Club Notes: Week Ending 08.11.15

The week’s club notes come from Bruff, Dungarvan, Newcastlewest, Thurles and Waterford City rugby clubs.

Click here for Bruff Club Notes

Click here for Dungarvan Club Notes

Click here for Newcastle West Club Notes

Click here for Thurles Club Notes

Click here for Waterford City Club Notes

Bruff RFC

Courtesy of:- Seamus Sheahan, Club PRO

UBL Game 6

The 1st xv resumed action last weekend with a home game vs Midleton in round 6 of the UBL. Bruff had a bonus point victory last day out away to Boyne but were looking to make up for a disappointing defeat to Kanturk in their last home game in Round 4. Midleton came into the game following a 25-16 home defeat to league leaders Old Crescent and like Bruff needed a win to keep pace with the top teams in the league.
It was Midleton who took the spoils when the teams last met coming away from Kilballyowen with a 12-15 win in last season's UBL.

Saturday's match was played in glorious sunshine but the game never really got going with a high penalty and scrum count. Indeed it was place kicking which was to decide the game with both kickers giving fines displays on the day. The teams swapped penalties on four & fourteen minutes with Bruff's Tony Cahill adding a second three pointer on twenty minutes to make it 6-3. Midleton added a converted try from Sean White on twenty seven minutes to make it 6-10 and a penalty from Stuart Lee on thirty three minutes to go into a 6-13 lead. Bruff's loose head prop Davie Horan got on the score board with a try on thirty seven minutes with Tony Cahill adding the Conversion to level the game at 13-13 with a few minutes to go until half time. But Midleton went in with a three point advantage at the break thanks to another Lee penalty on the stroke of Half time.
The teams were level again on two more occasions in the second half and at 19-19 it was clear that there wasn't going to be much to separate the teams. Midleton were awarded penalties on seventy & seventy four minutes and the six point cushion gave them some much needed breathing space. Bruff reduced the deficit to 3 points on seventy six minutes but they could not create an opportunity to take the lead and lost out on a score line of 22-25.

Team : 1.Davy Horan 2.Johnny Hogan 3.Brendan Keogh 4.Barry Laffan 5. Ger O Connell 6. Mikey Cooke 7.Mikey Carroll. 8.Paddy Clery 9.Tony Cahill 10.Davie O Grady 11.Mark Cosgrove 12.Brian Cahill 13.Sean D'Arcy 14.Paudi Kilcoyne 15. Graham Whelan. Subs:Keith Laffan, Cillian Rea, Kevin Madigan, Daragh Mulcahy, Barry Enright.

Dave Horan in action for Bruff RFC

Next Game

The seniors travel to Dublin this weekend to take on the new league leaders Wanderers. Wanderers now sit at the top of the table thanks to a win over Old Crescent in Rosbrien last weekend. The game has a 2.30pm ko.
James Keating Memeorial festival.

The James Keating Mini Rugby memorial festival occurred on Bank Holiday Monday, 26th October. A total of 19 teams participated in what turned out to be a great day's rugby. A good crowd was present throughout the day and provided good support to all the teams that played through the inclement weather.
The teams that participated included three teams from Bruff, two Under 12 teams and the Under 11 team. The other teams that participated included the following, Abbeyfeale, Ballina/Killaloe, Cashel, Charleville, Clanwilliam, Clonmel, Newcastlewest, Old Crescent, Portumna, Richmond, Shannon, St. Senans, Tralee and Young Munster. Our thanks go to all of the teams that participated on the day and that played the games in a competitive and sporting environment.

The Bruff Stags team got through to the final of the Keating Cup where their opponents were Abbeyfeale. The game itself was sporting and competitive with good support provided by the crowd attending the festival. In the end the Bruff Stags proved to be too strong for Abbeyfeale winning on a score line of 3 – 0 with approval from the home support. The result of the game meant that Bruff would retain the Keating Cup for a second year running.

The Keating Cup was presented to the winning captain by Marian Keating and the medals were presented to the Bruff Stags by Nicholas Cooke, Bruff RFC, Club President.

A big Thank You goes to those who provided hot food, drinks, soup and sandwiches on the day. Thanks also to those who marked out the pitches and to those who helped co-ordinate the group stage games through to the final.

Thanks also goes to the lads from the Under 14 team who acted as pitch coordinators on the day, it was very much appreciated and the games would not have run smoothly without them.

Thanks also go to the MAR for providing the referees for the day who ensured player safety first and foremost and also that the players enjoyed the games in a sporting environment.

Finally, thanks to the Keating family who provided an excellent meal at the end of the evening to conclude the day.

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.

Dungarvan RFC

Courtesy of:- Dan McGrath Club PRO

Under 18's

The club's Under 18's took on Cobh Pirates in a Pan Munster Qualifier at the weekend. Dungarvan opened the scoring on 8 minutes, when Pat Connors dived over following good handling by Jack Mullany. This was converted by Fionn Gibson-Kiely to put the home side 7-0 ahead.

Dan O Keefe, who was turning over ball all day, broke the defensive tackles and scored under the posts. This was also converted to give us a 14-0 lead.

Dungarvan were well on top and constantly threatening the Cobh defenders. Jamie Mc Kelvie, Eoin Ryan and Cathal Dee rumbled to feed Brendan Cullinan who scored on the wing.

A 4th try was added before the break as Pat Connors raced through from half way to score. The score at the break read Dungarvan 24 – Cobh 0.

Jack Mullany, after tough week training with the Irish Under 18s came off and Conor Scanlon came on and maintained our scrummaging dominance.

Cobh set up a series of pick and drives and stretched our defence to score and convert. Dungarvan were on top but an intercept try in the corner made it a 12 point game with 15 minutes to go. Andy Guiry made his competitive debut when Cathal Dee left after a strong game. Hooker Doug Pettit and jumpers Charlie Murphy and Ted Kelly disrupted the Cobh line-out repeatedly. Dylan Mc Carthy and Jordan Corby created space which scrum half Finn Rees-Thomas used to score the clinching try in the corner.

Cobh scored last try to put respectability on the scoreboard. Final score was 29 – 19 to Dungarvan.
There were some outstanding performances on the day, Dan O Keeffe for his work in the loose and Pat Connors for his defensive work not to mention 2 tries, Finn -Rees Thomas took a bit of a battering but never let it affect his game.

Given a depleted squad (17 players) on the day, what was really pleasing, was the way we turned over ball in the loose and contested the loose ball. We need hard games and this was one. We remain undefeated in the Pan Munster Qualifier and now face Waterpark RFC in top of the table contest and need to maintain the level of aggression whilst being more clinical in finishing off.

Squad: Jack Mullany, Doug Pettit, Cathal Dee, Conor Scanlon, Andy Guiry, Charlie Murphy, Eoin Ryan, Ted Kelly, Dan O Keefe, Jamie McKelvie, Finn-Rees Thomas, Fionn Gibson-Kiely, Pat Connors, Paul Lannen, Dylan Mc Carthy, Jordan Corby and Brendan Cullinan.

All squad players are required to train Wednesday (7.15pm) & Friday 6.45pm. Next Pan Munster qualifiers match on Saturday 7 Nov vs Waterpark RFC with a KO at 1pm. We have a strong squad with plenty of talent. Training attendance is vital to maximise this potential.

Under 14's

Dungarvan under 14 rugby team played Clonmel last Saturday in the East Munster League. Clonmel being top of the league, where going to be a tough opponent. The Dungarvan team, gaining experience with each outing, saw this as their ideal opportunity to show supporters how much they have improved.

Dungarvan scored first and held the score until just before half time. Clonmel scored. Half time seven all. After half time Dungarvan scored twice, increasing their lead and confidence. Clonmel hadn't finished and scored one try. Final score Dungarvan 17 Clonmel 12. A well deserved win to Dungarvan in front of their supporters.
Team; Philip Coleman, Sean Dunford, Tomas Flavin, Hugo Harty, Sean Mullarkey, Daniel Treen, Peter Finnigan, Conor Mullany, Luis Campbell, Ronan Foley,Neil Collender, Conor Kent, Caoimhn Walsh, Tidgh Coyne, Darrah Slevin, Nial Buckley, Rian Hogan, Owen McGrath, Lorcan McGovern and Mickey Flavin.
Training Wednesday at 7 30 pm and Saturday 10.30 . Match next week end against Waterford City in Waterford . Will require drivers.

Under 16's

Friday night saw the under 16's travel to local rivals Youghal on a very wet and windy evening. With a slightly depleted squad due to half term break, we were delighted to still have 19 of a squad.
Looking at the weather conditions and with a few players missing, we had a bit of a reshuffle, ending up with lads in new positions. As has been the case with this group of players, they accepted the changes and adapted very well.

Youghal started with a strong wind at there back, so were expecting a bit of an onslaught with a lot of defensive work in the first half. As it happened, we took the kick off and pretty well controlled all the ball for the first 10 minutes, with some good running rugby, despite the conditions.

Youghal eventually got the ball and retained it for a few phases putting us under some pressure. We held out well but after a good spell of tucking and mauling, Youghal got the opening score with a try in the corner.
Dungarvan's answer to this was to go straight down into the Youghal half and after some fine running and interplay scoring under the posts, with the try converted we now led 7-5. This was followed by another try and conversion taking the score to 14-5. Dungarvan were now looking the much more dangerous team with play being switched left and right. Youghal were still strong at the ruck and looking dangerous at the back of the scrum and with some good breaks were still making a real fight of it. Once again just before half time Dungarvan scored another well-worked try taking the lead to 19-5.

Turning round for the second half with a strong wind still blowing but rain having now stopped, we were fairly confident we could keep the pressure on and close out the game. Making two substitutes made little difference and we continued in the same vein running a lot of ball and it wasn't long before we got the next score taking the game to 26-5. As often happens, now that we had gone ahead by so much, a lot of loose play started, with some crazy long passes and players dropping off tackles Youghal came back into the game with a score and started to get much better field position. It was only one or two last ditch tackles that kept them from scoring again. With a change of our front row, we got the message across that loose play was not what we needed in the conditions. Dungarvan now seemed to settle down with two more good scores, we took the score to 38-10. With a late flurry Youghal scored under the posts and converted making the final score 38-17.

All in all, a good win but we needed a little bit more control, because against a stronger team, we may well have suffered with so much loose play. Still it was good to have 19 players on show, with another 5 or 6 missing. That bodes well for the rest of the campaign.

Training Wednesday at 7.30 before out next fixture against Waterford City next weekend.

10's Rugby Festival A Huge Success

Dungarvan Rugby Club hosted a Rugby Festival last Sunday for their Under 10's, inviting clubs from around Munster. The day was truly a festival of rugby with some incredible performances from all fourteen teams. Teams representing in Cork Con, Young Munster, Galbally, Cashel, Carrick, Clonmel, Youghal, Waterpark, Fermoy and hosts Dungarvan took to the filed of play.

On the day, the weather was kind and once the coaches and players ran out from the new Dungarvan changing rooms, the matches began. The whole event had been organised extremely well, with the club wanting to pay special thanks to mini's Chairman Kevin Carey and the Under 10's Coach Gerry Lattimore. Both Kevin and Gerry worked tirelessly in their own time to ensure everything was in order for the visiting clubs and the massive success of the day was down to their efforts. The Club's volunteers never failed to let their teams down and were present, organising the club house, car parking, registrations, tea's & cakes, child welfare and first aid.

The day was organised with pure precision from the arrival and set up of the food stalls including Dungarvan's very own Jitterbeans Catering from Main Street, to the bouncy castles, crepes & hot dogs and tea's & coffee. A number of Dungarvan Rugby seniors and older players were volunteer referees and the teams coaches were all there to welcome the players, parents and supporters who arrived in their droves to cheer on their teams.
Matches were played throughout the day and the young players must clearly have been watching the World Cup! Hard tackles and organised rucks were clearly evident and tries were numerous in every match. Coach's feedback from the day again showed the ethos of the club as players were respectful of each other's opponents whilst giving their absolute all to win every point possible.

Former Munster & Ireland star Frankie Sheehan was in Dungarvan for all the matches and presented the Fair Play Award to Galbally before medals were presented to every player. Frankie, when presenting the Dungarvan Fair Play Award, said Galbally had shown true rugby spirit and that he hoped to see some of the day's stars playing for Munster in the future.

Kevin, Gerry and all at Dungarvan would like to pay special thanks to visiting clubs for making the day such a success and to all players, parents and supporters, again at Dungarvan Rugby Club the winner of the day was rugby. Rugby is a game enjoyed by so many in Dungarvan and with events such as these, it will continue to grow and prosper.

Newcastle West RFC

Courtesty of:- Martin O'Sullivan, Club PRO

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
Age
Date
Host
Team 1
Team 2
Team 3
Team 4

U8
08-Nov
Abbeyfeale
Newcastle West
Young Munster
Estuary
Garryowen-White

U10
08-Nov
Estuary
Shannon
UL Bohs-Stags
Newcastle West
Ballina/Killaloe

Youth fixtures for next week

Date
Time
Fixture
Team 1
v
Team 2
Pitch

08-Nov
11:30
U13 League
NCW/Estuary
v
Young Munster
Killeline

08-Nov
10:30
U16 Pan Munster League
Clanwilliam
v
NCW/Estuary
Clanwilliam

08-Nov
13:00
U18 Pan Munster Friendly
Nenagh-Ormond
v
NCW/Estuary
Nenagh

07-Nov
14:30
U20 Pan Munster League
Old Christians
v
NCW/Estuary
Old Christians

Get your orders in for Champions Cup matches
Munster vs Benetton Treviso on Saturday, November 14th at 5:15pm
It's almost that time of year again when European Champions Cup rugby returns to Thomond Park. Munster play Benneton Treviso on Saturday, November 14th at 5:15pm and tickets are now on sale.
Applications for tickets must be given to the club by Tue Nov 10th.
Please email ncwrfctickets@gmail.com or call 0878322731(after 7pm only please).

U18 RUGBY NOTES NEWCASTLEWEST/ESTUARY

TRALEE RFC 20
NEWCASTLEWEST/ESTUARY RFC 21

We were away to Tralee RFC for this league fixture last Saturday and had to come from behind to secure victory by the narrowest of margins. The game opened well and good organised presssure from the forwards resulted in two penalties which were converted by Michael Bourke. Tralee replied with a penalty of their own. Then just before half time the ball went to the backs for Colm McSweeney to score an unconverted try and leave the halftime score at 3 – 11.

Tralee had a very big pack but got no change from the NCW/E front row of Donnacha Scanlon, John Forde, John Walsh, and Martyn Konzcak. The lineout functioned well and led by Jason Woulfe did not fall for any opposition tactics. With our team on top, the ball went out to Liam Tierney at 2nd centre who accelerated to score an unconverted try. Tralee then hit a purple patch and scored a penalty and two converted tries to lead into the final five minutes 20 – 16. However, the lads kept their composure and the forwards got us into position for the ball to go through all the backline and Jack Kelly got the final unconverted try in the corner. Noelie Griffin and Colm McSweeney had fine performances.

Thanks to the parents who travelled and to Tralee who gave us a feed afterwards.

Training is on Tuesday and Thursday at 7.30pm

Our next fixture is away to Ennis on Sunday so we need all hands on deck as some players are away on a school trip.

TEAM: Donnacha Scanlon, John Forde, John Walsh, Patrick Cremin, Connie O'Connor, Noel Griffin, Jason Woulfe, Mark Broderick. Darragh Fox, Michael Bourke, Cillian Ferris, Colm McSweeney, Liam Tierney, Jack Kelly, Micheal Begley, Stephen Hennessy, Martyn Konczak, Cathal Roche, Dawid Marcinjak, Pierce Curtin, Tom Edwards.

U15's

Newcastle West 38-26 Thomond

Our fifteens were waiting nearly eighteen months for a crack at Thomond, after the blues narrowly beat us in a cup final. Our day did not start well, as we lost our captain Aiden Shanahan, to injury just before kickoff. This threw our lads off a bit, and we found ourselves 12-0 down after ten minutes, conceding two very sloppy tries. We slowly got into the game, and after a sustained period of possession, Tom Murphy touched down in the corner. Within five minutes, Thomond scored their third try, again after some very poor defending and four missed tackles. Our lads were determined to score again before the half, and after a great break by Oliver Lynch, Killian O'Donnell our scrum half, set David Massy off to touch down, a converted try. This left us 12-19 at half time.

Thomond opened the scoring in the second period, with a very well worked try, after five minutes. From then on it was all Newcastle, Tom Murphy got his second try of the day, after being sent down the wing by Oliver Lynch. Shortly after the restart, Killian Collins robbed a ball from a ruck, just outside our twenty two, and hacked the ball downfield. Killian sprinted after his own kick, completely outpacing the defense. Just as he was about to gather the ball, ten meters from the try line, he was tackled from behind without the ball. The referee correctly awarded us a penalty try. With Thomond now just two points up the chase was on. Their restart was recovered, and Daniel Normoyle, put a fine kick down the line, which he chased, forcing Thomond to concede a scrum just inside their twenty two. A planned move was called, and this was executed perfectly, sending Tom Murphy over for his hat-trick. We were not finished yet, following the restart Sean Bourke stole a ball from a ruck, and passed to Pat Gallagher, who sprinted from our ten meter line, to touch down under the posts.
This was a great performance from our squad, scoring six tries, four of which Jack Grimes converted, the win was well deserved, all the hard work in training is paying off.

We lined out as follows: 1 Chris Walsh 2 Peter Moore 3 Kevin Sheahan 4 Daniel Collins 5 Eoghan Heffernan 6 Bartek Kryzsiak 7 Diarmuid O'Flynn 8 David Massy 9 Killian O'Donnell 10 Jack Grimes 11 David McDaid 12 Tom Murphy 13 Oliver Lynch 14 Jamie Mullane 15 Lucas Costelloe 16 Daniel Normoyle 17 Killian Collins 18 Sean Bourke 19 David O'Brien 20 Keiran Carmody 21 Pat Gallagher 22 Keith Begley


Thurles RFC

Courtesy of: Brian Scanlan, Club PRO

Thurles RFC Vs. Castleisland RFC – Munster Junior Clubs Challenge Shield Quarter Final
Report Aidan Dwyer

Thurles RFC 32 – 30 Castleisland RFC

The Thurles First XV took to the road early Sunday morning last to take on the Challenge of Kerry outfit Castleisland on a sun soaked day more suited to the 1st June rather than 1st November, in the quarter final of the Munster Junior Clubs Challenge Shield. Thurles travelled minus their Captain Eoghan O'Dwyer, Vice-Captain Paddy Phelan started on the bench as he eased himself back from injury as Colm Skehan, Colin Feeley, Declan O'Rahilly and John Loughman also missed this outing due to recent injuries.

Thurles started looking for their second victory over Castleisland in the space of a month having already defeated them in the league in mid-October but the Tipp men started the game sluggishly, looking like the long journey the journey down to Kerry had taken its toll on the legs early on as the much heavier Castleisland pack drove it's way over in the corner for an unconverted try, 5-0.

Thurles to their credit responded instantly from the re-start, earning a penalty, which Aidan Dwyer slotted between the posts to reduce the deficit, 5-3. Castleisland themselves not lying down, put up a good fight from the latest kick-off, put the pressure on the clearance and forced a knock on, from the resulting scrum, this massive Castleislaned pack were once again able to set up a great platform before getting over in the corner again, this one being converted to increase the lead to 12-3.

From the restart again, Castleisland once again failed to deal with the delivery from Dwyer, earning Thurles some great attacking position. The forward set up a good platform from an excellently worked lineout, with Joey Kelly and Larry O'Gorman making good ground as they took the ball on in the centre before the ball made its way out to Shane Moloney (K), who barged his way through three would be tacklers to touch down just to the right hand side of the posts, Dwyer converted to bring the score to 12-10.

The scoring didn't stop there, Castleisland continued to increase their lead, adding a penalty and a well worked try which went unconverted, to put a distance of 10 points between the teams, 20-10. With 10 minutes to the break, Thurles didn't let their heads drop, the front row of McCormack, O'Dwyer and Kelly were slowly but surely starting to get the better of their Kerry counterparts, as the fitter Thurles pack started take control.

It was a great break by Full Back, Shane Moloney (H) which saw Thurles move well up the field, some great work by Luke and Phil Kelly saw the flashed wide to the backs, with winger Tommy Connolly speeding over out wide to touch down, Dwyer excellently converted from the sideline to bring the score within touching distance once again. The Thurles pack recovered the kick off excellently, with Captain for the day, Larry O'Gorman making some great ground up the field, they ball found its way out wide, with Coman and Langian-Ryan doing excellent to break up the field and secure their own ball, Ciaran Ryan and Luke Kelly had a cut at the line before the ball went wide again with Joey Kelly touching down in what was identical to Connolly's finish minutes' before, the conversion was missed narrowly but Thurles were able to boast a half time lead of 20-22.

As the second half kicked off, the scoring spree of the first forty minutes' didn't continue but dominance of the Thurles pack did, with the front row particularly shining when they came under pressure at various stages. Luke and Joey Kelly continued to disrupt the home sides lineout on occasion with both men covering a lot of ground in general play also.

Castleisland were still putting up a good fight and managed to sneak in for try against the run of play to reclaim the lead with under 20 minutes left and which would set up an exciting finsh, 27-22. Thurles rallied again for what turned out to be a great team try, with the backs and forwards linking up excentlly before scrum half Nicky Irwin, broke free with work to do, he made light work of the covering winger before giving the full back the same treatment, side stepping him to go over just to the left of the posts, Dwyer converted to put two between the sides again, 27-29.

This was proving to be a very exciting Cup match, with both teams going hell for leather for the win, to earn a place in the semi-final. With under 10 mintues on the clock left the Kerry men were award a penalty for a Thurles player not rolling away, despite the Thurles player being in some distress with an injury the referee showed no sympathy in awarding the penalty in which Castleisland scrum half excellently slotted over to sneak ahead by miniumum, 30-29.

Castleisland once again failed to deal with the restart that saw them with a lineout 5 metres from their own line. Thurles put the pressure on from the lineout and earned themselves a penalty with some great work from Phil Kelly getting in fastest after the tackle was made to try and rob the ball, with the Castleisland man not releasing, the referee had no choice but to award Thurles the penalty to potentially win the game, with less than 5 minutes to go. Dwyer stepped up confidently again and put the kick straight over the black spot to edge the Tipp men ahead once again, 30-32.

Thurles received the kick-off secured the ball and a great kick from full back Moloney (H) forced play inside the Castleisland 22. The referee indicated that this would be last play of the game, Castleisland had no choice but to keep the ball live, Thurles defended excellently, keeping their discipline before executing a turnover the Austrailan back row would have been proud of, the referee awarded the penalty and blew the final whistle as Thurles kicked the ball dead.

This was an excellent hard fought win for Thurles as Castleisland away is never an easy fixture as Thurles teams of the past have often found, the management team will be happy with character shown by their players in grinding out the result, which now sees them back in the Semi Final of the Munster Junior Clubs Challenge Shield.

A big effort is for the coming weeks in needed with the First and Second Teams having a full schedule of games for the next few weekends. Training continues for the First and Second XV on Wednesday and Friday Nights, on the field and ready to go for 7.30pm, New Players always welcome. The players and management would like to thank all those who made the the long journey to Castleisland to support the team, it was much appreciated and a big boost when the pressure was on near the end.

Our next fixture is in the Munster Junior League away to Ennis this Sunday 8th November, all support would be greatly appreciated.

Thurles Scorers: Shane Moloney (K), Tommy Connolly, Joey Kelly & Nicky Irwin (1 Try Each), Aidan Dwyer (3 Conversions, 2 Penalties).

Thurles Squad vs Castleisland: 1. Ger McCormack 2. Rory O'Dwyer 3. Dave Kelly 4. Phil Kelly 5. Luke Kelly 6. Joey Kelly 7. Ciarán Ryan 8. Larry O'Gorman (Capt.) 9. Nicky Irwin 10. Aidan Dwyer 11. Peter Coman 12. Shane Moloney (Killinan) 13. Shane Lanigan-Ryan 14. Tommy Connolly 15. Shane Moloney (Holycross) 16 Shane Nugent 17. Michael Ely 18. Adam Troy 19. Paddy Phelan 20. Ross Crystal

Thurles Women's Rugby V Ballincollig RFC

Report Susan Max

Thurles Women's RFC were away to Cork side Ballincollig on Sunday and came away with a narrow but confident victory beating the home side on a score of 12 – 15. Despite being behind at half time Thurles put in an incredible second half performance to secure the game. It was Ballincollig that got off to the better start in the first half and much of the opening twenty minutes of the game saw Thurles defending with great intensity. An early penalty for Ballincollig was missed and although the sides traded possession in the minutes that followed the home side had the advantage.

Ballincollig had a strong kicking game in the first half with Aisling Byrne and Aisling O'Hagan having to work hard to secure possession for Thurles. A lineout for Thurles in the 20th minute saw them build a solid attack for the first time in the game with Rebecca Byrne and Maria Whelan both making superb ground. Forwards Jean Ryan and Megan Callanan were both strong ball carriers for Thurles in the minutes that followed. When Thurles were awarded a penalty Megan Callanan slotted over the ball with ease to give Thurles a 0 – 3 advantage over the home side.

A Thurles knock-on from the re-start gave Ballincollig possession once again but a solid and vital tackle from Joanne Harrison prevented the home side from making ground. However, they were very much on the attack and in their efforts to defend Thurles conceded three lineouts within a five minutes period with Ballincollig gaining vital ground each time. Ballincollig's persistence paid dividends moments later when they scored a try and with the conversion attempt successful the home side now had a 7 -3 advantage.

From the re-start both Thurles players Kirsty Harris and Aisling O'Hagan were making great ground in attack but when possession was lost Ballincollig capitalised going in over the line for their second try of the game. This time the conversion was missed so the score line stood 12- 3 in favour of the home side at half time.

A spirited and skilful second half performance from Thurles saw them more efficient in defence and making greater ground when on the attack. Some tactical position changes by management at half time key to the success of Thurles' endeavours. Thurles were making greater ground and maintaining possession. Their efforts were rewarded when Aisling O'Hagan went in over the line for a superb try that saw Thurles edge closer to opponents Ballincollig and although the conversion from a tight angle was narrowly missed Thurles were only four points adrift on a 12 – 8 score line.

Thurles looked the more comfortable and confident of the sides in the second half with Ciara O'Dwyer making some wonderful tackles, Catherine Kearney and Maria Woodlock superb in the rucks. When Thurles were awarded a penalty they choose to kick for the corner with a fantastic kick from the boot of Megan Callanan. Thurles looked strong from the lineout and once again Aisling O'Hagan went in over the line for her second try supported by Miriam Harrison and Niamh Coman. This time the conversion was slotted over and Thurles now had the lead over the home side, the score stood 12 – 15 in Thurles' favour.

The remaining fifteen minutes of the game were a tough grind for both sides and the play was intense and physical with strong tackles coming from both sides. Thurles, however, were able to hold off their opposition through a combination of grit, determination and skill. The second half proved to go Thurles' way and a strong team performance was the key to their success. Thurles were confident 12 – 15 winners in the end.

Joanne Harrisson in action

Thurles Seconds v Richmond RFC

Report Ollie Delaney

On Saturday Thurles seconds travelled to Richmond in the Gleeson A league.
Thurles had a promising young side out but lacked the structure and organisation needed to pose a threat to what was a robust Richmond opposition.

The first half belonged to Richmond who ran in a number of tries as Thurles struggled to find their feet. Credit to Thurles for continuing to take the game to Richmond for this period of dominance and as a result put Richmond on the back foot for short spells. This was in no small way down to some fine ball carries by Michael Flanagan and Liam Devaney.

Thurles had a chance to get off the mark with a penalty late in the first half. Adrian Bourke stepped up and struck it sweetly but alas it dropped short on the JK Brackens man.
Half time brought a revival to Thurles.

Some excellent kicking from James Ryan at 10 ensured Thurles got a territorial advantage. Thurles gritted their teeth and showed great resolve. Dwane Stanley tackled like a lion all day and the young guns in the front row held their own around the field and in set pieces.

In the second half Thurles held Richmond to 1 try and getting 1 themselves when the big winger Rory O'Sullivan capitalised on a Richmond mistake and broke from inside his own 22. With no one more relived than himself to finally place the ball down for Thurles's first try of the game. Dillon Dorney came on for Michael Flanagan and fitted in well to a new position for him at second row.

Great credit is due to all players in attendance who were happy to take whatever number black and white jersey they were given and gave 100%.

Thanks must also go to coach Shay Scanlon and firsts coach John Lillis for giving up their Saturday and providing the team with positive and insightful encouragement throughout.

Waterford City RFC

Courtesy of:- Deirdre Barry, Club PRO

U16's – Waterford City 43 v Cashel 0
Tries: Colm Dolan, Louis Byrne, Sean Walsh (2), Cian Wadding, David Glynn, Finn Barker
Conversions: Tom Carney (4)

Cashel travelled down to Kilbarry for this under 16 league game unbeaten in their five games so far. Cashel started very fast and had Waterford City under pressure for the first ten minutes. City defended strongly and finally got their hands on the ball and had some great chances to open the scoring. Too many knock on's, and loose passes let then down. After more pressure City finally got over the line with the impressive Colm Dolan crashing over from close in. Tom Carney converted to make the score 7 -0 to City at half time. City made a bright start to the second half and after some good phases of play in the oppositions half the ball was moved on to Louis Byrne to score a fine try. Cashel upped their game and came storming back into city's 22. Cashel looked certain to score their first try in the corner, but a well-timed interception by David Glynn on his own 22m line saw the centre sprint 70m to score under the posts. Tom Carney converted. City's next attack resulted in a well taken try by sub Sean Walsh. City started to empty their bench, and a great break from scrum half Luke Cronin saw him put sub Cian Wadding in for the next try. After more constant pressure from City deep into the Cashel 22 Sean Walsh scored his second try. The best try was saved til last, when Finn Barker, another sub, beat his opposite winger on the outside and stepped inside the Cashel fullback to score under the posts. Tom carney converted. Another impressive performance from a fast improving squad. A special mention to the starting back row of Alex Cowman, Colm Dolan and Conall Roche who were all impressive. Big thanks to parents and committee members who turned up to support.

Mini's Rugby

On Sunday, the minis players from Waterford City RFC took part in a blitz playing against the hosts Fethard RFC and the other visiting club, Clanwilliam RFC who travelled east from Tipperary town.
The journey up involved a bit of fog once we turned off at Kilsheelan but the autumn colours in the surrounding countryside made it all the more interesting!

Once there, we gathered our troops in the car park and made for the battle field! We knew we would give a good account of ourselves and this is exactly what we did right from the U7s up to the U12s with teams for every age group.

Parents, coaches and players were pleased with the way we played and then it was back to the clubhouse for some Fethard hospitality. Well done to all who took part and best wishes to Oisin Taylor who sprained his knee in the U10s match against Fethard. Get well soon!

Fixtures for next weekend:

Saturday Nov 7th
U18's – Old Christians V Waterford City in Old Christians KO TBC
U16's – Dungarvan V Waterford City in Dungarvan
Sunday Nov 8th
Senior Squad – Waterford City v Castleisland in Kilbarry KO 2.30pm
J2 – Waterford City v Waterpark KO 12.45pm
U14's – Waterford City v Dungarvan KO 11.00am