News from around the Clubs – 17th January

News from around the clubs

BRUFF
With all the hubbub leading up to the Munster final pool decider on Friday night, it’s easy to forget that the AIL is back in full flight since last weekend. Saturday’s double header of the 3rd XV and the First XV against Thomond got off to a good start with the Gleeson League squad taking the scalp of our neighbours outside in St. Munchins with a 1:00pm kickoff, Bruff running out on the right side of a 16 point to 3 scoreline. Following last weekend’s results means a glut of teams in the shout for second place in the AIL table.

Things were a good bit different in Fitzgerald Park however. Going in there is always going to be one of the toughest encounters of the season and Saturdays game proved no different.

Momentum swung both ways at different times during this tough hard encounter, which like last season, came right down to the wire. Both sides had opportunities to come away from this encounter with the full four points but in the end the 6-6 scoreline was probably justified, penalties by Brian Cahill for Bruff.

Sunday saw the 2nd XV out in the MSSL against Garryowen and they came from this home game with the full points courtesy of a 22 point to 7 scoreline with four tries and one conversion. Tries by Nigel Riordan, John Carroll, Eoghan Maher and Brian O’ Connor, conversion by John Ford.

Sat 23rd Jan,

1st XV AIL: Bruff V Greystones, 2:30pm

3rd XV GL: Bruff V Richmond, 1:00pm

Sun 24th Jan:

2nd XV MSSL Shannon V Bruff, 2:30pm Coonagh.

Youth Fixtures:

U15 & U18 teams are both out at the weekend, keep an eye on the website for further details.

U11’s have a blitz at home.

KILFEACLE & DISTRICT
Kilfeacle first’s game fell prey to bad weather!

Kilfeacle’s scheduled away league game against Ballincollig RFC was postponed at the last minute because of bad weather and an unplayable surface, with both teams ready to play. Credit must be given to the ground staff for all their efforts but when you are battling against Mother Nature there can be only one winner. It has been a very frustrating time for the first team squad and coaching staff as numerous games have been postponed over the last two months including the Challenge Cup final. However the squad have responded well and attendance to training has been very good, when we do get going again there will be a lot of exciting action to be viewed!

Under 11’s on the road visiting Carrick-On-Suir.

Kilfeacle U11 Sharks vs. Carrick U12 5 – 2 (Kilfeacle won)
Kilfeacle U11 Tigers vs. Carrick U11 7 – 3 (Kilfeacle won)

When most of our teams were disappointed and failed to get game time, our Under 11 teams succeeded and impressed. Last Sunday saw two U11 Kilfeacle teams travel to Carrick-On-Suir. Playing conditions were perfect despite the weather over the past week. With a 2 month break from games because of inclement weather the blues were delighted to be back playing rugby.

The rugby was excellent and it was the U11 sharks first taste of full pitch rules. The young blues responded well to this with good organisation and exceptional ball retention skills setting up phase after phase of play which eventually saw them come out on top at the final whistle.

The U11 tigers were impressive and came through a good fair game to win in the end as well. Excellent players for Kilfeacle on the day were: Brian Barlow at flanker for his tireless work in the tight exchanges and a great try. Timothy Clarke, at scrum half, for his consistency in supplying good quick ball. Jake Flannery, at out half, for his intelligent control of the game and a well taken try. Tony Byron, at Full Back, for some delightful fielding under pressure. Mark Compton, Thomas O Murachu, Ben Quinn, Andy Byrnes, Maurice O Sullivan and Christopher Farrell for their powerful surging runs forward. Brendan and Ciaran Ryan for excellent work at the breakdown.

Under age training.
Both mini and youth Rugby training continues at Morrissey Park, (the Hill), in Kilfeacle every Friday at 19.00hrs.With a primary focus on fun, safety, learning the skills and improving the all important agility, balance and co-ordination of each child we welcome back our regular players and we extend a warm welcome to any new players who would like to come and play for the Blues. The underage’s of Kilfeacle have experienced quite a degree of success over the past number of years and it is envisaged this year will be no different. Children from the ages of 6 and upwards are most welcome and importantly parents of the children are encouraged to come to the sessions, meet the coaches of each of the grades, meet the other parents and generally integrate within the groups. So see you all in Kilfeacle on Friday at 7.

SUNDAYS WELL
Results

Senior XVS Sundays Well 6 pts Banbridge 7 pts
While the club enjoyed the distinguished privilege of hosting IRFU President John Callaghan, there was disappointment on the pitch as they let a lead slip late on against a big Banbridge team to end their impressive winning run. After a morning inspection, the main pitch at Musgrave Park was declared unplayable and as a result, the club’s own back-pitch hosted its very first AIL game. While it was certainly in fine condition, it did mean that the tighter pitch would make it much more difficult for the backs to open up opposing defence.

The ‘Well dominated the first half but some resolute defence kept them away from a try. Eamon Ronan produced two magnificent kicks to put the ‘Well into a six point lead. The pack were more than a match for their larger opposition with Chris Long and James Mulcahy once again proving to be a hard-working back-row combination that was well able to mix things up in both defence and attack. The pair made some good ground around the fringes with Eamon Murphy and Michael Moynihan also putting their weight about.

Out in the backs David Twohig came close with a strong direct run while Alan Long managed to open up some space with his movement. It was Barry Hanrahan who stood out with a superb all round display at full-back. He was rock-solid under the high ball and strong in the tackle. He made some big kicks up field and was also willing to make some audacious breaks often dancing his way past several opposing players.

Despite an excellent first-half, the ‘Well were unable to continue that type of form into the second half with some of the rustiness from inactivity due to the recent inclement weather probably showing.
Match Report A Well Man

Junior 1s Sundays Well 30 pts Abbeyfeale 8 pts
An excellent all round performance saw the ‘Well win their opening game of the Munster Junior Cup against a big powerful Abbeyfeale side. While the final score-line was somewhat emphatic, the ‘Well had to show great composure and patience before their intensity levels managed to pull them away after they played some beautiful expansive rugby.

The ‘Well didn’t get off to the best of starts as the Limerick side opened the scoring with a break-away try from speedster Rob Brown. This didn’t stop us from playing a wide open game and putting plenty of width on the ball. There were some beautiful moves with Jason Martin-O’Sullivan making a couple of incisive breaks while out-half Danny O’Shea was mixing things up with a couple of powerful kicks downfield and some lovely passing out to his backs.

Up front the pack were never going to find it easy and struggled in the scrum early on. Paul Stewart and Joe Moynihan quickly adapted and came to terms with the opposing front-rows physicality and as the game wore on they managed to get on top at scrum-time. At the line-outs, Ian O’Driscoll and Dave O’Connell were piling the pressure on the Abbeyfeale throw and helped their side steal plenty of ball.

After Danny O’Shea had reduced the deficit with a penalty, the ‘Well scrum laid down a marker with an almighty push on an Abbeyfeale put-in seeing them win the ball against the head. With the ball inside the Limerick team’s Twenty-Two, Number Eight Rob Kent was quick to cease on the opportunity and picked up the ball and bursti his way past the opposing players to touch down. While this gave the ‘Well a deserved lead, nothing is ever easy in the Munster Junior Cup and the visitors managed to battle back before half-time with a David Collins penalty levelling the score at eight apiece for half-time.

The ‘Well came out with all guns blazing after the interval and continued to play a high octane game. A Danny O’Shea penalty helped to calm any nerves their might have been and then the pack began to take control. After some excellent work around the fringes Ian O’Driscoll forced his way over before John Moynihan was at the back of a powerful driving maul to touch down. Colin Corkery finished off the scoring after some excellent incisive running by the backs to ensure that the ‘Well would be going into their Second Round clash at Kinsale in a fortnight brimming with confidence.

The team will be well aware that this game will pose further challenges with the Seasiders having a much higher standing currently in the Junior League than Abbeyfeale but their is certainly enough skill and commitment amongst the players that will make sure that they have every chance of advancing further.
Match Report – Frank O Mahony

Junior 2s – No Game last week

Under 21s Sundays Well 3 pts Galwegians 8 pts – no report received

Under 19s Sundays Well 29 pts Castleisland 3 pts
The U19’s got their Avonmore Milk Munster League competition off to the best possible start last Saturday with a victory away to Castleisland. This was their first game back after five weeks and it showed early on, with many handling errors and a final pass going astray on several occasions. However the Well managed to put themselves on the scoreboard with a penelty from stand-in goal kicker, Dave O’ Gorman after 28 minutes. Just before half time the Well scored a great try when they ran the ball from inside their own 22, with backs and forwards combining before Ciarán Keogh crashed over the line for a try, which Dave O’ Gorman converted to leave the score 10-0 at half time. The second half started with a strong fight back from Castleisland, however all they had to show for it was 3 points. The final 20 minutes saw the Well settle into the game and the pack gaining the upper hand in both the line-out and scrum over Castelisland, to set up the platform for Ian Ryan to score two tries and Stuart O’ Riordan to score the final try of the game. The Well now look forward to their next match away to Young Munster in two weeks time.

Match Report – Alec Rose

Under 17s Sundays Well 5 pts Bandon 36 pts
Our team were beaten by a well drilled Bandon team, Brian McCauliffe and Ryan McGrath were our best players on the day, a serious ankle to Joel after 5 minutes, put our front row under major pressure for the remainder of the game. To be fair to our boys, they played excellent rugby, but the home town ref, did not make for an enjoyable game, with some dubious calls, Cathal Kidney scored our only try with the conversion by Olan Hanley hitting the upright. The result was flattering to Bandon.

Match Report – Mick O Brien

Under 15s No Game last week

Under 13s No Game last week

Under 12s No Game last week

Under 11s No Game last week

Under 10s No Game last week

Under 9s No Game last week

Under 8s No Game last week

Under 7s No Game last week

Club News.
New Sundays Well Lotto Draw

The weekly member’s private lotto draw was held last Tuesday. This lotto is running separately to the Euro Millions lotto that is already up and running. This Lotto will have a weekly drawing of numbers

The winning numbers were: 02 09 28 Insert numbers

The draw had a guaranteed pot of €;550

The next Draw will have a

Guaranteed Prize Pot of €;650

6 Nations away Games Applications are now being accepted for the away 6 nation’s matches against France on February 13th and England February 27th
Please contact Michael Barry at 086-2503853 or e-mail mikebarry1@eircom.net

Having a Party or Celebration

Well!!!!!!! Have it in your CLUB

Please Contact Mr. Niall Murphy on 0878331156

Fixtures

It is Important YOU support our teams Looking forward to seeing YOU soon

Senior XVS V Midleton, 14.30 Saturday Towns Park, Midleton, A.I.L League

Junior 1s V UCC, 14.30 Sunday, Musgrave Park, Sth Mun 2nd League,

Junior 2s V UCC, 12 noon, Sunday, Curraheen Rd, J2 Lge Sth,

Under 21s V UL Bohemian RFC, 14.30, Saturday, Musgrave Park, South West Conf Div 1

Under 19s V PBC, 12 noon, Saturday, Friendly

Under17s No Game this week

Under15s V Cobh Pirates, 12 noon Saturday, Musgrave Park/Cois Laoi, Sth Mun Lge

Under 13s V St. Marys, 10:30, Sunday, Musgrave Park, Friendly

Under 12s V St. Marys, 10:30, Sunday, Musgrave Park, Friendly

Under 11s V Cobh Pirates, 10:30 Saturday,

Under 10s V Cobh Pirates, 10:30 Saturday,

Under 9s V Cobh Pirates, 10:30 Saturday,

Under 8s V Cobh Pirates, 10:30 Saturday,

Under 7s V Cobh Pirates, 10:30 Saturday,

“Away the Well”

SHANNON
Shannon Notes Weekending January 23rd 2010

If ever there was a cure for ones woes than last Saturdays bonus point win over Dolphin went quite a way to easing some of them. Speaking to many people around Coonagh last Saturday revelled that it wasn’t just the players that were suffering rugby withdrawal symptoms and after the enforced layoff, it was great to get back to rugby. As the name suggests a bonus point is just that, anything after a win can certainly be classed as a bonus especially against a quality side like Dolphin. The second half blitz of our friends from Cork saw us well clear in the end, but anyone that was there could testify that it seemed a highly improbable outcome after the first half. Both sides suffered from a lack of match sharpness, but it would be fair to say that if the result of games was determined by rounds, than a draw would have been the outcome as Dolphin enjoyed the lion’s share of the first half possession and territory. The fact that it was our lads heading into the dressing rooms ahead at the break, albeit by a single point was a big blow to the visitors and there was an obvious attitude change as the sides changed ends. Despite Dolphin regaining the lead with a cheeky try soon after the restart it was apparent that the gear change was in operation and once Stephen Kelly steamed into the corner to take the lead again, the engine continued to churn out the power that saw another three tries added in quick succession. It was 15 minute spell that sucked the spirit out of Dolphin and there was no recovery plan. Fergal Walsh grabbed the second try when he pounced from the 22, but unfortunately his heroics landed him a few weeks on the sidelines with a damaged hamstring. Eoghan Grace continues his inspirational form and took the next two tries after getting a bit of help from the rest of the pack and with Tadgh landing 5 kicks from 7 attempts the final score added up to 32-10.

It’s probably a bit obvious to state that the league is entering a crucial stage and our next two games could well define our league campaign. UL/Bohs on Saturday is next and then the rescheduled trip to St Marys the following week, but the well worn cliché of one game at time also finds its way into our mindset. Saturday’s game also saw the interest from a bit further afield than normal with Marcus Horan making a very welcome return to rugby after his enforced sabbatical. He was delighted to get the game with his club and although he’s back to full fitness, he was the first to admit that the game took its toll. Its once again an indication of the value the Munster management sees in club rugby that it was in the AIB league that Marcus made his comeback and for us , we were delighted to see Marcus again in the black and blue. Saturdays away game against UL/Bohs sees Thomond park available which is great to see and it should add nicely to the local derby atmosphere. Hopefully the local support will have a bit left in the tank after Munster’s big game on Friday night. 2.30 kickoff as usual.

Also on Saturday the U/21’s returned to AIL action and it was a pretty similar scenario that that with the seniors. A sluggish first half saw a marked improvement for the second forty, but realistically it was a performance that warrants much improvement. After the long break, both sides struggled to get into second gear which was to be expected, Gareth O’Hanlon was the hero of the day with two tries, one coming from his new position of scrumhalf while Ben Sargent was faultless with the boot successfully converting four shots at goal from four. It finished up at 20 points to 7 in our favour. That result sees us five points clear at the top of the South-western conference which secures us passage to the next phase of the competition, but I know that the lads have targeted the top spot .The final game of the group sees Cork Con travel to Coonagh and the points on offer will be highly sought after as Con occupy joint second place with UL/Bohs, four points behind us. Kick off at 2.30.

The Thirds resume Gleeson league action when UL/Bohs come to Coonagh on Saturday for a 1pm start while on Sunday the seconds play Bruff, also in Coonagh in the second’s league.

Underage suffered badly with eth nationwide conditions, but thankfully things are beginning to return to normal. The only competitive game last weekend saw the U/17’s travel to Tralee in the pan Munster league with a depleted squad for various reasons and despite a great effort lost out by 15-10.

This Sunday sees a busy schedule and the fixtures are as follows.

U11s Blitz: Shannon Blues (home) 10.30 a.m.

Shannon Blacks (away at Young Munsters) 10.30 a.m.

U13s Friendly: Garryowen -v- Shannon, Dooradoyle (TBC)

U14s League: NCW -v- Shannon, NCW (road near Church) 11.30 a.m.

U15s League: Bruff -v- Shannon, Kilballyowen 11.30 a.m.

U17s Friendly: Old Crescent -v- Shannon, Rosbrien 12 noon.

U19s Avonmore Milk Under Munster 19 League: Shannon -v- Crosshaven, Coonagh 2.00 p.m.

After our recent misfortune with burst pipes and so forth, the clubhouse is now back in action after a frenzied week or so getting it ready for the big game on Friday evening. It will be open for business at the usual time prior to the game and also, the marquee will be open to the public for a period before the game and afterwards.

Finally it would be naive to think that it was only for the rugby we were making the headlines, but as is common knowledge our appeal against the sanctions imposed on us by the IRFU was heard on Wednesday. At the time of writing(Wed 10pm) , the appeal was heard in Dublin and we await the decision from the union. We will however, and continue to do so, remind anyone attending any game, at any level, that match officials are to be accorded the utmost of respect at all times as is the stated ethos of our club.