efforts after a break by scrum half Scott Sheehan led to Josh scoring two tries. We had great performances by Liam Kelly, Killian Higgins, Glen Carey and Michael Galvin. Once again Ben Murphy got over for a try and he was best supported by Luke Moloney.

Final Score YM 4 Tries – Bruff 1 Try.

Up next was East Clare Harriers and this gave us an opportunity to get all of our younger players some good experience. Again we started brightly and Tarkan Pinarci made some excellent runs and created space for CJ Carey to make a lot of runs up the wing. Thomas Gillick was getting involved in rucks and mauls and he was supported by Liam Kelly, Killian Higgins, Glen Carey and Michael Galvin. We had very good displays by Cian Casey, Ben Dillon, Scott Sheehan, Darragh Long and Sean Farrell.

Final Score YM 5 Tries – East Clare 1 Try.

Well done to Cayden Malone, Cian Casey, Ben Murphy and Donnacha O Callaghan who played fantastic for our U11s team in a national competition last Saturday.

Underage Fixtures

SATURDAY 10TH MARCH
U15s Friendly: Newbridge RFC Vs Young Munster, 12.00 noon, Newbridge

SUNDAY 11TH MARCH
U17s Cup: Young Munster V Estuary Derryknockane, 11.30am
U8s Blitz: St Senan’s Shannon, 10.30am

MONDAY 19TH MARCH
U13s Cup: Newcastlewest V Young Munster, Venue NCWest 11.30am

Underage Results

U19s Friendly: Young Munster 27 – 5 Majadahonda RFC Spain
U13s Friendly: St Senans 7 – 34 Young Munster
U16s Development League: Young Munster 34 – 0 Estuary