Club News: Week Ending 05.04.15

This week’s Club News comes from Kilfeacle, Waterford City and Thurles.

Click here for Kilfeacle RFC News

Click here for Thurles RFC News

Kilfeacle RFC News

Courtesy of:- Jamie Keaty, Club PRO
On Sunday last, Kilfeacle RFC welcomed Clonakilty RFC to Morrissey Park in the highly anticipated quarter final of this years Munster Junior Cup. If league form was anything to go by, the home side were going to be up against it, having lost to Clonakilty in January. Conditions on the day were going to play a huge role in the outcome of the game as a gale force wind blew directly down-field towards the Golden end.

Having won the toss, Kilfeacle opted to play into the wind in the opening half. After 10 minutes Clonakilty took a seven point lead with a well taken try in the corner followed up by a very impressive conversion from the touchline. The next score was going to be vital in this tie, luckily for the homeside, Shane Morrissey got the ball across the line after 15 minutes. This score came from a strong scrum and a great offload from Dave Kiersey. The almost impossible conversion was missed by Darren Lowry. Clonakilty weren't going to ease up however, as they knew they needed to be leading well at half time to capitalise on the strong wind. After 24 minutes they touched down again the corner which came from weak defending from the home team. The conversion was missed. This was followed up with another converted try from the away side after 37 minutes. With only seconds left before halftime, Danny Lambe got over the line as a result of multiple phases and a great offloading game. Darren Lowry converted to leave the half-time score 19-12 to Clonakilty.

The second half was going to be a battle for both sides. Kilfeacle got off to a great start and crossed the line after just 3 minutes. Lowry converted to level the sides. Ger Luby added another five points just 8 minutes later as he showed some great support running and capatilased on a huge defensive effort by Kilfeacle. Lowry again added the conversion to give the homeside a 7 point lead. This lead was always going to be a dangerous one in such a close game so the next score was going to be crucial. Lowry added a penalty with 6 minutes left to give a 10 point buffer.

This was the straw that broke Clonakilty's back and Kilfeacle ran in another try with seconds remaining to add a cherry on top of what was, a tough, gruelling encounter from two fine teams. The final score was 36 – 19, however this scoreline wasn't totally representative of how the game was played. Kilfeacle know that they will have to improve on their defence if they are to have any hope against a strong Shannon side in the semi-final. This is a monumental day for the club and the opportunity to face the most celebrated club in Irish rugby awaits them. Well done to all involved!!

Waterford City News

Courtesy of:- Fintan Purcell, Club PRO

Munster Junior League, Division 2: Mallow 28-21 Waterford City
City travelled to Mallow for their last game of the season looking for a bonus point win to overhaul their opponents and finish in 4th place. City played into a strong wind in the first half but started very well and were the better team for the first half. The City pack dominated at the set piece with a solid line out creating impressive rolling mauls and a scrum driving Mallows forwards backwards. The away side were winning the collisions and the penalty count mounted against the Cork team, the wind made kicking penalties very difficult so after the first missed shot at goal City went for the corner. After being held up over the line, the resulting number of collapsed scrums left the referee with no choice other than a penalty try to put City 7-0 up. City were comfortable for the rest of the first half but due to unforced errors they didn't press home the advantage to kill the game off.

City started the second half with the wind and were expecting to push on for the bonus point but a needless yellow card left them a man short, Mallow took advantage and scored off a cross field quick kick when City were slow to fan out in defence. The try evened up the score and gave Mallow an injection of belief that they could win the game. Shortly after the first they added a second try to lead 14-7 when they executed an overlap to score. City back to 15 responded immediately and scored off a brilliant rolling maul with Alec Fitzmaurice touching down for the try, Michael Hayes again struck the conversion well to level the scores. The momentum was back with the Waterford side but unforced errors cost possession and territory, Mallow scored of a well worked back move to lead 21-14, with 10 left to play City came back again and Simon O'Hara scored from a push over scrum to level the game for the 3rd time.

City spent most of the last 5 minutes in the Mallow half and were just stopped short of the line, the home team bravely ran in the final minute from their own line and were only stopped by some desperate scramble defence from City. The resulting 5 metre scrum however gave them a platform for another well worked backs move to score a winning try with the last play of the game. City left Cork extremely frustrated not to have won the game but can look back with satisfaction on their league campaign overall, having improved again on last season's finishing position and developing as a team they will be well positioned to have a run at promotion next season. There were solid performances today by Joe Delahunty, NJ Carlton and Tom Bowe but Jason Power was the City man of the match with an excellent game. Waterford City would like to thank their sponsors Kingfisher, The Premium Butcher, Sun Life Financial, The Three Shippes and Brennan Catering.

Thurles RFC News

Courtesy of:- Brian Scanlon, Club PRO

Munster Women's League Div 1 Final: Thurles Womens RFC 10 – 22 Clonmel Women's RFC
Thurles Women's RFC were defeated 10-22 by Clonmel in the Munster Women's League Division 1 Final on Sunday in Cashel. It was Thurles that were in the attack early in the game with Ciara Quinn taking the ball from the start. Aisling O'Hagan with a superb early run made wonderful ground before offloading but as Thurles made a drive towards the line they were unlucky to knock the ball forward. Clonmel were awarded a scrum.

Thurles were forced to defend as Clonmel came at them but Miriam Harrison, Ruth Purcell, Catherine Kearney and Niamh Coman putting in some magnificent tackles to slow the Clonmel attack. Thurles held firm in defence and forced a scrum. A wonderful kick from Miriam Harrison gave Thurles a fantastic field position. Though Clonmel were now in control of the ball they were struggling to make ground.

Ruth Purcell secured possession for Thurles in the break down and Thurles were once again on the attack. Aisling O'Hagan had yet another superb run, dodging numerous tackles, to edge Thurles closer to the try line. Ruth Purcell was once again key in orchestrating a magnificent passage of play shortly afterwards off the back of a scrum making great ground before offloading to Niamh Coman. Moments later as the ball was being passed through Thurles hands at pace they were unfortunate to knock the ball forward and give Clonmel a scrum.

Once again Thurles were solid in defence with Linda Ryan, Aisling O'Hagan and Ciara O'Dwyer all putting in big powerful hits at crucial moments of the game. Numerous scrums were awarded in the next five minutes and while Thurles were also awarded a penalty they were unlucky not to capitalise on it and eventually the ball went out for a lineout to Clonmel and although Thurles contested well for the ball Clonmel came away with the possession.

However, some excellent Thurles defence from Maria Woodlock and Miriam Harrison eventually forced an error and Thurles were awarded a scrum but once again were unfortunate to be forced out over the line in possession giving Clonmel a lineout. Clonmel secured possession and looked dangerous but a superb tackle from Aisling O'Hagan curbed the Clonmel run. Moments later Thurles were awarded the scrum when Clonmel knocked the ball forward.

Once again on the attack Thurles looked for space in the Clonmel defence. Aisling O'Hagan pulled off a wonderful kick over the head of the Clonmel players and went in chase of the ball, supported by Aisling Byrne. Unfortunately it was a Clonmel player that secured the possession but not for long. Moments later Joanne Harrison claimed the ball and led a renewed Thurles attack. Ciara Quinn was held up just short of the line but Thurles through some wonderful rucking held onto possession and once again drove towards the line.

It was Niamh Coman that sailed in over the line for the first score of the game after 25 tough, physical minutes of play. Although the conversion was narrowly missed Thurles were deservedly ahead on a 5- 0 score line. Clonmel looked determined to level the score from the re-start and although Linda Ryan and Ruth Purcell led a solid Thurles defence it was Clonmel that had the upper hand. Despite a magnificent tackle by Aisling O'Hagan Clonmel were able to offload the ball quickly and secured their first score of the game with ten minutes remaining in the first half.

The conversion attempt by Clonmel was unsuccessful so the score stood 5 – 5 with a little under ten minutes remaining in the half. Aisling Byrne and Jean Ryan were impressive from the re-start and gained vital ground. Thurles were awarded a penalty in a great attacking position but an unfortunate knock – on meant that Clonmel were awarded a scrum.

Once again the Thurles attack held firm and were rewarded with a scrum. A well executed kick from Miriam Harrison meant that Thurles were making some vital ground and as Clonmel scrambled to regain possession. Once again Thurles were excellent in defence and forced a five yard scrum. Thurles were unlucky not to score a second try during this intense passage of play just before the half time whistle. The sides were level 5 -5 at half time. It was still all to play for but Thurles with the majority of the possession in the first half were unlucky not to be ahead.

Clonmel were in possession early in the second half but Thurles looked incredibly strong in their defence. A Clonmel lineout was almost secured by Ciara Quinn and the ball was loose. Both sides scrambled for possession with Clonmel eventually conceding the scrum. Ciara Quinn, Maria Whelan and Joanne Harrison were all magnificent in the ensuing passage of play but they eventually ran out of options and Clonmel were once again in control of an attack.

Maria Whelan and Niamh Coman putting in some vital hits in the ensuing passage of play. Thurles were awarded a scrum. Rebecca Byrne exhibited real skill and speed and made some great ground for Thurles. A wonderful offload to Aisling O'Hagan kept the ball alive for Thurles. Aimee Crowe came on to replace Maria Whelan while the sides traded scrums in a tense passage of play. Clonmel emerging with the possession and although Miriam Harrison and Aisling Byrne but in some wonderful tackles it wasn't enough to stop the Clonmel attack. They scored their second try and although the conversion was missed they were ahead for the first time in the game.

Maria Woodlock was impressive for Thurles from the re-start but Clonmel looked determined to add to their points tally. A lineout for Clonmel just short of the line gave them a wonderful attacking platform from which they scored their third try. This time scoring right under the posts, with the positional advantage and the strong wind in their favour the conversion attempt was successful. Clonmel were now ahead 5 – 17.

Both Aisling Byrne and Claire Mockler, from a lineout, led the Thurles attack from the re-start and Aimee Crowe and Linda Ryan were superb in the breakdown. Clonmel had a lineout but Thurles contested and although possession was not secured Thurles were holding firm in attack.

Despite wonderful play from Thurles, a superb lineout by Ciara Quinn a wonderful run by Maria Whelan and some great tackling from Megan Woodlock and Linda Ryan Thurles were unable to stop the Clonmel attack and they nudged over the line for their fourth try with less than ten minutes remaining and although the conversion attempt was unsuccessful Clonmel were well ahead on a 22 – 5 scoreline.
However, the indomitable Thurles spirit shone in the last moments of the game and a wonderful tackle from Claire Mockler set the tone for a renewed Thurles attack.

Helena Birmingham came on for Jean Ryan. Thurles were awarded a scrum and immediately looked dangerous. Aimee Crowe and Ruth Purcell were immense in the attack and each and every player on the pitch were playing with a determination that never once waivered throughout the game. It was Ciara Quinn that eventually went in over the line to score a well deserved try for Thurles. The conversion against a very strong wind was narrowly short and the final whistle was blown. The final score was Thurles Women's RFC 10, Clonmel Women's RFC 22.

After an unbeaten League campaign, the only team to do so, Thurles were unfortunate not to claim silverware on the day. The previous two meetings of these sides had resulted in some wonderful rugby and although Thurles were successful in those two hard fought battles Sunday was not their day. The Thurles side has gone from strength to strength all season and boast an extensive panel of skilful and dedicated players that can be incredibly proud of their achievements all season. There is still the cup to play for and Thurles have two weeks to prepare for their cup semi-final against Abbeyfeale of Limerick. Thanks to all the faithful supporters for your support all year. We hope to see you all in two weeks for the cup semi-final.

Team: Aisling O'Hagan, Maria Whelan, Rebecca Byrne, Niamh Coman, Aisling Byrne, Miriam Harrison(C), Ciara O'Dwyer, Jean Ryan, Megan Callanan, Maria Woodlock, Catherine Kearney, Ciara Quinn, Linda Ryan, Joanne Harrison, Ruth Purcell. Replacements: Helena Birmingham (74), Michelle Ryan, Susan Max, Elaine Molumby, Aimee Crowe, (52), Stephanie Moore, Claire Mockler, (64), Shelley Loughnane, Tabea Fruchtenicht.

Qtr Final East Munster Cup: Thurles 5-8 Clonmel 8
Thurles U-18 Boys were narrowly defeated by Clonmel in what was a tough game with gale force wind blowing across the pitch. The scoreline does not reflect the game as Thurles were over the line for another try which was deemed by the referee to be disallowed. Unfortunately for Thurles U-18s exit from the cup at this stage has seen their season cut short . Don't put your heads down lads keep up the good work.

U-18 Girls Munster League: South Cork 10 – 22 Thurles
The Thurles Girls made the trip to Cobh Pirates RFC on Saturday morning for the final league game of the season to face a team they had previously beaten at home earlier in the league. There were a few notable frontline absentees from the traveling squad with regular scrum half, Holly O'Dwyer away on inter county football duty and 2nd row Mary O Connor, also unavailable for selection

Kick off was 2 pm and the game started at a phonetic pace with both side attacking from the off. Following a fine passage of play from the Thurles pack, the ball was released wide to the onrushing Aisling O'Hagan who crossed the line unopposed to open the scoring for Thurles. This was to be the first of three tries scored by Aisling on the day.

The second half started with Thurles in the driving seat bringing a 22 – 5 cushion from the first half with additional Thurles tries from Jane Ryan and Gemma Dunican. South Cork responded with a well worked try from 20 meters out and crossed the line in the corner to bring the score to 22-10 in favour of the visitors

Thurles were to score two more tries including the score of the day, when Aisling O'Hagan gathered the Cork re-start and side stepped and jinked her way from her own 22 to score under the post. She duly converted from short range bringing her points total for the day to 21.

There were some fine performances from the girls with Aisling Scanlon and Catriona Molumby alternating at 2 in the lineout to keep S Cork guessing all day. Bhrianne Beatty put in a good performance in her first start at 9, with Gemma Dunican running the show from 10. Kerrie Fitzgerald and Saoirse Caffrey worked well together in the front row with Niamh Graham in fine form in the loose around the park.

Jane Ryan showed exactly why she has progressed through the Munster section of Ireland U18 trials, along with Gemma Dunican and Elise. O'Connor, with some strong running with ball in hand. Melanie O Halloran was solid on the wing with Aibhe Connolly showing her defensive skills on the other wing.

Another fine win for the girls on the road, was capped off by a pitstop at Funderland in Cork, as if they weren't tired enough. The girls now have an anxious wait to see how the final shake up of the league pans out, to see who will play Abbeyfeale in the final. The U15 Girls also recorded a 42-10 victory over South Cork. All in all a good day at the office for the young girls

U16 Boys Friendly: Thurles RFC V Coolmine RFC
Thurles U16s hosted Coolmine RFC last weekend in a very entertaining game. The Coolmine lads had the best start when they turned over the ball in the ruck and caught the Thurles back line out of position and ran in an easy try under the posts. The Coolmine side put Thurles under a lot of pressure and Thurles conceded two more tries before half-time. Thurles upped their game in the second half and after some good work by the forwards the ball was passed to David Young who crashed over for Thurles' first try. The Thurles line out creaked a little bit, the scrum held its own turning over possession on one occasion.

Coolmine are a big side with good hands and just had too much for Thurles on the day. After the match both sides enjoyed the entertainment provided by Tipperary bobble sports. Thurles U-16s start their cup campaign away to Cashel next weekend. Training continues Tuesdays and Thursdays and new players are always welcome.