Club Notes: Week Ending 15.03.15

This week’s Club News comes from Waterford City, Kilfeacle, Thurles and Newcastle West.

Click here for Waterford City RFC News
Click here for Kilfeacle RFC News
Click here for Thurles RFC News
Click here for Newcastle West RFC News

Waterford City RFC News

Courtesy of Fintan Purcell, Club PRO

Munster Junior Division 2: Waterford City 13 – 5 Abbeyfeale
City earned 4 points in the spring sunshine at Kilbarry with a hard fought win over Abbeyfeale. The conditions were perfect for rugby which suited the home side, as they looked to play a more expansive game from the off. City kept possession of the ball, running it, even deep from inside their own half to avoid kicking against the wind. The battle up front was brutal with a big physical Abbeyfeale pack. The away side also brought a well drilled solid defence which made chances hard to come by, though City managed to find some joy when attacking wide.

Ryan Philips got away down the line after the ball was moved wide swiftly midway through the first half but was caught by the cover defence in the opposition half, the Waterford side then went through a number of phases and the pressure led to a penalty which Michael Hayes made look easy, despite the distance and wind. The best chance of the half then came shortly after when City got the ball wide again and Darren Walsh outpaced his opposite wing before beating the full back with a great pass back inside to Nicky Jacob only for great covering defence to force a turnover right under the posts. Abbeyfeale escaped that time but City added another penalty just before the break with Michael Hayes kicking one from close to the halfway line to lead 6-0 at the break.

The pack had earned their half time break after a fantastic effort in the first 40 minutes, Alec Fitzmaurice, Jason Power and Simon O'Hara had standout performances. The lineout and scrum were also solid with Andrew Condron who was key to both, having a great game. Abbeyfeale got the better start to the second half and put pressure on the City defence but it held firm. City then got back on top and following some great rugby with backs and forwards interlinking. Ryan Philips finished well in the corner and Michael Hayes converted to leave City 13-0 up.

Abbeyfeale were far too organised and determined to give up and they didn't. The away side kept going to the end and picked up a well-deserved score when they finally breached the City line. The home team had done enough though to pick up a deserved win with a great team effort. Darren Walsh was man of the match in what was a close call following a number of excellent performances on the day. Waterford City would like to thank their sponsors Sun Life Financial, Brennan Catering, The Three Shippes, Kingfisher and The Premium Butcher.

Kilfeacle RFC News

Courtesy of Jamie Keatley, Club PRO

Munster Junior Cup: Garryowen 10 – 18 Kilfeacle
On Sunday last, Garryowen RFC welcomed Kilfeacle RFC to Dooradoyle for a last 16 game of the Munster Junior Cup. To an outsider looking in, this was poised to be a complete one sided affair, senior club versus junior club, a David versus Goliath encounter. However, anybody who knows of the traditions and heart of the "Little club on the Hill", would realise that they have a great record in this competition and are an out and out "Cup Team". Having cast aside Clanwilliam in the previous round, Garryowen set the standard for the remainder of the competition and went into the tie as firm favourites. With a home quarter final on offer, this was gearing up to be a monumental fixture.

Weather conditions on the day were conducive to open, free flowing rugby with a breeze blowing diagonally across the field favouring the away side in the opening half. The game started as many would have expected, with the away team attempting to play a territory game, utilising the breeze and kicking deep with a strong chase. This continuously put the senior club under pressure within their own half but their well drilled defence held out until the 35th minute, when Diarmuid O'Donnell crossed the line after countless phases of pick and go's. Darren Lowry converted to leave the half time score 0-7 to Kilfeacle.

The second half was going to be the making or breaking of the junior club's season and this was "politely" communicated to the players by the coaching staff at the break. With play resuming, Lowry converted a difficult penalty after just 6 minutes. Garryowen responded on the 20 minute mark with a penalty to get them on the scoreboard. With only a converted try separating the sides, the next score was going to be crucial. Kilfeacle attacked the Garryowen line doggedly, for the next ten minutes but failed to cross the whitewash. Knowing that leaving that area of the field with nothing to show on the scoreboard could be a changing point in the game, Ciaran Lowry took it upon himself to attempt a drop goal from a difficult angle. There was momentary silence as the ball soared in the air, until the travelling crowd simultaneously sighed in relief as the ball sailed between the uprights. Having put more than one score between the teams, this was a vital three points in Kilfeacle's season and resulted in the game opening up for the remaining 8 minutes. It was the away side again though that capitalized on their dominance in the pack, with Dave Kiersey barging his way over the line with 5 minutes left. The conversion was missed to leave the score 18-3 to the Blues. Garryowen, showing the same fighting spirit they showed throughout the game, did manage to score a consolation try in injury time, with ex-Munster player Conan Doyle touching down under the posts. This left the final score 18-10 to Kilfeacle RFC.

All in all it was a great day for the club and goes to prove that with good preparation and getting good numbers out at training, a good performance will follow. It is hard to name players that stood out on the day as it was a combined team effort that ensured progression in the competition. In two weeks, Kilfeacle will host Clonakilty on The Hill in the quarter final and all support will be required to overcome the odds again.

Thurles RFC News

Courtesy of Brian Scanlon, Club PRO

Munster League Division 2: Mallow RFC 24 – 12 Thurles RFC
Thurles RFC took to the road once again on Sunday last, to take on fourth placed Mallow. This was Thurles' first game in 5 weeks and the rustiness told throughout. Thurles travelled minus a number of regulars who were absent for various different reasons but the team that lined out would be more than a match for most teams in the league.

Thurles controlled most of the game but their failure to cross the whitewash within the 80 minutes proved costly. 3 penalties from the boot of Aidan Dwyer and 1 from Eoghan O'Dwyer was not enough for the Tipperary men, against a Mallow side who took their chances when they came about, racking up 3 tries and adding a couple of penalties for a 24-12 final score line.

Thurles will have been very disappointed with this result but with a lot of cobwebs dusted off last weekend, the First XV will be looking to regroup and finish the league season off in style as they hope to cement a third place finish this year. The team play Crosshaven at home this Sunday at 2.30pm and continued support would be greatly appreciated by the players and management.

Scorers v Mallow: Aidan Dwyer 3 Penalties, Eoghan O'Dwyer 1 Penalty.

Team v Mallow: 1. Ger McCormack 2. Colm Skehan 3. David O'Dwyer 4. Colin Feeley 5. Brian Lyons (c) 6. Phil Kelly 7. Paddy Phelan 8. Conor Cooney 9. Nicky Irwin 10. Peter Coman 11. John Coman 12. Aidan Dwyer 13. Ollie Geoghan 14 Tommy Connelly 15. Eoghan O'Dwyer 16. Dave Kelly 17. Jason O'Mahony 18. Dwayne Stanley 19. Luke Kelly 20. James Ryan.

U18s v Birr: Thurles 48 – Birr 24
There was a great crowd in Thurles last Thursday night for this challenge game. Thurles started well with a try in the corner from Brandon Shanahan. Thurles soon after scored another try to make it 12 nil before Birr came back with 2 quick tries. Thurles' second try came from Liam Devaney and was converted by Cillian Kavanagh. That would be the start of a long period of dominance from Thurles who scored five more tries. These came from Liam Devaney – scoring 2 to complete his hat trick – John Shanahan, Shane Nugent and Seamus Telford. This was before Birr scored two further tries. This was a good run out for Thurles with the whole panel getting a game. Last word was given to Thurles with Lee Tierney running from half way to score in the corner in the last play of the game.

Man of the match was a tough decision with three players in contention – Liam Devaney with 3 tries, John Shanahan with an outstanding display of defence and immense tackling, and Cillian Kavanagh for his all round play. In the end it went to John Shanahan. Well done lads keep it up.

U16 Friendly: Clanwilliam 19 – 32 Thurles
Thurles U16s travelled to Clanwilliam Park last Sunday on a day ideal for running rugby and that's how the game was played, fast and loose. It was Thurles who put up the first score when Jack Flanagan broke the defence and passed to Conor o Hagan who crashed over the line.

Man of the match Conor O'Hagan went on to score three more tries showing great individual skill and evasive running. David Conway and Michael Ryan had strong performances in the forwards. Seamus Holohan played very well at scrum half and even better in the back row for the final part of the game. Dylan O'Shaughnessy on the wing looked lively every time he got the ball in hand.

Overall it was a good performance by Thurles against a spirited Clanwilliam side who scored three tries. The final score Clanwilliam 19 Thurles 32.

Thurles RFC are holding a Monster Sale of Work at the Rugby Club on Sunday March 22nd. There will be lots of stalls with items for sale and a large selection of goods to be auctioned and raffled. All are invited to attend.

(Pictured right: Shane Lanigan Ryan of Thurles RFC who lined out for Rockwell College in their 22-3 semi-final victory over Glenstall. Rockwell now play ArdScoil Rís in the final on St Patricks Day in Thomond Park.)

Newcastle West RFC News

Courtesy of Martin O'Sullivan, Club PRO

Webb Cup: Newcastle West Elites 20 – 3 Scariff
Newcastle West's 2^nd XV advanced to the next round of the Webb Cup with a well-deserved win over Scarriff in Cullinagh last Saturday. The visitors had the advantage of the strong wind in the first half but it was Newcastle West that got off to the better start. Niall Kennedy scored a good try on seven minutes after Gary Hanley, Paudi Fogarty, Paudge Roche and Ben Linale combined to bring the ball into the Scarriff half. The ball reached Michael O'Leary who side stepped a number of defenders before off-loading to Niall who out-paced the defence to score under the posts with Michael adding the conversion. Scarriff hit back with a penalty five minutes later but this was to be their only score as our defence was excellent with Brian McAuliffe, Mike Boyce and Aaron O'Brien putting in some big hits. Michael O'Leary added a penalty ten minutes before half time when Scarriff infringed after Sean McAuliffe was held up just short of the line. This left the half time score at 10-3.

The play of the day came from the restart when Ryan Joyce gathered the kick off and jinked past most of the Scarriff team only to be held up just short of the line. Newcastle West increased their lead nine minutes later when Rob Hayden, Antoin Fitzsimons and Darren Normoyle set up Gavin Whelan who made great ground before passing to Mike McMahon who burst through the Scarriff defence to score a very good try, Michael again added the conversion. Newcastle West were well on top at this stage but were unable to break down a strong defence. James McCarthy and Tom O'Shaughnessy came close to scoring but the final pass went to ground. O'Leary maintained his 100% kicking record with another penalty on sixty four minutes. Scarriff had a final chance to score but their winger was held up just short of the line by Kevin Sheehy and the game ended 20-3.

Man of the match was Ryan Joyce with Mike McMahon, Michael O'Leary and Sean McAuliffe also playing well.

Team v Scariff: Sean McAuliffe, Darren Normoyle, Brian McAuliffe, Niall Kennedy, Mike Boyce, Michael O'Leary, Ben Linale, Gavin Whelan, Rob Hayden, Paudi Fogarty, Aaron O'Brien, Padraig Roche, Ryan Joyce, Mike McMahon. Subs used: Tom O'Shaughnessy, Antoin Fitzsimons, James McCarthy and Kevin Sheehy.

Newcastle West EliteXV play Galbally 2^nd XV in the next round of the Webb Cup in Cullinagh – date and time to be confirmed.

Upcoming Fixtures
Newcastle West take on Galbally in the Junior League in Cullinagh on Sunday March 15th at 2.30pm. This is our final game of the season. After a fantastic season we'd love to see all our wonderful supporters there to cheer on the lads.

Friendly Mini Blitz for Sunday March 15^th

Youth Fixtures for Sunday March 15^th

U13s: Richmond 5 – 27 Newcastle West
On Sunday morning last, our under 13 team travelled to Garryowen Green to take on table toppers Richmond. The previous two meetings between the teams resulted in big wins for the city team. Straight from the kick off, we got on the front foot. Good carrying by Chris O'Riordan and captain for the day, David Walsh, resulted in an overlap which the back line took advantage of when Andrew Mortell went over in the corner. Andrew's centre partner Ruadhan O'Connor followed him on the score sheet to give us a 10-0 lead. Richmond started to gain a foothold in the game as the half drew to a close. They pounded away at the line but Todd Donovan earned a turnover which resulted in Aaron Heffernan clearing his lines to bring the half to a close.

Unfortunately early in the second half Richmond did claim their first score of the day despite great tackling from Evan Sheehan. This left the score at 10-5. If we were in that position earlier in the season, we may have lost the game. But the boys now have a mental strength that took the game away from a table topping Richmond side. Mike Cremin got us going with a great break down the right hand sideline. The ball came back to Aaron Heffernan who put a kick to the opposite sideline. Jack Duggan collected and offloaded to Ruadhan O'Connor who grabbed a brace on the day. Two more scores followed from Bryan Mortell and Bobby Donovan to ensure we secured a great win.

Training is on every Wednesday and Friday night at 6:30 in Killeline

Squad: Jodie Woulfe, Jack Duggan, Ruadhan O'Connor, Andrew Mortell, Ronan Mullane, Aaron Heffernan, Evan Sheehan, Bryan Mortell, Oliver Flanagan, Chris O'Riordan, David Walsh, Bobby Donovan, E'ouenn Ferron, Todd Donovan, Mike Cremin, Darragh Lyons, Aaron Rothwell, Killian Rothwell, Kevin O'Connell.

Pay a visit to our Kilelline Shop
Please consider purchasing adult club merchandise and wear your club colours when cheering on your son(s) on match day. Special offers on; – Adult Hoodies and polo shirts. Pay a visit on Sunday's or order in advance by ringing either Eoin Cahill (085 1651763) or Pat Daly (087 2421682) after 6:30 pm or call up to coaches at any of weekday (Tue – Fri) youth training nights.

Bag and Drop old clothes to our Kilelline Shop
Martina has organised another U15 Fundraiser.
Please bag up unwanted old clothes and drop them off at the clubhouse on training nights or Sunday mornings over the next 2 weeks. Clothes, runners, shoes, curtains, hats, belts etc. but NO duvets, pillows or cushions.
Any queries please contact Martina on 085 7323253.

Lotto
There was 1 winner of the February 20th Lotto draw which took place in The Bridge Bar
The numbers drawn were 7, 9, 15 and. 30
We were delighted that Lisa O'Sullivan, partner of club stalwart, Barry Madden was the luck winner of our €20,000 jackpot on Feb 20th last. We wish you every enjoyment with your winnings.
Lucky dip winners on Feb 20th were
Eddie Browne, Monegea
M&P O'Connor, Ballintemple Bar x 2
Martin Kenrick, Carrigkerry
Pat Fitzgerald, Askeaton
Ciara Cagney, c/o MAG Motors
Tom Cribbin, Ballygowan
Promoters Prize, Ballintemple Bar

There was no winner of the February 27^th Lotto Draw in Ned Lynch's Bar.
The numbers drawn were 4, 13, 16 and. 23
Lucky dip winners on Feb 27th were
Mgt Keating, Castlemahon
Ed Lynch, Lynch's Bar
Mike Patrick Collins, c/o Lee's Bar
Kirsty McEnery, Ballygowan
David & Harry White, Castlemahon
Dave Cahill, Cork Road
Vincent Gordon, Adare
Promotors Prize, Whelans Bar

There was no winner of the 6th March Lotto Draw in the Ballintemple
The numbers drawn were 14, 19, 24 and. 30
Lucky dip winners on March 6th were
Margaret Moran, Beechwood Avenue
Theresa Lynch, 14 Connelly Avenue
Tim Ambrose, c/o Lee's Bar
PJ & M M, c/o Central Bar
Paddy O'Brien, Lynch's Bar
Jamie Massey
Timmy Ambrose
Promotors Prize, Ballintemple Bar

The next draw for €5,200 takes place on Friday 13th March in Clearys Bar

Your continued support for the weekly draw is greatly appreciated.

Denis Kelly, who is generously sponsoring our final game of the season this Sunday at home to Galbally, presenting the sponsorship cheque to, Eoin Cahill, NCW RFC Secretary & Liam O'Connor, NCW RFC Committee.