Club Notes: Week Ending 04.11.12

This week’s club notes come from Clonakilty RFC, Dolphin RFC and Fermoy RFC.

CLONAKILTY RFC

Courtesy of:- Roy Maguire, PRO

Suttonians 31 – Clonakilty 25

Call it Déjà vu, call it Groundhog Day, Call it Sligo revisited, call it whatever you like but for the second week on the road Clon left four massive points behind them. Four points from four games may be as good if not better than any year since 2006 but it is the eight away points spurned that hurts so much.

As in Sligo, Clonakilty came out of the blocks with the same adventurous and exhilarating brand of Rugby that had produced three trys in 25 minutes in Sligo. They went a bit better this time scoring the three trys in 20 minutes and taking a 19 – 0 lead into the closing stages of the first half.

And then the wheels came off the wagon. Once again, the foot was taken off the throttle and with few exceptions, the intensity dropped as players unconsciously felt that it was going to happen without them and they could afford to enjoy the spectacle. Suttonians sensed it, as Clon tired, and conceded penalties again the Dubliners not only dragged themselves into the game but also won it.

Clonakilty got off to the best possible start when after six minutes Mark Purcell scored a fine try. Encouragingly it came as a result of pack pressure, which disrupted a Suttonians scrum and forced a loose ball and the razor sharp scrum half pounced and burrowed over. A very confident kick from James Deasy gave Clon the extras and they were 7 – 0 up.

Clon’s most consistent player David Lombard got the second. Following good work from Purcell, Lombard came on to the pass at a terrific angle and weaved his way through a floundering defence to score. Deasy converted again and Clon were up 14 – 0 after 17 minutes.
The third finished decisively by Kieran Howlin was started by a Purcell break and the entire team contributing to a wonderful phase-building momentum before the winger dotted down. The difficult touchline conversion was narrowly wide but it seemed to matter little as the visitors were in a very commanding position at 19 – 0 on 20 minutes.

There were knowing looks exchanged by both sets of supporters. Despair etched in the faces of the home side and nervous optimism in the visitors. They had been here before but that could never happen again – could it?

All the signs were good; the scrum was on top, with outstanding scrummaging from Derry O’Neill, and the line out was a well-oiled machine with Tomas Keogh in particular lording it. The only areas that might have concerned the coaches were the restarts, which Clon were losing. The backs, particularly through out half Joe Lee, were launching attacks from wherever and however they got possession and it seemed inevitable that the bonus point would come before the half was over.
It didn’t and the concession of an excellent Stephen Van Gruting converted try following a great break from the full back, David O’Neill and finished by winger, Conor Lennon, slowed the momentum a little but it was nothing to worry about it seemed as Clon just needed to be patient now at 7 – 19 on 31 minutes.

Clon began to repeat the pattern of the Sligo game as they started to concede penalties easily. Suttonians capitalised by getting field position from two such penalties in a row and the tap and go from five metres was unstoppable with Loose Head Garrett Connolly deservedly getting the touchdown. The superb touchline conversion by Van Gruting made the situation very nervy at 14 – 19 after only three minutes of the second half. Nine minutes later, they took the lead as their patience and confidence grew in inverse proportion to Clon standing off, making errors and conceding penalties. Daire Higgins made an outstanding break and went in at the corner untouched and Van Gruten’s conversion put the home side ahead 21 – 19.

That lead was short-lived as a great kick by Deasy into the wind restored Clon to a one-point lead on 15 minutes of the second half. The advantage was turned over again to Suttonians when Clon appeared to lose interest and conceded an easy converted try to give the Leinster men a 28 – 22 lead and also, incredibly, a bonus point. Van Gruten had missed nothing at all and when Clon again showed their propensity to be penalised he slotted to give Suttonians a 31 – 22 lead to deprive the visitors of even the losing bonus point. Clon can be justifiably aggrieved as an unsighted referee missed two slight knocks-on in the lead up to the penalty concession.

It seemed now with two bonus points gone that five points were to be left behind again but Clonakilty rallied. They were after two bonus points that a fourth try would give them. A good carry by Colin Barrett from his 22 and again the reliable Lombard gave Clon go forward ball. Sutton conceded the penalty just outside their 22 and Deasy took the pressure kick confidently to at least give Clon another point on the road. That result now puts huge importance on this Saturdays home game against Sunday’s Well for both teams.

The squad was James Deasy, Kieran Howlin, Alan Long, David Lombard, Gearoid Calnan, Joe Lee, Mark Purcell, Gary Shannon, Stephen Cotter, Aidan Foley, Tomas Keogh, Mike Keohane, Batt Duggan (Capt), Courtney Canning, Ger McCarthy, Derry O’Neill, Donal Dignan, Colin Barrett, Ciaran Calnan, Gar Boohig and Luke O’Shea.

Clonakilty 37 – Bandon 3

There was better news on Sunday when the seconds had a very good win over gritty neighbours Bandon in an immensely improved performance. There was an organised look about this selection that had been missing in previous outings and they played as a team for the first time this season. The results were immediately obvious as the ball was constantly cycled with a dangerous backline getting plenty of action. John O’Sullivan and Richie Ellis got two trys each, with Shane Deasy, James O’Driscoll and Peter Deane also dotting down. Gar Boohig completed the scoring with a Convert.
The squad was Brendan Canty, John O’Sullivan, James O’Driscoll, Peter Deane, Ian O’Driscoll, Eric Murphy, Gar Boohig, Richie Ellis, Packie O’Leary, Richard Gaskin, John Collins, Cathal O’Reagan, Colin Barrett, Timmy O’Regan, Donal Dignan, Sean Wycherley, Shane Deasy, Filam Dignan, Olan Hayes, Mark O’Donovan, Aidan Holland and Joe Knowles.

Bull in The Vale!

Clonakilty Rugby Club have their next home AIL game, against Sunday's Well this Saturday, November 3rd, in The Vale. On the same day John "The Bull" Hayes, one of Munster and Ireland's most revered rugby players will visit the club and a family fun day is planned with bouncing castle, face painting and lots more!

In association with Kerr's Bookshop, John's book "The Bull, My Story" will be available to purchase at the club and John will be signing them from 12.00 noon. The story of a National sporting hero, "The Bull – My Story" tells John's life story from his days farming and playing GAA in Cappamore to the highs of winning two Heineken Cups and a Grand Slam and gives a unique insight into the mindset of an extraordinary athlete. A personally signed copy will surely make a wonderful Christmas gift for all sports lovers. It would also make an impressive and thoughtful corporate gift for your sports loving clients.

So come along West Cork sports fans, enjoy a great day out with the family and finish it off by cheering on the Clon Boys as they take on Sunday's Well in a Local Derby! To be sure not to be disappointed on the day, copies can be pre-ordered by e-mailing clonrfc@gmail.commailto:clonrfc@gmail.com

This weekends fixtures

Saturday 3rd November

Clonakilty v Sunday’s Well – Minis Tournament, 12 Noon – The Vale

South Munster Under 15 League, Bandon V Clonakilty, 11.00am Old Chapel

South Munster Under17 League, Skibbereen V Clonakilty, 11.30am, Skibbereen

South Munster Under 19 League, Highfield V Clonakilty, 11.30am, Cork

UB All Ireland League, Clonakilty V Sunday’s Well, 2.30pm, The Vale Loose Head

DOLPHIN RFC

Courtesy of:- Richard Whelan

Dolphin RFC this week launched a new playing strip at City Hall Cork with Lord Mayor Cllr John Buttimer .

The new jersey which Dolphin will wear for the first time this weekend against St Marys College features sponsors O Sullivan's Pharmacy, Pinta, Maryborough Hotel & Spa, Daly Derham Donnelly Solicitors and Karizma Barbers.

Club captain Niall Scannell was joined in the Mayors Chambers for the Civic Reception by Dolphin teammates and Munster players James Coughlan and David O’ Callaghan .

At the event the Lord Mayor commended Dolphin on it's contribution to Cork and Irish sport and gave special praise to Dolphin's Commercial Partners for their generous support in these challenging times .

Dolphin President John Sylvester thanked the Mayor for honouring Dolphin with a reception and said that it was a very special occasion as well as recognition for the many volunteers who play key roles in maintaining an active playing membership of close to 500 on a weekly basis from the age of 5 upwards.

Dolphin who have won their last two games, resume their Ulster Bank League campaign this weekend against champions St Marys and they have a great day planned with an action filled day with 11 games in Musgrave Park on Saturday alone .

Later on Saturday evening the Musgrave Park clubhouse will become a "haunted house" as it plays host to the now renowned Annual Halloween Party . Adult members are known to be preparing their costumes for this event which kicks off at 8pm . Goal kicking supremo Barry Keeshan is realigning his skills for the event as Judge of the Best Costume.

FERMOY RFC

Fermoy Mini Rugby

Last Saturday all our teams played at home. Our U9s and U11s hosted Clonakilty and Cork Con in a blitz at Fermoy rugby grounds while our U7, U8, 10s & U12s hosted Mitchelstown in a challenge match. A great morning’s rugby was enjoyed by all and we look forward to resumption of training on Wednesday 7th November as our minis are taking a break from training for this week to coincide with the school midterm holiday.
Under 10 Rugby

Fermoy hosted Mitchelstown last Saturday in a local derby. The game started with captain for the day Tiernan MacCarthy scoring for us in the first minute, a great solo effort. We were well on top and the tries kept coming through Sam,Darragh and Jake. It was a bit one-sided but in truth the Mitchelstown team seemed a bit weaker than ours. Nevertheless Mitchelstown scored a fine try of their own before the break. The second half followed the same pattern as the first with our lads scoring at will. Luke Cross and Luke O’Mahoney scored a couple of gems to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Aleksey Semcenko and Brian Hurley were also very much to the fore. Great credit was also due to the Mitchelstown team who fought to the bitter end.

Altogether it was a great morning’s rugby and both teams headed to the clubhouse afterwards to sample a few buns.
Fermoy Team: Tiernan MacCarthy(Capt), Luke Cross, Luke O Mahoney, Aleksey Semcenko, Jake Buckley, Sam, Darragh O Sullivan, Brian Hurley.

Under 11 Rugby

Our U11 squad had their first blitz on home soil last Saturday. On a crisp morning we faced opposition in the form of 2 teams from Cork Con and a team from Clonakilty.
The boys tore into our first game and it was clear to see from the outset that the work from the Wednesday night sessions is beginning to bear fruit. The support play especially in the ruck was much improved and we soon got reward in the form of a great breakaway try after 3 or 4 good quick rucks on our 22. Cork Con were not giving up but our boys stuck to the task and emerged victorious. The second game was against the second Cork Con squad and again it was a fast open game with tries being swapped at regular intervals. In the end the city boys prevailed in tight game. Our lads kept their best rugby for the final game where we took on Clonakilty. The boys ran in some great individual tries and finished the game off with a great team try that saw 4 great passes to see our man over in the corner. It was great to see the boys enjoy the morning and from a coach’s perspective it is great to see the ongoing improvement in the skill levels. We have a week off for the mid-term break and then we will drive on till Christmas!

The squad that did us all proud on Saturday were S O’Brien, J Ahern, A Doocey, B Mc Grath, W Quirke, M Durcan, J Whelan, D Crowley, O O’Sullivan, D Daly, C Hyland, E Dolan, B Twomey, A Nolan and A Noonan.

Under 12 Rugby

Our u12s took on a challenge from Mitchelstown. This was a game of two halves, and were up against a very good Mitchelstown team who were attacking right from when the ref blew the whistle. The first half belonged to Mitchelstown, who started off the stronger side and went over the Fermoy line a couple of times. Fermoy were attacking well only for Mitchelstown to stop us short of the line. The first half finished with Mitchelstown camped on the Fermoy line going over for another try before the ref blew for half time. It could have been a lot worse in the first half only for the great deference of the Fermoy team, Sean Hegarty, Jack O’Leary, Adam Ducey, and Mathew Valentine who were outstanding in stopping Mitchelstown from going over for more. Just as the second half started Fermoy came out attacking this time and within seconds Fermoy went over for a well worked try, it all started from Mathew Valentine restarting with Mitchelstown being too slow picking up the ball, only for Jack Fox and Jack O’Leary turning the player over, Sean Hegarty received the ball and passed it out to Aaron Noonan who ran and a bit of zig zaging along the way went over for Fermoy first try in the game. Just as Mitchelstown restarted Rory O Sullivan who caught the ball made a run for the Mitchelstown line and with slick passing from Rory O Sullivan to Mathew Valentine on to Ben McCarthy and finally on to Jack Fox who went over for a very well worked try. Mitchelstown responded with a try of their own only for Fermoy to strike back with two more quick tries leaving the Mitchelstown line in tatters. The first coming from Aaron Noonan with help from Sean Hegarty, Patrick Coughlan and Michael Durcan. It was a trade mark try for Aaron Noonan who is use to running from the half way line and going over for his second of the morning. The last of our tries went to Jack Fox who with great determination wasn’t letting Mitchelstown take the ball or even stop him from going over for his second try of the day. This was also a very well worked try with the entire team at once stage taken the ball forward and Jack Fox barging his way over the try line. Shortly after the try the ref blew the final whistle. It was effort from all involved. Well done lads.

The Fermoy team were Mathew Valentine, Jack Fox, Aaron Noonan, Sean Hegarty, Ben McCarthy, Adam Ducey, Rory O’Sullivan, Jack O’Leary, Shane Cotter, Michael Durcan, Patrick Coughlan

Under 13 & 14 Rugby

Last Saturday a depleted squad of 12 players made their way to Old Christians in Glanmire for a friendly match against a U13 side. For the second match in a row, Fermoy were dependent on the generosity of the opposition to make up a team. Fermoy got a rude awakening when Old Christians kicked off and scored a try in the first twenty seconds. This set the scene for what was not a great day for Fermoy when our tackling was poor and passing to the wings didn’t happen. On the single occasion when Fermoy put together a series of phases, Sean Coakley was unlucky not to score a try on the right wing. Support quickly lined up and eventually Oisin Doran rang in a fine try left of the posts. It was Fermoy’s only score on the day. Thanks to the parents who offered to transport the squad on the day. The next match is home against Ballincollig on Saturday November 10th. Training this Saturday at 10am.

On a positive note, we are delighted to hear that St. Colmans College, Fermoy will commence rugby for First Years from Monday November 12th at 3.30pm. We would like to thank Mr. Patrick Donnelly, the First Years’ PE Teacher for agreeing to add rugby as an option for the First Years and we look forward to working closely with the school in their endeavours in the First Year Inter-Schools League.
Team: James Buckley (capt), Codi Kelly, Matthew Lynch, Ethan Takle, Oisin Doran, Ian Ahern, Hugh Mulqueen, Jamie McEvoy, Jack O’Donnell, Dylan O’Meara, Sean Coakley, Colm Hurley.

FERMOY YOUTHS RUGBY

Under 17 Rugby
Our U17’s took on Kanturk in the second league game of the season. This game was always going to be a test of our new and inexperienced squad as we were coming up against a Kanturk with very high expectations and we were missing a few lads due to injury and other commitments. On the day we travelled with the bare 15 lads and as is always the case these teams can’t function without the help of parents and we owe a big thanks to Adam Cotter’s mam for getting Adam out of bed and to the match in Kanturk in time to come on a make a big impact on the game.
The game kicked off and for the first ten to fifteen minutes you would have been excused for believing that Fermoy were the favorites. With Josh and Eoin pulling the strings behind the scrum we pinned Kanturk back into their own half again and again and we were rewarded with a penalty which Eoin slotted for Fermoy to be deserved leaders. This stirred Kanturk into action and within twenty minutes we were behind 15 – 3 on the scoreboard and Kanturk were now living up to their favorites tag. In the first half we should have scored two tries of our own and some fantastic running by Ben Lomasney should have led to scores but our execution left us down and it was Kanturk who scored again before half time.
We made only one change and halftime and sent the lads back out for the second half but unfortunately we gave away a score with in five minutes of the restart and we lost our outhalf to injury. We re-jigged the team moving Josh to Outhalf and Jack to scrumhalf and putting Moro our hooker on the wing. We asked the lads to dig deep and pick themselves up and they didn’t let us down. We scored a total of 22 points in the second half. Four great tries two from Scott Sheehan and two from Michael Geary had Kanturk reeling. Josh Pickering got on the scoreboard with a conversion. So even though we lost the game 40 points to 25 we proved to ourselves that we have a lot of potential and that with everyone available and a little more training we can get on winning ways.
A huge thanks to the lads who travelled and to the parents who brought the lads and supported us. We came out second best but served up a very entertaining game of rugby. We have to mention Oscar Bradley who on his debut had a great game.
Team: Tony Cullen, Aidan Dinneen, James O’ Sullivan, Daniel Fisher, Kevin Donleavy, Sean Burke, Darren Moore, Mathew Geary, Josh Pickering, Eoin Lacey, Jack Buckley, Oscar Bradley, Michael Geary, Scott Sheehan, Ben Lomasney, Adam Cotter,

IN OTHER MINI NEWS!

Mini training resumes on 7th November. Due to the school midterm holiday there will be no mini rugby training on Saturday morning 3rd November. Wednesday nights weekly training will resume on Wednesday 7th November at 6.45pm.
Please remember to bring €;2 for each Wednesday nights training session-to help towards the cost of the floodlights.
New members welcome Fermoy mini rugby club aims to develop the game of rugby in a safe and enjoyable manner by encouraging skills development and above all fun and inclusion for young players in the age range under 8 to under 12.
We always welcome new members. We would like to invite all interested in playing to come along on Saturday morning or to any of our training sessions and join in. If you have a query regarding mini rugby please contact Jim Crowley at 0851742244.

WOMENS RUGBY

A great game was had under lights in Bruff with the Fermoy Lionesses winning 24-0 in a friendly.
Both teams defended very well with Bruff in their first season showing great skills. The Fermoy team showed great composure throughout the game with the lineout functioning exceptionally well. Fermoy’s back line showed great movement and hands leading to four excellent tries for the backs throughout the game. Second centre Noirin McHugh scored a hat trick of tries. Her first try came from great pressure and ball retention from the pack. Some great work by Justine Fitzgerald stealing the ball on the ground, followed by great interplay between Noirin and Aine Firtear, led to Noirin’s second try. The third try of the game was scored by Roberta McDonald who showed a clean pair of heels from just outside Fermoy’s 22 to score beneath the posts. The final try of the day secured Noirin’s hat trick as she made a break from just outside Fermoy’s half way line. Fly half Louise Buttimer converted twice to bring the final score to 24-0.

Congratulations to everyone on a very competitive game and especially to our new team members.

Team: Clodagh Lacey, Sophie Carroll, Adina Lyons, Elaine Murphy, Frances Tobin, Deirdre Purfield, Justine Fitzgerald, Patricia Carroll, Marion Beecher, Louise Buttimer, Aine Firtear, Noirin McHugh, Amy Quinn, Orla Cotter, Roberta McDonald, Siobhan Clarke
Training continues every Tuesday night at 7pm & Friday night at 6.30pm at the Showgrounds.
We are always looking for new players, regardless of experience in rugby or any other sport, we’d be delighted if you’d join our troop. For more information contact our coach Paddy Kelly (see Contacts page) or email fermoyrugby@gmail.com

MENS RUGBY

Fermoy Junior 1’s had an important win on Sunday as they travelled to Moneygourney to play Douglas.
In the week leading up to the game, it was appreciated by everyone that it wasn’t going to be easy and that it would be a real test of our character & resolve if we were to come away with a win this weekend.
To say it was a game of two halves would only be fair. The opening 20mins of the game was littered with penalties for poor discipline in the breakdown.
Douglas took advantage of these opening penalties racking up 12 points on the score board through the boot of outhalf, Eoin Philpott. Before the half time break Fermoy clawed back on the score board through the boot of Joe Lee, while moment’s later winger Peter Stapleton added 5points with a try in the corner. Half time Score Douglas 12- Fermoy 8.
The second half saw a dramatic decrease in the penalty count with better disciple in the breakdown. It was Fermoy who added to their spoils after the break with another try from Stapleton. The score on 65 minutes 12-13 to Fermoy.
Douglas responded with a fifth penalty, again through the reliable boot of Philpott. Score on 70mins 15-13 to Douglas.
With the pressure on both teams, Douglas to hold out for the last ten minutes, and Fermoy under the same pressure to score a minimum of 3points for the win, it was outhalf Joe Lee who managed to sneak over the line. Final Score Douglas 15 – Fermoy 20

OTHER NEWS & EVENTS IN FERMOY RFC

Fermoy Rugby Club Represented at Munster Level
Huge Congratulations from everyone in Fermoy Rugby Club to Leah Lyons & Meadbh O Callaghan from FermoyRFC, who have been selected for the Munster U19 Women’s Squad this season. Both girls have come through a series of trials and competed with over 75 other players to be selected. The club are very proud of their selection to the squad & wish them every success over the coming weeks as they knuckle down to training. Well Done Ladies!

Tickets Available from Fermoy RFC
Be it tickets for Munster v Scarlets at Musgrave Park or Munster v Saracens at Thomond Park in the Heineken Cup or even an Irish rugby game, contact Conor Butler by email fermoyrugby@gmail.com for tickets.

For More information on Fermoy RFC – Follow @FermoyRFC on Twitter or Like us on Facebook ‘FermoyRFC@ or email fermoyrugby@gmail.com or visit www.fermoyrugby.wordpress.com