Club Notes: Week Ending 17.04.16

This week’s club notes come from Newcastle West, Old Crescent, Thurles and Waterford City rugby clubs.

Click here for Newcastle West Club Notes

Click here for Old Crescent Club Notes

Click here for Thurles Club Notes

Click here Waterford City Club Notes

Courtesy of:- Martin O'Sullivan, Club PRO


Race Night

A bit thanks to all who turned out and helped to organise our very successful Race Night on Friday last. A great night was had by all.

U18's

Garryowen RFC – 7 – Newcastle West Estuary RFC – 17

In a welcome return to form the U18s bearded the Garryowen lion in his Dooradoyle den in the closed cup on Sunday. The game was played in storm force wind and rain and both teams had to dig deep. We kicked off against the wind but our early attacks were repulsed by a determined Garryowen and some good kicks. The forwards worked well and hard yards were eked out by strong carries form Conor Brosnan, John Forde and Darragh O'Shea. Conditions made the lineouts a lottery but great work was done by Jason Woulfe and Dawid Marcinijak in the air. On 15 minutes a decisive break was made by Liam Tierney which gave momentum to the forwards who drove on in disciplined pods before Darragh O'Shea went in for a try which was converted by Michael Bourke. Much of the remainder of the half was played in our half but Cillian Ferris on his debut as full back performed well. He was ably supported by fine tackles from his wings Stephen Hennessy and Michael Begley.

For the second half we had the wind at our backs and huge work was done by Mark Broderick, Noelie Griffin and Pat Cremin that earned us a penalty which was converted by Michael Bourke. The pressure was kept up and good hands from Jack Kelly released Liam Tierney for another break down the line which was stopped on their twenty two. Our forwards took the lineout and worked as a unit first mauling then driving on in pods before John Walsh went over for a fine try. Michael Bourke converted. Injuries were mounting on both sides but Karl Mullane, Ben Geary, John McCoy and Donncha Scanlon stepped up and gave new life to the team. Nevertheless Garryowen battled over for a converted try ten minutes from time. This gave them fresh impetus but Darragh Fox at scrum half kept everyone at their tasks and made sure the team never lost its shape. Dawid Marcinjak had a man of the match performance but this was one of our great team efforts which saw us run out 7 to 17 victors. Thanks to the travelling fans who were vocal in their support for both players and coaches.

Team

Cillian Ferris, Stephen Hennessy, Liam Tierney, Jack Kelly, Michael Begley, Michael Bourke, Darragh Fox, Donncha Scanlon, Mark Broderick, John McCoy, Ben Geary, Karl Mullane, Conor Brosnan, John Forde, John Walsh, Patrick Cremin, Dawid Marcinjak, Noelie Griffin, Jason Woulfe and Darragh O'Shea.

U14's
Newcastle West/Estuary – 45 Shannon – 0
On last Wednesday evening we went into Coonagh to play Shannon in the first round of the U14 Cup. It was our first day out since a disappointing league semi-final loss. We arrived in Limerick a few players light but with great expectations. Shannon had a much stronger team than the one we comprehensively beat 6 weeks ago. Our lads got off to a sluggish start with some poor handling errors which starved us of quality possession and handed the initiative to the hosts. They laid siege to our line but our defence was resolute and managed to clear out lines. A try a piece from Sean McMahon and Jack Corkery with Aaron Heffernan added a conversion left us with a hard fought 12-0 half time lead.

The second have was when we really started to get going. The introduction of Bobby Donovan, Shane McShera and the Lyons twins really helped us up our game and play at a tempo we are more comfortable with. Further tries from Sean, E'ouenn Ferron, Todd Donovan and two more from Jack Corkery to complete his hat trick put the game beyond doubt. Aaron added two more conversions while Andrew Mortell slotted his three kicks at goal.
It was a very successful trip into Limerick with a quarter final away to Young Munster the prize. A time and date must be arranged for it.

Panel: Bryan Mortell, Cormac Browne, David Walsh, Jack McCarthy, E'ouenn Ferron, Oliver Flanagan, Mike Cremin, Jack Corkery, Ruadhan O'Connor, Aaron Heffernan, Eddie Murphy, Jack Kiely, Sean McMahon, Jack Duggan, Andrew Mortell, Bobby Donovan, Shane McShera, Todd Donovan, Daniel Fitzgerald, Cormac Lyons, Darragh Lyons, Kevin O'Connell

Training continues Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7:30 in Killeline


Mini fixtures for next weekend

Youth fixtures for next weekend
We are awaiting the fixtures for the U14 ,U16 & U18s as these have not been decided. As soon as they are known they will be issued by the relevant coaches.

Lotto

Results from Friday April 8^th Lotto Draw

Numbers Drawn 12, 15, 22 & 26 – NO WINNER

Lucky Dip Winners
Mary Griffin, c/o Tom Griffin
Mary Shire, c/o Lee's Bar
C Normoyle, c/o MAG Motors
Ann Marie Kelliher, c/o The Market Barber
No 7 & Cathy, c/o Kellihers Bar
Ciara Cagney, c/o MAG Motors
Mary Griffin, c/o Tom Griffin
Promotors Prize – The Market Barber

Next week's draw will be in The Ballintemple Inn on Friday 15^th April, in in Whelan's Bar. The jackpot stands at €16,400.

Old Crescent RFC

Courtesy of:- Frank Larkin, club PRO

Old Crescent RFC met UCC in the Mardyke in a much postponed Munster Senior Cup quarter final clash last Saturday. The Limerick side had little time to recover from their celebrations last weekend after their outright win in UBL Division 2C.

Crescent opened the scoring after seven minutes with a converted penalty taken by Shane O'Brien. Crescent dominated the game from early on and much of the first half was played in the UCC half. After several attacks taking us to the UCC line, Captain Cathal O'Reilly forced his way over for a try which was converted by Shane O'Brien.

As half time approached, Crescent were again on the offensive and from a ruck on the UCC 5 meter line the ball was fed out to winger Conor Lehihan who beat the cover to touch down beside the corner flag. The difficult conversion was missed leaving Old Crescent 15 points to nil ahead at the break.

Crescent took on where they left off in the first half and were soon on the offensive deep into the UCC 22. Prop Alex Simpson showed some neat skills to break away from the back of a ruck and stretch out to touch down for a try. Shane O'Brien added the conversion to put Old Crescent 22 points to nil in the clear.

Crescent suffered a harsh yellow card ten minutes into the second half and UCC scored a converted try while the visitors were down to 14 men. However, Crescent were soon on the attack again when they were back to full strength, and Captain O'Reilly again led from the front when he scored his second try which Shane again converted.

UCC scored an unconverted try a few minutes later to narrow the gap to 17 points but it was all Old Crescent for the last quarter of the game. With ten minutes to go, Sean Monaghan a try which was converted Shane O'Brien, and just before the final whistle scrum half Val McDermott showed a beautiful piece of individual skill by collecting his own chip over the UCC back line and touching down unhindered for a try. Shane O'Brien again added the conversion to leave the final score UCC 12 Old Crescent 43.

Crescent fielded a much changed side with seven changes from the side that defeated Tullamore in the final UBL fixture a week ago, which is a tribute to the depth of the current Crescent senior squad. The game was also notable for the MSC débuts of five Old Crescent players, two of whom scored tries, Conor Lenihan, Val McDermot, Niall

Thurles RFC

Courtesy of:- Brian Scanlon, Club PRO

Nenagh Ormond RFC Vs. Thurles RFC – Friendly

Nenagh RFC 21 – Thurles RFC 50

On a wet and miserable day Sunday last, Nenagh hosted the Thurles First XV in an end of season Friendly as both sides prepare for their respective Cup Competitions, with Nenagh Ormond in the Semi Final of the Munster Junior Plate & Thurles in the Final of the Munster Junior Challenge Shield where they await the winners of Mallow & Abbeyfeale, who's game was once again postponed yesterday.

Thurles won the toss and decided to play with the aid of the wind in the first half. Thurles produced some great rugby in the first half to which Nenagh had no answer to and we rewarded with tries from Nicky Irwin, Ross Crystal, Shane Moloney, Peter Coman and John Lillis, with Lillis adding 4 out of 5 conversions for a half time score of 0-33.

Both sides made a number of changes at half time and Nenagh started to make their mark early on, scoring 2 excellently worked tries, both of which were converted from difficult angles, 14-33.

Thurles re-grouped once again and worked their way up the field, from a lineout, they secured their own ball and a monster drive in the form of a maul from 30 yards out saw Dwayne Stanley, who was playing his second game in less than 24hrs having played a key role in the 2nds game the evening before, emerge with the ball in hand for another 5-pointer.

In the closing quarter, Aidan Dwyer & John Lillis were the beneficiaries at the end of two very well worked team scores either side of a third Nenagh try which again was slotted from the corner from the Ormond Out-Half.

Despite the inclement weather conditions and both sides missing a few regulars, this game was of huge benefit to both clubs in their search for end of season silverware and both sets of management would have been happy with the quality of play when both sides were able to keep control of the ball in the wet conditions.

We would like to thank Nenagh Ormond for accommodating us and would hope they got as much benefit out of the test as our own team and would like to wish them luck in their upcoming fixture.

Thurles await the winners of Mallow and Abbeyfeale in the final of the Munster Junior Challenge Shield, keep an eye on the Munster Website and the Thurles RFC Facebook page for further updates as the First Team aim to win Silverware in successive seasons, all support would be appreciated as soon as a date & time is confirmed.

Thurles Scorers: Nicky Irwin, Ross Crystal, Peter Coman, Shane Moloney, Dwayne Stanley, Aidan Dwyer (1 Try Each), John Lillis (2 Tries & 5 Conversions).

Thurles Squad vs Nenagh: 1. Ger McCormack 2. Dave Kelly 3. Colm Skehan 4. Phil Kelly 5. Colin Feeley 6. Ciaran Ryan 7. Dwayne Stanley 8. Joey Kelly 9. Nicky Irwin 10. Aidan Dwyer 11. Tommy Connolly 12. Shane Moloney 13. Peter Coman 14. Ross Crystal 15. John Lillis 16. Shane Nugent 17. Rory O'Sullivan 18. Mark Cummins 19. Larry O'Gorman 20. James Ryan

Thurles Women v Tralee a RFC

Thurles Women's RFC were away to Tralee in the Munster Division 1 decider on Sunday. Unfortunately a fairytale ending to a phenomenal season was not to be for Thurles as they lost 25 -5 to home side Tralee in appalling weather conditions. Tralee scored their first unconverted try after ten minutes of the first half during a period of attacking dominance by the home side. Thurles were characteristically strong in defence as they have been all year and Niamh Coman and Miriam Harrison were leading a strong defensive game with superb tackles.
From the re-start Thurles were on the attack with great carries from Ciara Dwyer and Jean Ryan. Frequent scrums were a feature of the game and a consequence of the bad weather. Both teams were strong in the scrum and the forwards were unfailing in their efforts. There was little to separate the teams at this stage with both teams attacking and defending well. An unfortunate penalty against Thurles resulted in a penalty try and although the conversion was missed there was now a ten point gap between the teams at half time.
When on attack in the second half Thurles looked particularly threatening and on countless occasions Thurles could have scored, they came painstakingly close numerous times. Jean Ryan, Ciara Dwyer and Rosie Palmer all with real chances of narrowing the gap. Megan Callanan was unlucky to have a try disallowed and possibly the lift from such a try would have boosted morale in challenging weather conditions. It was however Tralee that secured the next score and although once again unconverted they had a comfortable 15 -0 cushion.
But, as was the case all season, Thurles never once let their heads drop and Maria Woodlock and Joanne Harrison were making some immense tackles. Thurles' attacking game was equally as strong. Both the forwards pick and go moves and the back moves were helping the visitors make ground which was eventually rewarded with a try for Gemma Dunican right in the corner. The angle for conversion was too tight and the score now stood 15 -5. Although Thurles looked imposing throughout the game they failed to get past the strong Tralee defence for the remainder of the game. Tralee scored two further tries to give them a 25 -5 win that didn't truly reflect the strength of the Thurles side.

It was a heart breaking end to a superb season for Thurles. They finish the season a narrow second in the League, as Munster Plate Champions and as All-Ireland Plate Finalists. Their success is in no way a small feat and is due to a strong and large squad who are dedicated to the sport and one another, to their coaches who worked tirelessly all year and to the supporters who travelled no matter the distance and in atrocious weather conditions. This side will build on this success next year and no doubt great things are in store.

Thurles 2nd XV vs Cashel RFC

Thurles played host to Cashel in the Evans and Gleeson cup quarter final. As both teams were drawn to play each other in each cup it was agreed that both fixtures would be played off in one winner takes all game.
Thurles had a score to settle from last year's encounter with Cashel and laid down some early markers with Declan Rahelly letting the sturdy looking opposition number 10 know he was in a game.

After some early nerves Thurles settled and began to move Cashels larger and more physical pack around the field. Thurles were unlucky not to get rewarded for their efforts when some great forward play from the cute old fox Brian Lyons. The resulting penalty kick slipped marginally wide of the upright.

Overall Thurles looked the better team in the first half, and defended Cashels attacks with try saving tackles coming in from in form full back Tommy Connelly. Just on the stroke of half time the enigmatic Shane Lanigan Ryan pounced on an intercept opportunity from over halfway out, put his ears back and wasn't going to be caught as he touched down under the posts. Rahelly duly converted leaving the home side 7 – 0 up at the interval.
Cashels bigger pack began to cause Thurles trouble at scrum time. But the teenagers in the front row of Dylan Dorney and Shane Newgent did not roll over to their opposition front row who boasted players with AIL experience. Frank Tuohy as well as raising the average age of the front row also raised expectations and achievement by working tirelessly throughout the game.

After some impressive link play between forwards and backs the powerful Eoghan O'Dwyer built on earlier strong ball carries, and broke the defensive line to get Thurles's second try of the game.
Thurles's final try came when the vehemence of Conor Cooney paid of when he exposed a gap in Cashels defence at the fringe of a ruck. He offloaded to the supporting Ollie Delaney who made no mistake in taking the 5 points.
Cashel rallied and were roused by their ample support on the line. They gave long periods inside the Thurles 22 and were it not for some heroic defensive work from the Thurles squad the result could have been different. Cashel did get a try following some positive play down the tram line, it was no more than they deserved.
Overall Thurles can be happy with their performance in what was a great team effort from start to finish.
Thanks must go to coaches Shay Scanlon, John Lillis and Kevin O'Dwyer who were as encouraging and enthusiastic as ever on the line. Credit also to the many supporters who braved the cold and came along to support.

Club Lotto

Don't forget to buy your Thurles RFC Lotto Ticket for Monday Nights Club Lotto. Next Jackpot is €3,450

Tickets (€2) are on sale in the following locations;

• O' Dwyer's Centra
• Ely's Centra (Stradavoher)
• Hickey's Pub
• Linnane's CarryOut
• Spar (Turtulla)
• Runnerbean Coffee Shop

To join the Thurles Rugby Club Lotto Syndicate and be in with a chance to win in 156 Draws, download the form @ http://thurlesrfc.com/lotto/

Thank you for your continued support!

Waterford City RFC

Courtesy of:- Deirdre Barry, Club PRO

Under 16's – East Munster Cup Semi-Final
Waterford City 41 v Thurles 10

Congratulations!!
Tries: Eoghan Power, Naoise Mac Caoitlean (2), Finn Barker, Luis Byrne, Tom Carney, Conall Roche
Conversion: Tom Carney (3)

With bad weather conditions this game was switched to Newtown school ground. On a perfect playing surface, City came flying out of the blocks and scored the first try with Eoghan Power touching down. City dominated the first half and played at a fast tempo with further tries coming from Naoise Mac Caoitlean [2] Finn Barker and Luis Byrne. Tom Carney converted three, to leave the half time score city 31 Thurles 0.
To their credit Thurles never gave up, and got on the score sheet with a well taken penalty. The game became a bit untidy with many changes being made from both teams. City got there game back together and scored two more tries through Tom Carney and Conall Roche. Thurles finished strongly and scored a well-deserved try of their own, and with a fine conversion to follow, this left the final score. City 41- Thurles 10. A great team performance from this city squad, and they now have a final to look forward.

Llangenneah RFC visit Waterford City from Wales

Waterford City RFC had the pleasure of a visiting team from Wales Llangenneah RFC on Saturday. The group consisted of 25 youths all playing at under 15/16 age. The group were accompanied by 15 adults and coaches. Game day was Saturday in Kilbarry with perfect weather conditions saw city beat Llangenneah 19-12. Thanks to everyone that helped out over the weekend.

Dinner Dance

The Waterford City RFC Dinner Dance is on April 22nd in the Woodlands Hotel. Tickets on sale every Sunday morning at the club house or you can contact Club President Jemma Jacob directly. Tickets 40pp. All welcome!