Club Notes: Week Ending 18.11.12

This week’s club notes come from Clonakilty RFC, Fermoy RFC and Young Munster RFC.

CLONAKILTY RFC – Courtesy of Roy Maguire, PRO

Most people thought it could never happen again but it did. Clonakilty’s players, management and supporters left The Vale after the recent AIL game with Sunday’s Well in a bewildered and shocked state. The visitors may well have had similar feelings. In their previous four games Clon had squandered 10, 5, 10 and 19 point leads to lose in the end and for the fifth time in a row they let a solid lead slip when this time they relinquished a 17 point lead to lose again. This trend cannot continue – can it?

Going into the game this Saturday against NUIM Barnhall without injured talismen David Lombard and Alfie Harte puts huge pressure on the squad. The Kildare club, currently seventh in the table, will be a stern examination at home. Clon, paradoxically, are probably higher in the table this season in 12th place, due to a draw and three narrow defeats gaining valuable bonus points, than they have been at this stage for six years. A win, with other results going their way, could see them move into the top half – so all to play for.

It was a beautiful day in The Vale with a carnival atmosphere. Mayor of Clonakilty, Cllr. Cionnaith O’Sullivan was a guest of honour and a huge crowd, Bouncing Castle, Face Painting, courtesy of Margaret Deegan and of course The Bull surveying another field to conquer set the scene. John Hayes was attending to do a book signing and mark the opening of the new bar and dining area in the clubhouse.

The club is very grateful as always to main sponsor Clonakilty Black Pudding, Margaret for her excellent face-painting – always a great favourite with the children, Mikes BBQ and Aunty Nelly’s Sweet Shop for their generosity and to Kevin and Maureen O’Mahony of Strand Framing for their match day sponsorship. The demand for John Hayes’ book “The Bull – My Story” was high and those who availed of the opportunity to have it personally signed by John will be delighted to learn that it has been nominated for the Sport’s Book of the Year Award. To help it to win you can vote by logging on to http://www.irishbookawards.ie/vote-here-for-your-favourite-titles/

The stage was set for Clon to perform and they certainly started well. A robust start from the Well, which included a missed penalty albeit into the wind, was weathered and James Deasy opened the scoring with a well-taken penalty for the home team. Clonakilty then went into a 10 – 0 lead when he converted Batt Duggan’s try brilliantly from the touchline. This score came from a great drive following excellent play from David Lombard and great forward momentum from Mike Keohane and Batt Duggan.

Clon moved further ahead when Courtney Canning took it on and Lombard made a typical driving run, which took 15 metres and ten tacklers to stop him. From the recycle Deasy spotted a gap and when the defence was fixed he backed himself for a superb try. He converted again with another incredible kick to give Clon a 17 – 0 lead after 20 minutes.
The Well opened their account with a penalty. They rallied to mount a sustained attack similar to their opening minutes and the penalty award was inevitable. However, the linesmen and most of the spectators saw it go wide but the referee saw it differently and awarded the three points.

Clon regained their 17 point lead with another penalty from Deasy following good work from Kieran Howlin as Clon came back strongly from the restart. 20 – 3 after 28 minutes but on 32 minutes Joe Lee received a yellow card and he was no sooner back on the field when Mike Keohane took the warmed seat for ten minutes.

The second half was only one minute old when the malaise of indiscipline surfaced again as it had done at this stage in every game so far this season and the visitors added another three points to start the nerves jangling even at 20 – 6. The loss of Lombard at this stage was a huge factor in the swing but the penalty count would be even bigger with Clon going on to concede another seven penalties with most resulting in possession being turned over. It was too soon to panic but when a loose pass in a very promising Clon attack was intercepted for a converted try alarm bells went off everywhere. 20 – 13 left just a converted try in the game.

When things go wrong they often take on a dynamism all their own. A great tackle from Deasy stopped a Well attack and he was clearly stamped on for his trouble but when the ref astonishingly brandished the yellow card at Deasy the sense of the Gods being in any corner other than Clon’s was reinforced. It was difficult to argue with his decision to award a penalty try when Clon took out a chasing player who would probably have scored in the corner. It did make the conversion easier though and the sides were level 20 – 20.

With ten minutes remaining The Well went into the lead with another penalty but Clon showed a heartening spirit in taking play 30 metres from the kick off and when they were awarded a penalty Deasy opted to go for what appeared to all as too difficult a shot into the strong blustery wind. Confidence is a quality that is fickle but when you have it it works and he nailed it to bring the sides level again at 23 All.

Courtney Canning became the fourth Clon player to see yellow (The Well also lost two) with all offences appearing innocuous to say the least but the result was another three points and the final score of the game. The West Cork side had the winning of the match but having to play a man down for half the game, the concession of so many penalties and the loss of Lombard gave the city men all the opportunities they needed to take the four points.

Clon must regroup now and look at the positives to take into the last match before the Christmas break. With the exception of last season Clon have had a remarkable turnaround in the second half of the campaign in the last six years and they are scoring better than in any of those years. There is a long way to go yet.

The squad was James Deasy, Gearoid Calnan, Alan Long, David Lombard, Kieran Howlin, Joe Lee, Mark Purcell, Gary Shannon, Stephen Cotter, Aidan Foley, Tomas Keogh, Mike Keohane, Batt Duggan (Capt), Courtney Canning, Ger McCarthy, Joe Knowles, Donal Dignan, Sean White, Luke O’Shea and Ciaran Calnan.

Watch this space for details of the next great Quiz night out next Thursday 22nd November
This weekend fixtures:

Saturday:
South Munster Under 15 League, Clonakilty V Muskerry, The Vale, 12 Noon
UB All Ireland League, NUIM Barnhall V Clonakilty, Leixlip, 2.30pm

Sunday
Under 19 League, Bandon V Clonakilty, Old Chapel, 11.00am
Munster J2 League, Clonakilty V Skibbereen, The Vale, 12

FERMOY RFC, Courtesy of Billy Mulqueen, PRO

Fermoy Mini Rugby
Last Saturday morning our Minis took on Midleton in a challenge match at the Showgrounds, Fermoy. The weather was changeable for what was to be an enjoyable encounter. A large crowd was present adding to the atmosphere with all those in attendance anticipating a skillful and sporting display of rugby. With a strong challenge ahead, our lads relished the battle with a willing attitude gaining some excellent match experience throughout. Well done to all our players!
Under 8 Rugby

We had a great turnout on Saturday morning, with 15 players showing up for our match against Midleton. All players got a game, with subs rotating on and off every five minutes. Given the numerous substitutions it was great to see that it did not affect our performance too much with good continuity of effort and skill levels in particular in tackling, passing, rucking and general support play. As in recent weeks we got off to a great start and were 2 tries up in a matter of minutes. Midleton replied with tries of their own but we were back on the scoreboard again shortly afterwards. This set the trend for the rest of the match with Fermoy outscoring Midleton by 13 tries to 8 by the final whistle.

Whilst Midleton had a lot of ball we tackled ferociously and there were two moves where they were sure to score only for last minute tackles by Billy and Ryan; these tackles were worth more than tries to Fermoy. Many times in this game we forced them into making mistakes and turned over ball that allowed us take a lot of our scores through subsequent counterattacks. There was some outstanding play and individual performances in particular from some of our newer recruits, Molly, Leadhbeth, Aaron, Oisin and Eoin S. In what was a great team effort, with our support play and link play allowing us score so many tries, Eoin F and Oisin in particular are worthy of mention here. Try scorers were Billy (3), Seamus (2), Ryan (2), Daniel (2), with Harry, Cormac, Tony and Shane all getting one a piece.

Squad : Daniel Ryan, Eoin Sykes, Molly O’Sullivan, Leadhbeth O’Sullivan, Oisin Farrell, Aaron McGrath, Billy Marsh, Seamus Brannagh, Harry O’Donovan, Oisin Fitzgerald, Cormac O’Sullivan, Tony Browne, Shane Coughlan, Ryan Heise, Eoin Finn

Under 10 Rugby
Last Saturday we had a big turnout of players so we decided to have two games against the travelling opposition Midleton. In the first of the two we started very strongly and were two up inside the first five minutes through Jake Buckley and Ryan McGrath. Midleton scored next to narrow the gap and would have levelled the scores but Eoin Condon and Sam made a few vital tackles. Darragh O Sullivan made a strong drive up the middle and offloaded to Luke Cross who scored a great try in the corner. Mark Carey was beginning to dominate the game now and made a lot of hard yards.
Ryan scored another before half-time but Midleton also scored two. The second half continued the same as the first with both sides giving 100 percent. Newcomer Ryan secured his Hat-trick of trys to give us some breathing space but Midleton kept coming back at us. We eventually held out for a 6-5 win. This was a great team performance and our lads celebrated like they had won the Heineken cup.
Team: Mark Carey,(Capt)Luke Cross, Jake Buckley ,Eoin Condon, Darragh O Sullivan Sam, Ryan McGrath, Aleksi Semcenko.

Our second U10 team took on their Midleton counterparts on Saturday morning in Fermoy. This was a very tight affair from the start with the defences standing firm. Fermoy finally broke the deadlock after 10 minutes when they secured possession from the ruck after great work from Darragh and Aleksej. This resulted in and a great passing movement involving Conor Coakley, Brian, and Peter Finn . The ball finally came to Tiernan Mc Carthy who toched down in the corner for a great team try. However as as happened in previous games we switched off and Midleton replied straight from the Tip off after numerous missed tackles. Fermoy and Midleton exchanged another try apiece before half time to leave the score at 2 trys each at the break. We resumed the second half in a very determined mood . Even though Midletons defence held up very well we were pilling on all the pressure and it was only a matter of time before we went ahead with a great try from Peter Finn. Our defence stood firm from the tip off and Some great tackles from Padraic Burke and Eoin Bartley resulted in a turn over ball. The ball finally managed to find its way to Tiernan and he again touched down in the corner for a great try to leave us 4 to 2 ahead. We were well in control of the game at this stage. However in the last play of the game Midleton scored a consolation try to leave the final score of Fermoy 4, Midleton 3. This was a great team performance and shows that the training is paying off for this team. They are coming together nicely as a team and some of the passing moves that resulted in tries were a joy to watch.
Team: Conor Coakley, Peter Finn, Tiernan Mc Carthy, Padraig Burke,Darragh O Sullivan, Brian O Sullivan, Eoin Bartley and Aleksej Semcenko.

Under 11 Rugby
Midleton arrived on Saturday morning with two teams so we agreed to play each team in a shortened game. On a mixed day weather wise, we produced some very mixed rugby. Midleton started like a whirlwind and ran in a few quick early tries but then our boys started to come to terms with a very strong outfit. After absorbing a lot of pressure Fermoy broke out and Jamie Wheeler finished off a great team effort going over in the corner. Midleton went on to prevail in the first game and after a quick turnaround, with some encouragement to tackle the opposition earlier; we faced a new Midleton team.

The boys put in more tackles and supported each other much better in the rucks, while all the time absorbing a lot of pressure but as in the first game we score lovely breakaway tries through Ben Twomey and Aidan O’Leary. The performance of the whole squad improved as the day wore on. In the end, Midleton proved too strong but we learned a lot and start to work on this at training on Wednesday.
The Fermoy Squad was; A Nolan, C Buckley, P Coughlan, D Daly, D Crowley, E Dolan, ML Durcan, C Leddy, B Mc Carthy, A O’Leary, E O’Sullivan, S Palmer, Wm Quirke, B Twomey and J Wheeler.

Under 12 Rugby
This was going to be the just as hard as any of our games as we were down 4 players. Our under 12’s team were up against a very good Midleton team. Midleton came to Fermoy with a panel of over 28 players and gave us 4 players. The Under 12’s started well with Midleton defending for the first couple of minutes but just as Midleton got the ball, they attacked with menace and scored with their first attack. Fermoy restarted and a poor pickup for Midleton let Jack O’Leary receive the ball for us and by slick passing, out to Sean Hegarty and finally Ruairi O’Sullivan going over for the try. A very well worked try for Fermoy. The first half finished with 2 more try a piece with Jack Fox and Duncan Ekechukwu getting the tries for Fermoy.

The second started with Fermoy camped on the Midleton line and finally going over for a well worked try, Jack fox scoring another try for Fermoy. Midleton came out fighting and scored two quick tries to leave Midleton leading going into the last minute of the game. The best was yet to come, from one last push that started on the half way line every member of the team carried the ball forward, driving the Midleton team back each time for the ball to fall to Duncan Ekechukwu who pushed his way over the line to leave the match all square and with that, the ref blew the final whistle. Our under 12 team have the spirit of never giving up and fighting till the end. The Fermoy team Sean Hegarty, Jack Fox (C), Duncan Ekechukwu, Jack O’Leary, Ruairi O’Sullivan, Liam McGrath, Conlath Ryan, Adam Doocey and Colm Leddy.

Training Update
There will be a training session this Saturday morning 17th November at 10am for all players at the Fermoy Rugby grounds. As always, please remember to bring boots and gumshield.
Weekly training Fermoy mini rugby mid week training continues on Wednesdays at 6.45pm. Please remember to bring €;2 for each Wednesday night’s training session to help towards the cost of the floodlights. Please ensure players have boots and gumshields. For safety reasons hooded sweatshirts should not be worn.
Fermoy mini rugby club aims to develop the game of rugby in a safe and enjoyable manner by encouraging skills development and above all fun and inclusion for young players in the age range under 8 to under 12. We always welcome new members. We would like to invite all interested in playing to come along on Saturday morning or to any of our training sessions and join in.
If you have a query regarding Fermoy mini rugby please contact Jim Crowley at 0851742244.

Fermoy Youths Rugby
Under 13 & 14 Rugby
Ballincollig U13s came to Fermoy last Saturday for a friendly against our combined U13/U14 squad. While we were short yet again in terms of numbers and had to rely on two Ballincollig players and two U12 Fermoy players who had played a blitz earlier that morning, the squad really came together for their best performance of the season. Ballincollig started well and scored an earlier try but failed to convert it. Conlath Ryan ran in a great individual try which was converted by James Towey to take the score to 7-5. Jack O’Donnell ran from a scrum to score Fermoy’s second try to make it 12-5. Ballincollig kept up the pressure and eventually came back towards the end of the first half to score their second try but again failed to convert. This had the score at 12-10 at half-time.

In what was a very balanced game, Ballincollig, through a series of phases, got a third try despite the best efforts of Jack O’Donnell whose flying tackle was worthy of a Man of the Match award in itself. With the score at 12-15 with a few minutes to go, Hugh Mulqueen picked up a loose ball in the centre and legged it out to the wing where he passed to Conlath Ryan who took off towards the try line and planted the ball right behind the posts. James Towey stepped up for the conversion and slotted it to make the final score 19-15. It was a fantastic team effort with all players contributing to a well-deserved result and our thanks to Ballincollig RFC for a spirited performance in which neither team gave up. Our next fixture is a friendly blitz in Midleton this Saturday. Parents are asked to carpool and assemble at the back gate of the Showgrounds at 9.45am to arrive in Midleton at 10.30am for a 11.00 kick-off. We will be playing against Midleton and Dolphin.

Squad: Ethan Takle, Sean Coakley, James Towey, Adam Buckley, James Dangerfield, Oisin Bloem Doran, Duncan Ekechukwu, James buckley, Jamie McEvoy, Matthew Lynch, Hugh Mulqueen, Conlath Ryan.
16 First Years togged out for the first rugby training session at St. Colman’s College with several players expressing an interest in playing for Fermoy RFC. Thanks to Mr. Donnelly and to the coaches who made themselves available. First Year rugby training will continue at 3.30pm next Monday.

Fermoy Youths Rugby

Fermoy womens team enjoyed a weekend off last weekend, but preparations are well underway this week in training for a Friendly v Bandon on Sunday in Bandon.
The women’s team have arranged a table quiz as a team fundraiser on 25th November in Kerins Bar. Table of 4 just €;20 with loads of spot prizes on the night. For more information please email fermoyrugby@gmail.com
Fermoy v Waterford City (J1 OSullivan Cup)
Fermoy 18 Waterford City 20

On Sunday last Fermoy played Waterford in the semi-final of the Martin O’Sullivan Cup at the Showgrounds in Fermoy.
Fermoy started slow and found themselves trailing 0-7 with a try and conversion 10 minutes into the match. However Fermoy responded well with a great individual try by Jeffrey Daly which he also converted to tie the game at 7-7. Both teams exchanged a penalty apiece before another Jeffrey Daly penalty left the home team leading 13-10 at the break.
The second half provided great excitement and indeed excellent rugby by both teams for the large crowd in attendance.
Waterford were first on the scoreboard with a penalty to draw the teams level yet again. With 15 minutes remaining, Fermoy won a penalty on the opposition 10m line and choose to kick to the corner which proved to be the right decision. After winning a good lineout Fermoy’s forwards drove forward and over the try line and Tadgh Dunne rising with the ball for a great try to put Fermoy 5 points up. This lead however did not last long as Waterford got a replica of the Fermoy try in the corner which was expertly converted and proved to be the winning kick on the day as the final whistle was blown soon after with Waterford victorious on a heartbreaking scoreline of 18-20.
After the game both sets of teams gathered in the clubhouse for a warm stew which was provided by the club. Huge thanks to the people involved in the cooking and serving up of the delicious food which was well earned by both set of players.

On this coming Sunday we travel to Waterford to take on the same opposition at 2.30pm in the league. We hope our supporters will travel again in large numbers as players, coaches & management travel from Fermoy RFC in convoy. For details of time departure check out our Facebook page ‘Fermoy RFC’ or email fermoyrugby@gmail.com.
Our J3s also have a massive game this weekend when they play host to Cork Transport in the Showgrounds venue at 11.30am in the league. This is a big weekend for the club and let’s hope by Sunday evening we will have 2 victories to savour.

Other Club News:

Ticket Orders are now being accepted for the RBS 6 Nations Away match tickets.
• Scotland on 24th Feb 2013 KO 14.00 – Closing date for to place an order is 28th November 2012
• Italy v Ireland on 16th Mar 2013 KO 14.30 – Closing date for to place an order is 27th December 2012
To place your order, please contact Treasurer Conor Butler 087 2274196 or email fermoyrugby@gmail.com
We are currently developing our website fermoyrugby.wordpress.com. If you would like to contribute or have photos that we can include, please contact us fermoyrugby@gmail.com
As always, Fermoy RFC are always looking for new players to share the fun, the highs and the excitement of rugby. Regardless of whether you have played before or not, we would be delighted to welcome you to our club, and our team. We are recruiting players from Under 8’s to Under 17’s, Women & Men. For more information please email fermoyrugby@gmail.com

YOUNG MUNSTER RFC:- Courtesy of Olivia O’Sullivan, PRO

Before we get to what unfolded on the pitch on Friday night, credit to the supporters who made the trip to Thomond Park for our game against UL Bohemians. Midway through the second half, the only things staving off frostbite were sheer force of will and the odd sneaky hipflask. Oh, and the inflated blood pressure that comes with a local derby.

In typical derby fashion neither side imposed themselves on proceedings early on. Familiarity needn’t necessarily breed contempt but after two early-season cup meetings – both won by Bohs – the two sides knew each other too well to give a whole lot away.

The hosts were first to trouble the scoresheet, Munster flanker Tommy O’Donnell diving on a charge-down that flirted with the touch-in-goal line before the try was awarded. Munster starlet JJ Hanrahan was off target with the conversion and had registered 0/3 before Brian Haugh showed how it’s done at the other end.

In fact, Haugh’s first task from the tee was to convert a blistering Darragh O’Neill try. A loose Bohs kick was gathered by Steve Macauley inside the Munsters’ half. The ball was worked through three pairs of hands before the flying left-winger (who only scores scintillating tries, it seems) was set free down the far touchline. Bohs’ hooker Seán Henry and second row Darragh Frawley were left chasing shadows before Darragh stood up and stepped the covering Mossie Lawlor to waltz over the line and touch down.
Up in the stand, the Munsters faithful were on their feet to salute what will be a candidate for try of the season and with Haugh obliging with the extras from left of the posts it was Munsters who led nearing half-time.

There was still a sting in the tail before Leo Colgan could call a halt to the half, however.
Credit to Bohs, who forced successive penalties at the breakdown, both converted by Hanrahan. The second infringement saw Johne Murphy (born and reared in Carey’s Road – little-known fact) dispatched to the sin bin but, despite Bohs’ numerical advantage, Brian Haugh tacked on a three-pointer to send the sides in with just the minimum between them.

With the game on a knife-edge it was always going to come down to fitness, desire, and execution in the second forty. With that in mind, credit must go to Mike Prendergast and his coaching staff, whose well-drilled side held the hosts to a solitary three-pointer in the second half.

Time and again the Cookies’ lineout was imperious out of touch and constantly disrupted on Seán Henry’s throw. Seán Duggan in particular tormented the Sligo man who was at pains to find a jumper.

By contrast, Ger Slattery’s unit was ruthlessly efficient, varying the call nicely and hitting five different targets during the eighty.

Pressure at the set piece starved Bohemians of clean first-phase ball and pressure at the breakdown – much of it from the lively Luke Russell – forced the hosts into repeated infringements.

The calls for a yellow card grew increasingly vociferous as the half wore on but despite Bohs trailing 2:1 on the penalty count, referee Colgan didn’t see fit to even things up in terms of cards.

There were some nervy moments in the final 10 minutes, a long range Hanrahan drop goal trailed to the right and wide and a superb Craig O’Hanlon cover tackle was all that prevented substitute Seán Rennison from “doing a Darragh O’Neill on it” and running in an intercept for what would have been a decisive score.

Mercifully, Bohemians’ toe-holds in the Munsters’ 22 weren’t translated into points, thanks in chief to pressure at the line-out and commendable discipline in defence.

The last act fell to Brian Haugh to dispatch the ball to touch after the forwards had worn down the clock after regaining possession from a turnover by the scrum-half.

Next up, it’s the visit of Garryowen to Greenfields next Sunday, November 18th, with a 2:30 kick-off. Motivation won’t be lacking (on either side of the touchline) against the Light Blues as Munsters seek a hat-trick of derby wins in the Ulster Bank League.

Final score: UL Bohemians 13 – 11 Young Munster
– Killian McCarthy
SCORERS – Young Munster: Brian Haugh three penalties, one conversion, Darragh O’Neill try; UL Bohs: Tommy O’Donnell try, JJ Hanrahan two penalties

YOUNG MUNSTER – Craig O’Hanlon; Steve McAuley, Mark Doyle, Johne Murphy, Darragh O’Neill; Gareth Quinn-McDonogh, Brian Haugh; Ger Flaherty, Ger Slattery, Darragh Cantillon; Darren Gallagher, Sean Duggan; Mark Rowley, Luke Russell, Neville Melbourne. Replacements: Alan Cotter for Flaherty (45 mins), Johnny Moroney for Russell (66 mins), Ger Flaherty for Cantillon (67 mins)

UL BOHS – Ben Martin; Martin McPhail, Mossie Lawler, Niall Keneally, Rory Whyte; JJ Hanrahan, Cathal Sheridan; Tom Burke, Sean Henry, Gary Walsh; Ed Kelly, Darragh Frawley; Conor Kindregan, Ian Condell, Tommy O’Donnell. Replacements: Sean Rennison for Frawley (45 mins), Eddie Rossiter for Condell (60 mins)

REFEREE – Leo Colgan (IRFU)
U21s into final, good win for 3rds, 2nds unlucky
Elsewhere, on Saturday, our 3rd XV made it a double over UL Bohemians, running in three tries to pick up a 19-7 win at Annacotty in the Gleeson League. Kevin Moloney, Peter Payne Jnr, and Matthew Costelloe (home on a flying visit) all crossed the whitewash and Tommy Cronin notched two conversions.
In Coonagh, the Young Munster U21s beat Shannon 5-6 in the North Munster League semi-final play-off thanks to two Shane O’Leary penalties which takes them through to the final.
Our Second XV were beaten 13-16 at home on Sunday in Clifford Park by Garryowen. An Evan Mulcahy try plus two penalties and a conversion by Derry O’Connor weren’t enough to see us take the fixture which saw their outhalf put over a drop goal in the final ten to clinch the win.
Adult Fixtures:
Saturday 17th November:
Gleeson League: Young Munster v Shannon 1.00pm Derryknockane
U21 S.W. Conference: Young Munster v Highfield 2.30 Derryknockane

Sunday 18th November:
AIL Div. 1A: Young Munster V Garryowen 2.30 Tom Clifford Park
Womens AIL: Young Munster V Nenagh 12.15 Derryknockane

Underage News:

Ben Betts U 17S Prop Forward

Congratulations to Benn Betts who was capped for the Munster Youths team at prop forward and is a current member of our U17s squad, He has now been selected for the Irish Youths Squad, Ben has played all his rugby with through the clubs underage from minis rugby to youth rugby. Well done to Ben on his achievement and best wishes into the future for this up and coming young prop forward.

Young Munster U15’s win v Ennis

Our under 15’s continued their run of recent good form with a well deserved win over Ennis at Tom Clifford Park on last Sunday 11th. Following last week’s comprehensive victory over Newcastle West, hopes were high that we could maintain our momentum with another victory.

Conditions were near perfect, and both teams endeavoured to run the ball at every opportunity, with eight tries being scored in this thrilling encounter.

Ennis started the better and were rewarded with a try after four minutes. We responded with a spell of concerted pressure on the Ennis rearguard which resulted in a close range penalty being slotted over by Dean Garvey. Centre, Enis Haxhiaj danced his way over for a brace of tries, and then a sweeping move by our backline, featuring some superb off-loads saw Dean Garvey score under the posts. However, ill-discipline at rucks eventually resulted in Seamus Rainsford being the unfortunate victim of the referee’s ire and being yellow carded. To their credit, we did not concede a point during this period. Leading 20-5 at half time, we then faced a fight back from Ennis and they scored almost immediately after the re-start. However we weathered the storm, and despite Ennis scoring another try, we finished the game off with another two converted tries and a penalty by Dean Garvey.

As a unit, our pack played very well, with Eoghan Carey, Jack Finucane, Calvin McDoangh and birthday boy Jake Fitzgerald featuring prominently. Josh O’Donoghue and Dean Garvey controlled matters at half back. Our backs took their try scoring opportunities well, with Seamus Rainsford, Kelvin Brosnahan and Enis Hiaxhiaj to the fore.

Final score: Young Munster 37-15 Ennis

Best wishes to prop Jake Bennis who is recovering from a serious leg injury.

Team: Andrew McInerney; Tadhg Enright, Enis Haxhiaj, Kelvin Brosnahan, Seamus Rainsford; Dean Garvey, Josh O’Donoghue; Jack Finucane, Jake Fitzgerald, Emmett Connolly; Eoghan Cary, David Benn; Alex O’Callaghan, Calvin McDonagh, Damien Benson. Subs: Conor O’Brien, Shane O’Connell, Andrew Savage, Brendan Kelly (all used)

Underage Fixtures & Results:

Results Sunday 4th November 2012:
U13 League: Young Munster 18-5 Old Crescent
U14 Friendly Abbeyfeale 5-72 Young Munster
U15 League Young Munster 36-15 Ennis
U17 Young Munster 24-11 Shannon /St Mary’s

Fixtures Saturday 17th November:
U19s Pan Munster Abbeyfeale / Castleisland v Young Munster / Ennis, The Grove Abbeyfeale 12 noon.

Fixtures Sunday 18th November:
U14 League Young Munster v Ennis, Derryknockane 11am
U12s Blitz Young Munster v Thomond, Fitzgerald Pk 10am.