Club Notes: Week Ending 31.01.14

This week’s Club Notes come from Midleton RFC, Bantry Bay RFC and Shannon

Midleton RFC

Courtesy of: Jason Boyle, Club PRO

Midleton 11 – 6 Instonians

This week we welcomed Instonians to Midleton for a battle to ensure we did not slip further down the table. It was a blustery day and the strong rain from earlier in the morning thankfully stayed away for the match.

A much-changed Midleton team welcoming back Rob Smyth and Gary Colbert took to the field for what was to be a tough encounter. Midleton got play underway and from the kick off won a penalty that out-half Christian Walker put over for 3 points. Midleton bring an intensity to the first half that pushes them forward winning another penalty after the restart that is kicked to the line. From the line-out Midleton advance putting together some great determined play that takes them through the phases and close to the Instonians line. Quick hands from the back of the ruck sees Jaydee Cruickshank in in the corner for a try. Midleton 8 Instonains 0.

Instonians restart and take play to the Midleton half however play is quickly back in their half again with Midelton on the attack. A penalty then sees Instonians kick to the line but Midleton win the lineout and attack again. Play then centres around the middle of the pitch until another penalty sees Instonians have a shot and record their first points of the day.

Midleton advance again though and on the Instonians line win a penalty that Christian puts over to make the score at half-time Midleton 11 Instonians 3.

The second half is a tense affair with both sides battling hard. Midleton have opportunities for are held at the line, equally Instonians advance and look dangerous. The Midleton defence holds well though and keeps the visitors out. Eventually a penalty with about 10 minutes to go sees the gap close to just 5 points as the Instonians out-half puts it between the posts. Midleton 11 Instonians 6. From the restart Instonians mount an attack running the ball from deep inside their own half. They put together their best performance of the day, cycling the ball and holding their composure to push towards the Midleton line. A knock on though sees advantage return to Midleton and so it plays out with the final whistle sealing a much needed win for the home team.

A return to winning ways for Midleton at a crucial time in the league. Strong play in the first half gave us a lead that Instonians could not close and a win that the team deserved given how they put their hearts into the game. It was also a day we say good bye to a Midleton great as we wish John Silke the best of luck as he emigrates to Qatar in the coming days. Finally, sore heads all round on Sunday as we celebrated Christian's 21st in the clubhouse Saturday night!

Bantry Bay RFC Club Notes

By Andre Polivka PRO & Denyse Scully Honorary Secretary

Mini Action

All Bantry mini age groups were on the road again last Saturday. Our U8’s, U11’s and U12’s travelled to a Old Christians for an action packed morning of games and all coaches reported that all teams played some fantastic rugby and displayed some superb skills.

Our U10’s also travelled to the city based Highfield RFC and played some competitive games against three home sides. The coaches were delighted to field two strong teams who played some great rugby in front of a strong travelling support.

U18 League Game

Midleton 0 – 17 Bantry

Our experienced U18 team resumed their post Christmas league action away against Midleton. This game provided a resounding success as Bantry Bay were on the front foot throughout. They overcame the East cork side in Towns Park where it is always difficult to win 17 -0. In testing weather conditions the West Cork side crossed the white dash three times courtesy of Eoghan McElhinney, Tim Cronin and Phylip Walters with Sean McCarthy adding a conversion.
Next up for this team in the league will be against Youghal RFC.

U16 Pan Munster Game

Waterpark 5 – 10 Bantry Bay

On a blustery and bitterly cold afternoon last Sunday, Bantry Bay U16’s travelled to the Deise county to play the experienced Waterpark RFC in their second game of this Pan Munster competition.

Bantry Bay started the game the stronger and definitely found the edge in the exchanges up front. The team built on this pack dominance and pinned the home team in their half for much of this period. This pressure paid off and the Bantry backs worked a fantastic move that saw Phillip O’ Shea score in the corner. It was not a day for kickers in a swirling wind and Tadgh McCarthy failed to convert. Bantry maintained this momentum and went in at the break still five points ahead.

The second half started at a blistering pace with both teams seeking the crucial first score of this half. The wind died down for a period which allowed the game open up. Waterpark took advantage of an overlap and dived over to score an equalising try which their kicker failed to convert so the teams were level heading for the final quarter. In tough conditions in a fiercely fought contest Bantry made two substitutions Aidan O’ Sullivan came on for Aidan O’Driscoll and Jack O’Sullivan made way for team-mate Michael O’ Driscoll.

Bantry worked their way down the field and were awarded with a penalty. Captain Tadhg McCarthy went for the posts but the kick fell just short. With the teams still level the Bantry pack worked hard with huge work being done on the ground and around the fringes by Patrick Casey, Luke O’ Donovan, Adam Phillips and Paidi McCarthy. The collisions began to tell and Bantry lost try scorer Phillip O’ Shea with a blood injury. Jack O’Sullivan came on as blood substitution.

Bantry were awarded another penalty and Captain Tadgh McCarthy went for the line. Bantry worked a move off the line out and drove forward but no try was awarded but instead were awarded with a five metre scrum. With just a few minutes on the clock the Bantry scrum drove forward but the backline were driven back by a very strong Waterpark defence. But Bantry remained fiercely determined and from a lineout move, hooker Tadgh McCarthy drove again at the Waterpark defence, a deft pass saw the talented Fionn O’ Driscoll dive for the line and he was never going to be denied. Bantry again failed to convert but ahead 10-5 they held off a final Waterpark attack to run out worthy winners.

This was a great result for this team who have another group game next week against Shannon RFC (who also recorded a 14 -7 win over Sundays Well). Check out the club Facebook page or Twitter @Bantry_Rugby for confirmation of kick-off in Mahon next Saturday.

The club would like to acknowledge the sponsorship from Jim O’ Keeffe, Ray O’ Callaghan and James & Mary Hegarty towards team refreshments & costs for this trip.

Team: Daniel Shannon, Jack O’Sullivan, Phillip O’Shea, Tony Harrington, Owen Power, James Murphy, Paidi O’ Sullivan, Patrick Casey, Tadgh McCarthy, Luke O’ Donovan, Aidan O’ Driscoll, Paddy O’ Callaghan, Adam Phillips, Fionn O’ Driscoll and Paidi McCarthy.
Subs: Josh Wycherley, Shane Harrington, James Lavin, Aidan O’Sullivan, Michael O’Driscoll, Sean Downey and Brian Twomey.
Try scorers: Phillip O’ Shea and Fionn O’ Driscoll

J1 Division Three

Carrigaline 24 – 0 West Cork Harlequins

Bantry Bay – Dunmanway visited division three newcomers Carrigaline on Sunday for this Cork derby, hoping to make it back to back wins in the league for the first time.

However atrocious weather conditions made it difficult for the West Cork side to put in place the brand of rugby that saw them overcome Kilrush RFC the previous week. Playing into a strong wind for the first half saw the visitors defending for long periods. Carrigaline played smart rugby using the conditions to pin their rivals in their 22 for most of the first half.

Despite relentless pressure, the Harlequins did not cave easily putting up a strong and stubborn defence. Carrigaline were repelled several times and were denied scoring opportunities repeatedly.

Eventually the home side got their reward after a series of scrums on the five meter line and they managed to power their way through. That try sparked a brief period where the Harlequins enjoyed some possession but could not muster enough pressure to convert to points on the board. Just before half time Carrigaline scored their second try.

With the wind in their backs, Harlequins started the second half brightly besieging the Carrigaline line for long spells.

They declined several kick at goals and went for line outs instead put this gamble proved unsuccessful. Instead Carrigaline made the most of little possession they had and stroke on the counter to stun the visiting team. From that point Harlequins played for pride and through all they had into this game. The home side soaked up the pressure and with the last play of the game to leave the score at 24-nil.

The league breaks for the next two weeks due to 6 Nations action. The Harlequins will be back at home on the 16th of February when they host top of the table Abbeyfeale.

Shannon RFC Club Notes

By Siofra Scanlon

We would ask everyone to come along and support all our teams. If you cannot make the matches you can also support the club by sponsoring or attending any of the upcoming events

Events & News

Shannon RFC Pre-Match Lunch
We will be hosting a Pre-Match Lunch on Saturday 1st February at 12.30pm in Shannon RFC Clubhouse, prior to the AIL Match Shannon V Corinthians. Prices for this lunch are Eu20.00 Adult/ Eu15.00 Student/ O.A.P. The price includes lunch and entry to the Match. Bookings should be confirmed no later than Thursday, 30th January to Denis O'Driscoll, on 086-8377263 or email inforshannonrfc@gmail.com

Heineken Cup Tickets Munster V Toulouse
Shannon RFC will have a limited number of tickets available for the quarter final Heineken Cup Match Munster V Toulouse. We are currently awaiting communication and confirmation of tickets allocated.Should you wish to apply for tickets please contact Tadhg Crowe on 087 6524958 or email secretary@shannonrfc.com. PLEASE NOTE APPLICATION FOR TICKETS DOES NOT GUARANTEE TICKETS.

Congratulations To John Lacey
All at Shannon RFC would like to extend our congratulations and best wishes to former Shannon and Munster player John Lacey, as he referees his first Six Nations International Match, Wales V Italy, on Saturday in Cardiff.

Champ or Chimp- Fundraiser
Members are encouraged to get behind a potentially major Shannon RFC fund raising effort. Between now and the end of February the Club will be very actively promoting the “Champ or Chimp” sports forecasting competition. There are 14 individual sporting events listed and points will be awarded on the outcome of each event. The competition begins with the Cheltenham racing festival and concludes with the All-Ireland football final in September. Log onto http://www.shannonrfc.com/club/news/item/344-are-you-a-champ-or-a-chimp.html for more details.
Please get involved. It is a fun competition, which can raise much-needed funds for the improvement of Club facilities. You can show your support through playing the game or, even better, through getting your friends involved as well. Entry Forms can be acquired from any Executive Committee member all contact details can be found at http://www.shannonrfc.com/contact.html

Volunteers Always Needed
All at Shannon RFC would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who helped out at the club in 2013. It is much appreciated. We are currently looking for people to help out with upcoming fundrasing events. If you are a student doing a course in the media/ marketing sectors or English, retired, unemployed or would like to donate your free time we would urge you to support your Club and Volunteer. It is a great opportunity to develop your current skills and always looks great on a C.V. If you would like to volunteer in the club during 2014 please contact any committee member. All details can be found on our website at http://www.shannonrfc.com/contact.html

Shannon RFC Race Night
We will be hosting a race night in Shannon RFC Clubhouse April 2014. We would urge everyone to support this event as all monies raised will be going to upgrade the facilities in Coonagh and Clubhouse.

If you would like to get involved by sponsorship the prices are as follows:
Sponsorship Per Race ~ €;100
Full Page in Programme ~ €;100
Half Page in Programme ~ €;50
Horse ~ €;20
If you would like more information or would like to sponsor from list above please contact Ger Mulqueen on 087-6731676, Tom O'Connor on 087-412844 or Jack Bourke on 086-2543369/email – vp@shannonrfc.com

Shannon RFC App
The info is in and we have officially reached hits of 8,046, 806 have downloaded the app and we have a following in 78 countries all over the world. Please feel free to share the link with anyone who may be interested. We would love some feedback from all of you who are following us on the app so feel free to email me directly at siofrascanlan@gmail.com
If you still have not downloaded yet here is the link. http://clubapplive.com/shannonrfc.

Get Your Name Out There On Our Website
Do you want to get your company name more widely known? Are you a tradesman looking to advertise at a reduced rate? Why not advertise with Shannon RFC. We are currently in the process of setting up a Shannon RFC Tradesperson's page on our website. This will be a one stop contact page for all kind of trades and businesses. We urge any member, supporters or local business to get involved. It is a great way to advertise at a fraction of normal rates. The cost for an advertisement is Eu50.00. Anyone who wishes to place an ad or would like more information please contact Siofra on 0863018993 or email siofrascanlan@gmail.com

Shannon RFC Scrap Metal Challenge Sunday
All at Shannon RFC would like to thank everyone who contributed to this event. You have raised some very important funds for the club and it is much appreciated. A special mention to Morgan who organised. Their will be a scrap metal skip on an ongoing bases in Coonagh on Sunday mornings. Your ongoing contributions are appreciated.

A Great Gift for All
Why not give someone near or far the gift of a Shannon RFC membership. A great gift for any occasion with the added bonus of supporting your local club. Packages, including family membership, are available. Should you wish to find out more information or purchase membership please contact Barry McConkey at honsec@shannonrfc.com

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.

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 to siofrascanlan@gmail.com

Fixtures Weekend 1st/2nd February

Friday 31st January
Gleeson League ~ 3rds ~ SHANNON V GALBALLY, Coonagh, 7.30pm

SATURDAY 1st February
AIL ~ Seniors ~ SHANNON V CORINTHIANS, Thomond Park, 2.30pm (Venue to be confirmed today. We will send a confirmation email)

SUNDAY 2nd February
AIL ~ Ladies ~ SHANNON V FERMOY, Coonagh, 1pm

Underage Training and Fixtures

ANY FIXTURES PROPOSED FOR COONAGH FOR THIS WEEKEND ARE WEATHER DEPENDENT, I WILL INFORM EVERYONE ON FRIDAY EVENING,SO CHECK YOUR MAILS THEN.

Sunday 02/01
Minis
10.00am
U6,7,8,10 Top Field
U9 Blitz Coonagh @Thomond, Fitzgerald Park
U11 Blitz Coonagh Well Pitch (SAME)
U12 Training Pitch

Youths
11.00/11.30 am
U13 League v Bruff @ 11.30 am Bruff
U13 Conference Training Pitch
U14 Conference v St Senans Coonagh @ 12.00pm Well Pitch
U14 league Training Pitch
U15 Training Pitch

Saturday 01/02
U16 Pan Munster v Bantry Bay RFC @ 12.30PM Mahon Cork
AIL V Corinthians Thomond Park @ 2.30pm (venue to be confirmed)

Any "Champ or Chimp"" cards out there please start bringing them in. There will be a committee member in Coonagh from this Sunday on, to collect the cards and money.