Club Notes: Week Ending 30.03.14

This week’s club notes come from Bantry Bay, Nenagh Ormond and Waterford City Rugby Clubs.

Bantry Bay RFC

Courtesy of:- Andre Polivka & Denyse Scully

U14 Development Cup

Bantry Bay RFC: 38
Dolphin RFC: 24

Bantry Bay U14 made the trip to the city on Saturday last for the opening round of the Development Cup against a very talented Dolphin side. Dolphin started the game stronger and at a fast pace hammering the Bantry line from the kick off. In the space of nine minutes the city team had opened up a seventeen point’s gap, scoring three tries in the process leaving the Bantry side shell shocked. At this stage little was working for Bantry and they looked powerless against strong opposition.

The West Cork side slowly began to work their way back into the game and began to move the ball wide and this game plan of working their faster backs against the heavier Dolphin pack began to pay dividends. Their first try came from David O’ Sullivan who ran in under the posts. From this point on, Bantry gained the upper hand and it became all one way traffic in their favour. Bantry Bay showed great skills to keep the ball in hand and move it around quickly to constantly stretch the Dolphin defence. Bantry went in front before half time with two more tries from Neil O’Sullivan and Ethan Evans.

Huge credit to the Dolphin side they fought strongly in the second half and were a constant threat. But Bantry kept the ball moving wide and played some fantastic rugby which resulted in three more tries (another for David O’Sullivan and two by Páidi McCarthy) which put the game beyond the reach of the city team. Bantry Bay secured their quarter final spot against Sundays Well due to be played next weekend.

Team: Shane Murray, Ethan Evans (1), David O’ Sullivan (2), Neil O’ Sullivan
(1 plus 4 conversions), Páidi McCarthy (2), David O’ Sullivan, Jack Harrington, Cormac O’ Connor (Capt.), Ruairi O’ Connor, Hugh Dunne, Luke Franklin, Cathal O’ Sullivan, Fergal Lee, Eddie Ryan, DJ Sheehan and Niall O’ Brien.

Munster Girls Development Blitz Charleville

Bantry Bay were delighted to be able to travel with both their U15 and U18 teams to the second development Blitz organised by Munster Development officer Amanda Greensmith this spring with the games being played at Charleville RFC last Saturday. Both teams welcomed players from Bruff RFC (who are building numbers at this underage level) to participate with them.

The U15 team played three short games against now familiar opponents from Listowel RFC. Both teams played some great rugby but Listowel dominated the rucks and were more effective at the breakdown and this kept them ahead throughout. Our girls played extremely well especially with new teammates from Bruff who were playing their first game. Special congratulations to our own Niamh Tobin who has recently joined our team and was also playing her first game of rugby with the club. The girls will learn so much from this experience and are very grateful to Amanda Greensmith for her guidance and advice on the day.

Team: Fiona Cronin, Kate Scully, Laura Cato, Enya Breen (C), Cliodhna O’ Connor, Amy Harrington, Danielle Murphy, Caroline Downey and Niamh Tobin.

Our U18 team played two games on the day against Cashel RFC and Listowel RFC. These were extremely competitive games, played at pace with some fantastic skills being displayed throughout. Our U18 girls worked tirelessly and showed off an array of skills being competitive at the breakdown and releasing their strong back line players with Rachel Crowley orchestrating everything at out half position, keeping her pack on the front foot and mixing her game with some fine kicking. Again we were delighted to have Jessica Murphy playing her first game with the club.

Team: Grace Crowley, Jessica Murphy, Hazel Harrington, Yvonne O’Shea, Caoimhe Barry, Eilis Cunney, Tara Thornton, Katie Mullins, Amy Boyden, Ciara Collins, Naoise Ducker and Rachel Crowley.

It was a thoroughly successful and enjoyable afternoon. The girls were a credit on and off the pitch and especially welcoming to their teammates from Bruff RFC which was completely in keeping with the spirit of the event. Many thanks to the parents and supporters who travelled with us.

Bantry Bay RFC will shortly host a “Give it a Try” session for any girls aged 12 – 17 years interested in getting involved. For further details contact Denyse Scully at (086) 3819330.

Nenagh Ormond RFC

Courtesy of Eithne Darcy, Club PRO

Promotion secured for Nenagh Ormond!

Nenagh Ormond Senior XV played Suttonians in their final home game of the season last Saturday. Fully aware that a win here would secure promotion to Division 2A the air in the camp was one of determination all week and it showed when they took to the pitch. Nenagh scored eight unanswered tries through Lemacki Vaipulu (2), Shane O'Callaghan (2), Derek Corcoran, Andrew Mackey, Ruaidhri O'Brien and Nathan Daly. John Lillis added 4 conversions and a penalty to give a final score of 51-0.

It was a fantastic performance from each and every player 1-20 and everyone at the club is incredibly proud of their efforts and indeed the efforts of the entire squad throughout the season.

The lads take on Ards away on April 12th in their final game in Division 2B and they are totally focussed on keeping their unbeaten run in the league intact. The support this season has been outstanding and we hope that as many of you as possible will travel on the day to cheer on this fantastic bunch of lads.

Young Munster 9-33 Nenagh Ladies

Nenagh Ladies travelled to Young Munster on Sunday for their last game in the South section of Division 2. Having already topped the table with no other teams in touching distance, the girls had one eye on their upcoming All Ireland semi-final against Railway Union on April 6th and wanted to put in a good performance. Nenagh started well and kept possession with some good rucking and support play which allowed the back line to capitalise and send Sandra Williams through for the first try which was converted by Emma Dunlea. Young Munster came back and managed to win a penalty within kicking distance which they converted. However, Nenagh were too strong and, after some good phases of play from both backs and forwards, Williams spotted the gap, picked from the back of the ruck and broke several tackles to touch down.

When Nenagh won a penalty just outside the Young Munster 22, June Whelan, Marie Louise Ryan and Genevieve Rowland linked well to put Rowland through. She broke the full back’s tackle to score under the posts. Dunlea again converted. Rowland again scored with a fantastic break which saw her side step and swerve through the defence and Dunlea added the extras. Young Munster did put together some good phases but the Nenagh defence was excellent, giving away only one more penalty in the half to leave the half time score at 26-6.

At half time, Nenagh decided that this was a good opportunity to try things and take some risks. Although the defence remained strong and the girls retained possession well, the score remained the same for some time. Young Munster managed to tag on another penalty during this time and the girls were determined that this would not be the only score of the half. With this new focus, Nenagh went back to basics and went through the phases. This eventually led to Adeline Harty making a fantastic break up the left side of the pitch. With three opposition players closing on her, she managed a great offload to Genevieve Rowland who scored her hat trick try and Dunlea finished off a great kicking display with the conversion to leave the full time score at 33-6.

This was a great display from the girls who have been improving in every game. Special mention must go to Sarah Corcoran whose outstanding work rate earned her player of the match and to Aisling O’Neill and Niki Lillis who both played well on their return to action.

Team: Breda Doheny, Margaret Hogan, Adeline Harty, Sandra Williams, Niki Lillis, Emma Dunlea, June Whelan, Vanessa Chadwick, Catherine McGill, Marie Louise Ryan, Sarah Corcoran, Aisling O’Neill, Eithne Darcy, Sinead Hennessy, Genevieve Rowland (capt). Rep: Denise Williams.

Nenagh Under 13’s Top of League
Under 13’s 7-0 Waterpark

On Sunday Nenagh made the long trek to Waterford to take on Waterpark and their hard fought victory secured them top spot in their development league. From the outset the Nenagh starting pack of Eoghan Slevin, Patrick Whelan, Luke Connolly, Oisin Webb, Daragh Butler, Dylin Knight, Jack O’Keeffe and Kian O’Kelly looked really up for it and gave Waterpark no chance to settle into the match. After a good deal of Nenagh pressure and some hard rucking by the Nenagh forwards they released their starting back line of James Ferris, Owen Farrell, Roan Harte-Murphy, Matthew Hodgins, Peter Rainsford, Oisin Larkin and Kevin Harding. The Nenagh backs ran some lovely passing movements. However the Waterpark backs continued to tackle like their lives depended on it and kept all the early Nenagh attacks out. The game was very evenly balanced throughout the first half and at half time the score line of nil all showed how tight the game was.

Nenagh had a full squad in attendance and were able to make impact substitutions into the pack with Oisin McMahon, Cian O’Farrell and Lorcan Tuohy coming on after half time. The back line also got new impetus with Manus Heenan, Conor McMahon and Patrick Finn coming on. Nenagh continued to constantly attack the Waterpark line and with great driving from the pack Nenagh got over the Waterpark line but the referee was unsighted and did not award the try. This seemed to lift Waterpark’s spirits and they made a couple of attacks into the Nenagh half. However, Nenagh’s pack were now dominating the rucks and mauls and continued to give good ball to the backs who on a number of occasions nearly crossed the Waterpark line.

However it was once again the great driving and mauling of the Nenagh pack that allowed number eight Jack O’Keeffe to get in for a well overdue try. The try was converted by Oisin Larkin. With ten minutes still to play Nenagh continued to attack and at the final whistle were once again in the Waterpark twenty two looking to add to their score. It is a great credit to the Nenagh team that after making the long journey to Waterford they played like they were the home team and Waterpark had no answer to their open attacking play.

We would like to thank all the parents who drove to Waterford on Sunday and for the great support they gave the players from the side line. This support has been fantastic throughout the season.

We are planning to have a medal presentation ceremony in the Rugby Club at Lisatunny this Friday the 28th of March at 6.30 p.m. There will be hot food cooked for the players and their parents. The bar will also be open. We hope that all players and their parents will be able to attend.

Nenagh team: Daragh Butler, Luke Connolly, Owen Farrell, James Ferris, Patrick Finn, Kevin Harding, Manus Heenan, Matthew Hodgins, Roan Harte-Murphy, Dylin Knight, Oisin Larkin, Cian O’Farrell, Peter Rainsford, Eoghan Slevin, Oisin Webb, Patrick Whelan, Jack O’Keeffe, Kian O’Kelly, Oisin McMahon, Lorcan Tuohy, Conor McMahon.

Under 12’s

Nenagh hosted Suttonians of Dublin last Saturday in Lisatunny. Suttonians started by moving the ball wide at every opportunity but the Nenagh defence was up to the challenge, pressurizing Suttonians into mistakes. Nenagh started to dominate and they showed great handling skills to lead by 3-1 at the break.

Suttonians were more direct in the second period, had plenty of possession and threatened the Nenagh line but the defence was superb and Suttonians failed to score. The 3rd period finished 2 tries apiece. Great credit is due to both teams for producing such a good match considering the conditions. The match finished 5-3 to Nenagh with Jack Deane, Luke Gleeson, Jack White and Anthony Donovan scoring tries for Nenagh.

Nenagh team: Jack Deane, Luke Gleeson, Jack White, Anthony Donovan, Jack Meehan, Hugh Guest, James Meagher, Conor White, Rory Moylan, James Duff, Kevin Cleary, Eoin O Meara, Brian Murphy, Sean Richardson, Paidi Williams, David O Sullivan.

Under 11’s

The Under 11’s travelled to Tipperary Town early on Sunday morning to take on Clanwilliam and Fethard in beautiful conditions for rugby. First up we played Fethard and from the kick off had them under pressure. While playing all the first half near their line we were only one try to nil at half time thanks to James Finn. The second half saw us up the intensity and move the ball wider at every opportunity. A great counter ruck saw Tommy Ryan, in at scrum half, find Martin Ryan with a great pass in midfield. He drew two tacklers and fed James Finn coming from deep who made great ground drawing the last defender and off-loading to Sonny Dower to score in the corner. A super try scored by doing the simple things well. Fethard scored a late breakaway try to leave the final score 2-1 to Nenagh.

Straight away we faced a very big, well drilled home team. This match was not for the faint hearted and every one of the players on both teams went at it hammer and tongs from first whistle to last. While Clanwilliam won 2 tries to 1 we gave a great account of ourselves and probably left a couple of scores behind. Held up once over the line and also a knock on when grounding a certain try. James Finn was again our try scorer. All 17 players who togged out did themselves and the club proud with the never say die spirit that they showed in both these games.

Team: Patrick Fogarty, Daire Slevin, Barry Ryan, John Brislane, Sean Fitzgerald, Tom Kennedy, Niall O’Sullivan, James Finn, Andrew Ferris, Sonny Dower, Peter Collins, Martin Ryan, Liam Cooney, Evan Rainsford, Tommy Ryan, DJ McGrath, Eoghan Tighe.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The Nenagh Ormond committee would like to sincerely thank the players, coaches and members who marched in the St. Patrick’s Day parade and also all who helped to organise the float for the event.

Waterford City RFC

Courtesy of: Damien Kennedy, Club PRO

Munster Junior Cup
Waterford City 24
Old Christians 25

City served up a thriller last Sunday in the Junior Cup against 1st division side Old Christians in perfect conditions. Despite out scoring their opponents by 4 tries to 3 City just fell short of the win. The game started well for City with a break from Simon O Hara put man of the match Alex Fitzmaurce free and his rampaging run through the defence saw him cross the line to put City 7-3 up. Christians came back with two tries of their own but just before the break City found themselves 10 meters from the Christians line and some great work from Ben Duggan put Karl Reade free and he crashed over the line to make it 17-12 with the conversion missed. The 2nd half saw City dominate particularly in the scrum where they seemed to put the away side under massive pressure but the referee seemed unwilling to give the home side the penalty. Christians added 3 points to put them 20-12 up but only a few mins later a perfect chip from outhalf Sean Stafford was gathered by Michel Hayes and he scored a great try to put the score to 20-19. With 15 mins remaining Christians scored their 3rd try to make it 25-19 but City were far from done. A penalty at goal was missed but with 5 mins left Conor Power made a super break through the defence with a long run and he put John Flynn free into the corner to score the try but the conversion was missed, the game was tense for the remaining minutes but the scoreline didn't change and Christians escaped with a narrow 25-24 win. A good preformance but as it stands we have only one win since Christmas, we started the season strong and the lads will be hungry to finish it that way.

J2 Mick Barry Cup
Waterford City 10
Cashel 17

Hard luck to our lads who put in a great shift on Sunday morning but just fell short of the win, a try from Tom Bowe and a conversion and penalty by Jack Caffery was not enough for the lads who just lacked that bit of game experience.

Our U-18 side received a walkover from Nenagh to progress to the next round of the Munster Cup.

Waterford City 17
Waterpark 10

Well done to our lads on this great result Sunday morning, a man of the match performance by Luis Byrne helped the lads to the win and they are now through to the next round.