Club Notes: Week Ending 29.09.13
23rd September 2013 By Munster Rugby
This week’s club notes come from Bantry Bay, Cobh Pirates, Midleton, Shannon and Waterford City rugby clubs.
Click here for Bantry Bay Club Notes
Click here for Cobh Pirates Club Notes
Click here for Midleton Club Notes
Click here for Shannon Club Notes
Click here for Waterford City Club Notes
Courtesy of Denyse Scully, Club PRO
Bantry Bay RFC ready to kick-start season after exciting summer
This summer has proven to be a unique and exciting one for the club when the traditional club off season was filled with activity, famous visitors and a fun filled weekend of tag.
Munster Race was an event that trended on twitter and created a stir throughout the province when the fans and supporters got to help the various teams compete to win the pre season team exercise of making their way with the help of various clubs to the team open training session in Youghal RFC. Bantry Bay Rugby club were delighted to host team 4 on their way across Cork county. This team was led by the newly appointed Munster Captain for the 2013/2014 season Peter O' Mahony and the club would like to express their thanks to him and all the group: Johne Murphy, Casey Laulala, Stephen Archer, Duncan Casey, Andrew Conway, Donnacha Ryan and Paddy Ryan for their participation and support of club events whilst in Bantry.
The group packed a huge amount into a brief 24 hour period including a fishing trip from Glengarriff on board Teddy McCarthy's well known Harbour Queen. Tickets were sold to members and supporters who got to enjoy this trip and the specially donated picnic hampers prepared by Manning's Emporium, Ballylickey and Jim's Coffee House, Glengarriff. From there the Club President, Ray Hennessy hosted a dinner for the players at the club's favourite food stop The Brick Oven (courtesy of Stephen & Gillian O' Donovan) and afterwards the players were guests of honour at a fundraising Q&A in the Mariner. It was a great evening particularly for the younger club members who got to meet their heroes and have their photo taken in a special photo booth provided Tony McElhinney of The Card Shop. A raffle was held on the night and the club would like to thank all the businesses in Bantry who kindly donated prizes and also for helping turn the town red for the event. After a good night's sleep and breakfast courtesy of The Westlodge Hotel the players hosted a training session for our youth's team at St. Gobans. Many of these youths are currently participating in Munster development squads and they were delighted to get this one -to- one session with the players. From there it was time to bid them farewell as they made their way to Cork and on to Youghal. Finally, the club would like to say a special word of thanks to coaches Eugene McCarthy and Frank Conroy who took time out to transport the players and help them out along the way.
BBRFC Tag Weekend made a comeback this year. It was a new look event with a new venue and the club would like to thank Glengarriff Community Sports field for the use of their pitch, fantastic facilities and help with the event. The action kicked off on Saturday evening with the senior teams going through their knock out games. There was skill, colour (especially from the well dressed Sully's Hookers team), competitive and fun games. The sun shone so the large numbers of supporters and families got to enjoy the BBQ, food and entertainment on offer on and off the pitch. We got to do it all over again on Sunday afternoon as our Junior teams upped the pace in their games and it was a close competition with the winners Team Smurfs emerging victorious from a tight final game. The action continued with the senior finalist's games, and after a tough game that went to extra time the Schooner Bar (continuing a great tradition in BBRFC Tag) emerged winners over the also excellent RPM Fitness team. The club would like to thank Chairperson Joanna McCarthy, Geraldine Hicks, John O'Sullivan and all the members who helped out in any way, in relaunching this special event in the club calendar.
The club last week benefited from the most amazing random act of kindness from local woman, Mrs. Catherine Maguire. Mrs. Maguire won a prize through O' Keeffe's Supervalu Bantry with Dove Men + Care and kindly donated this prize of a training session with IRFU players to her local club. So, on a warm & sunny evening the club held an open training session and welcomed a large crowd to St. Goban's pitch. There was great excitement as the club hosted Munster Captain Peter O' Mahony and his fellow Munster and Ireland players Simon Zebo & Felix Jones.
The young players were divided into groups according to age and each group got to train and go through skills with the three players. Many thanks to Eugene McCarthy, Director of Coaching and his fellow coaches who ran the training session smoothly from beginning to end. IRFU TV crew were on hand to record this moment of history for the club. Players & coaches got the opportunity to showcase the work & successes in BBRFC since it was reformed in 1992.
Courtesy of Liz Cotter, Club PRO
The club is back in full swing this month with all our teams training for the season ahead.
Our juveniles are back on Saturday mornings taking over the pitches from 11 o clock – Please note all new members any age grades are always welcome. We start from U6s right up to our adults' teams.
The J1 and J2 have been playing a couple of friendlies over the last couple of weekends to get match ready for the season, while the ladies are playing away next weekend in Dungarven before kicking off their season the following weekend.
The Club House is also getting busy with the most of the main Rugby matches on show in the club. Why not pop in catch the match and enjoy a great vibe. We have a number of up and coming fundraising events the first of which is our Table Quiz on the 4th of October – 4 people per table and €10 per person – with the Quiz master Brick on the night entertaining the crowds with what should be a great night.
Courtesy of Jason Boyle, Club PRO
Midleton 16 – Sundays Well 13
The first home game for Midleton this season; and it was certainly a tight encounter. The young Midleton side had a lot to prove on only their second competitive outing this year. It was a beautiful afternoon with the sun shining and temperatures in the high teens when the teams took to the pitch.
Sundays Well kicked off and drove hard at the Midleton defence who were well up for the challenge defending strongly and driving the 'Well back into their own half. A penalty about 8 minutes in gives our new fly Half, Chris Walker, a chance to put Midleton 3 points ahead and he duly delivers. Midleton 3 – Sundays Well 0.
The 'Well restart and Midelton are penalised for not releasing. This gives the 'Well a chance to level the match but the shot is driven wide.
The error count from Midleton increases and on about 15 minutes the 'Well are given a penalty; the resulting maul drives for the line but Midleton defend hard resulting in another scrum to Sundays Well. The Midleton scrum was under pressure from a dominant 'Well pack and this was to be a feature of the game.
Another scrum close to the Midleton line; this time though the 'Well are penalised for bringing the scrum down and Midleton are given a chance to clear the lines bringing play back close to ½ way. The penalty count increases against Midleton and on 20 minutes an easy shot for the 'Well number 10 sees the teams level, 3 points apiece.
Midleton then put on a strong drive after the restart and the resulting pressure play from Midleton sees Kieran Burns in for a Try, converted by Walker. The score at this point in the match was Midleton 10 Sundays Well 3. After the restart Sundays Well put pressure back on the Midleton defence and are rewarded with another penalty from a scrum. Midleton 10 Sundays Well 6.
The second half sees a string of penalties against Midleton bringing the 'Well close to the Midleton line. The Midleton defence; strong all day finally gives way to pressure from the 'Well with a try within 10 min of second half. This was converted to leave the score at Midleton 10 Sundays Well 13.
Not long after that the 'Well get yet another scrum in front of the Midleton posts and they push Midleton back – another scrum now on the 5 meter line sees Midleton under pressure – yet again the Midleton defence is unwavering and Midleton manage to regain possession and clear the lines back to ½ way. A Midleton scrum just inside the 'Well ½ leads to a great run to the 'Well 10m line but a turnover ball allows the 'Well to clear to just inside their own half, and another scrum.
With Midleton down to 14 men a new urgency drives them forward. The Midleton Captain, Kevin Brierly, urges his team forward and the resulting strong play rewards Midleton with a Penalty kick out and to the left of the posts. This is a pressure kick for the new number 10 and Chris delivers. At about 10 minutes left in the game its all square Midleton 13, Sunday Well 13.
The 'Well look to pile on the pressure to secure the win, but the Midleton defence stands tough. Both teams trade penalties and territory and the game looks to be heading to extra time. Midleton then put on one of the best passages of play in the game inside the 'Well half. Midleton are driving forward, the ball being recycled and play going from right to left. Our new fly half hangs back, waits for the pass and takes a drop at goal. It goes over for Midleton to win the game with the last kick of the match. Final score Midleton 16 Sundays Well 13.
This Midleton team showed great resolve in their first home outing and withstood strong pressure from Sundays Well. A great result in a tough game that is a testament to their commitment. The team is gelling nicely and looking forward now to the first league encounter next Saturday away to Nenagh.
Midleton now take on Cork Constitution away on the weekend of the 19th October in the quarter finals.
Courtesy of Siofra Scanlan, Club PRO
Events & News
YOUR CLUB, YOUR THOUGHTS
We always like to hear from our members near and far. If you have a story, any interesting historical information or an article about the club that you would like to share we would love to hear it. Any submissions for consideration can be sent topro@shannonrfc.com.
PRESIDENTS WALK
The "Presidents Walk" is on Sunday 27th October starting in the Club House at 12 pm. The routes are the same as last year at 5k and 10k. A percentage of the money collected will go to local charities. Afterwards back in the clubhouse, food and beverages will be served, music and prizes. Last year was a great success so lets try and make it even better this time. Should you wish to obtain a sponsorship card please contact any member of the Executive Committee. All contact details can be found on www.shannonrfc.com in the contact section.
We would urge everyone to support this great event. It is raising important funds for your club and community.
TRIPLE MATCH DAY
On September 28th Shannon will play Blackrock in the opening AIL game at Thomond Park. Why not stay in the clubhouse afterwards and enjoy two other great games. The All Ireland Hurling Final, Clare V Cork at 5.00pm and the Rabo Direct Match Munster V Newport Gwent Dragons,6.45pm. There will be full bar and finger food available so come along and enjoy the matches atyour local club.
PRE-MATCH LUNCH
There will be a Pre-Match lunch held in Shannon RFC Clubhouse on Saturday 28th September at 12.30pm before the AIL opening match Shannon V Blackrock at Thomond Park. Tickets are priced Adults €;20, OAP/UNWAGED €;15 (tickets include lunch and match entry).
Bookings should be confirmed no later than Thursday, 26 Sep, to Denis O'Driscoll, on 086-8377263 or emailinfoshannonrfc@gmail.com
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR LADIES
A big congratulations to our Shannon RFC ladies, Nicole Cronin who is playing in the IRFU Women’s Sevens tournament and Aoife Doyle who was involved with the National Development side. Well done Ladies.
PLEASE DRIVE CAREFULLY THROUGH COONAGH
We would ask everyone to please take care, slow down and observe the speed limit through Coonagh Village on the way to and from the matches and training.
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Saturday 28th September
Seniors-AIL- Shannon V Blackrock, Thomond Park, 2.30pm
3rds (F)- Shannon V Young Munster, Coonagh,1.00pm
Sunday 29th September
Ladies AIL- Shannon V Galbally, Coonagh, 1pm
Underage Training & Fixtures
Sunday 29th September
AIL V Blackrock RFC, Thomond Park 2.30pm
U10s at half time
All Ireland and Munster match will be shown in clubhouse after.
Minis 10.00am
U6/7/8/9 Top Pitch
U10 Blitz@ Ballina Kilaloe
U11 Training Pitch
U12 Blitz Coonagh -Well Field
11.00am
U13 Training Pitch
U14 Training Pitch
11.30am
U16 Mini area
12.00
U15 League v ULBohs Coonagh @ 12.00pm Top Pitch
*Reminder that the lads in blue cabin are taking membership payment from 10.00am to 11.30am *
Presidents walk is on October 27th cards will be handed out this Sunday
Thought Of The Week
"Winners make a habit of manufacturing their own positive expectations in advance of the event"
Courtesy of Damien Kennedy, Club PRO
City Defeat Clane In Physical Battle
Like last week Head coach Peter Jones had his chance to rotate the squad and give guys their chance to put their names in the hat for selection, with the J2 league starting next week at home to Cashel and the J1 league starting in 2 weeks away to Newport there is plenty of rugby to be played in the coming weeks at both levels. In fairly warm weather ,with the ground rock solid a lot of hard hits were going in from the off, with both sides losing a player to injury within the first 10mins.The ruck seemed to be a mess with Clane consistently lying over the ball but City also found themselves being turned over too easily. City found themselves missing a few try scoring but on 30 mins a perfect chip through from stand in captain Nicky Jacob allowed Ben Walsh to gather the ball and score in the corner ,the conversion was missed, City led 5-0.City came out for the 2nd half and seemed to up the tempo with Danny Fell crashing through 2 tacklers and score under the posts, he converted his own try to bring City 12-0 up. Clane would be a tough nut to crack and kept plugging away at the City defense and 20mins into the 2nd half City found themselves down to 14 men with Tom Bowe shown a yellow card for an infringement at the ruck. Clane took advantage and their impressive scrum half found his way through to score a converted try, 12-7 to City. City kept finding themselves in the Clane 22, but the ball was being continually slowed down,which frustrated City and with 8mins remaining Barry Quilty was harshly sent to the bin for trying to clear a ruck . Clane with the one man advantage decided to run the ball only for the alert Fintin Purcell to intercept a pass and sprint in for a try which was converted again by Fell. That was to be the final action of the game, 19-7 to City. Still plenty to work on but it's great to be winning tough games knowing we can do better. Next week our J2 side will play Cashel at home, date and time to be confirmed, please check facebook for details.
Good performance City U-14s who beat neighbours Waterpark
Some super rugby was played by both sides last Sunday morning in Kilbarry in this pre season friendly, it was back and forth from start to finish and both teams played with buckets of intensity and physicality . City came out 25-17 winners with 5 tries to 3. Well done to the players and coaches who can look forward to the start of their league campaign next week with confidence after some good wins in recent weeks.
Our Minis are going to Musgrave Park!!
This Saturday 28th of September our U-11 team will play Killarney at half time in the Munster Dragons game. Best of luck to them and the coaches, we hope everyone enjoys themselves.
Fundraiser
The club will be holding a fundraiser Saturday the 28th of September in the Kilcohan Dog track, tickets priced at €10 per Adult, €20 per family ticket (2 adults up to 4 kids) great prizes on the night, if you would like to purchase a ticket please contact Jemma Jacob on 087 2142385 PLEASE SUPPORT YOUR CLUB.
Women's Training
Our Women team training continues every Monday & Wednesday at 7:00 – 8:30, beginners more than welcome.
Youths and Mini's
All of our underage have returned to training. If you have a child interested in rugby please contact Jimmy Foskin on 0863327327
Mini's(ages 5-12) Sunday mornings at 11:00-12:00
U-13 & U-14 Wednesdays and Fridays 6:00 – 7:15
U-15 ,U-16 & U-18 Wednesdays at 7:00 – 8:15 Fridays 6:00 – 7:15
