Club Notes: Weeking Ending 13.12.15
9th December 2015 By Munster Rugby
This week’s club notes come from Bruff, Newcastle West, Thurles and Waterford City RFC.
Click here for Bruff Club Notes
Click here for Newcastle West Club Notes
Click here for Thurles Club Notes
Click here for Waterford City Club Notes
Bruff RFCCourtesy of:- Seamus Sheahan, Club PRO
Crescent come out on top in local Derby
The seniors made the short journey to Rosbrien on Friday night to take on league leaders Old Crescent in Round 9 of the UBL. The game which marked the mid-way point in the season was played in horrendous conditions as Storm Desmond started to get into full flow. The pitch in fairness to the home club was in great condition and the game itself turned out to be a very entertaining arm wrestle between two very committed teams.
Old Crescent went into the game with the favourite’s tag having suffered defeat only once this season when they went down to Wanderers in round five. Bruff aided by the strong breeze in the opening half made light of the underdogs tag going into the break 12-3 to the good. Bruff’s first try came early in the game when second centre Sean Darcy turned up at the back of a ruck to dive over for the easy finish from short range. It came on the back of some very good Bruff recycling from the pack with row players Jake Considine and Cillian Rea unlucky not to get over the line in the same move. But it was Darcy who popped up out wide after the Crescent defence had been spread thin to finish off with the five pointer.
The Bruff scrum was asserting some dominance early on and the pack were rewarded on 20 minutes when they were awarded a penalty try. Tony Cahill slotted the conversion over to make it 12-0 to Bruff. Old Crescent converted a penalty before the half was over to make it 12-3 to Bruff at the short whistle.
As expected the wind was having a big influence on the game and Crescent took advantage camping themselves inside the Bruff half for most of the second period. Crescent narrowed the gap to a single point with a Penalty from Larry Hanly and an unconverted try from Anthony Barry making it 11-12. With only a few minutes remaining Crescent set up a good attacking move inside the Bruff 22 before their Out-half Shane O Brien sat back in the pocket and knocked over a drop goal which proved to be the winning score, 14-12 to Crescent.
The teams get to do it all again this Friday night when the sides meet in Round 10 of the League. The game takes place in Kilballyowen and has a 7.45pm ko.
Bruff Team : 1.Dave Horan 2.Johnny Hogan 3.Keith Laffan 4.Barry Laffan 5.Mike Cooke 6.Cillian Rea 7.Mikey Carroll 8.Jake Considine 9.Davy O Grady 10.Tony Cahill 11.Paudi Kilcoyne 12.Sean Darcy 13.Brian Cahill 14.Mark Cosgrove 15.Graham Whelan 16. Shane Breen 17. Danny Keogh 18. Kevin Madigan 19 Barry Enright 20 Darra Mulcatie
2nds win away to Thomond.
The 2nds were also in action last weekend when they travelled to Fitzgerald Park to play Thomond in the MSSL. Bruff scored 6 tries on route to a 34-24 win, two of which came from big Pa Lynch. There were also tries from Ger O Connell, Liam Treacey, Mike McCarthy and Timmy Quirke
Team: 1 Shane Breen 2 Timmy Quirke 3 Des Power 4 Tom O Brien 5 Tom Keogh 6 Pa Lynch 7 James McCarthy 8 Mike McCarthy 9 Tommy Carroll 10 Eoin Quinn 11 Liam Treacy 12 Darrah Mulcatie 13 Ger O Connell 14 Adam Sheehy 15 Marcus Mulvihill subs from Patrick Maher, Eamonn Cooke, Keith Laffan, Brendan Bourke.
U18’s qualify for Pan Munster
The under 18’s qualified for the Pan Munster competition with a win over Young Munsters on Sunday at home in Bruff. Sunday’s game was a winner takes all clash with the victors guaranteed to make it through to the next phase of Pan Munster competition. Bruff ran out 17-0 winners thanks to tries from Tom Quigley, Ordhan Ring and Tadgh O Dwyer. John Bateman also kicked a conversion.
Bruff now go through in a group where they will meet Cork teams, Highfield, Sundays Well & Mallow, Waterpark from Waterford and Ennis from Co Clare.
Fixture’s: please keep an eye on the website for the latest fixtures which will be updated by Wednesday Each week. http://www.bruffrfc.com/
Newcastle West RFC
Courtesy of:- Martin O’Sullivan
First XV – Munster Junior League Div 1
The weather again was not in our favour last weekend as Clonakilty had to postpone the fixture due to waterlogging after Storm Desmond.
No news yet as to the re-fixture but we’ll keep you updated on Facebook and Twitter. No fixture is scheduled this side of Christmas so we stay on the training pitch and hope to get back to winning ways in January.
New Years Eve
NCW RFC is delighted to announce that we will host a New Years Eve celebration in Feohanagh/Castlemahon Community Hall, Castlemahon. Come along and celebrate the dawning 2016 with us at what’s sure to be a great night. Tickets costing €25 will be available from Committee members from Friday Dec 11th. Food and full bar facilities will be available on the night. Please see below for details and contact any committee member for tickets.
Newcastle West RFC New Years Eve Celebration. Thursday Dec 31st in Feohanagh/Castlemahon Community Hall, Castlemahon. Music by Nite Waves, Full Bar Facilities. Tickets €25 from any committee member.
Munster V Leicester Tigers
Please book your tickets for Munster vs Leicester Tigers in Thomond Park on 12-Dec-2015. Thinking of a Christmas present for that Rugby fan in the family, why not buy a 2 match pack and cover both Leicester and Stade Francais match in Mid January. Please ring Pat Daly (087 2421682) or Martin O’Sullivan (087 8322731) after 7 pm or simply e-mail ncwrfctickets@gmail.com to secure the tickets.
6 Nations 2016
Ireland play 3 home games in the 2016 6 Nations. Applications for tickets are now being taken. Only written applications from paid club members will be considered. In the event that applications for any game are over subscribed a draw between the applicants will take place. Applications can be sent to ncwrfctickets@gmail.com or by texting your name and number of tickets applied for to Pat Daly (087 2421682) or Martin O’Sullivan (087 8322731) after 7 pm only. Dates and fixtures below.
Ireland v Wales, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Sunday Feb 7th 3pm Kick off
Ireland v Italy, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Saturday March 12th 1.30pm Kick off
Ireland v Scotland, Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Saturday March 19th 5pm Kick off
Mini Rugby season has begun. New Volunteers & Players needed.
The 2015/16 is in full flight and all children wishing to partake in rugby should join their age group at our mini rugby training: u6 – u12 every Sunday 10:30 to 11:30 with mini blitzes once a month either at home or in a club in Limerick. This year to enhance the service and goodwill we need people to volunteer to help out in player registration, serving tea & coffees. A roster will exist to divide the tasks among the volunteers. Mini and Family Membership will be taken in Clubhouse every Sunday during Minis training from 10:30 am 11:30 am. Plenty Newcastle West branded stock available in our club shop, come ask while in Clubhouse for your Sunday cuppa !!
Youths and U20 Rugby Training in full swing
Calling all u13 to u20 players, please contact or respond to texts from your coaches to attend your teams training. With the success we had at underage last season we are hoping to equal if not better the success this year. If you want to be part of a winning team & club come to training and get noticed.
Mini fixtures for next week
Please check with Coaches if any blitzes are to be played this Sun 13-Dec as they were abandoned last few weekends due to inclement weather.
Youth fixtures for next week
| Date | Time | Fixture | Team 1 | v | Team 2 | Pitch |
| 13-Dec | 11:30 | U14 League | NCW/Estuary | v | St Senan’s | Killeline |
| 13-Dec | 11:30 | U16 BOI Cup | NCW/Estuary | v | Young Munster | Cullinagh |
| 13-Dec | 13:00 | U18 BOI Cup | NCW/Estuary | v | Middleton | Cullinagh |
Lotto
Results from Friday Nov 27th Lotto Draw
Numbers Drawn 11, 14, 16 & 27 – NO WINNER
Lucky Dip Winners
Dan Regan, c/o Liam O’Connor
Simon Doherty, Castleview
Caroline Cantillon, c/o Forge Inn
Tommy Kelliher Junior, Market Barber
Aaron Moroney, c/o Joe Healy
Geraldine Fitzpatrick, Pallas Foods
Sheilagh O’Mahoney, c/o Pat Bourke
Promotors Prize – Barry Madden
Next week’s draw will be in The shamrock Bar on Friday Dec 11th. The jackpot stands at €13,000.
Thurles RFC
Courtesy of:- Brian Scanlon, Club PRO
Thurles RFC vs. Mallow RFC – Munster Junior League
Thurles RFC 43 – 14 Mallow RFC
The Thurles First XV welcomed Mallow RFC to Loughtagalla on Sunday afternoon last on what was a calm and perfect day for rugby following on from Storm Desmond which had hit the country Friday and Saturday, this would be First XV last League game before the Christmas break before they take on Cobh at home on 20th December in the semi-final of the Munster Junior Challenge Shield.
Mallow arrived in Thurles looking for their first win of the season, having beaten the Tipp men in the reverse fixture last season, Mallow would have travelled with a degree of confidence hoping to cause an upset against a Thurles side who left Tralee with a winning bonus point the previous weekend.
The first quarter of this game was end to end with some great breaks and equally good tackles being made by both sides. Mallow were taking the game to the home side but were driven back time and time again by a very disciplined Thurles defence with Paddy Phelan, Dave Kelly and Ciaran Ryan impressing in particular.
After this wave of attack Thurles turned the ball over and through great work from Joey Kelly and Shane Moloney (K), Thurles made their way up the field and into the opposition 22. After a number of failed attempts at the line, Thurles eventually opened the scoring with Colm Skehan powering his way over from the base of a ruck, Aidan Dwyer added the conversion for the maximum, 7-0.
Despite taking the lead, Thurles weren’t living up the performances we had become accustomed to over the past couple of months, with a lot of uncharacteristic errors and poor decisions being made across the board. From the restart, Thurles made their way up the field again but a knock on ended any further progress being made, this handed the initiative to Mallow who were looking to take advantage of an extra man following a sin binning on the Thurles side.
Mallow made their way slowly up the field as the Thurles defence were standing tall once again with Larry O’Gorman, Ger McCormack and Phil Kelly to the fore. Mallow continued to throw the kitchen sink at Thurles and eventually took advantage of the extra man when their Kiwi outhalf spotted space out wide and threw an excellent pass to send their centre over for their opening score of the game which they also converted to bring an end to the first half with the scores level at 7-7.
At the half time whistle, the crowd in attendance at Loughtagalla may have been biting their nails as to the outcome of this League game but 5 minutes after kicking off the second half these worries would have disappeared as Thurles turned on the style with Man of the Match, Ciaran Ryan, first of all winning the turnover from the kick off and seconds later making the break and giving the pass to send Shane Moloney (K) in under the posts to put Thurles back in the driving seat, our other Shane Moloney (H) added the extras for a 14-7 scoreline.
From the restart, Thurles immediately went on the attack again, with a clearance kick from Dwyer hitting touch just outside the Mallow 22. Thurles managed to disrupt the Mallow lineout with Larry O’Gorman stealing and powering forward and presenting ball for scrum half Irwin to set the backs away, Shane Moloney found space through the centre and came close to adding his second, Dwyer fed ball to his forwards with McCormack and Skehan coming close before Luke Kelly crashed through would be tacklers to score his first ever try at this level on his return from injury following his introduction late in the first half, the conversion was added by Dwyer for 21-7.
Thurles were rolling now and were playing like the side we have become accustomed over the past number of months, it is a joy to watch with great interplay between backs and forwards both in attack and defence. Thurles soaked up more pressure before forcing another turnover and Ciaran Ryan went on another one of his runs, this time being stopped before being able to give the pass away, the forwards, through Dave Kelly, Skehan and help from winger, Adrian Bourke brought Thurles inide the Mallow 22 again before Irwin set the backs off again, the ball reached Shane Lanigan-Ryan who despite having numbers and space outside, decided to take matters into his own hands and took the more difficult route of beating 3 men before touching down and securing Thurles their second bonus point in as many weeks, Dwyer added the conversion for a 28-7 scoreline.
Mallow continued to battle despite the game creeping away from them, their out half continued to pull their strings and he sent their outside centre through a rare gap in the Thurles defence following a ten minute spell trying to break down the home defence, the extras were added to bring the score to 28-14.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, Thurles brought an end to Mallow’ purple patch when Dwyer sent over a penalty to push out the score to 31-14. Mallow managed to win the restarted with a good chase, but when the ball reached the left wing, Thurles managed to turnover once again through great work from the backs and forwards in defence, from the turnover, there was a number of offloads in tight before Nicky Irwin found space and sprinted half the length of the field and touched down out wide just beating the cover to the line, Dwyer added the conversion from the corner to extend the lead to 38-14.
Thurles were going from strength to strength and spent the final five mintues on the attack inside the Mallow 22, Jason O’Mahony, Dwayne Stanley and Mark Cummins who had impressed for the seconds the previous day before got their reward with a run in the final quarter, all impressing again for a second day in a row and adding to the performance of those they replaced. Thurles secured their own lineout on the left hand side and after a number of phases which saw play move in closer the posts, the ball went to the backs, where Dwyer sliced open the Mallow defence with a pass to winger Peter Coman who touched down in the right corner to continue his excellent form in recent weeks, Dwyer’s conversion from the corner just drifted shy of the post to bring an end to his 100% record on the day and also brought and end to the game shortly after.
After a sluggish first half, the Thurles management will be delighted with how the team responded in the second half, running in 5 excellent second half tries against a Mallow side who will no doubt cause trouble to a lot of teams in the New Year as they look to move up the table.
Numbers for both Firsts and Seconds have been excellent for the past number of weeks and we hope to see this continue with only two weeks to the Christmas break, the rewards of the high numbers training in the past month or more have been evident in the excellent performance of both the First and Second XV in recent weeks, long may this continue.
Training takes place on Tuesday and Friday this week for the First and Second XV, on the field and ready to go for 7.30pm, New Players always welcome.
Our next and final fixture of 2015 takes place at home in the Semi Final of the Munster Junior challenge Shield against Cobh, who currently join us level on points in second place in the League, on Sunday 20th December 2.30pm, all support would be greatly appreciated for this important game as it is our last League Game before Christmas, this will be a massive game for us as we look to secure our first of hopefully many finals in 2016.
Thurles Scorers: Colm Skehan, Shane Moloney (K), Luke Kelly, Shane Lanigan-Ryan, Nicky Irwin and Peter Coman (1 Try Each), Shane Moloney (B) (1 Conversion), Aidan Dwyer (4 Conversions, 1 Penalty).
Thurles Squad vs Mallow: 1. Ger McCormack 2. Dave Kelly 3. Colm Skehan (Capt.) 4. Phil Kelly 5. Larry O’Gorman 6. Ciaran Ryan 7. Paddy Phelan 8. Joey Kelly 9. Nicky Irwin 10. Aidan Dwyer 11. Peter Coman 12. Shane Moloney (Killinan) 13. Shane Lanigan-Ryan 14. Adrian Bourke 15. Shane Moloney (Holycross) 16 Shane Nugent 17. Jason O’Mahony 18. Dwayne Stanley 19. Luke Kelly 20. Mark Cummins.
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Thurles Women’s Rugby 46 – 8 Shannon RFC
Thurles Womens RFC secured top of the league after their victory this weekend. Sundays 46-8 victory away in a hard fought battle against limerick side Shannon means that Thurles Womens RFC are the only team with just one loss to date in the league. Thurles opened up the scoring within the opening minutes of the game with a wonderfully executed try from Kirsty Harris, who had a wonderful attacking game. The angle was difficult for conversion, and although Megan Callanan has had a wonderful year so far with the boot, on this occasion it was unsuccessful. Thurles however fell asleep at the restart and Shannon knew how to punish with a try of their own within minutes.
This gave Thurles the wake up call they needed and they controlled the game from then on. An impressive solo run by Ashling O’Hagan meant that Thurles gained vital ground. Some great picks by forwards like Jean Ryan and Joanne Harrison gave Thurles some go forward ball around ruck time. Laura Carroll powered over the line right in the corner. A great try by the pack. Thurles were in control of the restart and succeeded in bringing play within yards of the Shannon try line. A scrum awarded to them in a wonderful attacking position, allowed for a passage of play that was text-book in its execution. A skilled offload to Niamh Coman from Miriam Harrison, left a gap for Aisling O’Hagan to touch down right under the post. Rebecca Byrne secured Thurles bonus point in the dying minutes of the first half, with some great foot work. The score at half time 22-5.
Thurles were in control for much of the second half and were confident both in attack and defense. Although their discipline might have let them down on occasion. In the first few minutes, Shannon secured the restart and worked up the field testing the Thurles defence. A penalty for off side gave Shannon a chance to put their stamp on this game before it got out of their control. However Thurles were patient and when the opportunity arose Gemma Dunican scored a wonderfully executed try from a great pass by Linda Ryan. Laura Carroll drove over for her second try of the day moments later. Megan Callanan found her kicking form and slotted the conversion over with ease. The seventh try came from centre Niamh Coman. After some great pack work, this gave the backs some go forward ball, leaving gaps in the Shannon defense. Ciara Dwyer got the final try of the day. Ciara who is settling in to her new position very comfortably drove over the Shannon line effortlessly.
With the Thurles women’s squad seeing a surge in numbers, Sundays game gave coaches the perfect opportunity to field an experimental side and give some newcomers vital game experience. A spirited and confident team performance which saw both seasonal players like Maria Whelan and newcomers like Angela Kelly, to name but two, put in quality performances give the team confidence ahead of the final league game before Christmas, against Fermoy. Kick-of is at 1p.m. in Thurles Rugby Club. With Thurles womens team going from strength to strength support for what promises to be a thrilling encounter would be appreciated.
Thurles RFC’s Gemma Dunican awarded Thurles Sports Person of the Year 2015
Gemma’s passion for rugby first started when she was in first class at Rahealty National School. She was a frequent recipient of player of the year during her time at the school.
Rahealty National School has a very strong relationship with Thurles Rugby Club, being the only officially affiliated rugby feeder school for TRFC. Hence, the natural progression for Gemma was to go to Thurles RFC.
Gemma soon found her feet playing U13 mixed rugby. Whilst playing with U13 boys she also received player of the year. Shortly after she moved up to U16 girls and within a very short length of time she captained the U16 girls. At the age of 15 Gemma moved up to U18 and also captained the U18 girls through a very successful time for girl’s rugby at Thurles RFC, a position which Gemma held for the next 2 years.
At the age of 15, and by now a prolific try scorer, Gemma’s potential earned her recognition at Provincial level as she was selected by Munster Rugby, on the Munster U18 Girls team and held her position at out half from 2012 to present.
During her time playing U16 and U18 with Thurles Rugby Club Gemma has, to date received numerous player awards including: Player of the year at U16 and U18 level. She was also this year, the worthy recipient of the George Hyland Memorial Trophy, an accolade awarded to the best youth player across all underage teams at Thurles RFC, a high honour indeed for Gemma and her family, and testament to Gemma’s outstanding achievements to date Having successfully gone through the Munster U 18 set up Gemma set her sights on the international scene, and was sent forward by her club for trials for the Irish U18 7’s team where she made it through a screening programme involving over 250 players and eventually making the final cut of 12 girls Gemma proved herself worthy of her selection when she was introduced off the bench in Ireland’s first game and was picked to start in the remaining 5 games at the European Championships in Liege, Belgium. against Spain, Wales twice, England and Holland.
Gemma is currently playing with the Thurles RFC Women’s team who are sitting on top of DIV 1 with a superb win over Shannon RFC on Sunday at UL, where Gemma also scored one of Thurles’ 8 tries Gemma was this week presented the 2015 Thurles Sports Person of the Year Award, The shortlist for this award was comprised of a very strong panel of nominees from the Thurles Area We, at Thurles Rugby Club are very proud of all Gemma’s achievements to date and we are confident of a bright future for this fine athlete. We would like to congratulate Gemma, her coaches and her family on her selection as the 2015 Thurles Sports Person of the Year.
Waterford City RFC
Courtesy of:- Deirdre Barry, Club PRO
Senior Squad – Abbeyfeale 20 v Waterford City 8
Tries: Sean O’ Mahony (1)
Penalties: Michael Hayes (1)
MOM: Dave O’Connor, pushed by Sean O’Mahony
Delighted at finally having a game after a stop start season, City’s first team travelled for there third successive away game, making the long drive to table toppers Abbeyfeale. With an early start from the Deise, City braved storm Desmond looking for a repeat of last seasons 13-5 victory.
After the last two games against the teams placed second and third in the table, City were determined to start well despite missing four of their regular backline. Playing down the hill in calm conditions, the coaching staff were delighted with the pace and verve of City’s 15 man attack and were disappointed to miss an early try scoring opportunity where City worked space out wide for our forwards only for a pass to go astray with the line at our mercy.
City continued to spend the majority of the first half in Abbeyfeales half, kicking the ball and utilising our mobile forward pack, but disaster struck as City tried a chip over the top on the half way line only for it to be fielded by Abbeyfeale who interlinked well to score under the posts against the run of play.
With city’s lineout working brilliantly under the stewardship of the returning Eamonn O’Keeffee, City built momentum and attacked the Abbeyfeale line. City pounded the line with big ball carries and width in the back line to the extent that two Abbeyfeale players received yellow cards for deliberate foul play in stopping try scoring opportunities. After a solid scrum, Sean O’Mahony spotted a gap and scored a powerful try that his all round performance and leadership deserved. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed and the half ended 7-5 to Abbeyfeale.
City aimed to take advantage of their numerical advantage, and from another phase of play after a bulldozing break from Joe Delahunty, scrum half Liam McCarthy linked well with the back line, passing through captain Connor Power into Stephen Walsh for Mark Hayes to pressure the Abbeyfeale line. The Limerick side did well to repel another City attack and for the next ten minutes they exerted their own pressure. It was disappointing that City gifted two penalties for not rolling away at the ruck which Abbeyfeale duly converted.
City upped the tempo in the second half and again created space, Abbeyfeale conceding a penalty which Michael Hayes popped over to leave the score 13-8 with seven minutes remaining. City had there chances, but from a city knock on, Abbeyfeale had a scrum in the middle of the field. On the last play of the game, Abbeyfeale scored from the scrum taking City away from bonus point territory.
Despite the loss, there were positives for City with a much more functional pack, led by Joe Delahunty and Sean O’Mahony doing huge amounts of work. Eammon O’Keeffee and Jason Power turned our lineout into a weapon and Dave O’Connor capped a man on the match display with some impressive turnovers and tackles. City will build again before taking on Castleisland next Sunday, themselves 22-6 winners at Tralee, and will look forward to City’s first game at home in two months.
WCRFC: Andrew Condron, Dave O’Connor, Karl Reade, Eamonn O’ Keeffe, Jason Power, Sean O’Mahony, Tom Bowe, Joe Delahunty, Liam McCarthy, Michael Hayes, Damien Kennedy, Connor Power, Stephen Walsh, James Halligan, Mark Hayes
Brian Walsh, Colm Lynch, Alex Fitzmaurice, Kevin Whelan, Jack Caffrey
As always, many thanks to all of our supporters and sponsors Done Deal and the Kingfisher club.
Club Gear
Club gear is now available to purchase from Excel Promotions. On Wednesday 9th of December, club gear will be available to view in the club house from 6pm onwards. Orders will be taken on the night. Excel can also be contacted directly on (051) 379606 or you can pop into the showroom in Unit 12, Six Cross Road Business Park, Kilbarry, Waterford. Details of all gear will be posted on Facebook.
A Night at the Dogs – Benefit Night
Waterford City RFC has their biggest fund raiser coming up on Friday 18th December. A Night at the Dogs…… As it’s the Christmas season we would like all our members to come and join us in what promises to be a festive/fun night for everyone. This night is for all of our members from Mini’s to Youths to Senior’s, our Veterans, and Coaches and to all their families. Please come and support our night. Tickets on sale Sunday morning’s in the clubhouse and at each training session, Family Tickets €20, Adult Tickets €10. Thanks for the Support – WCRFC Committee
