The week’s club notes come from Bantry Bay, Bruff, Newcastle West, Tralee and Waterford City rugby clubs.

Click here for Bantry Bay RFC Club Notes

Click here for Bruff RFC Club Notes

Click here for Newcastle West Club Notes

Click here for Tralee RFC Club Notes

Click here for Waterford City Club Notes

Bantry Bay RFC

Courtesy of:- Damien Hicks

Match report for Bantry Under18 Girls v Abbeyfeale in semi final.

On Saturday the u18 girls headed to UL to play Abbeyfeale in the semi final.
The girls knew after meeting Abbeyfeale a few weeks ago that it would be a tough game.
It took the Bay girls 5mins to settle Abbeyfeale put them under pressure but then with a turn over ball the forwards took on the ball and made some good yards before it was passed out to the backs and Yvonne crossed the line close to the side line. The conversion fell just short. From the restart again with some good yards made by the forwards of Bantry it was passed out to the backs and some quick hands Yvonne again crossed the line again near the touch line. The Bay girls went up a gear and again got possession from the kick off, with some great drives by the forwards and some quick hands through the backs Laura powered over the line.

Abbeyfeale got possession back from the re start and put the Bay girls under pressure again but the Bay girls defended with great control and fantastic team work and with some great counter rucking turned the ball over and Enya relieved the pressure with a great kick. The girls managed to win the lineout and again spread the ball wide and Yvonne crossed the line to bring the 1st half to an end.
In the second half the Bantry Bay girls went up another gear again with fantastic work by the forwards and some great work to get the ball wide Yvonne crossed the line. Enya converted. The Bay girls did not let up the pace and pressure and when ever Abbeyfeale attacked they hit a brick wall of Bay girls. Yvonne and Laura again crossed the line and Enya converted to end the game 39-0 to Bantry Bay.

This was a tremendous team effort due to few injuries only 15 girls were able to travel and everyone of them were outstanding. The forwards work rate today was unbelievable which gave the backs the platform to attack a great day and display again by both teams. After a loss in their last game this was a great way to react and all the girls in the squad have worked hard to make this result happen. A second Final this season now awaits these fantastic young ladies and I have no doubt they will give their all to bring home more silverware.

Thank you to Ann Murphy for doing first aid and Tadgh for doing touch judge and for Paidi who did the water. Thanks so much to Maureen,Geraldine,Bernie and Cathrine for driving it really is appreciated. All this help by all is greatly appreciated by all the girls.

1.Danielle Murphy.
2.eimear Downey.
3. Rachel Osullivan.
4.grace Crowley.
5. Andrea Stock.
6. Clodagh Burke.
7. Ellie Hutchinson.
8. Clare Coombes.
9. Rachel Crowley. (Capt)
10. Enya Breen.
11. Kate Sheehan.
12. Yvonne OShea.
13. Laura Cato.
14. Gina Gosling.
15. Fiona Cronin.



Bruff RFC

Courtesy of:- Seamus Sheahan, Club PRO

UBL Round 11

UBL Division 2C Midleton v Bruff, Towns Park
The seniors travelled to Cork on Saturday sitting in fourth place in the league to take on Midleton who occupy fifth and were only two points behind heading into Saturday's encounter.
The teams had already met this season with Midleton claiming a 25-22 win in Kilballyowen on the last day of October. Bruff headed into the game on the back of two narrow losses' to Sligo and Wanderers and needed to win to keep a top four finish a reality.

Bruff dominated the opening half and were good value for their 9-3 half time lead. Bruff had penalties on ten, fifteen and thirty eight minutes with Midleton's only score of the first half coming in the twentieth minute. Bruff enjoyed long spells in the attacking 22 and were unlucky on more than one occasion not to come away with any tries but for some solid home side defence.

Deccie Bannon who was on kicking duties made it 12-3 to Bruff in the sixtieth minute with a penalty in the Midleton 22 for a deliberate knock-on. Bruff continued to dominate and were rewarded with a try with fifteen minutes remaining. Bruff won a penalty close to the right hand touch line which was kicked just inside the opposition 22. Brian Morrissey won clean line ball at the back and the Bruff pack took it down and drove over with John Hogan making the all-important touch down for the score. The conversion was just wide but Bruff were now two converted try's ahead 17-3. Midleton knew they needed to get something from the game and to their credit they looked like they had turned the game around in the seventy fifth minute when they went in for a converted try to make it 17-10.

But it was Bruff who were to have the last say in the game. On 79 minutes the referee awarded Bruff a penalty 30 metres from goal which Deccie slotted over to make the final score 20-10 to Bruff and denying Midleton the losing bonus point.

The seniors are at home this weekend with a 2.30pm ko Vs Boyne in Kilballyowen. Bruff ran out 23.12 winners when the sides met in October securing the try bonus thanks to try's from Mark Cosgrove (2), Sean Darcy & Tony Cahill.

Bruff Team : 1.Dave Horan 2.Johnny Hogan 3.Brendan Keogh 4.Barry Laffan 5.Brian Morissey 6.Cillian Rea 7.Mikey Carroll 8.Paddy Clery 9.Davy O Grady 10.Tony Cahill 11. Paidi Kilcoyne 12. Darra Mulcatie 13.Tom O Callaghan 14.Graham Whelan 15. Declan Bannon 16. Keith Laffan 17. Danny Keogh 18. Neilus Keogh 19 Eric Finn 20 Sean Darcy

U20's win with try bonus

The U20 team got back to winning ways in UL against UL Bohs on Saturday .Bohs started strong and had a converted try after 15mins.Bruff came more into the game and Patrick Maher touched down for a good try.Bohs replied with a penalty but Bruff had a penalty from Kevin McManus and a try by Eamon O Dea on the stroke of half time converted by McManus to lead 15-10 at the break.
Playing with the strong wind in the second half Bruff dominated the game for long periods. Eamon O Dea got in for a second try mid-way through the half and McManus secured the bonus point with a try in the last play of the game. Kevin total for the game was 18 points with a try,3 penalties and 2 conversions
Saturdays Team, 1. Shane Breen 2 Brian Bulfin 3 Darragh Moore 4 Cian Mulqueen 5 Kevin Tracey 6 Robert Laffan 7 Darren O Farrell 8 Eamon O Dea 9 Niall Byrnes 10 Jack O Grady 11 Liam Tracey 12 Adam Sheehy 13 Conor Fitzpatrick 14 Patrick Maher 15 Kevin McManus 16 Aaron Daly 17 Darragh Fanning 18 Conor Mulcahy
Underage Results
It was a good weekend for the underage with the 18's, 16's, 15's & U13's all recording wins.
The U18's & U16's are both through to the Qrt finals of the Bank of Ireland Pan Munster competitions and will know there opposition for the knock out stages once all pool games have been played this weekend.

Underage Rugby Used Clothes Collection
For the months of January and February the Underage Rugby Club are having a Used Clothes Collection to help act as a fundraiser for the Underage tour to Manchester that they are going on from March 24th – 27th.
If you have any old clothes, pairs of shoes, handbags, belts that are suitable to donate please bring them along to the designated drop off point at the Club.
The clothes will then be stored until they are collected at the end of February. All funds collected will be put towards the tour. As usual your help and participation with this is greatly appreciated by the Under 14 and Under 15 teams who are travelling.
Please look for the Sign for the Designated Drop Point at the club near the Entrance to the Dressing Rooms. Signs will be placed around the Clubhouse to remind people of the collection
Fixture's: please keep an eye on the website for the latest fixtures which will be updated by Wednesday Each week. http://www.bruffrfc.com/

Newcastle West RFC

Courtesy of:- Martin O'Sullivan, Club PRO

U18s

Cashel RFC – 7 – Newcastle West/ Estuary – 12

Through to knock out stage in Munster Cup

We travelled to a rainy windswept Cashel for what was a must win game for both teams in the Pan Munster Cup. NCW/E kicked off with a strong wind advantage and quickly pressurised the opposition into conceding a lineout on the twenty two. Pat Cremin won the ball jumping at four and the pack drove on and over the line for Mark Broderick to touch down a try with just two minutes gone. No conversion points.
The Cashel pack were very strong and well suited to the extremely muddy condition of the pitch which kept play tight for the most part. Time and again Conor Brosnan, Darragh O'Shea and John Walsh soaked up the big hits to slow down and turnover the ball. Darragh Fox was a field marshal behind the forwards and relieved pressure with his box kicking on numerous occasions. Excellent support chases from Noelie Griffin and Jack Kelly stopped Cashel from counter attacking with any structure. Sterling work by the forwards gave us a solid attacking platform on three more occasions in the first half. Michael Begley did an excellent job of drawing the cover and releasing his back line. Unfortunately on each occasion the last pass did not go to hand for what were certain scores. Captain Jason Woulfe kept everyone's head steady and the first half closed out at five nil to NCW/E.
Both teams knew the first score of the second half was going to be crucial and the wind and rain were now favouring the home team. Cashel kicked off but steady play by the NCW/E pack won us a lineout just inside the Cashel half. We secured possession and disciplined drives by our big men, Brosnan, Broderick and O'Shea drew in the Cashel cover. John Forde took an excellent line and broke through for twenty yards before being tackled to the ground. However, not before he managed to offload to Darragh Fox who evaded a flailing full backs tackle to go in wide of the posts for a try. Michael Bourke kicked the conversion points to leave us twelve to nil ahead after five minutes of the second half. The game was far from over and Cashel came on with renewed vigour. Cillian Ferris and Jack Kelly were severely tested by kicks to their wings but performed well. Huge tackles went in from every player on the pitch and out half Michael Begley dropped the opposition number 7 with a clean tackle at the knees. Strong tackles from Colum McSweeney ensured the ball never got beyond the Cashel first centre in any back line move. With these two avenues closed off the Cashel pack returned to route one rugby. During this period of pressure we lost two players consecutively to the sin bin so that for fourteen minutes we were playing with fourteen men. Despite very brave defence which burned up the clock well Cashel forwards did get in for a converted try on the twenty two minute mark of the second half. The score was now poised at 12 – 7 to NCW/E. Connie O'Connor, Dawid Marcinjak and Stephen Hennessy came on to replace tired and injured bodies and were all immediately involved in action. The 'Cud', frustrated and slowed down opposition ball while Dawid put his body on the line against the Cashel battering ram. Stephen did likewise to save the blushes of our kicker when the wind played hell with a penalty kick to the line. Nevertheless Cashel had our line under siege for the final fifteen minutes. Woulfe, Walsh and Co stopped several attackers from making the gain line and tension on both sides was palpable. The coup de grace that broke the opposition's hearts came when Liam Tierney improvised on a training ground defensive move off a scrum and made a break which took us down onto their half. The 'esprit de corps' of this team came to the fore and everyone put in the effort that allowed the final plays run down the clock and give us a hard earned victory against a team that stayed in the hunt to the end. Final score 12 – 7.
This victory leaves us in poll position in the group and guarantees a place in the quarter final of the U18 Pan Munster Cup. We have another game to play away to Richmond/Presentation RFC on Sunday 7^th and victory there would give us a home fixture so still a prize to play for. Huge congratulations to the lads and many thanks to the supporters who travelled. It is numbers and commitment at training that is making our progress possible and everyone in this panel counts to us in the coaching team. Wishing John Campbell and Robert McAuliffe speedy recoveries.
Team: Darragh O'Shea, John Forde, John Walsh, Patrick Cremin, Conor Brosnan, Noel Griffin, Jason Woulfe (captain), Mark Broderick, Michael Bourke, Jack Kelly, Liam Tierney, Colm McSweeney, Cillian Ferris, Michael Begley, Darragh Fox, Thomas McCarthy, Connie O'Connor, Dawid Marcinjak, Stephen Hennessy, Tom Edwards and Donncha Scanlon.


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

Youth fixtures for next weekend

Lotto

Results from Friday Jan 29^th Lotto Draw

Numbers Drawn 10, 21, 22 & 30 – NO WINNER

Lucky Dip Winners
Leanne Daly, Knockane Rd, NCW
John Young, c/o Fitz's Bar
Mary White, The Old Mill
Mary & Cian Daly, NCW
John Garvey, c/o Kostal, Mallow
Michelle Normoyle, MAG Motors
John burke, Ardagh
Promotors Prize – Bridget Flynn

Next week's draw will be in Cleary's Bar on Friday 5^th The jackpot stands at €14,400.



Tralee RFC

Courtesy of:- Sean Brosnan, Club CCRO

Tralee RFC are having a girls only rugby "Give it a try" day on Saturday 6th February from 10:30-12pm, all girls are invited from U6 up to U13's, also girls up to U18 are more than welcome to join in with their respective age groups, you never know, you may enjoy it!! For enquires on Tralee girls rugby contact Morna Dixon(U13 Manager) on dixonmorna@gmail.com or Ruth Murphy(Girls Youth Officer) on Ruthiebabe46@gmail.com. Also all details can be contacts can be found on the Tralee RFC facebook page.

To promote the day, all the schools that are partaking in the Tralee National schools rugby program have been invited to bring in the 5th and 6th class girls to Tralee rugby club for a training/skills day with the Munster Development Coaches taking the sessions. If any Tralee schools would like to take part in the National schools rugby program please contact Sean Brosnan Tralee RFC Club Community Rugby Officer on sbrosnan70@gmail.com

Waterford City RFC

Courtesy of:- Deirdre Barry, Club PRO
Munster Junior Cup

Waterford City RFC 15 v Muskerry RFC 12
Penalties: Michael Hayes 2, Aaron Foskin 3

MOM: Tom Bowe

The Munster Junior Cup ….. City enjoy the challenge of any cup, and after beating J1 sides Clanwilliam, Skibereen, and drawing with Galbally in the last 10 months, City entered the game with plenty to prove and nothing to fear against a Muskerry side.

A feature of City's pre game ritual this year has seen ex players and presidents speaking before the match to the match day squad. A huge thank you to Jim Madigan who skippered the side for two years and spent six years as president. Jim's speech, coupled with the pre game motivational video ensured the lads were in the right frame of mind to grind out result.

City elected to face a strong wind in the first half which Muskerry utilised well in the first fifteen minutes, also with a slight edge at scrum time. It was from a scrum that Muskerry managed to exert pressure on City's line with the back row surging through for a score that was duly converted. Huge credit has to go to City for the remainder of the half with resolute defence, some big hits coming in from Mark Hayes and James Halligan on the wings and entire forward pack ensuring Muskerry remained scoreless for the rest of the half. In fact, City enjoyed the lion's share of possession with the pack in particular dismantling Muskerry lineout through Eamonn O'Keeffe's athleticism and Simon O'Hara's intelligence. The forwards were giving City a great platform and from this, Darren Walsh made a trademark sniping break and was unlucky not to score a well deserved try. Simon O'Hara also went close as City piled on the pressure.

Jack Caffrey, starting his first game at fly half for the senior team showed his talent and exerted a calming influence on proceedings, and from a penalty advantage, Jack launched a well worked move where Mark Hayes fed his brother Michael who showed sublime skill with a reverse pass to wing James Halligan. 'Jim bob' stepped the defender with ease before being brought down inches away for the line. Muskerry had no choice but to concede a penalty which Michael Hayes duly converted. Despite further city pressure, the half need with city in a prime position for victory with only four points between the sides and a strong breeze at their back for the second half.

The second half again saw City exert pressure on Muskerry and much to the delight to coach Peter Jones, despite the conditions. Aaron Foskin stepped off the bench to show his impressive O'Gara esque kicking skills by pinning Muskerry back in their own half. With Dave O'Connor coming off the bench to bolster the pack, City exerted some dominance at scrum time and from this were awarded a penalty which Aaron Foskin converted excellently, aiming about 20 foot left of the upright to bring the ball back superbly.

City were well on top, but Muskerry showed there abilities, particularly through there excellent centers and scored a well worked try putting them back in the lead at 12-9. Foskin led by example with an audacious restart pinning Muskerry back in there half and from this, the hugely impressive Tom Bowe, tackling like a man possessed, earnt City a penalty which Foskin converted. City had their chances, camped in the Muskerry 22, but Muskerry showed good defence with the game ended 12 all and extra time loomed.

City were confident of succeeding in the additional 20 minutes and knew they had the capabilities to win the game. The squad have displayed a calm but determined attitude in recent weeks, buoyed by the defensive effort against Tralee. City played into the wind in the first half and managed to keep Muskerry scoreless. Both sides were showing fatigue on a sticky pitch, even accounting for cramp in man of the match Tom Bowe, but as the final whistle approached, City were awarded a scrum. A penalty ensued and despite Dave 'Morgan Parra' O'Connor's efforts for a quick tap, the referee came back to the mark for a penalty on the 15 metre line with the last kick of the game. Aaron Foskin with nerves of steel brought the victory home for the squad.
Special mention must also go to Liam Hayes, a graduate of our ever improving underage system who made his first senior appearance today. And as always, a huge thank you to the supporters (particularly the 5 wives and girlfriends hogging the warmth of the video analysis room post game) and our sponsors, Done Deal and the Kingfisher club.

Karl Reade, Brian Walsh, Andrew Condron, Jason Power, Eamonn O'Keeffee, Cian Foskin, Tom Bowe, Simon O'Hara, Darren Walsh, Jack Caffrey, Mark Hayes, Connor Power (captain), Aidan Power, James Halligan, Michael Hayes Dave O'Connor, Liam Hayes, Kevin Whelan, Fintan Purcell, Aaron Foskin

Under 16's – Pan Munster League
Tralee RFC 19 v Waterford City RFC 33
The under 16 squad had yet another long journey to endure this weekend as they travelled to Tralee RFC. This was a great win for the under 16 side as they have had a few narrow defeats as of late. Next Saturday they host Young Munster in Kilbarry on Saturday.