Club Notes: Week Ending 15.11.15

This week’s club notes are courtesy of Newcastle West, Thurles and Waterford City rugby clubs.

Click here for Newcastle West club notes

Click here for Thurles club notes

Click here for Waterford City club notes

Newcastle West RFC

Courtesy of:- Martin O'Sullivan, Club PRO
First XV – Munster Junior League Div 1

Newcastle West RFC – 6 Clonmel RFC – 13

The first colds of winter brought with it our first home league defeat in a long time on Sunday last. The league winners from last season, Clonmel came and raided Cullinagh in a smash and grab exercise. While we were missing some regular starters our panel strength meant we went into the game confident that we could reverse the result in the Tipp venue last January. An exchange of penalties on the 3^rd and 11^th minutes left it 3-3 and the next quarter of the game was a reflection of the evenness of the 2 sides. Clonmel were having the better of the set pieces but were struggling a little with our running game. A couple of errors and luck deserting us meant that we didn't score in that 20 min period which proved crucial as Clonmel added what proved to be the match winning try after 31 minutes. The visitors went on the hunt for another score before the break but our defence was excellent and held out leaving us trailing 10-3 at half time. Scores in this game were at a premium and Clonmel added 3 points on 50 minutes which meant we had to chase the game at 13-3. Chase it we did and we probably deserved more than a losing bonus point in the end. A scrum penalty and yellow card for Clonmel for ruck infringements lead to a lineout maul that got over the line but the refs view was blocked by the bodies on the ground and we went back for a tap and go on the advantage. Again Clonmel held out, this time giving us the opportunity to kick 3 points to secure the bonus point from Alan Roches boot.

Overall it was disappointing to lose the game but again we were competitive to the end and can take heart that the panel strength is one of our great assets.

Next Sunday we are away to Richmond before a break until the 29^th when we host Kilfeacle.

Scorers, Sean Herlihy & Alan Roche, 1 Pen each.
Panel, Alan Roche, Shaun Berkery, Darragh Treacy, James Kelly, Niall Kennedy, Tommy Kelliher, Sean Herlihy, Shane Magner, Sean Corbett, Declan Moloney, James Corbett, Dave Foley, Capt, Sean Leahy, Gary GaGa O'Donnell, & Ronan Mulcahy. Gavin Reidy, Paudie Fogarty, Rossa Dooley & John Sheehan.

U20's

AIL Division 2
Old Christians – 10 Newcastle West/Estuary – 20
On Saturday last, we travelled to Old Christians for our first AIL Division 2 game. It had been twelve years since the club has fielded an Under 20's side. Due to prior commitment from a couple of our squad we had the bare 15 travelling under the guidance of James Feane and Vinny O'Doherty. Things didn't start well due to illness one of our stars players Thomas D'Arcy did not start. The attitude from the players was excellent from the off and receiving the kickoff we took the game to Old Christians. Ten minutes past and things were pretty even as the game was played between both 22s. Newcastle West struck first when Sean Murphy made a fine break up the middle and there was good clear-out from Hugh Massey, Gerald Griffin and Dylan Murphy. Quick ball was had by Shane Lee who made a great break and in the tackle off loaded to Michael O'Flynn playing his first game at outhalf for the club slipped a tackle and went in under the posts. This was converted by Dean Smith. From the kick off we were on the attack again and with constant pressure we forced a penalty which was again converted by Dean Smith. From the kick off we were on the attack and with the help of the pack who went through several phases with Dayle Danaher, Eamon O'Halloran and Garry Crowley working hard to make slow ball, good ball, we spun the ball to the right and with an overlap Shane Lee got in for a try, with the conversion narrowly missed. Newcastle West now with their tails up used centres, Darren O'Doherty and Jonathan Hartigan and with safe hands from Cathal O'Brien again putting pressure on the Old Christians defence. Getting a penalty inside the 22, a tap and go from Shane Lee brought us closer to the line with another penalty awarded, Sean Murphy tapped and with great determination drove two Old Christians defenders over the line to score a fine try. Newcastle West now on 20 points had a man in the bin for ten minutes and playing with thirteen players took a great toll on them with Old Christians scoring two unconverted tries. Showing no lack of determination, this group of young players they can be very proud of this achievement coming away with a deserved 20 – 10 win. Jack Feane, Sean Murphy and Shane Lee featured a lot throughout this game. A special mention has to go to Michael O'Flynn playing his first game at outhalf for the club was outstanding. Well done to all.

1: Gary Crowley
2: Eamon O'Halloran
3: Dayle Danaher
4: Gerald Griffin
5: Hugh Massey
6: Dylan Murphy
7: Sean Murphy
8: Thomas D'Arcy
9: Shane Lee
10: Michael O'Flynn
11: Cathal O'Brien
12: Jonathan Hartigan
13: Darren O'Doherty
14: Dean Smith
15: Jack Feane

U18's
Nenagh Ormond RFC – 12 Newcastle West/Estuary RFC – 26

We played away to Nenagh on a mud mired park in storm force wind and rain last Sunday. Playing against the wind in the first half we secured a lineout inside the opposition twenty two after a good kick by outhalf Michael Begley and chase by Jack Kelly. Off the throw in, the ball was taken down well and driven over the line for Mark Broderick to touch down. Nenagh came straight back and scored a forwards try of their own to tie the score at five points each. Thus it remained to half time. We had further scoring chances but decision making in the red zone let us down. Nevertheless excellent discipline was shown in defence to keep Nenagh scoreless for the last 8 minutes of the half inside our twenty two with Noelie Griffin, Tomas McCarthy and Donnacha Scanlon revelling in the wet conditions. Dawid Marcinjak and Cathal Roche were the second row engines in a scrum that held its own well.

The second half opened with Nenagh taking a 7 point lead as their forwards ground out a converted try. Undaunted, Captain Mark Broderick broke through and scored a fine try. He repeated the performance 10 minutes later coming off his No. 8 position in the scrum to finish his hat-trick of tries in the corner on the blindside. Jason Woulfe then got in on the act when he powered through a now jaded Nenagh defence to score our final try. Michael Bourke successfully kicked the three conversions in difficult conditions. There were performances of note from John Walsh, Darragh Fox, and John McCoy.

Next match is away to Young Munster on Sunday 15th Nov.
Training 7.30pm Tuesday and Thursday.

Team: Donnacha Scanlon, Tomas McCarthy, John Walsh, Cathal Roche. Dawid Marcinjak, Noel Griffin, Jason Woulfe, Mark Broderick, Darragh Fox, Michael Begley, Robert McAuliffe, Colm McSweeney, Tom Edwards, Jack Kelly, John McCoy, Stephen Hennessy, Patrick Cremin, Cillian Ferris, Liam Tierney, Michael Bourke.

U16's
Under 16's Pan Munster Competition
Clanwilliam RFC – 7 Newcastle West RFC – 26

Clanwilliam hosted Newcastle West last Sunday morning for the last pool game in Conference 3 of the Pan Munster Competition on what was a wet and windy day. Clanwilliam started strongly and scored a try under the posts within the first 3 minutes. Their outhalf duly added the 2 points through the conversion. This was a wakeup call for Newcastle West to which they responded well by setting up a driving maul from the Clanwilliam 22 to go all the way for Luke Barrett to ground the ball for a try. Charlie Doherty added the 2 points from the conversion to level the match. Clanwilliam had a strong and organised lineout and dominated this area of the game for long periods, but Adam Flanagan did some excellent poaching of their ball, from which the ball went through the hands to finish with Michael Murphy who went over for a try just before half time. Again Charlie added the points to make it 7 – 14 at the half time whistle. Newcastle West were better organised in the second half with tries from Cormac Nash and David O'Donovan, a penalty by Stephen Lyons and a penalty by Charlie O'Doherty. All substitutes came on in the second half with each of them playing impressively.

This result sees Newcastle West through to the Cup section of the competition and through to the Semi-final of the North Munster league which is likely to be away to Bruff next Sunday morning.

Newcastle West Squad – Michael Murphy, David O'Donovan, Liam Mc Sweeney, Eamon Ambrose, William Cahill, Stephen Lyons, Charlie O'Doherty, Cian Walsh, Padraig Flavin, Evan Donovan, Luke Barrett, Killian Fitzgerald, Ryan White, Adam Flanagan, Cormac Nash. Subs; Liam Molyneaux, Tiernan Mason, Liam Kennedy, Ross Donovan and Dylan Cahill

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

Youth fixtures for next week

Munster vs Benetton Treviso in Thomond Park – Saturday Next November 14th – 5.15pm.

Munster open their 2015/16 Champions Cup campaign when they welcome Benetton Treviso to Thomond Park on Saturday November 14th – 5.15pm.

Get ace-Value tickets from your club, for as little as €30 per adult.
We have West Stand (Cat A = €50), East Stand (Cat B = €40) or East Terrace (€30).

• Munster vs Treviso 14-Nov- 2015
• Munster vs Leicester Tigers 12-Dec-2015
• Munster vs Stade Francais -Jan-2016

Order for this match (Treviso), or all 3 Champions Cup matches

Applications for Munster vs Treviso tickets must be given to the club by Thursday Nov 12^th.
Please email ncwrfctickets@gmail.com or call 0878322731 (after 7pm only please).

Lotto

Results from Friday Nov 6^th Lotto Draw

Numbers Drawn 7, 24, 25 & 26 – NO WINNER

Lucky Dip Winners
Linda & Fiona Cussen, Cork
Mike Daly, c/o Lee's Bar
Pa Meehan, c/o Lee's Bar
Mary Ryan, c/o Laurie Kelliher
Martin Byrnes, Maiden St NCW
Grace Kelly, Castleview, NCW
Dave Keane, c/o Monegea GAA
Promotors Prize – Lee's Bar

Next week's draw will be in Cleary's Bar on Friday November 13^th. The jackpot stands at €12,200.


Thurles RFC

Courtesy of:- Brian Scanlon, Club PRO

Thurles RFC Vs. Ennis RFC – Munster Junior League

Thurles RFC 18 – 14 Ennis RFC

Thurles RFC First XV were on the road once again last Sunday as they were back in League action to face Ennis RFC at the Clare venue. Thurles were looking to build on a good Cup win over Castleisland the previous week. With heavy rain the night before and early Sunday morning, the underfoot conditions were not ideal for running rugby combined with a very strong wind, which Thurles played against in the first half of the game.

Thurles started brightest having received the kick-off, with the three Shane's combining well out wide and unlucky not to touchdown early but for a last ditch saving tackle by the covering Ennis fullback and supporting winger. Thurles applied a lot of early pressure in the opening 20 minutes but were undone by the conditions, with penalties given for men not able to keep their feet on the soft ground and the occasional knock on with the slippery ball in hand.

Despite Thurles' early pressure, it was the homeside who with the aid of the strong wind at their backs, made their way inside the Thurles 22 and were able to opening the scoring through the boot of their out-half from a penalty, ten minutes later he would repeat the act increasing the home sides lead to 6-0. Thurles applied some great pressure from the restart, with Phil Kelly winning a great ball to set up a platform for attack. After a number of phases, the ball made its way to out-half Aidan Dwyer who caught the Ennis defence napping with a kick in behind, Peter Coman chased excellently and to most, bar the referee, seemed to clearly touch down first but unfortunately for Thurles, the try was not given. Thurles were awarded a penalty shortly after this sequence of play, which Dwyer converted to reduce the deficit to 6-3.

Just before the break, Ennis increased their lead once again with another penalty from the boot of their out-half, Thurles were down 9-3 but would have been reasonably happy with this outcome considering the strength of the wind they were playing into and with the chances they were creating, those in attendance felt in was just a matter of time before Thurles crossed the white line.

Thurles kicked off the second and the travelling support from Tipperary didn't have long to wait before they had something to cheer about, after some great work by the forwards, including Rory O'Dwyer & Ciaran Ryan and a superb break from scrum half Nicky Irwin, Tommy Connolly was on hand to touchdown in the corner for this second try in as many weeks, the conversion was unsuccessful but Thurles were now within a point of Ennis, 9-8.

From the restart, Thurles continued to turn the screw, with great work from Ger McCormack, Dave Kelly and half time substitute, Larry O'Gorman, the Tipp men made their way back up inside the Ennis 22 and with some great combinations between backs and forwards, the ball eventually reached winger Peter Coman, who handed off the attempted tackle from his opposite number and sped past the full back to touchdown out wide, Dwyer added the extra's to tighten Thurles' grip in the driving seat for the first time in the game.

With 20 minutes to go, Thurles didn't seem to be under any pressure as they were happy to keep Ennis pinged back in their own half but to their credit, the Clare men didn't give up the chase and managed a well worked try of their own, with their winger somehow finding room to touchdown in the corner, after some great play by the home team to bring them up the field, the conversion was missed, which ensured Thurles held their lead approaching the final ten minutes.

Thurles chased the kick off and were successful re-claiming possession with great rob by Paddy Phelan with the help of Joey Kelly and immediately went on the attack with Adrian Bourke, who was making his first appearance of the year from the bench on his return from injury, made some great go forward ball to set up another attack, Thurles made some good inroads in the Ennis 22 before being awarded a penalty for an Ennis player killing the ball on the left hand side. With just 7 minutes left on the clock, the temptation was there to go for the 5 pointer via a scrum or lineout, but the sensible option seemed to be taken in the end, which meant Ennis would have to score a try to win the game. Dwyer kicked this one through the posts to push out the score to 18-14, Ennis did have one more attack but the Thurles defence held tough once again and saw out the game by turning over possession and kicking the ball dead.

This was another great, hard fought win by Thurles, with the team starting to adjust following a number of injuries to key players. Numbers for both Firsts and Seconds have been excellent for the past number of weeks and we hope to see this continue in the build up to the Christmas break, the rewards of the high numbers training were evident last weekend, with both our First and Seconds XV recording excellent League wins.

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 long journey to Ennis to support the team, it was much appreciated and a big boost to the players.

Our next fixture is in the Munster Junior League at home (finally!!) to Waterford City this Sunday 14th November, all support would be greatly appreciated for this important home game.

Thurles Scorers: Tommy Connolly and Peter Coman (1 Try Each), Aidan Dwyer (1 Conversion, 2 Penalties).

Thurles Squad vs Ennis: 1. Ger McCormack 2. Rory O'Dwyer 3. Dave Kelly
4. Phil Kelly 5. Luke Kelly 6. Ciaran Ryan 7. Paddy Phelan (Capt.) 8.
Joey Kelly 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. Jason O'Mahony 18. Larry
O'Gorman 19. Ross Crystal 20. Adrian Bourke

Thurles 2nd VV vs Old Crescent

Thurles seconds faced Old Crescent in their third game of the Gleeson league on Saturday last. Conditions were excellent, the pitch was in great nick and there could be no excuses for not performing.

Old Crescent opened the scoring with a simple penalty kick within the first ten minutes of the game.
Thurles were a revived outfit from the previous weeks defeat to Richmond and had a point to prove.

Thurles were carrying ball well and looked impressive during the opening quarter. This hard work from the pack paid off after 30 minutes when Anthony Guinan received a ball down the short side and with a man to beat and the try line 40 metres away had some work to do before touching down under the posts. Adrian Bourke duly converted leaving the score 7 – 3 at half time. Thurles had all the momentum going into the second half and were looking good for the win.
The immense Colm Skehan opened the scoring for Thurles in the second half breaking from the back of a scrum deep in his own half and handing off players in a run that was akin to that seen in the 1997 Playstation game Lomu Rugby.

Bourke again was on hand to split the posts for Thurles.

Credit to Old Crescent they were not going to take the game lying down. After working their way up the field through some good phases they scrambled over the whitewash. Luckily for Thurles, Crescent missed the conversion leaving the home team 6 points clear.

This was a wake up call for Thurles. Within 5 minutes of conceding the home team were on the attack. The ball went swiftly through a number of Thurles hands to Steven Sherry who drew the tackle and offloaded to the supporting Ross Chrystal. The Sligo native didn't have to be asked twice when the space opened up and showed a clean pair of heels to the would be Crescent tackles.

The Limerick side were by no means dead. They again worked their way to within metres of the Thurles try line hammering the Thurles defence with phase after phase of hard carries around the fringes. Were it not for the presence of mind from the substitute Shawn Fitzgerald preventing the Crescent pack from grounding the ball it would have left Thurles with a tense game over the final minutes. Old Crescents persistence paid off and with only a few minutes left on the clock they slipped through a tired Thurles defence at the edge of a ruck 5 metres from the Thurles line. The Old Crescent kicker rushed the conversion and his drop kick attempt from in front of the posts went wide. With that the referee blew the final whistle leaving Thurles worthy winners.

On the day for Thurles every player who took the field done a stout job. Adrian Bourke adopted a running game at 10 and had a flawless 3 out of 3 kicks. Mark Cummins tackled well in the centres and was ably assisted by the powerful Steven Berry. In the pack Liam Devaney was covered every blade of grass of the field. Matthew Booth contested aggressively for scrappy ball all day and was well supported by a consistent Dwane Stanley.

The old warrior Johnny Red when introduced with 20 minutes to go steadied the ship for Thurles bringing three decades of playing experience to the table.

Shane Nugent hit his mark in the lineouts and supported well around the field, his front row partner Michael Ely got a real taste for crashing and carrying ball around the fringes, always breaking the gain line.

Great thanks must go to Shay Scanlon and Kevin O'Dwyer for managing the team on the day and that their hard work during Friday evenings training paid off.

Thurles team. Michael Flanagan, Shane Nugent, Michael Ely, Liam
Devaney, Steven Bourke, Dwane Stanley, Matthew Booth, Colm Skehan,
Ollie Delaney (captain) Adrian Bourke, Ross Crystal, Mark Cummins, Stephen Berry, Rory O'Sullivan, Anthony Guinan Substitutes Brandon Shanahan for Ross Chrystal Sean Fitzgerald for Matthew Booth. Johnny Ryan Red for Michael Flanigan. Dylan Dorney for Steven Burke.

Thurles U18 Boys vs Clonmel

Thurles 20 – Clonmel 14

Thurles beat Clonmel in a very physical match which was played in adverse weather conditions on Sunday morning. Thurles were down 14 – 10 at half time but came back and put a lot of pressure on Clonmel in the 2nd half. There were a couple of stand out performances which came from Jack Flanagan and Dylan Mason. Try scorers on the day were Jack Flanagan, Cillian Kavanagh, Jack Kavanagh & Seamus Holohan. Well done lads it was a great team effort. Keep it up lads

Thurles U14 Boys vs Cashel

Thurles U14's produced a battling performance to edge out Cashel in a close fought final league game in Loughtagala. Both teams defended well, Thurles held several Cashel close in surges early in the first half to maintain their line. Thurles had their own spell late on in the first half but with both teams contesting aggressively at the break down, sustaining possession proved difficult. The game was poised 0 – 0 at half time but Thurles had the aid of a strong breeze in the second half were first off the mark. A good kick into the Cashel 5 m line was followed by a series of rucks with Ed Connolly sneaking over from close range. Just 5 minutes later Cashel were back in the game when their hard running centre evaded some loose Thurles tackling to get in from 35 m. Thurles regrouped well and used the wind effectively to get field position. A series of quick penaltys saw Thurles get to within 5. Another penalty enabled Sam Quinlan to barge and twist for the line to score Thurles second try. An excellent conversion by Ed Connolly from wide on the wing gave Thurles the breathing space to see out the final 5 minutes. The Thurles pack had the edge in the scrum and line out but the whole team and replacements battled bravely to secure the win. The win ensures progression to the knock out stages in two week's time.

Waterford City RFC

Courtesy of:- Deirdre Barry, Club PRO

Under 16's Dungarvan (5) v Waterford city (24)
City travelled to Dungarvan on Saturday for this u/16 league game. In difficult, wet and windy conditions both sides made many mistakes in the first half, with Dungarvan creating the better chances. At half time the score remained 0-0. City made a few changes and at the start of the second half scored the first try, after many drives into Dungarvan's 22 Sean Walsh went over. Tom Carney converted from a difficult angle. City kept the pressure deep into Dungarvan's 22, and after a few more drives Naoise MacCathmhaoil scored City's second try. Another try scored by Sean Walsh made the score 17-0 to City. With ten minutes remaining city scored their best try, after a fine break by Sean Walsh took him into Dungarvan's 22 he passed to his supporting scrum half Luke Cronin to touch down near the posts. David Glynn converted. To their credit the home side never gave up, and after some good phases of play scored a fine try in the last play of the game. David (Scooby) White, Naoise MacCathmhaoil and man of the match prop Tom Hennessy all had outstanding games.
Tries: Sean Walsh (2), Naoise MacCathmhaoil (1), Luke Cronin (1)
Conversions: Tom Carney (1), David Glynn (1)

A Night at the Dogs – Benefit Night
On Friday 18^th of December a benefit night in aid of the club will be held in Kilcohan Park Greyhound Stadium. Doors open at 7pm with the first race starting at 7.55pm. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased at all training sessions. Adult tickets are €10 and family tickets are €20 (2 adults and 4 children). There will be lots of prizes and promotions on the night. All members welcome.

Next week's Fixtures
Saturday 14^th November
Under 18's Waterford City v Youghal in Kilbarry, KO 11am
Sunday 15^th November
Senior's – Thurles v Waterford City in Thurles, KO 2.30pm
U16's – Waterford City v Mitchelstown in Kilbarry, KO 11am