Club Notes: Week Ending 13.10.13
7th October 2013 By Munster Rugby
This week’s club notes come from Bantry Bay, Carrick-on-Suir, Kilfeacle & District, Midleton, Shannon and Waterford City rugby clubs.
Click here for Carrick-on-Suir
Click here for Kilfeacle & District
Courtesy of:- Denyse Scully, Club PRO
Bantry Bay RFC Celebrates First Munster Caps
The club was delighted to celebrate the proud achievement of three underage players winning first caps for Munster. Both Mike Casey & Tim Cronin from Bantry were selected to play for the Munster U18 side who have played Leinster and Connacht successive weekends in a row. And last weekend, Dylan Murphy from Ardgroom, Beara played for the Munster U17 team as tighthead prop when they comprehensively beat the Connacht side at The Sportsground, Galway.
The club would like to congratulate all the players on their success. Everyone involved in the club are aware of the hard work and dedication by the players, their parents & families in reaching this stage and this achievement is very much deserved.
Bantry Bay RFC as a rural club depends so much on players coming through the underage system. In recent years, through the hard work and commitment by Eugene McCarthy, Munster Club Community Rugby Officer there has been enormous time and effort dedicated to the development of the players and in the game in schools throughout the area. This work has been reflected in the number of BBRFC players selected for Munster Cadets & Development Squads. The club would like to express it’s appreciation to Eugene McCarthy and his fellow coaches who have encouraged the players to develop their skills to this high level. A special word of thanks goes also to Frank Conroy who trains the players twice weekly in their core & strength work.
On the younger side our Minis travelled to Dolphin RFC last Saturday in huge numbers and the club were delighted to field seven teams in all from U7 – U12. In particular, the club was thrilled for the first time to be in a position to field two U7 teams & this was a special day for the players & parents involved as it marked their first (hopefully of many to come) game of rugby.
The J3 team played their second league game of the season when they travelled to Midleton RFC on Sunday afternoon. They battled a very strong Midleton team who scored early on but they worked hard in the second half to build territory and get points on the board but couldn’t bridge the gap losing 6 -12 on the final whistle. The Junior league season steps up a gear with both J1 & J3 teams in action in Scarriff and Dunmanway respectively. The teams are still looking for new members. They play jointly with nearby club Dunmanway known locally as West Cork Harlequins. If you are interested in joining contact the club by email at bantryrugbyclub@gmail.com or check out our Facebook page Bantry Bay RFC or follow us on twitter @Bantry_Rugby
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Courtesy of: Dermot Keyes, Club PRO
The Carrick-on-Suir RFC Girls’ Under-18 team brought silverware back to Tybroughney on Saturday last when they emerged victorious in the Munster Under-18 Sevens Series, which was played over three separate weekends.
Just four years after the ladies club was founded, the progress achieved by the girls in the interim has been outstanding, culminating in their historic success at Thurles RFC last weekend.
This fantastic win couldn’t have been claimed in more dramatic circumstances, as Chloe Blackmore converted a try with just 30 seconds remaining to secure a 14-12 win over Thurles, following their earlier 39-0 victory over Carrigaline.
In the first round of fixtures played in Bandon, Carrick recorded two comprehensive successes, defeating Thurles and Carrigaline 29-0 and 24-5 respectively.
And that positive momentum was maintained come round two, which was hosted by the club at Tybroughney, as the red and blue hoops again emerged impressively victorious, seeing off Mallow 27-0 and Bandon 41-0.
So after six matches and six impressive victories, the team captained by Aoife Moore had claimed the trophy, scoring a whopping 174 points while conceding only 17.
"This is a win for all the girls who train week in, week out," said the skipper after she accepted the trophy on behalf of the club. "This is a club win, and we’ll go onwards and upwards from here."
The quality of the team’s play has also been rewarded with a call-up to the Munster ranks for no less than six of their number, namely Aoife Moore, Zoe Lynch, Chloe Blackmore, Ciara Lonergan, Kate English and Faye Drohan.
Unfortunately, Karen Ryan missed out on a call-up but there’s no doubt that claiming the Tom Fahy Cup softened that blow considerably for Karen.
For the record, the squad was composed of captain Aoife Moore, Karen Ryan, Chloe Blackmore, Zoe Lynch, Kate English, Ciara Lonergan, Faye Drohan, Eimear Burke, Donna Maher and Laura O’Dwyer, with Kieran O’Brien, Bobby Ryan and Lisa Tobin their proud and industrious coaches.
Meanwhile, Carrick’s First XV will get their Munster Junior League Division Three campaign underway with a trip to Douglas this Sunday, with skipper David Kiersey optimistic that their intensive pre-season on the track and in the gym will lead to a happy trip home from Leeside.
Our Under-18 men’s team came away from their trip to Ballyrandle on Sunday with a well-earned 17-12 league victory over Dungarvan, which will keep training numbers keen between now and the October 27th visit of Fethard to Tybroughney.
Adding to the feel-good factor around the club last weekend was the massive turnout of juvenile players for our first underage blitz of the season, with Clanwilliam RFC and Waterpark RFC players and parents making for most welcome visitors.
There were no less than 22 teams in action last Sunday, with over 300 boys and girls enjoying a great morning’s fun, followed by some rewarding refreshment in the clubhouse; thanks to all who performed hospitality duties.
The club’s youngest ambassadors will travel to both Galbally and Dungarvan for future blitzes, while the prospect of a trip to Kilkenny remains on the cards. The next juvenile blitz to be hosted by the club will be held in December and we’ll have more details on that in future editions.
Finally, the club’s Flag Day Fundraiser takes place this Thursday, October 10th, with club representatives being located at several of the town’s busiest commercial locations from 10am through to the evening.
Any support which you can lend would be greatly appreciated. And thanks to all club members, coaches and players who have volunteered their time in the name of Carrick-on-Suir RFC this Thursday. Such support is what keeps the club’s blood flowing.
If you wish to contact the PRO, please email dermotkeyes@yahoo.com or call 087-6413906
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Kilfeacle win at home to Old Christians.
Kilfeacle and District R.F.C. 34
Old Christians R.F.C. 19
On Sunday 6th of October at 2.30pm Kilfeacle and District RFC welcomed Old Christians RFC to Morrissey Park for their meeting in the league. The weather was good with a strong breeze blowing and the ground under foot was good. Kilfeacle knew this would be a tough game as every side puts in an extra effort to win their first league game and in the same fixture two years ago Old Christians won by 22 points to 20.
However the occasion was tinged with sadness as one of Kilfeacle’s best supporters Patsy Byrne passed away suddenly last week. The accomplished businessman will be mourned across the horse and greyhound racing worlds after his death, at the age of 64, was announced on Monday morning. Everyone at Morrissey Park took part in a one minute silence before the game as a mark of respect. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bridget and the Byrne family at this time. He is survived by his wife Bridget, sons Michael and Sean, and daughter Siobhan.
The home side started with the wind in their faces and with the home support urging them on. The vast majority of the early exchanges were played in the middle third of the pitch as both sides tried to stamp their authority on the game and both sides seemed to cancel each other out. After twenty six minutes the score line remained 0-0 and to tell the truth nothing memorable had happened. In the twenty seventh minute Kilfeacle’s pack consisting of Simon Barry, Tom Doyle, John O’Grady, Diarmuid O’Donnell, Ger Luby, John Hannigan, Jack Sullivan, Cormac O’Donoghue, Sean McGrath, Keith Kearns, and James Ryan (Salmon) turned over possession and won a penalty, it was to be a day in which scrum half JJ Cooney would have 6 attempts at goal and would convert each and every one. His first penalty attempt was a well taken penalty and the home support were buoyant. Old Christians had just about regained their composure when some excellent fielding by Jonathan Corcoran brought the ever improving backline consisting of JJ Cooney, Josh Featherstone, Packie Burke, Diarmuid Carr, Pat Ryan, Brian Nugent, Jonathan Corcoran, Jake O Halloran and Bernard Callaghan into action. The backs managed to gain vital ground until they were halted by a very determined Old Christian’s defence. Kilfeacle pack, by now had come to terms with Old Christians’s very large pack and subsequently started to push deeper and deeper into the opposition’s territory. On the half hour mark Cormac O’Donoghue finished a fantastic team effort by scoring under the posts which JJ Cooney duly converted. No sooner had Kilfeacle managed to gain the upper hand in terms of territory when Old Christians broke down the pitch duly punished them for by scoring seven points to bring the score to 10 points to 7 in favour of Kilfeacle and District. The remaining minutes of the half were played once again in the middle third of the pitch, with neither side able to gain the upper hand.
At the beginning of the second half Kilfeacle started to take control of the game and began to look menacing with some sustained possession and good phases of play. After five minutes of play in the second half the "Boys in Blue" went over for a try to increase Kilfeacle’s lead to eight points when Diarmuid Carr, playing a captain’s part by leading from the front, touched down after some great work by both Diarmuid O’Donnell and Packie Burke. Once again JJ Cooney converted the conversion attempt. The pack were now playing well but not to be out done the backs started to move the ball well with Packie Burke, Diarmuid Carr, Bernard Callaghan and Pat Ryan showing why they have become regulars on the team. Another penalty after twelve minutes saw Kilfeacle extend their lead to twenty points to seven. For the next ten minutes the game entered into a period where Kilfeacle had the upper hand. On three separate occasions Kilfeacle were very unlucky not to increase their try tally and their lead. Two dubious decisions, one of a forward pass and another for a knock on, went Old Christians way. When after some fine play, when after some fine play Kilfeacle were unable to find the killer pass, everyone was wondering would the third try come. The home support didn’t have to wait any longer. A fine break by Jack Sullivan from the base of the scrum had the Old Christian defensive line back pedalling when Josh Featherstone received the ball. He in turn broke a tackle and drew two more defenders before offloading to the onrushing Pat Ryan. Pat still had plenty to do, but as ever he did it with style and scored Kilfeacle and District’s third try which was converted by JJ Cooney. Talks of bonus points and fourth try were spreading through the crowd. Old Christians were given a lifeline back into the game when in the twenty fourth minute the scored a converted try to reduce the deficit to thirteen points. Old Christians now displayed a new hope, renewed hunger and a sense of urgency as they were now very much back in the game. The next score was vital. A try for Old Christians would see them back in the game whereas a try for Kilfeacle and District would earn them a bonus point and surely kill off the game. Could Old Christians stage a great comeback? They tried in earnest however the home side seemed to be the stronger of the two. Then came Kilfeacle’s best try of the game. As in previous games the substitutes had all been introduced added an impetus to the game. With just four minutes remaining on the clock and after retaining the ball for numerous phases of play just inside their own half, Kilfeacle and District looked like they were going nowhere. That was until Diarmuid O’Donnell decided he was going somewhere. Diarmuid is a very large individual who usually resides at the bottom of rucks, in the middle of scrums and in lineouts throwing other large men into the air but on this occasion he decided he would like to take the ball out of his own half and touch it down over the opposition’s try line. This is exactly what he did much to the dismay, displeasure and pain of the six men that tried to stop him as he proceeded on his journey. His journey ended up under the posts with the ball in one hand and a very big smile on his face. The conversion kick was JJ Cooney’s sixth and his easiest to convert bringing the score to thirty four points to fourteen in favour of Kilfeacle and District. With just seconds remaining the visitors pack started to get the upper hand and when they won a scrum against the head inside the Kilfeacle half they went on the offensive. What followed was their best period of play in the entire game and an excellent team score which they were unable to convert. The referee then announced that there was two minutes of injury time left. In the time remaining Old Christians threw everything at Kilfeacle who to their credit remained steadfast to secure the victory.
Our next game is away to Kanturk RFC in the Munster Junior league Division 1 on Sunday 13th of October at 2.30pm.We hope that our supporters will turn out in large numbers to cheer us on.
Juvenile Training Continues.
Both mini and youth Rugby training continues at Morrissey Park, (the Hill), in Kilfeacle every Friday at 19.00hrs.With a primary focus on fun, safety, learning the skills and improving the all important agility, balance and co-ordination of each child we welcome back our regular players and we extend a warm welcome to any new players who would like to come and play for the Blues. The underages of Kilfeacle have experienced quite a degree of success over the past number of years and it is envisaged this year will be no different. Children from the ages of 6 and upwards are most welcome and importantly parents of the children are encouraged to come to the sessions, meet the coaches of each of the grades, meet the other parents and generally integrate within the groups. So see you all in Kilfeacle every Friday at 7.
Courtesy of Damien Kennedy, Club PRO
Midleton 35 Ards 3
A perfect day again at Townspark, 19 degrees and the sun was shining as the teams took to the field. Christian Walker gets play under way for Midleton’s second outing in the 13/14 All Ireland league campaign. Midleton are up quick but a knock on gives Ards a scrum 2 minutes in. Great Midleton play results in a penalty, Christian steps up and from about the 10m line puts it over to give Midleton the first score of the day. Mideton 03 Ards 0.
Ards restart, Midleton defend well and Chris clears for the first lineout of the afternoon. Ards take and despite a handling error from Ards they manage to hold on and it’s a Midleton foul that sees a penalty kick to the Midleton 10m line. Midleton defend well and earn a penalty to relive the pressure with about 10 minutes played these two teams are still testing each other looking for weaknesses. Midleton attack off the lineout and pass the Ards 10m line; but a knock on results in a scrum to Ards. Midleton win the scrum and drive forward to the Ards line but are penalised to holding on.
Ards clear to 10m, but Midleton win the lineout and then push with a Maul. Another penalty against Midleton for going in off their feet relieves the pressure on Ards and they get to clear to just inside the Midleton half. Ards attack and make a break but are held by the Midleton defence. Midleton prop Kevin Brierly is off for a blood substitution replaced by Donovan. Play is down on the Midleton 5m line and Midleton are defending well when Midleton lock Aidan McCarthy grabs a loose ball and makes a breaking run up the line then kicks to the Ards half. Midleton then win their second penalty and Christian has another kick but this one is wide. With just over 20 minutes played the score stands at Midleton 03 Ards 0.
Ards win another scrum, but the dominant Midleton pack, growing in confidence, force a penalty and Christian has another shot on goal; this time he splits the posts to make it Midleton 06 Ards 0. The Midleton scrum will dominate in this encounter and that is a telling part of the eventual victory.
Brierly is back on and with the restart Ards win the ball and make a break to the Midleton 5m line. Ards force the penalty and get their chance to claim their first points of the day but put it wide. The score stays Midleton 06 Ards 0. As play continues Midleton lose their own lineout and Ards take advantage and make a run for the line. Midleton are off the hook as a foot in touch with about 30 minutes played gives the ball back to Midleton for the lineout. Midleton win a free off the lineout and tap and go to advance again to the Ards half of the pitch. Midleton kick downfield and Ards make a break through the Midleton line, Christian manages to get back and make the tackle to halt the run. Midleton defend and give a penalty in front of the posts. An easy tap over for the Ards number ten sees the score as Midleton 06 Ards 03 with about 5 minutes of the half left to play.
Christian restarts but kicks out to bring play back to halfway and an Ards scrum. Again the dominant Midleton pack win the scrum and get a penalty that Christian kicks close to the 5m line. Midleton win the lineout but Ards manage to get the turnover and kick downfield. Midleton then attack and get into the Ards half winning a penalty. There is about 2 minutes left in the half at this point and Christian slots it over to make the halftime score Midleton 09 Ards 03.
Ards get play underway in the second half and the pressure from Midleton quickly sees play back to the Ards half and they are then forced to carry the ball into touch. Midleton win the lineout and go to the maul, Ards are then penalised for bringing it down and Midleton get the chance for another 3 points and Christian delivers. A great start to the second half: Midleton 12 Ards 03.
Play continues and Ards win another penalty inside their own half. Ards kick for the line, winning the lineout Midleton are then penalised for going in from the side at the ruck and Ards get a chance to kick at goal but miss. Midleton then go on the attack – Midleton winger Burns makes a great run and offloads to fellow winger Hitchmough for Midleton’s first try of the afternoon. Christian converts and it’s now Midleton 19 Ards 03.
Play is stopped as Midleton flanker Dave O’Sullivan is down and looks to be in pain. He eventually manages to walk off the pitch so hopefully it’s not too serious. The game restarts with an Ards scrum and Ards push forward in attack but don’t manage to get outside their own half. Midleton are defending well, then go on the attack but are again penalised. This time the referee shows the yellow and Midleton are down to 14. Ards kick their penalty to about halfway. Midleton are playing well and win another penalty that Chris again puts over to see the score now at Midleton 22 Ards 03.
Ards restart, but now Midleton, comfortable and full of confidence, get the ball back into the Ards half and attack again of the back of another kick and run from Midleton flanker Sean White. Midleton are then penalised for going in off their feet. Ards attack and Midleton defend but are again penalised and another yellow results. Undaunted, Midleton defend well on their own 5m line and some great play quickly sees the ball back in the Ards half and another Midleton penalty. Up steps Christian again and the margin grows to 22 as Midleton score again. Midleton-25 Ards-03. Ards restart but Midleton are straight back in Ards territory. There is no stopping Midleton now as they drive on, tails up, and about 15 minutes left on the clock and Christian takes a drop goal to make it Midleton-28 Ards-03.
After the restart Ards win a penalty kicking to the line. Midleton win the lineout and Fullback O’Sullivan again makes a great kick and chases it down. Ards gather and kick to touch. Midleton give away another penalty but win the Ards lineout and again O’Sullivan kicks and runs. Midleton then knock on but Midleton are dominant again in the scrum. Ards get a lineout and then a free, they tap and go bit Midleton are ready and the attack goes nowhere.
Some great Midleton attacking play then sees the game back into the Ards half, and with confidence Midleton drive forward for what ultimately is a try off great teamwork for the Midleton lock McCarthy with about 2 minutes left.
As Midleton register their first win of this year’s league there is a lot to be positive about. From 1 to 20, each player gave it their all to make sure the league campaign is well and truly back on track. The team is gelling well and the willingness of every player to put their best effort in, support each other and show a hunger to win is evident. Fergus and David are getting the job done and the team are responding well. So overall a great home display that ended with a dunking in the ice bath for head coach Fergus Burke on his Birthday!
Midleton Seniors next league match is October 26th at home to Suttonians. Next cup action is away to Cork Con on the 19th Oct.
Midleton: 1. Kevin Brierly, 2. Mike Sinclair, 3. Jim Mackassy, 4. Ryan Lehane, 5. Aidan McCarthy, 5. John Silke (C), 7. Dave O Sullivan, 8. Sean White, 9,Rob Colan O Leary, 10. Christian Walker, 11. Jeffery Hitchmough, 12. Bryan Morris, 13. Jayde Criuckshank, 14. Kieran Burns, 15. Diarmuid O Sullivan, 16. Coran Keane, 17. Donovan Gee, 18. Graham Mulcahy, 19. Danny May.
Ards: 1. Andrew Foster, 2. Matt Busby, 3. Colin McClure, 4. Gary Presho, 5. John Dpwey, 6.Rob McCausland (C), 7. Max Harrison, 8. Steven Minnis, 9. Mark Banford (VC), 10. Stuart Paul, 11. Gareth Wilson, 12. Scott Young, 13. Trevor Devlin, 14. Taylor Ferguson, 15. Paul Cox, 16. David Chivers (h), 17. Jonny Millar (p), 18. Gareth McBurney, 19. Peter Croan, 20. David Armstrong
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Courtesy of Siofran Scanlan, Club PRO
The Senior’s team AIL match trip to Galway last Saturday to play Corinthians may not have given us the desired result. We have a week off from Senior AIL rugby action this week but we hope to have a more improved result from next week’s match in the Munster Senior Cup.
Events & News
PRESIDENTS WALK
The "Presidents Walk" is on Sunday 27th October starting in the Club House at 12 pm. The routes are the same as last year at 5k and 10k. A percentage of the money collected will go to local charities. Afterwards back in the clubhouse, food and beverages will be served, music and prizes. Last year was a great success so lets try and make it even better this time. Should you wish to obtain a sponsorship card please contact any member of the Executive Committee. All contact details can be found on www.shannonrfc.com in the contact section.
We would urge everyone to support this great event. It is raising important funds for your club and community.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR U14’s
Well done and high congratulations to our U14’s who won the International U14’s tournament in Turin, Italy last weekend. We would like to thank all of the people involved in organising, sponsoring and travelling with the team. A full match report on this great win can be found on the website at http://www.shannonrfc.com/club/news/item/305-good-luck-to-our-u14s.html
WELL DONE TO OUR OWN CONOR GLYNN
The National Council for Exercise & Fitness (NCEF) is delighted to announce the recipient of the NCEF Sports Scholarship Programme, having been selected from a high calibre of sporting applicants.
Eighteen year old Conor Glynn from Thomondgate in Limerick is former captain of Ard Scoãl Rãs Senior Rugby Cup Team and a player with Shannon RFC since 2006. He has represented Munster at Under 20, Under 19 and Under 18 level. He was a member of the Munster Rugby Talent Identification Squad and has progressed to the Munster Rugby Sub Academy.
Conor will commence the two year – Higher Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (HCEHF), at the University of Limerick this October. The HCEHF is accredited by the University of Limerick and is placed at Level 6, Major Award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Congratulations to Conor on behalf of all at Shannon RFC
SHANNON RFC CLUBHOUSE, YOUR LOCAL FOR MATCHES
Shannon RFC Clubhouse will be open on Saturday 5th October for the Rabodirect Pro12 game between Munster and Leinster. Why not stop in before the match and see the new look clubhouse. Full bar available and now also serving Heineken beer on tap. Doors open at 5.00pm with kick off 18.45pm in Thomond Park.
SHANNON RFC APP
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
SHANNON RFC SCRAP METAL CHALLENGE SUNDAY
Shannon RFC in association with United Metals are hosting a Scrap Metal day on Sunday 20th October in Coonagh from 11am to 6pm. All scrap metal welcome ( no fridges, gas bottles or beer kegs please). Scrap Cars also accepted and will be collected. Contact Morgan on 086-1735545. Raise funds for your club’s development fund.
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 siofrascanlan@gmail.com
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Saturday 12th October
Gleeson League~3rds~ St Senans V Shannon, Away, 1pm
SWC~ U20~ Shannon V Buccaneers, Away, 2.30pm
Sunday 13th October
MSSL~2nds~Shannon V Thomond, Coonagh, 2.30pm
Ladies~AIL~Young Munsters V Shannon, Greenfields, 1pm
Underage Training and Fixtures
10.00am
U6/7/9 Top Pitch
U8 Blitz @UL Bohs Their first ever match for Shannon RFC good luck to them
U10 Biltz @Coonagh Well Field
U11 Blitz @ Estuary
U12 Training Pitch
11.00am
U13 Conference Train
11.30am
U14 Conference Training Pitch
U15 League v Ennis Showgrounds
U16 Training Pitch
12.00pm
U13 League v UL Bohs @ Top Pitch
U14 Friendly v Killarney RFC Coonagh @ New Pitch
To the U14 team that travelled to Turin last week end, a huge congratulations to all who can be proud of their achievements.A mention to the coaches whose dedication and thoroughness was there for all to see and to Mike McInerney whose organisation and planning was brilliant.The match report and photos can be seen on our website/Facebook.
Thought Of The Week
"In order to carry a positive action we must develop a positive vision"
Courtesy of: Damien Kennedy, Club PRO
Waterford City 12 Newport 06
City began their Div 2 campaign with a tough away fixture on the Limerick Tipperary border against Newport RFC, conditions were slippery and wet and that played its part in this game. City came out of the blocks quickly and found themselves with a penalty 5 mins into the game which Aaron Foskin converted but within 2 mins the Newport pack came roaring back and forced the penalty to bring the score to 3-3. The half was dominated by errors due to slippery conditions and constant knock-ons, the scrum was back and forth with both teams showing their power but neither holding a consistent platform. City will be frustrated that they left a number of try scoring opportunities behind them before the end of the half but confidence was building due to City beginning to dominate. The 2nd half began and Newport worked hard and gained themselves a penalty to bring the score to 6-3 in their favour, this was to be their last score as City upped the level of intensity and some hard work from backs and forward saw City 5 yards from the Newport line on the far left, Aaron Foskin showed nerves of steel and demanded to take a kick at goal, which he dually converted and now the sides were level with 20 mins left. The conditions were so slippery that both teams had to play conservative clever rugby in order to get a grip of this game. Within 10 mins City found themselves adding two more penalties for the scoreline to go 12-6 in our favour. In the remaining minutes Newport continued to batter away at the City line but some big hits from our backline forced the knock on and the ref blew the final whistle. A great win for our seniors who showed strength in our squad due to the big injury list this week, well done to stand in captain Nicky Jacob and in particular man of the match Aaron Foskin. Next week the league continues with a big game at home to Killarney RFC, hope to see ye all there supporting!!
U-18 v Fethard
The match started late as there was no ref appointed for the game, and with high insight it shouldn’t have started at all. For the first 10 minutes the match was very even but the writing was on the wall as decisions were not going in our favour at all, enough said as we went in at half time 15 points down. The situation and match was extremely volatile and emotions were running high at this point and the decision was made to change the ref by both sides at the extended break.This changed the game and although at the start of the half we were still taking in what had been done to us in the first which lead to some sloppy play and a try for Fethard, we were the team with all the play. We got over this and continued to play some attractive rugby going through the phases well until one bit of indecision lead to a breakdown.When we did make the right decisions we scored and Tony O’Brian got us off the mark with a dive over try after good forward play and Connor Brennan kicked the conversion.The game continued with us making the running and Fethard left to kick for their wing to chase.We scored again thought the whole team and the forward smashing the ball up to within 2 metres an Connor Brennan from 10 to stand in srum half dived over for our second.If we had 10 more minutes the game would have been ours but time stands for no man or team and we fell short final score 22 to 12.Man of the Jake Phillips kept his head did what he had to do and tidied up when others slipped up well done. Eoin Cooper and Denis Lynch need to get a mention both came off the bench and had a huge impact well played.
