Club Notes: Week Ending 04.10.15

This week’s club notes come from Bruff, Kilfeacle & District, Newcastle West, Thurles and Waterford City Rugby Clubs.

Click here for Bruff Notes

Click here for Kilfeacle & District Notes

Click here for Newcastle West Notes

Click here for Thurles Notes

Click here for Waterford City Notes

Bruff RFC

Courtesy of:- Seamus Sheahan, Club PRO

UBL Game 2

With two wins in the opening two games of the UBL the first xv travelled to Navan on Saturday hoping to maintain momentum. For the second week in a row Bruff were forced into a number of changes with Danny Keogh and Cillian Rea both picking up injuries in the previous weeks outing Versus Tullamore. Neilus Keogh took his brother Danny’s place in the pack with Tom O Dwyer coming onto the bench for Cillian Rea. Mark Cosgrove returned from a hamstring injury reclaiming his place on the wing with Sean Hartigan also being drafted into the match day squad.

Navan were quickest to settle and were 5-0 up after 20 min. The resulting conversion came back off the upright, a miss which would prove costly for Navan in the end. Bruff fullback Brendan Deady has been on a good run of scoring form lately and on 30 minutes he again left his mark scoring his forth try in three games. Tony Cahill provided the scoring pass for Deady to touch down and also kicked the extra 2 points on offer to make it 5-7 to Bruff. Navan scored a second try on 40 mins which they converted taking them into a 12-7 halftime lead.

Bruff reduced the Navan lead on 45 minutes with a penalty from the boot of Tony Cahill to make it 12-10 before Navan struck back with a drop goal and again stretch their lead to 5 points. With only 8 minutes remaining Bruff were awarded a scrum in a promising position. The pack set a solid platform for the backs to execute a well worked strike play which saw Brian Cahill power over from short distance for Bruff’s second try. Tony Cahill again stepped up and kicked the winning conversion. Bruff had to work hard to hold out for the remaining 5 minutes as the powerful Navan pack battered the line in the closing stages. Thankfully Bruff had enough left in the tank and walked off the field knowing that they were lucky to come away with the win.  

Team 1 Dave Horan 2 John Hogan 3 Brendan Keogh 4 Neilus Keogh 5 Ger O Connell 6 Mike Cooke 7 Mike Carroll 8 Paddy Clery 9 Tony Cahill 10 Dave O Grady 11 Paudie Kilcoyne 12 Sean Darcy 13 Tom O Callaghan 14 Mark Cosgrove 15 Brendan Deady 16 Keith Laffan 17 Tom O Dwyer 18 Sean Hartigan 19 Brian Cahill 20 Liam Treacy

Kanturk are next up on Saturday. The game has a 2.30pm KO in Kilballyowen and all support would be appreciated.

Underage Result

The u18’s travelled to Ennis on Sunday and came away with full points thanks to a 35-7 win. Bruff had trys from Liam Barrett, John & Richard Bateman, Mikey O Grady & Darren Kennedy.

U16’s won 34-17 vs Shannnon/Richmond/St Marys
U15’s lost 35-7 to Garryowen
U14’s won 24-19 away to Nenagh

Fixture’s: please keep an eye on the website for the latest fixtures which will be updated by Wednesday Each week. www.bruffrfc.com

Club Memberships, annual club memberships are now due for renewal. Please return membership fees to any committee members, or directly to Matt O Callaghan.

Underage Rugby, Reminder that underage rugby is now back Mini Rugby (Age Grade 6 – 12) will Start at 10:30 am Youth Rugby (Age Grade 13 – 18) will Start at 11:30 am every Sunday morning. Please also ensure that all players turn up with Gum Shields or they may not be permitted to play. 
 
Kilfeacle & District RFC
 
Courtesy of:- Denis Wade, Club PRO
 
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. win first League encounter of the year.
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C.       32
Clonakilty R.F.C.                           27
 
Clonakilty RFC travelled to Morrissey Park on Sunday 27th of September to face Kilfeacle and District RFC in the first round of the Munster Junior League Division 1. The game was played with great spirit and commitment with a lot of free flowing moves and running of the ball and Kilfeacle started the better of the two teams. With the breeze at their back’s, Kilfeacle’s squad which consisted of Tom Doyle, Ricky Whitney, Simon Barry, Gerard Luby, Gary Noonan, Jack McLoughlin, Kevin Kinane, Stephen Quirke, Shane Luby, Diarmuid Carr, Keith Burke, Jordan Peato, Ciaran Lowry, Darren Lowry, Josh Featherstone, JJ Cooney, Conor Quinlan, Noel Leahy, Cormac Ryan, Cian Ryan, Charles Walshe and Patrick Bourke gained territorial dominance. Kilfeacle did not ease off on the pressure but met with a resolute, skilful and committed Clonakilty team who were starting to find there feet and come more and more into the game.

This was a typical first game of the new season encounter a very start stop affair, with players only gaining match fitness, getting to know each other, becoming accustomed to new positions, new systems and new calls, coming to terms with new rules and their interpretations. With the game entering the second quarter the homeside started to show some promise and were able to breach their opponent’s line and score some trys. The rest of the first half was played in both side trading scores so the halftime scoreboard read 22 points to 12 in favour of the Kilfeacle side.

Although trailing by 10 points at half time, Clonakilty, were optimistic about achieving their goal and coming away with a win as they had weathered the Kilfeacle and now had the wind at their backs for the second half. Kilfeacle however were still matching their opponents stride for stride and a subsequent well taken early try by the homeside saw the scoreboard read 27 points to 12 in favour of the Kilfeacle side. The second half started to take shape with Kilfeacle, buoyed by their home support but Clonakilty were now playing with more fluidity but were able to convert their territorial advantage to points on the scoreboard. Clonakilty always looked dangerous and Kilfeacle were protecting their lead with some great defensive play.  It was midpoint through the second half when Clonakilty gave the travelling support something to shout about as they started to breach the Kilfeacle defensive line. However a late try scored by Kilfeacle after some fine phases of play by the forwards was needed. The subsequent conversion attempt failed so the scoreboard showed the homeside leading by 32 points to 27. To give Clonakilty their due, their never say die attitude meant that the final 10 minutes was a hard fought period of play in which neither side could gain the upper hand. Kilfeacle had amounted a lead that would remain that way until the final whistle. On the day Dermot Carr scored two tries for the Kilfeacle and District side and Josh Featherstone and Stephen Quirke got one each. Shane Luby converted three and also kicked two penalties.
 
Kilfeacle and District RFC would like to thank Clonakilty for a very sporting, hard fought game and wish them every success in the coming season. From this performance it easy to see how Clonakilty that they will have a huge impact again on Division 1 this year. Kilfeacle had good spells when they were playing as a unit. The atmosphere among the squad is very positive and training sessions have been very productive however everyone knows that there is still a lot of work to be done. What is most encouraging is the fact the underage system within the club and all the hard work put in at grass roots level by our underage coaches and trainers is now having a huge positive impact on the first team. The younger members of the squad showed great promise during yesterday’s game.The team as ever are proud and humbled by the amount of support they receive and hope that their supporters will continue to come along and support the "Boys in Blue". The season ahead augers well and promises to be a fruitful one. Training continues as ever in Morrissey Park on Tuesdays and Fridays. Our next competitive action is in the Munster league against Muskerry RFC on Sunday 4^th of September in Ballyanly, Kilfeacle and we hope that we will see many of our supporters there to cheer us on, as this will be a very tough game against Ballincollig as we defend the Cup we won last season.
 
 
Newcastle West RFC
 
Courtesy of:- Martin O’Sullivan, Club PRO
 
 First XV – Munster Junior League Div 1:  Success in the League Opener
 St Marys RFC – 3  Newcastle West RFC – 20
 
A good solid start to our league campaign was vital last Sunday and the main aim of an opening win was achieved in a sunny Grove Island. Our hosts are always tough opposition and all the more at home, so a 17 point win and 3 try haul was a good afternoons work.  The first 30 minutes was the typical new season opener. Both teams looked slightly rusty and errors were common but once that was out of the way the game ebbed and flowed. We struck first with a well finished try in the far right corner by Shaun Berkery after some good combination work between the backs and forwards in the St Marys 22. A tough, touchline conversion was only slightly off target so we lead 5-0. Just before the halftime break Mary struck a penalty from a breakdown infringement to leave it close and tight at 5-3 to NCW.

We upped the ante significantly after the break and our work in the loose and especially in the scrums was starting to take its toll on our hosts. A penalty from Conor Whelan on 44 minutes gave us some breathing room but again the hosts rallied and enjoyed a period of dominance but they couldn’t convert that pressure to scores. Instead we turned the screw and a brilliant, mazy run by fullback Stephen Kelly opened up the Marys defence and released Dean O’Brien to score under the posts, which Conor converted. That seemed to deflate St Marys and as the game went to uncontested scrums because of a Marys prop issue we showed our quality in the backs again to put Shaun Berkery in for his second try with 5 minutes to go. That left the score 20-3 and we went looking for the bonus but a tiring St Marys defence proved to be resolute and they held us out on a couple of occasions to deny us the 5 point haul.
 
All in all a good start to our league campaign with excellent performances right across the team. We take on Clanwilliam this Sunday in the next round. Details below.
 
A special thanks to our travelling support, which once again travelled in great numbers.
 
Scorers, Shaun Berkery 2 tries, Dean O’Brien 1 try, Conor Whelan 1 Penalty & 1 conversion.
 
Panel, Stephen Kelly, Shaun Berkery, Dean O’Brien, John Sheehan, Gavin Reidy, Conor Whelan, Sean Herlihy, Shane Magner, Sean Corbett, Declan Moloney, Sean Leahy, Dave Foley, Capt, Pa Galvin, Rossa Dooley, Richard Langford, Niall Kelliher,
Alan O’Riordan, Gary O’Donnell, Paudie Fogarty, Hugh Lane, Bryan McAuliffe & Thomas Darcy. 

Fixture details: Newcastle West RFC v Clanwilliam RFC. Sunday Oct 4^th @ 2.30pm in Cullinagh.
Mini Rugby season has begun. New Volunteers & Players needed.

The 2015/16 has kicked off in full and all children wishing to partake in rugby should join your age group. All our mini rugby training for teams: u6 – u12 is every Sunday 10:30 to 11:30 and mini blitzes once a month either at home or in a club in Limerick. This year to enhance the service and goodwill we need people to volunteer to help out in player registration, serving tea & coffees. A roster will exist to divide the tasks among the volunteers. Mini and Family Membership will be taken in Clubhouse next Sunday during Minis training from 10:30 am 11:30 am. Plenty Newcastle West branded stock available in our club shop, come ask while in Clubhouse for your Sunday cuppa !!

Youths and U20 Rugby Training in full swing
Calling all u13 to u20 players, please contact or respond to texts from your coaches to attend your teams training. With the success we had at underage last season we are hoping to equal if not better the success this year. If you want to be part of a winning team & club come to training and get noticed.

Mini fixtures for next week 
 

Youth fixtures for next week
 

 
 
Lotto
 
Results from Friday September 25^th draw held in Lee’s Bar
 
Numbers Drawn 14, 15, 23 & 25 – NO WINNER
 
Lucky Dip Winners
Kieran Willis, c/o Ed Lynch’s
Samantha Bucke, Pallas Foods
Margaret Ahern, Pallas Foods
Bridie O’Mahoney, Feohanagh
Patsy Markham, Ardagh
Margaret O’Kelly, c/o Lee’s Bar
Noreen Downey, c/o F McEnery
Promotors Prize – MAG Motors
 
Next week’s draw will be in Small pat’s  on Friday October 2^nd . The jackpot stands at €11,000
 
Subject: Thurles RFC weekend match reports
Weekend Match Reports. Thurles Rugby Club

Munster Junior League Div 2
Cobh Pirates v Thurles RFC

Thurles RFC
 
Courtesy of:- Brian Scanlon, Club PRO
 
The Thurles First XV made the trip to Cobh on Sunday last in their opening game of this year’s Munster Junior League, having secured a top four finish last season and adding the Munster Junior Plate, this team were looking to build on that momentum from last year.

Thurles received the ball from the kick-off but it was evident from the opening exchanges that the Tipperary side were suffering from first day nerves, with a lot of new faces in the team to that which finished last season.  Cobh opened the scoring on the 20 minute mark with a penalty and shortly after added a converted try to race into a 10-0 lead.

It was a after this Thurles started to settle into the game, with Nicky Irwin and Aidan Dwyer making some goods yards in attack to bring play inside the Cobh 22.
The Thurles pack were starting to get on top and some great phases of play saw the ball flashed wide with the ball eventually finding scrumhalf Irwin who, with work to do, touched down out wide for their opening score of the season, 10-5.

Within minutes Thurles were in front, some more great work from Skehan, O’Gorman and McCormack in the pack, and an excellently executed box kick from Irwin caught out the Cobh winger, Peter Coman reacted fastest but as he was about to gather the ball and cross the line, Coman was hand tripped and was awarded a penalty try, 10-12 to Thurles.

Cobh scored another try and penalty in the second half and used their experience to seal out the 18-12 win.  On another day Thurles could have won this comfortably, with a bit more calmness and composure in key areas of the field, there could have been a lot more try added.  Thurles will take a lot of positives out of this game as it is just the first game in a long season, Cobh is a tough place to go when in the best of form, but they themselves are battling to get back to Division 1 having being relegated last season, Thurles came away with a losing bonus point which at least gets the team off the mark for the year and offers some consolation in defeat.

Thurles are at home next week to Kerry outfit Castleisland in the next League game at 2.30pm, all support would be greatly appreciated by players and management and we would hope everyone would join us in the Clubhouse after our game to watch the Ireland versus Italy World Cup game which will be shown live afterwards at 4.45pm.

Thurles Scorers: Nicky Irwin and Peter Coman (1 Try Each), Aidan Dwyer (1 Conversion).   

Thurles Squad vs. Cobh: 1. Ger McCormack 2. Dave Kelly 3. Colm Skehan 4. Phil Kelly 5. Luke Kelly 6. Ciarán Ryan 7. Paddy Phelan 8. Larry O’Gorman 9. Nicky Irwin 10. Aidan Dwyer 11. John Loughman 12. Shane Moloney (K) 13. Eoghan O’Dwyer (Capt.) 14. Peter Coman 15. Shane Moloney (H) 16. Shawn Fitzgerald 17. Declan O’Rahilly 18. Colin Feeley 19. Shane Nugent 20. Shane Langian-Ryan

Women’s Senior League
Thurles v Tralee
Thurles Women’s RFC eked out a narrow 13 -10 win in their first Championship game against visitors Tralee in Thurles on Sunday. Thurles had the upper hand in the early encounters with both Maria Whelan and Aisling O’Hagan showing their speed and skill with some great runs. Thurles were very unlucky not to score a try in the early stages of the game with Rebecca Byrne mere yards away from the try line.

For a short period mid-way through the first half it looked as though the visitors were winning back some vital possession but the skill and determination of the Thurles defence proved too strong for them.  Laura Carroll in her first championship game put an end to the Tralee dominance with a wonderful run which saw great support play from Maria Woodlock. Once again play was intense in the moments that followed and a knock on from Thurles gave Tralee possession once again. However, both Rebecca Byrne and Aisling O’Hagan made superb tackles and the Thurles defence held strong.

Laura Carroll gave Thurles possession minutes later with a top class intercept from a Tralee lineout and once again Thurles were on the attack. Tralee conceded a penalty just in front of the posts and Megan Callanan calmly slotted over Thurles’ first three points of the day to give the home side a 3 -0 lead. It was to be the only score of the first half, a first half that was an intensely fought battle with Niamh Coman and Jean Ryan having superb defensive games and newcomers Laura Carroll and Sinead Kilcare proving their worth to the team. While Tralee were unlucky not to have scored towards the end of the first half with a strong Thurles defence holding them it was Thurles that had the bulk of the try chances in the first half and although in the lead they could have had tries on the board.

Tralee began the second half with a renewed vigour and scored a try not long after the re-start. The angle for the conversion was tight and Tralee failed to convert but had etched out a narrow 3 – 5 lead. Niamh Coman was impressive from the re-start and made some fantastic ground. Indiscipline from visitors Tralee saw them concede yet another kickable penalty which Megan Callanan duly slotted over with ease. Thurles once again were in the lead on a score line of 6 – 5.

In the passage of play that followed Tralee managed to score a second try. The conversion was once again missed but they re-gained the lead, the score now stood 6 – 10 in favour of Tralee. Despite conceding the try Thurles had been immense in defence with both Rebecca Byrne and Ciara O’Dwyer putting in magnificent tackles bringing the opposition out over the line.

With a little over  five minutes remaining in the game it was once again the home side that were well and truly in control of the play with Ciara O’Dwyer as good in attack as she had been earlier in defence and with the forwards such as Maria Woodlock and Joanne Harrison providing great support play. It was the combination of fast ball through the hands, support play and some exceptional rucking that saw Eileen Shanahan in over the line for a Thurles try. A superb conversion from a tight angle by Megan Callanan, who had an all round great game, saw Thurles ahead  13 – 10. Moments later the final whistle went and Thurles were deserving winners.

Under 14 Boys v Kilfeacle
Thurles kicked off their season with a hard test against a very strong and physical Kilfeacle side . Both sides fought very hard in the breakdown area . Thurles scored two trys late in the first half with one conversion . Kilfeacle came out the stronger side in the second with two trys of there own . Thurles settled into a great phase of passing and rucking which gave them them two more trys with conversions . Full time score 26 to 12 to Thurles . Big thanks to Dan Troy on his s+c coaching . Training on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7.15 all newcomers welcome .

Thurles RFC Annual Golf Classic takes place this weekend. Best of luck to all involved
 
Waterford City RFC

Courtesy of:- Deirdre Barry, Club PRO

Newport 9 v WCRFC 13
Tries: Joe Delahunty, Aidan Power    Penalty: Michael Hayes
 
With Ireland’s World Cup campaign in full swing, City made the long trip to Newport to open their league campaign, just as they did two years ago in their first season in the division but with high hopes of improving on last year’s fifth place. City pride themselves on their squad mentality which has been achieved through training numbers and togetherness and with a few injuries, that training squad was utilised with players stepping up to the mark admirably.

City decided to play with the wind in the first half. Despite this City fell foul to a few decisions at ruck time and after 10 minutes Newport slotted a penalty to go 3-0 up. City worked hard with Joe Delahunty making yards and with Aidan Power sniffing space from new fly half Darren Walsh’s distribution, City began to gain some territory. With Michael Hayes having an uncharacteristic off day with the boot, pressure told with Michael slotting over penalty to tie the scores at 3 a piece at the break.

A few honest words were spoken at half time but this didn’t stop Newport going into a 9-3 lead with 20 minutes to go. This left City wondering if they had the mental strength to match their skill dominance on the field of play. The introduction of Cian Foskin, and Darren Walsh reverting to scrum half changed the pace of the game and City began to build phases and exploit there advantage out wide. From a scrum, forwards coach Simon O’Hara would be proud of Joe Delahunty bursting through Newport’s tackling to score a try. Although a missed conversion still left city a point behind with 15 minutes to play. City began to create plenty of chances with some great driving mauls and crisp handling from the backs and Aidan Power, who is having a stellar season so far in the city backline stepping through Newport’s tackling to score to put us ahead. There were some anxious moments in the last few minutes as Newport pounded away at the city line but Cian Foskin and Joe Delahunty repelled attack after attack and finally Aidan Power capped a fine performance winning a penalty at the breakdown to secure a four point victory for City.
 
Whilst the squad was disappointed with the performance, what is notable is that City began with an away victory whilst not playing well, particularly showing mental strength to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. As can be seen from results in this division, every game will be a battle as City head into next weekend’s fixture vs. Charleville, determined to put things right on the training paddock with coach Peter Jones and ready to put down a marker in Kilbarry next Sunday.

WCRFC:  Colm Lynch, Brian Walsh, Alex Fitzmaurice, Jason Power, Sean O ‘Mahoney, Simon O’Hara, Tom Bowe, Joe Delahunty, Mark Hayes, Darren Walsh, Damien Kennedy, Connor Power (captain), Michael Hayes, Aidan Power, Nicky Jacob,
Stephen O’Rourke, Kevin Whelan, Cian Foskin, John McNicholas, Stephen Walsh, Connor White
Special emotion to our sponsors Kingfisher and Done Deal for their support and to all our supporters, friends and family.
 
Mini’s Rugby

Another good day at Waterford City RFC Mini’s this Sunday. Excellent weather conditions and our best turnout so far this season which is good news with next Sunday’s blitz (k.o. 10:30).

Pat, Keith and Caroline have come on board with the coaching staff; it’s great to have some new faces in that department. Also thanks to Jack Jacob for stepping in again.

Other good news was the first meeting of what we hope will be a new Minis Parents’ Committee so well done to those who came along today. More news to follow.

Waterford City RFC minis train every Sunday at our club grounds beside Tesco, Kilbarry from11 to 12 except on blitz days. All children born between 2004 and 2009 are welcome.

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