Club Notes: Week Ending 16.11.14

Our U18s secured a 17-7 win over Fethard in their local derby in a very close hard fought game.

Upcoming Fixtures
Clonmel away to Tralee in the Munster Junior Clubs Challenge Cup Sunday November 16th. KO at 2.30pm
Ulster Bank League Division 2B



Clonmel try scorer David Lonergan in action in Sunday's Munster Junior League game against Galbally

Bruff RFC Notes

Courtesy of:- Seamus Sheahan, Club PRO

Bruff v Richmond
The 1st XV met Richmond at home in Kilballyowen in the UBL on Friday night. The last competitive league meeting between these 2 sides was back on 2004 in what would be Bruff last game in the Munster Junior league. Bruff made 1 change for the game with Paidi Kilcoyne reclaiming his place after a spell out due to injury.

The first score of the game came with just 3 minutes on the clock. Bruff had a scrum inside the visitors 22. No.8 Jake Considine picked and broke from the back , the ball went to deck and after a couple of quick plays the ball was moved to the backs. Dave O Grady made a telling brake and touched down just to the right of the Richmond post. Declan Bannon stood up and added the extras. Less than 10 minutes later Bannon was on the mark again knocking over a penalty to make it 10-0 to Bruff.

Bruff were to add 1 more try before half-time. With 25 minutes gone Tony Cahill took a quick tap penalty just outside the Richmond 22, the ball was moved quickly out to the right wing and O Grady was on hand to touch down for his 2nd try of the evening which Bannon Converted.

The 3rd try came shortly after the break. Richmond had the ball just inside the Bruff half of the field but some hard Bruff tackling forced a knock on which Bruff quickly turned into attack. The ball was kicked forward into the Richmond 22 and some good chase work from centre Sean Darcy was rewarded when Declan Bannon touched down to make it 22-0 to Bruff.

Things were looking very good for Bruff at this point but it was Richmond who were to take control of the game for the next 30 minutes. Brian Collins scored the first of 2 trys after 60 minutes after a Richmond lineout on the Bruff 5 metre line. Winger Stephen Collins added a 2nd 5 pointer with 15 minutes left on the clock. Bruff were beginning to look nervous and had to battle hard to stop the Richmond momentum. Bruff got a lucky break on 37 minutes when Richmond were awarded a penalty 30 metres out from the Bruff line. The touch judge on the stand side of the field spotted foul play by a Richmond forward at the breakdown and the penalty was reversed.

The kick to touch was missed and Richmond moved the ball into the middle of the field to set up another attack. Again the Bruff tackling was firm and the ball was eventually recovered by Bruff. Substitute out half Paul Downes put a long kick deep into the Richmond half and similarly to the 3rd try the Bruff chase was excellent.

Like in previous games Declan Bannon showed his soccer skills to put the ball over the Richmond try line for Mike Cooke who was in support to touch down for the bonus point try. The conversion was missed and the game ended 27-12 to Bruff.

Bruff are on the road to Tullamore next weekend in round 6 of the UBL. A supporters bus is being organised, please contact Mike on 0871386244 if you are interested in travelling.

Team was: 1.Davy Horan 2.Johnny Clery 3.Colm O'Sullivan 22.Ger O'Connell 5.Kevin Madigan 6.Danny Keogh 7.Andy White 8.Jake Considine 9.Tony Cahill 10.Davy O'Grady 11.Declan Bannon 12.Darraagh Mulcahy 13.Sean Darcy 14.Paidi Kilcoyne 15.Brendan Deady 16.Brendan Keogh(75 min for C O Sullivan) 17.Ray Roche(51 min for D Horan) 18.Mike Cooke (43 min for G O Connell) 19.Mike Carroll(35 min for J Considine) 20.Paul Downes(51 min for D O Grady) 21.Tommy Carroll 23.Tom O'Dwyer 24.Eamon O'Dea

U20 Donal Walsh Trophy Section B
The U-20s had to dig deep to grind out a 23-22 victory away to Young Munster on Saturday. The Cookies were quick out of the blocks scoring 4 trys in the opening 30 minutes but only converting 1 which would prove costly in the end. Trailing 22-6 just minutes before half-time Bruff rolled up the sleeves working the ball into the Young Munsters 22. The ball was recycled and moved out the backline before out half Paul Downes slipped inside the on rushing defence to touch down. He added the conversion to his earlier 2 penalties to make the score 22-13 at H/T.

The half time team talk looked pretty animated from the sidelines but whatever was said seemed to have the desired effect. The Bruff defence tightened up considerably and the aggression levels at the breakdown intensified. The Bruff front row seemed to be gaining the upper hand and the backrow of Laffan, O Dwyer and Mallon where getting their hands on the ball more often than in the opening 40.

The teams remained level until 20 minutes into the 2nd half when after sustained Bruff pressure Tom O'Dwyer picked from the base of a ruck to crash over for Bruff's 2nd try. Downes added the extras and it was now a 1 score game. With 10 minutes remaining Bruff were awarded a penalty just inside the half way line but the kick at goal dropped just short.

Minutes later Bruff were awarded another penalty for not releasing the ball on the ground. This was an easier kick for Downes and he made no mistakes adding what would turn out to be the winning score. The Cookies did have 2 penalties in the last 5 minutes to win the game but both efforts drifted wide of the posts.

Bruff Team: Bruff 1-8, Shane Breen, Eamon O Dea, Brendan Keogh, James Keogh , Conor O'Dwyer, Robert Laffan, Niall Mallon, Thomas O'Dwyer 9-15 John Carew, Paul Downes, Gavin Reidy, Cian Tierney, Shane Doona, Liam Treacy, David O Grady Subs, Mikie Walsh, Anthony Neylon, Killian O Riordan, Killian Sheehan

Ladies Rugby
In a Bruising game played on Sunday, the ladies team were beaten 12-7 by Richmond in the second round of the league. The Bruff scores coming for an Eileen O Gorman try which was converted by Catherine Quinn.

This was the women's team's first outing in a 15 a side game and great credit should go to all involved with this squad. The team has been a few years in the making and the tireless work of all involved is beginning to pay off as player numbers increase season after season. The women's team are still looking to recruit players.

If you are interest in playing you can contact the ladies on Facebook or check Bruffrfc.com for contact details.

Squad Audrey Dempsey, Aoife O'Sullivan, Eileen O'Gorman, Grainne Hayes, Leah Ryan, Catherine Quinn, Katie Lynch, Holly West, Breda Cahill, Ineke Spratt, Niamh Gleeson, Niamh Raleigh, Eilis O'Sullivan, Emma Bowler, Heidi Van Schayk, Danielle Nash, Noreen Sheedy, Tracy Hayes, Fiona Cahill, Elaine Taylor

Underage Results
The U18's had a 26-16 win on Sunday in a friendly away to Cashel. Bruff try scorers were Dylan Reeves-Wasik, & Jack O Grady. Kevin McManus was on kicking duties landing a number of conversions.

Squad- Kevin McManus, Dean O'Shea, Odhran Ring, Thomas Breen, Darren Kennedy, Matthew Lockhart O'Dea, Tadgh Leddin, Brady Day, Thomas Quigley, Darragh Moore, Cian Mulqueen, Fearghal Cooke, Gareth Cooke, Conor Fitzpatrick, Simon Divilly, Jack Fitzgerald, Brian Bulfin, David Crofton Young, David Moloney, Cian Clifford, John Bulfin, Jack O'Grady, Dylan Reeves- Wasik, Niall Byrne , Sean Hartigan ,Adam Sheehy ,Cormac Daly ,Aaron Daly ,Lorcan Hayes

The U16's were off last weekend. They will have training Thursday night with a game away to Garryowen on Sunday time TBC

Also played on Sunday the u14's had a convincing 36-7 win over UL/Bohs in Annocothy. Bruff scored 6 try's on day and also kicked 3 conversions, with the try's coming from Frank McNamara, Michael O Halloran, Paudie Mulcahy & Darragh McNamara.

Sam Cronolly kicked 2 conversions & Killian O Shea chipped in with the final kick. There was a man of the match display from captain & hooker Dara Browne. Other notable displays from Mark Fitz and Niall Kelly in Defence and up front Shane Dwane, Brendan Gleeson and Tim Lyons provided the platform for the rest of the team to work from.

Bruff are now joint leaders in the league on maximum points after 4 game scoring over 160 points and conceding just 17. There is a top of the table clash in two weeks when joint leaders Presentation/Richmond are the visitors to Kilballyowen. This is bound to be a cracker of a game so please come out and support this fantastic group of young guys.

Club News
Your Club Your country draw tickets are now on Sale. All money raised goes directly to the club. There are fantastic prizes on offer. Contact any club committee member for purchase. The following is just a sample of the prizes

Your Club Your Country Prizes include:
1. Tour with the Irish Rugby Team in England in 2015
2. Italy v Ireland 2015 RBS 6 Nations VIP trip to Olympic Stadium in Rome
3. Scotland v Ireland 2015 RBS 6 Nations VIP trip to Murrayfield in Scotland
4. Wales v Ireland 2015 RBS 6 Nations VIP trip to Millennium Stadium in Wales
5. A state of the art home entertainment system
6. Golden Ticket for 3 Arena in 2015

Club Memberships, annual club memberships are now due for renewal. Please return membership fees to any committee members, or directly to Matt O Callaghan.

Supporters Bus. A supporters bus is being organised for the next Senior team away game in Tullamore on the 15th of November. Please contact Mike 0871386244 , bus will leave at 10am Sharpe

Fixtures: please keep an eye on the website for the latest fixtures which will be updated by Wednesday each week. www.bruffrfc.com

Club Shop
We now have new Adult size rugby gear for sale in the Shop. Ideal for Christmas presents. Zip Hoodie €40, T Shirt €20 Poloshirt €25 Tracksuit €35.

All sizes currently available. Shop open 10.30 – 12 Sunday morning. Contact Ken or Bernard for access outside of these hours.

We will also shortly have size 3 and 4 Club Crested rugby balls for sale. Again these will make an ideal Christmas present for any young Simon Zebo in your house.

Thurles RFC Notes

Courtesy of:- Brian Scanlon, Club PRO

Thurles RFC First XV: Thurles RFC 10-10 Clanwilliam RFC
Last Sunday at Loughtagalla, saw the Tipperary Derby between Thurles and Clanwilliam take place on a November day perfect for a game of rugby. As the players took to the field, each sideline was crowded with supporters from both clubs. It was great to see so many past players who had donned the black and white of Thurles, up to support the current group of men aiming to bring the club up to the top tier of Junior Rugby once again, it's a trend both the management and players hope continues as it provides a great atmosphere and lift to players during a game.

Clanwilliam got the game underway and it was clear from their intent at kickoff that they meant business, with big hits going in early on. Thurles relieved the early pressure before the Clan full back found touch on the Thurles 22. The Thurles line-out was disrupted on this rare occasion with Clan regaining possession. The Clan pack attempted to maul towards the line but were getting no change, their scrum-half whipped it out to their number 8, who took on a couple of Thurles players who were left flat footed as the ball was popped to a supporting player, who rather easily found his way over the line, with little or no challenge for a converted try on the 15 minute mark, 0-7.

This gave Thurles a kick in the backside that no team wants, but from the restart, Peter Kinane and Donnacha Duggan challenged well and made a great combined hit on the ball receiver. The home side were playing their way into the game with Kinane again to the fore with some great carries, ably supported by Ger McCormack and Colm Skehan in attack.

The Thurles front rows were winning the battle at scrum time, with McCormack, Skehan and Jason O'Mahony putting some great pressure on their counterparts. The backs didn't see much ball in this first half but when they did, Peter Coman provided great ball for the likes of Shane Maloney and Aidan Dwyer who carried well in the centre.

The Thurles pressure paid off as they were awarded a penalty for a Clan player not rolling away, just outside the 22, which Eoghan O'Dwyer (right) excellently slotted between the posts for 3-7.

Thurles restarted the game, this time looking hungrier than the start of the first half, as Larry O'Gorman and Conor Cooney made some fine hits that put Clan on the back foot.

Some good early pressure in defence from Thurles forced Clan to put boot to ball, where the covering Adrian Bourke found Eoghan O'Dwyer with a pass in field, Eoghan took the ball on, chipped over the first line of defence before the Clan winger failed to deal with the ball, gifted the ball back Eoghan who with work to do found his way to the line and added the extras himself for 10-7.

This try was no less than Thurles deserved, and straight from the restart, a good take from Captain Brian Lyons set the platform for the home side to build again. A clearing kick from Aidan Dwyer, that went high put not very far, was excellently plucked from the sky by his centre partner Shane Maloney, who broke through two tackles before offloading to John Coman who in turn found his brother Peter with an inside pass, who was unlucky to be penalised for holding on once he went to ground.

Thurles didn't lose much ground from the clearing kick and from the resulting lineout, Cooney got a hand in and won possession back. The forwards made some great progress with Duggan, O'Gorman and O'Mahony passing the gain line before scrum-half Irwin found Aidan Dwyer on the blind side who in turn sent Eoghan O'Dwyer on the attack with a great pass. Eoghan got past three Clan players, but before the final hurdle and with support either side, he backed himself but got caught by a last ditch tackle and was subsequently turned over, a massive let off for the Tipp town side.

This let off gave Clan a huge boost, and they spent the next 15 mintues banging on the Thurles try line, but to Thurles' credit they fought tooth and nail, with the home side knocking back anything Clan had to offer from scrums or ruck situations. Having decided they were getting nothing on the ground, Clan eventually opted for the kick to level up matters, despite conceding the 3 points, it was a definite win for the Thurles defence on this occasion.

With the final few minutes on the clock Thurles restarted with their tails up and looking for a score to win the game. Brian Lyons was leading by example putting in hits and carries late on and the fresh legs of Charles Langley and the Kelly brothers, Dave and Joey were providing added ammunition in the forward pack.

Thurles had put a good number of phases together as they laid siege inside the Clan 22 but a Thurles player got held up in a tackle and a penalty awarded to Clanwilliam, in what was to be the last play of the game. Instead of tapping and attempting to for the win, Clan seemed to settle for a share of the spoils as they kicked the ball dead to end the game.

This was a good tough game between two sides battling near the top of the League, looking back, it was a game neither side deserved to lose but a game either side could have easily taken full points had they taken various scoring chances, but there's a long way to go yet in this League and Thurles will be content to have maintained their unbeaten home record this season.

The Thurles First XV face a trip to Youghal next weekend at 2.30pm in the Quarter Final of the Munster Junior Challenge Shield, all travelling support would be hugely appreciated by management and players. Our Second XV travel to Garryowen for a Friday night lights fixture in the next round of games in the Gleeson League, training continues Wednesday at 7.30 sharp, new players always welcome.

Thurles Scorers: Eoghan O'Dwyer (Try, Conversion, Penalty).

Thurles Squad vs. Abbeyfeale: 1. Ger McCormack 2. Jason O'Mahony 3. Colm Skehan 4. Larry O'Gorman 5. Brian Lyons (c) 6. Peter Kinane 7. Conor Cooney 8. Donnacha Duggan 9. Nicky Irwin 10. Peter Coman 11. John Coman 12. Aidan Dwyer 13. Shane Maloney 14. Adrian Bourke 15. Eoin O'Dwyer 16. Charlie Langley 17. Dave Kelly 18. Joey Kelly 19. Dwayne Stanley 20. David Maher.

Thurles Women's Rugby: Thurles Women 74 – 0 Cobh Pirates Munster Development League
Thurles Women's RFC saw off the challenge of Cobh Pirates at home on Sunday to secure a bonus point victory in round two of their League campaign. An exquisite team performance saw them run in six tries in the first half. Jean Ryan scored the first try the game early in the first half and Megan Callanan duly slotted over the conversion attempt from just left of the posts. A fantastic run from Rebecca Byrne saw Thurles breach the Cobh defence and with plenty of players in support Thurles succeeded in scoring their second try. Aoife Healy the scorer on that occasion. The conversion attempt was once again successful.

Aimee Crowe added a third try just under the posts not long after the restart and yet another successful conversion gave them a comfortable lead. Crowe added her second try, and the fourth for Thurles, after a wonderful passage of play from the home side. The conversion attempt was unsuccessful from a very tight angle. It was Joanne Harrison that would score next for Thurles, a fantastic run by Harrison from a skilful offload from Niamh Coman resulted in a try just under the posts. Megan Callanan was unlucky and only just missed the conversion attempt. The final try of the first half was scored by Niamh Coman who received a wonderful pass from Megan Callanan to score right under the posts. Callanan dutifully slotted over the conversion with ease. Thurles lead 38-0 at half time.

The second half began much as the first had ended with Thurles confidently in charge of the game. Ciara Quinn scored a try within minutes of the restart which Megan Callanan converted to extend the home side's lead. Ruth Purcell, who put in some hard tackles throughout the game, was rewarded for her hard work with a try a few moments later. Once again the conversion was successful and Thurles pulled further away from their opposition.

Cobh had a chance to put points on the board from a penalty and were unlucky when the ball veered to the right of the posts. Niamh Coman, who was having a fantastic game, scored yet again for Thurles and although the conversion was missed Thurles were well and truly ahead. A tenth try for the home side was scored by Ciara Quinn, her second of the day. It came off some wonderful work from scrum-half Ciara Dwyer who won the ball for Thurles off the back of a Cobh scrum. The try was not converted.

Stephaine Moore, who made an impact when she came on as a sub, scored yet another try for Thurles late in the second half. With only minutes remaining Thurles, after a missed conversion, were 67 – 0 ahead and when it seemed unlikely that they would score again Rebecca Byrne (pictured above) made a wonderful break through the defense and a magnificent solo run saw her score Thurles' 12th try. Byrne converted her own try and the ref blew the final whistle. It ended 74-0 to Thurles.

It was truly a squad performance from the home side with starting players and subs alike having a huge impact on the game. Thurles women are improving game on game and competition for places is high. Some wonderful tackles were made by players such as Ruth Purcell and Ciara Quinn, backs like Miriam Harrison, Niamh Coman and Aoife Healy kept the pace of the game high while rucking from forwards such as Maria Woodlock held off their opponents. Scrummaging and lineouts are improving all the time with Claire Mockler strong in the lineout. Thurles will be looking to build on this performance when the play their first away game on Sunday 23rd in Bandon.

Thurles Girls U-18
Last Saturday saw over 180 girls from 10 different rugby clubs across the province, gather at Thurles a Rugby Club for the final day of the Munster Sevens League. The league had been ran over 3 weekends at Carrick on Suir, Shannon and Thurles.

The Thurles U-18 Girls with coaches Pat Dunican and Brian Scanlon
Although the Thurles U18 Girls were out of the running to regain their 2012 title, they still fielded a strong team with a mixture of new and experienced players in both games.

Up first were league newcomers Bantry Bay. Thurles started at 100 miles an hour and it wasn't long before Aisling O Hagan finished off a fine solo effort from half way to score the games opening try under the posts. Gemma Dunican converted to give Thurles a 7 point lead.

The lead was to change hands 4 times in a closely fought battle with 2 more Thurles tries from Molly Healy and a second from Aisling O'Hagan (below) with another conversion from Gemma Dunican. Bantry Bay finished the second half the stronger and managed to score 3 converted tries to edge the Thurles Girls out by a score line of 19-21.

Game 2 for Thurles was against Listowel and proved to be a one sided affair with Thurles scoring 5 tries to Listowel's 1. Saturday's performance by the girls should stand to them as they head straight into the 15 a side league which begins this coming weekend.

A special mention for Thurles player Aoife Flanagan who played with Youghal in the U15 competition scoring a fine try for her team in the process

U18 Girls Interprovincial: Munster v Connacht – Munster U18 Girls Finish On A High
On Saturday in very wet conditions the Munster U18 Girls took on Connacht U18 Girls in the final day of the IRFU Interprovincial Development Series in St Mary's RFC Limerick.

This was the follow up to their outing 2 weeks ago in Westmanstown Dublin where they played Ulster and Leinster coming away with two narrow losses, losing 10-5 against Leinster and 5-0 against Ulster. On Saturday however the girls put the learnings from the previous games in to practice to come out on top winning 12- 0.
Munster started the game in a promising manner spending much of the opening of the game in the Connacht half but despite their efforts the Connacht defence held fast.

The Connacht girls began to find their rhythm and turned defence into attack on a number of occasions seeking to gain territory through the midfield and began to pile on pressure of their own. Munster's defence soaked up the pressure and with little over 30 mins gone a sweeping move to the right saw winger Stephanie Nunan touch down out wide giving Munster a 5-0 lead with the conversion missed.

The Munster team despite further pressure from Connacht managed to hold the lead into half time. The weather further deteriorated into the second half however the resolve and ambition of both teams remained for what was a close and difficult battle. With about 20 minutes remaining the Munster nerves were further settled when Kate English used some excellent footwork to beat the Connacht defence and Siobhan McCourt obliged with the conversion seeing Munster out as winners 12-0.

Thurles RFC were proudly represented on the Munster team by Aisling O'Hagan and Gemma Dunican.

Thurles U-16 Boys v Nenagh
Thurles took on Nenagh at home this Sunday in Loughtagalla and it was Thurles who were first to score with 3 points from a penalty. Nenagh responded with a try which they converted. Thurles played very well and after good work at the breakdown the ball was passed out the backs and Ed O'Gorman went over for the first of a brace of tries.

It was a thrilling game with the lead changing hands. It was to be Nenagh's day when Thurles had a chance to draw the game with the last play but knocked on over the line.

There were strong performances on both sides and Michael Ryan had a man of the match performance for Thurles. Now Thurles have it all to do and nothing but a win away to Kilfeacle will keep their Pan Munster hopes alive.

Fixtures
First XV are away to Youghal on Sunday KO 2:30

Second XV are away to Garryowen RFC on Friday evening under lights

Thurles U18s play Galbally-kilfeacle Sunday in Galbally 11 am KO

Thurles u16s are away to Kilfeacle next Sunday at 11

Thurles U14's play Cashel in Cashel on Sunday

Waterpark RFC

Munster Junior League Division One – Bonus Point Win: Waterpark 46-12 Tralee
Waterpark ran out convincing winners in this league fixture played in Ballinakill last Saturday and secured a bonus point in the process. Tralee started the game well and took an early lead when second row Ronan O'Sullivan scored after good work at the lineout.

It took about 20 minutes before Waterpark found their feet and eventually Rory Hannon rumbled over for his first score of the game. Outhalf Kieran Butler crossed for the home side's second try of the game following good work by the back line. Hannon was on hand again to score his second try of the game after a number of pick and drives led to this score. Full back John O'Brien kicked one conversion and one penalty to leave the Ballinakill side well in command at the break.

The home side didn't let up in the second half and the bonus point was secured when centre Shane Burke crossed for a try, O'Brien landed the conversion. Burke scored again after good work by Butler to give the home side a 34-7 lead. Tralee Centre Ger Arthurs ran in his sides second try of the game. Waterparks out half Butler scored his second try of the game after a mix up in the Tralee defence.

Waterpark made a number of changes at this stage and the last score of the game came from replacement forward Kevin Phelan with O'Brien adding the extras.

A good team performance with a number of players stepping up to the mark in particular scrum half Gavin Mernagh who marshaling his forward pack well. Also good to see Scott Hornibrook, Kevin Phelan and Emmet O'Shea back in the Waterpark colours. With a number of players injured or unavailable competition for places on this team is now very competitive which can only help improve performances on the pitch.

Junior 2 League: Cashel 13-13 Waterpark
Waterpark picked up 2 points in this league fixture in Cashel last Sunday morning.
Winger Brian O'Halloran scored a try for the visitors while out half Geoff Deegan kicked a conversion, a penalty and a drop goal to ensure a share of the spoils for the Ballinakill side. Waterpark will be pleased with this performance as Cashel could not break down a resolute defence in the final 10 minutes of the game.

U-20 South league: WIT/Waterpark 0-62 Highfield
In an unforgiving league Waterpark slipped to their third defeat of the season. Highfield's backs had too much power and pace while the Waterparks defence left a lot to be desired. Next up of this side is a long trip to West Cork to face Kanturk.

East Munster U-18 League: Waterpark 38-6 Kilfeacle
Waterpark laboured to this victory over a resolute Kilfeacle side. It wasn't until the last 10 minutes that the home side pulled away to secure the win. Tries came from prop Daniel O'Keeffe , flanker Robbie Walsh, out half James Kieresy and full back Alex Molloy(2). Molloy also landed 4 conversions

East Munster U-16 League: Waterpark 51-0 Kilfeacle
The under 16s squad continued on a winning start to their league campaign in Ballinakill last Sunday. Waterpark ran in 10 tries in total with both backs and forwards crossing the try line against this Kilfeacle side. Harry Donnelly bagged 3 tries, Alex Deggan and Shay White crossed for 2 a piece while Glen Kavanagh, Brian Walsh and Stephen Jones scored one try each. Glen Kavanagh kicked 7 conversions and Eugene Smyth landed 2 conversions.

Under 14 Friendly: Wexford 24-38 Waterpark
Waterpark had to battle for this win as at the halftime break they were 24-5 down.
The visitors scores came from Mark O Hare( 3), Jay Traynor, Samuel Matherand Cian Byrne. Gavin Corbett landed 4 conversions.

Under 13 Friendly: Waterpark 28-10 Carrick
In their first game of the season the U-13s squad had a good win against Carrick on Suir. All Waterpark's tries came from centre Billy Dohert- four in total, Daniel Stokes and Ely Cullen kicked 2 conversions each.

Old Crescent RFC

Courtesy of:- Frank Larkin, Club PRO

Old Crescent v Tullamore
Old Crescent RFC welcomed Tullamore RFC for their first competitive fixture in Rosbrien in a Division 2B clash last Saturday afternoon. Our President Dr Michael O'Flynn presented Tullamore President, Susan Bagnal, with an Old Crescent RFC plaque to mark the occasion.

Tullamore had had a good start to their UBL campaign having won three of their four fixtures so it was vital for our senior team to get off to a good start. We did start well and secured the first score of the game when our young scrumhalf Rory Cunningham got in for a superb try which Shane O'Brien converted to put us 7 points in front midway through the first half.

We kept Tullamore at bay for most of the first half but they finally got on the scoreboard with a converted penalty just before half time. It was clear it was going to be a low scoring game and the second half was a dogged affair. Tullamore converted a second penalty midway through the second half to narrow the gap to a single point and make for a nervous final 20 minutes for Old Crescent supporters.

Tullamore had a player red carded with about 15 minutes to go but we struggled to take advantage of the superior numbers. On the plus side, our defense of our line was heroic in those last minutes and we emerged victorious by the slimmest of margins. Final score Old Crescent 7 Tullamore 6. It was a superb team performance to defend a slender lead to the end. Marty Ryan (pictured below with Club President Dr. Michael O'Flynn) was a worthy winner of our Man of the Match award.

Young Munster v Old Crescent: Gleeson League
Our Thirds travelled to Derryknockane last Saturday to take on local rivals Young Munster in the Gleeson League. In a close-fought contest Old Crescent took the lead when centre Billy Noonan forced an intercept just inside the Crescent half and sprinted clear for a try under the posts, which was converted by out-half Kevin South. Munster's battled back before half time, touching down in the corner to leave Crescent ahead by 7 points to 5 at the break.

The second period was an arm wrestle between two well-matched teams. We had a number of try scoring opportunities but didn't complete them and we eventually lost by 8 points to 7. There were some positives in the game but the result leaves our Thirds with plenty to work on heading into the next round of league games.

Fixtures
In fixtures next weekend, our Senior Team are in action again when they travel to Cork to take on Sundays Well in the UBL at 2.30pm next Saturday afternoon, and our Under 20's travel to Bruff to take on Bruff RFC U20s in the Under 20 South West Conference at 2.30pm next Saturday afternoon.

Your Club Your Country
Old Crescent's promotion of the IRFU 'Your Club Your Country' Grand Draw 2014 is in full swing and tickets are available from any committee member. There are some fabulous prizes to be won and all funds raised through ticket sales go to Old Crescent RFC.