Club Notes: Week Ending 06.12.13

This week’s club notes come from Cobh, Midleton, Nenagh, Shannon and Waterford City rugby clubs.

Click here for Cobh club notes

Click here for Midleton club notes

Click here for Nenagh club notes

Click here for Shannon club notes

Click here for Waterford City club notes

Cobh RFC

Courtesy of:- Liz Cotter, Club PRO

J1 _ Pirates dominated the game with good running rugby following an early defeat in the season to Old Christians. The score at half time was 15-3.Try scorers on the day where Jack Hickey, Kevin Allen, Ciarain Duignam, John Kidney and Greg Higgins scored a try, conversions and penalty winning him Man of the Match. Final score being 46-10. Very Good Performance.

J2_ It was a high scoring, hard fought game with Pirates loosing by a small margin. Pirates opened well but failed to convert good pressure into scores. A try by Aaron Gilmore to start off but conceded soft try shortly after. Pirates fought back again with a Killian Barry try converted by Ian Jones but again Kanturk struck back levelling the game at 12 all. After half time Pirates took a lot to settle but developed a very good display of rugby with another try from Aaron Gilmore but conceded two tries immediately after falling behind. With another try from Mark Dumphy it finished with the team unable to claw back the four points to level the game.

Man of the Match went to Jack Cahill. Next match will be the 15th December away to Mallow.
The Ladies have a home game against Waterford this coming Sunday so why not make sure and pop up and support the Ladies in their last match before the Christmas break.

U13 friendly against Youghal won 20-10
U16 League 36 -10 beat Muskerry
U18 League 7 -0 beat Mallow

This weekend all youths teams at home
U14 against Charleville KO 12.15
U16 against Fermoy KO 11.00
U18 against Youghal KO12.45

Mini section training at home with coaching from munster branch representative John O’Neill and Finny Regan. U10 and U12 away to Carrigaline.

Mini Christmas Draw tickets now on sale please support by buying a ticket – available from the club.

Midleton RFC

Courtesy of- Jason Boyle, Club PRO

Sligo 16 Midleton 11

It was a clear winter’s day with Midleton getting play underway on our first trip to Hamilton park. Sligo gather and kick down field; Midleton knock on and it’s an early scum to Sligo just inside the Midleton half. Play continues with Sligo camping in the Midleton half and with about 5 minutes played the home team are rewarded with a penalty just inside the halfway line. Sligo have an opportunistic shot for points but the attempt is short. Midleton clear and Sligo advance again putting pressure on the Midleton defence inside our 22. Play progresses and Sligo are rewarded with another penalty this time it’s over and the score stands at Sligo 3 Midleton 0.

From the restart Midleton mount an attack and win a penalty at about halfway, Christian has a look and decides to kick for points, he has the distance but the shot is wide. An earlier knock in a heavy tackle on the out-half is going to be telling as not much later he has another chance to level the game from a penalty but that shot is also wide. Play resumes and Midleton knock on- scrum Sligo. Midleton do well today in the scrum today with both packs equally matched. Play continues with Sligo mounting an attack again edging forward in the Midleton half. Midleton are penalised for not releasing and Sligo kick for a lineout just outside the Midleton 10. On 30 minutes Midleton pick up a yellow for playing on the ground, the penalty gives Sligo an opportunity to put up another 3 points and the score is now Sligo 6 Midleton 0.

After the restart Sligo put in a great period of play; edging into the Midleton half and pushing forward within 5 minutes they are rewarded with a try; 35 minutes gone and the score is now Sligo 13 Midleton 0 and that’s how it stands at the break.
The second half gets underway with a couple of scrums for infringements the eventually results in a free to Midleton and a chance to relieve the pressure with a kick to halfway. Midleton push on and eventually win a penalty and put some points on the board about 10 minutes into the second half – Sligo 13 Midleton 3. Sligo come back on the restart and are rewarded with a scrum on the Midleton 22. Midleton defend well, gather and clear the lines however with about 22 minutes played of the second half we give a penalty and Sligo are now ahead 16 to 3.

On the restart and Midleton are on the back foot again defending hard, Sligo make a break, run for the line but knock on for a Midleton scrum in dangerous territory. A strong scrum and box kick sees a line out on about 10m to Sligo. Again the Midleton defence is good. The ball is won and then there is a great kick down field that is caught by our winger Dee; who then taken out with a high tackle and its Sligo’s turn to go down to 14 with about 10 minutes to go.

Midleton capitalise and drive forward with some great play resulting in a try for the fullback O’Sullivan in the corner. A missed conversion means that, with time running out, the fight is on for a losing bonus point. Sligo 16 Midleton 8.

Great pressure pushing forward again from Midleton results in some edgy play from the hosts and with the clock ticking down we win another Penalty. This time the shot is good and its Sligo 16 Midleton 11. Now tails are up and Midleton sense the chance of a late steal. Pushing forward again, Sligo are under pressure, however a penalty holding on turns over possession and with a kick to touch the game is ended.

Overall a disappointing trip West for the first time in Sligo, however holding the hosts to just 3 points in the second half with 11 going in for Midleton and a chance at the end to reverse fortunes shows that this is a team that embodies the spirit of "never give up" and fights to the end. All eyes now on the home derby against Sundays Well on Friday night, an encounter to be relished by both teams and one that is sure not to disappoint. Kick Off is 7:45pm 6th December.

In other news

Our U13’s were unlucky, losing to Bandon. U14’s continue their amazing run of wins with a great result against Sundays Well while the U16s narrowly lost to Highfield (28-24), finally the U18’s were also successful againt Bantry (19-11).

Nenagh Ormond RFC

Courtesy of:- Eithne Darcy, Club PRO

Friday Night Lights!

This Friday night sees Richmond travel to Nenagh Ormond for the seventh round of AIL action. Nenagh Ormond are currently unbeaten and sit at the top of Division 2B. The game kicks off at 7.30pm and it’s sure to be a great match and a great night with music and craic in the clubhouse afterwards. Your support will be greatly appreciated.

Why not join us for the pre-match meal? To book your seat or a table, contact any committee member, PM us on Facebook or contact us through our website (http://www.nenaghormondrfc.com/).

Ballincollig 0-27 Nenagh Ladies

Nenagh Ladies travelled to Ballincollig last Sunday for their sixth league game. The girls were unbeaten up to this point but their previous encounter with Ballincollig had been a tough affair at home in Lisatunny which they had to dig deep to win and they knew they would have to be on top form. The game started with Ballincollig in possession for some time and the Nenagh girls showed their grit and determination with some great defence. They weathered the storm and got back up the pitch and into Ballincollig’s half where Sandra Williams took the first score with a great break. Ballincollig came back fighting but again failed to convert possession and the Nenagh forwards worked well together to set up the ball for the backs. It was Williams again who broke through for the second try.

The girls pushed on from this and kept possession well. From a scrum on Ballincollig’s 22, Marie Louise Ryan picked and made great ground. After some good hard running and excellent rucking by the forwards, the ball was flashed to the backline by scrum half June Whelan at exactly the right time. Williams made a half break and off-loaded to Niki Lillis whose great support line put her over the line to leave Nenagh leading 17 points to nil at half time.

The second half started as the first half had with Ballincollig fighting hard to get on the scoreboard but the Nenagh defence was too good. Nenagh regained possession and both Caroline Cahalan and Adeline Harty ran hard, straight lines to cut open the Ballincollig defence. The support was there for them and Williams went in for her hat trick try and the bonus point win. Nenagh kept pressing and again the forwards made the hard yards. The ball came out to Catherine McGill who straightened well to set up the ball for the backs who passed it out to the wing. Williams had spotted the space out wide and looped around. Caroline Cahalan ran hard and flicked the ball underarm to Williams for her to score under the posts.

For the final ten minutes of the game, Ballincollig threw everything they had at the red and white line but the Nenagh girls held firm, determined not to leak even one score. The attitude and team spirit the girls showed in these moments was a credit to them. At the final whistle the score was Ballincollig 0-27 Nenagh Ladies and the girls keep their top of the table spot in Division 2 South.

Credit must go to each and every player for this performance but in particular to Breda Doheny and Marie Louise Ryan who, despite playing out of position, both put in outstanding performances and to Sandra Williams who led the team by example.

Next up for the Ladies are Shannon at home at 1pm on Sunday, December 15th. Training continues every Wednesday and Friday night, contact Eithne on 087-2940928 for details.

Team: Anna Nolan, Caroline Cahalan, Adeline Harty, Sandra Williams (capt), Niki Lillis, Emma Dunlea, June Whelan, Vanessa Chadwick, Gillian Ryan, Catherine McGill, Aisling O’Neill, Denise Williams, Hazel Slevin, Breda Doheny, Marie Louise Ryan. Rep: Sarah Corcoran.

Under 18s League Semi-Final

Our Under 18s travelled away to Waterpark on Sunday. With a place in the final at stake, Nenagh took the game to Waterpark from the off. With Nenagh enjoying most of the possession, they were unlucky to concede a try late in the half to go behind 5-nil at half time.

Nenagh started strong in the second half but, as in the first half, were unable to convert possession into points. Waterpark scored two late tries to finish the match Waterpark 19 Nenagh 0. All credit to the lads, this was a brave display in the Nenagh jersey.

Training Tuesday night at 7.30pm, remaining memberships due.

Under 14s 13-7 Waterford City

The Nenagh Ormond Under 14s were back in competitive action last Sunday after a three week break. They hosted Waterford City in the East Munster League quarter final. The Nenagh lads started slowly but eventually the forwards began to make inroads with a solid scrum and some very good rucking. This pressure led to a turnover being won and some quick hands along the line saw Evan Murphy race clear to touch down in the corner and after the missed conversion Nenagh led 5-nil. Then soon after more good pressure at the ruck led to a Nenagh penalty under the posts which was duly converted by Ben Duff to give Nenagh an 8-nil half time lead.

Nenagh really piled on the pressure in the second half and created a number of chances but the final pass was letting them down and the score remained at a tense 8-nil. The game became somewhat disjointed as tired players were coming off and subs were entering the fray. Then there was a bit of quick thinking from scrum half Danny Molamphy when he broke from the back of a twenty-two metre scrum to get over for a good try and push the score out to 13 nil at that stage. There was a late foray from Waterford which saw them get in for a try and conversion at the very end but Nenagh had done enough and now march on to the semi-final in a few weeks time. Training continues as normal on Wednesday nights in Tyone and a big effort is required in the coming weeks.

Under 12s

Nenagh U 12’s travelled to Kilfeacle on Sunday in strong numbers and took on a very strong and well organized Kilfeacle team. Nenagh started slowly but some great rucking against a powerful Kilfeacle pack enabled them to hold on to the ball and their confidence began to grow. Tries from Hugh Guest and Paidi Williams brought the scores level. Kilfeacle scored again to leave the score at 4-2 and the signs looked ominous but Nenagh refused to lie down and fought back with tries from Jack Deane and Dylan Murphy to level again.

Great credit must go to Nenagh as this was their biggest challenge of the season. Their bravery at the breakdown and in defence was outstanding.

Jack Meehan and Joe Cooney made their debuts for Nenagh and fitted in very well.

Team: Jack Deane, Danny Wilkinson, Conor White, Eoin O’Meara, Paidi Williams, Hugh Guest, Jack White, James Meagher, Jack Meehan, Sean Richardson, Joe Cooney, Ruari Moylan, Dylan Murphy, James Duff.

Under 11s

Our Under 11s travelled to Kilfeacle on Sunday to take on a well drilled home team. The final score was 5 tries to 3 to Kilfeacle. This was our biggest test to date and Kilfeacle showed us what can be done by passing and using the full width of the pitch. All of their 5 tries came wide out after quick hands and running from depth. Our lads never gave up and showed great heart and no little skill of their own with everyone putting their bodies on the line. Special praise to Nathan Griffin this week who carried hard and often and gave us great go forward ball. Try scorers were Eoghan Tighe, John Brislane and Tom Kennedy.

Panel: Patrick Fogarty, Daire Slevin, Tommy Ryan, Barry Ryan, Peter Collins, Eoghan Tighe, James Finn, Evan Rainsford, Andrew Ferris, Sonny Dower, Jamie Cottrell, Nathan Griffin, Tom Kennedy, Martin Ryan, Sean Fitzgerald, DJ McGrath, Niall O’Sullivan, Liam Cooney, John Brislane.

Under 8s Blitz

Nenagh played host to Birr and Roscrea on Sunday. Our under 8’s played very well and a great day was had by all. Thanks to Birr and Roscrea for travelling and also to the N.O.R.F.C. ladies who provided food and refreshments for our guests.

Nenagh Ormond Under 8s: Ryan Gratton, Conor McGrath, Paul Talbot, Luke Comerford, Sam Cusack, Darragh Gleeson, Brehon O’Donnell, Tommy Wilkinson and Michael Gleeson.

Munster & Ireland Tickets

Small number of tickets available for Munster v Perpignan this Sunday, December 8th.
To order tickets for any Munster or Ireland game, please text the ticketline on 087-7929286 stating:
Your name
Match details
How many tickets you would like to order
Tickets are distributed in the clubhouse on the Monday evening prior to games.

Shannon RFC

Courtesy of:- Siofra Scanlan, Club PRO

A heart-stopping end to the Senior AIL match against Belfast Harlequins last weekend. The words "They think it’s all over" come to mind. A well deserved win for the lads who have worked hard over the last few weeks. Well done to all involved. This weekend sees us travel to Malone in the second last AIL match of the year. We know its a good distance but all support is welcome. If you cannot travel please make sure to follow all the live events and scores from the match on twitter, facebook, the Shannon RFC app or website.

Events & News

HEINEKEN CUP TICKETS MUNSTER V PERPIGNAN DECEMBER 8TH
Shannon RFC have Heineken Cup match tickets for sale for the Munster V Perpignan game on December 8th. We are offering anyone who purchases a ticket a free pint, hot whiskey/hot port, tea/coffee or soft drink on producing your Shannon RFC Match ticket AFTER the game and ONLY at the bar in the Shannon RFC Clubhouse. Should anyone wish to purchase tickets please contact Tadhg Crowe on 0876524958 or secretary@shannonrfc.com. Cat A, Cat B and Terrace tickets available. The Shannon RFC Clubhouse will be open from 10.30am on the day serving all your favourite beers on tap. There will also be a selection of hot food available. So why not make a day of it. Stop off in the Clubhouse before the match and support your local Club. Kick off is at 12.45pm in Thomond Park.

SHANNON RFC CLUBHOUSE, YOUR LOCAL FOR MATCHES
Shannon RFC Clubhouse will be open on Sunday 8th December for the Heineken Cup game Munster V Perpignan. Why not stop in before the match and see the new look clubhouse. Full bar available serving all your favourite beers on tap with selection of Hot Food available. Doors open early at 10.30am with kick off at 12.45pm in Thomond Park.

Congratulations

All at Shannon RFC would like to pass on our congratulations to Andrew Thompson and wife Sinead on the birth of their baby girl Juliette last week.

The Shannon Tradition Continues
Many congratulations and best of luck to Frank Ryan, Son of Mike and Jane Ryan and Grandson of Martin Bradshaw, who has been named on the U19’s Ireland panel to face Australia Schools at Ravenhill on December 14th.

The Club Shop For All The Ideal Christmas Presents
The Club Shop will be open in Coonagh from 7-8pm on Thursday 5th December, should you wish to purchase a great gift for any rugby fan. Anyone who wishes to enquire about stock or purchase anything can contact Audrey Yeoman on 087-6293002.

SHANNON RFC APP
The info is in and we have officially reached hits of 8,046, 806 have downloaded the app and we have a following in 78 countries all over the world. Please feel free to share the link with anyone who may be interested. We would love some feedback from all of you who are following us on the app so feel free to email me directly at siofrascanlan@gmail.com
If you still have not downloaded yet here is the link. http://clubapplive.com/shannonrfc.

Get Your Name Out There
Do you want to get your company name more widely known? Why not advertise in the Shannon RFC annual Calendar. Ad space is available for the 2014 calendar. Anyone who wishes to place an ad please contact John Leahy on 086 2562730 or at chairman@shannonrfc.com

SHANNON RFC SCRAP METAL CHALLENGE SUNDAY
All at Shannon RFC would like to thank everyone who contributed to this event. You have raised some very important funds for the club and it is much appreciated. A special mention to Morgan who organised. Their will be a scrap metal skip on an ongoing bases in Coonagh on Sunday mornings. Your ongoing contributions are appreciated.

YOUR CLUB, YOUR COUNTRY IRFU DRAW 2013
On behalf of Shannon RFC we would like to thank all who supported the club for
this event.

A Great Gift for All
With the seasonal preparations starting all around why not give someone near or far the gift of a Shannon RFC membership. A great gift for any occasion with the added bonus of supporting your local club. Packages, including family membership, are available. Should you wish to find out more information or purchase membership please contact Barry McConkey at honsec@shannonrfc.com
PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY THROUGH COONAGH
We would ask everyone to please take care, slow down and observe the speed limit through Coonagh Village on the way to and from the matches and training.

YOUR CLUB, YOUR THOUGHTS
We always like to hear from our members near and far. If you have a story, any interesting historical information or an article about the club that you would like to share we would love to hear it.Any submissions for consideration can be sent to siofrascanlan@gmail.com

Change of Time for Match
Please note that the AIL Match Shannon V DCU (Trinity) taking place in Coonagh on the 14th December will have a kick off of 14.00pm.

UPCOMING FIXTURES

Friday 6th Decmber
Gleeson League ~ 3rds~ Shannon V Newcastle West, Coonagh 7.30pm

Saturday 7th Decmber
AIL ~ Seniors ~ Malone V Shannon, Belfast, 2.30pm,

Sunday 8th December
AIL ~ Ladies ~ Shannon V New Ross, 1pm, Coonagh

Underage Training and Fixtures

Sunday 8th December

Minis
9.30am
U10s Blitz @ Well field

10.00am
U6,7,8,9, Top Pitch
U11,12 Training Pitch

Youths
10.00am
U13 League v U 14 Conference (provisional) Top Pitch
No league matches due to Heineken cup match

Sunday 15th December
U16 League Shannon V Kilrush 11.30 Coonagh
U14 League Shannon V Ennis 12 noon Coonagh
U14 Conference Garryowen v Shannon 12 noon Garryowen
Concussion:
I.R.F.U. stipulation is 23 days being 14 days of rest, 8 days of gradual return (light training) with availability for games on 23rd day
RE: RBS 6 NATIONS HOME GAMES

Should you be interested, orders are now being taken for school pupil packages the RBS 6 Nations Home games when Ireland play Wales, Scotland and Italy.
There are a limited number of packages available and these will be allocated on a first come, first receive basis.

Packages include 50 school pupil and 5 adult tickets – all located in the same area.
Contact tadhg Crowe, secretary@shannonrfc.com

Thought Of The Week

"Set your sights high, the higher the better. Expect the most wonderful things to happen, not in the future but right now. Realize that nothing is too good. Allow absolutely nothing to hamper you or hold you up in any way"

Waterford City RFC

Courtesy of:- Damien Kennedy, Club PRO

Tough weekend for both men’s teams
Munster Junior League Division 2
St. Senans 41
Waterford City 03
Our 1st team faced a tough away fixture in Clare last Sunday against the league leaders St. Senan’s RFC. Despite only being 13-3 down coming into the 2nd half the home side upped the pace and added 4 tries, 3 of which were scored from quick tap penalties. A harsh lesson for the lads who did compete well against a well drilled and fast team, all attention now turns to the vital League clash away to Youghal RFC in the coming weeks.
J2 League
Waterpark 29
Waterford City 19

The game began with Waterpark controlling possession for the opening 10 mins and some poor defence at the ruck allowed the waterpark scrumhalf sneak in for the opening score to put them 7-0 ahead. 5mins later they added their 2nd try after a kick through bounced the right way for their 2nd centre and he scored in the corner to make it 12-0 . City did wake up and some good runs by fullback Ben Walsh and No 8 Davey Whelan gave momentum but unfortunately both were lost early to injury. A well timed pass from Colm Lynch put inside centre Damien Kennedy through a gap where he broke the cover tackle and off loaded to James Halligan who crashed over the line, the try was converted by captain Gary Keane to leave it 12-7 going into half time. Waterpark struck first after the break with a penalty to put them 15-7 ahead. Disaster struck for City when the Waterpark centre intercepted a pass and scored a try to make it 22-7.City needed a score and 5mins later young Ryan Phillips fielded a loose kick and cut in field and gave a quick pass to put Damien Kennedy into space, he broke through and put the ball out to James Halligan who broke the cover tackle to score in the corner to make it 22-12. With 10 mins remaining Waterpark battered the City tryline and eventually they found a way over to make it 29-12. On the final play centre Damien Kennedy broke through from inside his own half and out paced the defence to score under the posts and leave the final score 29-19 , not a bad performance from the team who were hit with a few late withdrawals before kick off.Well done to Graham Power and young Ryan Phillips on their first game at this level, both were superb when they came on.

U-18 v Clonmel

We travelled to Clonmel on Sunday for our first game in the development league. Clonmel have a very big pack and they used it well by making us commit players to rucks then moving it wide and although we put our all into it after 3 or 4 phases it was just a numbers game.In the second half we played a little better but missed tackles at key times cost us again. We had one or two flashes of brilliance and one of these from David Roche lead to our only try which Conor Brennan converted. the game ended 37 to 7. Players to mention today were Aidan Power, Patrick Walsh who played both forwards and backs in the game but man of the match goes to David Roche who against much bigger opponents played very well. Plenty of games to play lets get to training and get ourselves ready for them see ya all Wednesday at 7.