Club Notes: Week Ending 16.10.16

Thurles RFC 29-18 Presentation RFC – Munster Junior League
The Thurles First XV got back to winning ways on Sunday last as they battled through a tough 80 minute battle with Limerick side Presentation. Having lost narrowly to title challengers Waterpark the week previous, it was massively important that Thurles came out with a positive result from the game.

The opening quarter of the game was spent largely around the middle of the field as both sides tried to find their feet early on. Presentation set their stall out early, keeping the ball in tight to make use of their big pack but credit to the Thurles defence, they stopped any advance before the gain line. The Limerick men had opened the scoring with a penalty in front of the posts but it was Thurles who registered the first try of the day following some great play by the Thurles backs, the ball reached winger Dean McCormack who placed an excellent kick in behind the Presentation defence for Eoghan O'Dwyer to collect and race in under the posts at the Clubhouse end, John Lillis added the extras for the full points, 7-3.

Thurles came close to increasing their try tally before the break with Joey Kelly, Aidan Dwyer and Peter Coman coming close with different attempts but to be denied by last ditch tackles. John Lillis did increase the home side's lead by adding two excellent long range penalties to leave the score reading 13-3 at the half time break. Despite Thurles getting the first score of the second half through the boot of Lillis once again, Thurles were slow to start the half, ill-discipline cost Thurles as Presentation kicked over a penalty, a yellow card followed for a member of the pack, which cost Thurles dear minutes later, as Presentation made the most of numerical advantage and were awarded a try under the posts to reduce the deficit to a one score game, 16-13.

Thurles got themselves back into the game following Presentation's purple patch, the Limerick men's failure to deal with the restart gave Thurles a kickable penalty opportunity which Lillis duly obliged as he dissected the uprights to push out the score to 19-13. Minutes later, Thurles were on the attack again, with Luke Kelly, Michael Ely and Phil Kelly getting through a mountain of work to get the home side back up the field and into an attacking position, the referee had put his hand to give Thurles advantage in front of the posts for an infringement by Presentation, scrum half Irwin found full-back Lillis who popped over a drop goal to make it a two score game with 10 minutes on the clock.

From the restart, Thurles continued to go through the gears as Ciaran Ryan, Tommy Stevens and Eoghan O'Dwyer combined well before sending Nicky Irwin into space, with work to do and support following either side, Irwin backed himself and touched down just to the left of the posts for a well-deserved try, Lillis did the honours to continue his excellent 100% record with the boot this season, 29-13. Presentation scored a late try but Thurles took the victory and will be glad to have got the win out of the game, against a Presentation side who have recruited well over the summer months and will no doubt cause a lot of teams trouble as the season gathers momentum. Next up for Thurles is a home tie against Mallow in the Munster Junior Challenge Shield, the same competition that Thurles lost controversially in the final of last season, Thurles will be looking to go all the way this year as they aim to make amends for last year's disappointment. This game is currently down for a 2.30pm kick off this coming Sunday but may be subject to change during the week, please keep an eye on our Facebook page or the Fixtures board at the front of the clubhouse for confirmation. The players & management would like to thank all those who attended on Sunday to support the team, it was greatly appreciated by all those involved and would hope to see similar numbers next weekend to support the club on and off the field.
Thurles Scorers: Eoghan O'Dwyer & Nicky Irwin (1 Try Each), John Lillis (2 Conversions, 4 Penalties & 1 Drop Goal).
Thurles Starting XV vs Presentation: 1. Ger McCormack 2. Shane Nugent 3. Michael Ely 4. Phil Kelly 5. Luke Kelly 6. Ciaran Ryan 7. Paddy Phelan 8. Joey Kelly 9. Nicky Irwin 10. Aidan Dwyer 11. Tommy Stevens 12. Eoghan O'Dwyer (c) 13. Peter Coman 14. Dean McCormack 15. John Lillis Subs Used: Dave Kelly, Jack Kavanagh & Adrian Bourke.

Thurles Women 24-0 Richmond – Munster Women's League
The Thurles Women's 1st XV made the journey to Limerick on Sunday morning last to take on one of the new comers to the division, Richmond RFC. The weather conditions were perfect for rugby. Thurles were looking to remain on top of the league but travelled with a number of first team players out through injury or work commitments. It was a very hard fought win over a very strong and physical Richmond outfit.

The opening quarter of the game started with great intensity and physically with great attacking from the Thurles girls. Thurles started well and were on the attack early in the game with some very impressive breaks early in the first half to set them up comfortably. Ciara Dwyer, Laura Carroll and Jean Ryan made some great line breaks as the Thurles girls began to settle into their stride. The pack worked tirelessly all day against the physically bigger Richmond pack resulting in a great try by Megan Callanan in the corner midway through the first half. Moments later, Thurles could have been in for their second try, with a fantastic run by full back Aisling O'Hagan only to be tackled just short of the line. Leading up to half-time, the Thurles girls remained patient, Linda Ryan played a great game at 9, commanding both backs and forwards which resulted in Jean Ryan diving over the line for Thurles' second try of the game. For much of the first half Thurles looked in a strong and commanding attacking position.

Following a lengthy stoppage at half-time due a serious injury to prop Nicola Sweeney, the second half resumed much like the first. There was some great kicking by out-half for the day Rebecca Byrne, giving some great field position. Thurles were the much better side however found themselves getting frustrated with some of the decisions awarded by the referee. As a result of this Richmond were starting to slowly bring themselves into the game. New centre pairing of Niamh Coman and Ciara Quinn worked endlessly in defence. Thurles continued to battle on and their patience paid off. A great carry by Kathleen Kennedy who replaced Nicola Sweeney at half time, led to Maria Whelan bursting through the Richmond defence. Aisling Byrne was there in support but had a lot of work to do before she dived over the line in the corner to score Thurles' third try. The hunt was on for the fourth try of the day. Thurles secured the kick off, an amazing solo run by Aisling O'Hagan saw her slice through the Richmond defensive line, with some great support running by Ciara Quinn saw her score her first try under the post since coming back from injury.

A great team performance, the pack worked hard all day tackling and rucking hard. Fantastic performance from Jean Ryan, Megan Callanan and Nicola Sweeney, who carried the ball so well all day. Linda Ryan commanded both back and forwards throughout the day. Laura Carroll, Leslie O' Sullivan and Ciara Dwyer put in some wonderful tackles all day. Our backs were in total command, running the Richmond players all over the field. A frustrating game but great to come out of limerick with a bonus point win. Well done to everyone involved. We wish Nicola a speedy recovery.

Thurles Women's RFC train every Wednesday and Friday with new players always welcome.

Thurles 2nd XV vs Kilfeacle – Gleeson League 1st Round
Thurles seconds started their season against Kilfeacle in the the opening round of the Gleeson league last Saturday under lights. The home side Kilfeacle started strongly running in three tries in the opening 20 mins. Thurles were on the back foot defensively and were it not for a superb tackle from the viking tight head Daniel Lee it would have been four tries to the home side. Thurles struggled to get go forward ball in the opening half despite unrelenting work from Will Finane, Tommy Connelly and Brandon Shanahan. In the second half Thurles battled on with some superb passages of play. Their efforts were rewarded when Mark Cummins, the epitome of toughness and determination scrambled free from two tackles to touch down in the corner. Kilfeacle frustrated Thurles by giving away penalty after penalty until finally the man in the middle deservedly awarded Thurles a penalty try. Thurles certainly have work to do but with only three players who started in last season's Gleeson Cup win starting in Saturday's game it shows the side has great depth and potential going forward. Thanks to coaches Shay Scanlon, Kevin O'Dwyer, Brian Scanlon and supporters for travelling to Kilfeacle. Their support is greatly appreciated.

Cashel 19-39 Thurles – U18 Boys
Thurles U18s put on a good performance against Cashel on Sunday morning with a convincing win. Fly half Jack Flanagan kept the scoreline ticking over from early on with some well taken penalty kicks. After some prolonged pressure from Thurles, winger Aaron Maher went over the line for the first of two tries and displayed a man of the match performance. Aaron's second try was from a lot of sustained pressure from the Thurles forwards with some good passing from Thurles backs Jack Flanagan & Conor O'Hagan. O'Hagan also scored two excellent tries from centre after some great passing from Jack Flanagan and Kieran Dunne. Colin Nolan scored a try after breaking the Cashel defensive line. Some noteable performances came from Jack Flanagan, Seamus Holohan, Nick Cooney and Ciaran Murphy. Good start to the Munster Youths season boys, keep up the good work.

Galbally 14-5 Thurles – U16 Boys
Thurles U16 lost 14-5 to Galbaly in Galbally. In a very tight match that was 0-0 at half-time, the Thurles lads succumbed to two late tries by Galbally. Thurles had the better of the first half with rustiness and some handling errors costing them scoring opportunities in the first half when they had good positions in the red zone. Some clever positional kicking and counter attacking by James Devaney at full back gave Thurles lots of good field position in the first half which they failed to capitalise on. Thurles' defensive play and breakdown was excellent against very big opposition. Some brilliant scramble defence prevented a Galbally score just prior to half-time with some very brave tackling throughout. The Thurles lineout functioned well with Andrew Bourke and Conor Whitehead taking some great ball. The game pivoted on a loose pass late in the second half from Thurles that was picked off by a big Galbally forward to set up a position close to the Thurles line. After several drives with their big forwards they eventually battered over for the first try 10 minutes from time. Shortly afterwards they scored their second with some similar hard running with their big forwards. With only three minutes on the clock Thurles produced their best rugby with two penalties leading to a lineout 5 metres out. From a subsequent scrum Thurles no.8 drove and was stopped just short. Two more picks and rucks lead to a good move short side where good hands lead to Dara McCahey crashing in the corner. Unfortunately for Thurles this was the last play of the game.

Newcastle West RFC Notes, courtesy of Martin O'Sullivan

Skibbereen 12-25 Newcastle West – Munster Junior League Division 1
Newcastle West travelled to Skibbereen on Sunday last and came away with a 25-12 bonus point win. Sean Murphy scored two tries for the winners and Sean Herlihy and Stephen Kelly got one each. Herlihy kicked a conversion and a penalty.

No fixture next weekend. Our next game is on Oct 23rd at home to Cobh Pirates.

Gleeson League
There is a fixture for the Elite XV (Seconds) away against Shannon on Saturday Oct 15th.

Mini Rugby
Training for all Mini Rugby is each Sunday in Kilelline 10:30 am to 11:30 am. All Girls 7 Boys from U6 to U12 Welcome

Please continue to support all out teams in their Sunday fixtures and remember that memberships are still available from your coaches or in Kilelline on Sundays. Feel free to call up on Sunday morning for a cup of tea/coffee/hot chocolate and browse in our Club shop.

Lotto
Results from Friday 7th October Lotto Draw

Numbers Drawn 12, 21, 21, 23 – NO WINNER

Lucky Dip Winners
Pat dalton c/o The Silver Dollar
Mike Daly c/o Lee's Bar
Tom Corbett, Dromindeel, NCW
Ger Lane c/o Pat Collins
Noreen Madigan c/o John hennessy
Alan Moody c/o Eoin Cahill
Eileen White and Joan Delee c/o Tony Hayes

Promotor's Prize: Joe Lee

Next week's draw will be in The Central Bar on Friday 14th October The jackpot stands at €6,800