Club Notes: Week Ending 09.03.14
4th March 2014 By Munster Rugby
This week’s club notes come from Bantry Bay, Cobh, Midleton and Waterford City rugby clubs
Click here for Bantry Bay club notes
Click here for Cobh club notes
Click here for Midleton club notes
Click here for Waterford City club notes
Courtesy of:- Andre Polivka & Denyse Scully
Mini Action: –
After the cancellation of fixtures in recent weeks due to the bad weather our mini teams were delighted to get games against Kinsale, Cork Constitution and Bandon this weekend.
Our U8s, U9s and U11 teams played a Blitz morning hosted by Kinsale RFC with Cork Constitution also attending. On a lovely morning our U8s were first in action playing three great games displaying some fantastic skills. Our U9s continued their unbeaten run this season winning their two games against Cork Con and Kinsale. Against some tough competition this team showed some great character and determination. The u11 team guided by coach Micháel O'Shea with some younger players involved were very impressive in their three games winning one, drawing one & losing one game. A great morning was had and thank you as always to the parents & supporters who travelled.
U13/U14 games: –
Our U13 played a friendly game away against Bandon with many new players at this level involved. It was a great contest with fantastic rugby played by both sides. For many it was their first game playing 15 man rugby and the coaches were extremely proud of their ability and skills.
U14 team played a league game v Dunmanway RFC where they overcame a very rusty first quarter and 20 points deficit to claim a well deserved victory. Again a very enjoyable & sporting game between near neighbours. Bantry fought their way back through four well manufactured tries and putting to practice the hard work done at training. Well done to all.
U18 League Phase 2 Bantry Bay 0
Skibbereen 32
The Under 18s travelled to Skibbereen with just 15 players, missing four regular starters due to exams, holiday and injury, however the lads more than held their own during a scoreless first half until injury to Sean McCarthy in added time, allowed Skibbereen to score in the corner. The disruption through injury and lack of a substitutes, meant extra space for a very talented Skibb outhalf to exploit, keeping us on the back foot throughout the half. Their second try ten minutes into the second half broke our resistance, and what followed was the poorest 25 minutes of rugby our lads played all season, eventually losing 32-0.
This was a poor performance by a very talented side but one bad half of rugby does not make this a poor team. However, performance will only improve with game against Kanturk to play next week, with three wins in the league so far, there is still plenty to play for.
Team: Paddy Sheehan, Ciarán O'Sullivan, Dylan Murphy, Aedan James, Kevin Holland, Liam Cronin, Connor Tobin, Fineen Wycherley, Phyl Walters, Seán McCarthy, Ian Hurley, Aaron O'Sullivan, Danny Hutchinson, Thomas Nolan and Eoghan McElhinney.
Top of Form
U16 Pan Munster QF: Bantry Bay 15
Killorglin 5
On Saturday last Bantry Bay RFC continued their impressive form with a complete team performance that saw them overcome Kerry side Killorglin RFC to book a spot in the PanMunster U16 semi finals.
In front of some great travelling support Bantry started the game stronger and got the first points on the board with a great try by winger Thomas O'Donovan. This settled the team into the game and they worked hard to build possession and keep the pressure on the opposition team. A lack of concentration and focus against the run of play saw Bantry lose their No.11 Owen Power to the sin bin for 10 minutes. But despite this setback the team showed great determination and team work to hold their defensive line. And with one man down, the back line worked a great move to see Thomas O' Donovan cross the whitewash for his second try which was converted by Tadgh McCarthy. So Bantry Bay finished the second half with a lead of 12-0.
Killorglin RFC proved that they were not beaten yet when they started the second half at a blistering pace and forced Bantry Bay to defend their lines against a number of waves of attack. But the Bantry Bay packed worked tirelessly and won a penalty for their efforts. This extended the lead to 15-0. In a relentless game played at high intensity Bantry Bay brought all their experience to play and brought on a number of substitutes to add fresh legs to their team. Huge credit is due to the Killorglin team for their work rate in the game and they were rewarded with a try in the closing minutes of the game. It came too late to have a bearing on the result and Bantry Bay have booked their spot in the semi final. They now play Waterpark RFC (whom they beat at the group stages) away next Sunday at 2pm in Waterpark RFC, Waterford. Dungarvan RFC have booked their final spot so they await the winners of this semi final.
The club would like to acknowledge the hard work of the coaches, Dave Murphy, Henry Hegarty, Rory O'Callaghan, James Hegarty and Eugene McCarthy who have guided this talented team through this competition for the first time in the club's history. We wish them well in the semi final and we hope that there will be a big travelling support on the road Sunday.
Team: Patrick Casey, Tadgh McCarthy, Luke O'Donovan, Aidan O'Driscoll, Paddy O' Callaghan, Adam Phillips, Fionn O' Driscoll, Páidi McCarthy, Páidi O' Sullivan, James Murphy, Owen Power, Tony Harrington, Philip O'Shea, Thomas O'Donovan, Ronan O' Mahony, Shane Harrington, Josh Wycherley, Aidan O'Sullivan, James Lavin, Seán Downey, Jack O'Sullivan and Daniel Shannon.
J1 Division 3 League
Ballincollig RFC: 28
West Cork Harlequins: 9
After a six week lay off, due essentially to bad weather, the West Cork Harlequins resumed their league campaign with a visit to an undefeated Ballincollig RFC side. It was always going to be a daunting task for the West Cork side to pull off a result against a team who are aiming for league promotion.
However, Ballincollig were stunned right from start, having to do the early defending. A series of mauls caused chaos to the home side which eventually lead to a penalty being awarded to Harlequins. It was dually converted by Padraig O'Donovan.
Ballincollig replied immediately, with the city team launching attack after attack. They declined a number of shots at goal for line-outs but this proved unsuccessful. Credit is due to Harlequins who showed a tremendous sense of team spirit to keep the opposition at bay. A collective team effort put constant pressure on the home side who found it difficult to create any kind of momentum. The scrum and line-out were evenly matched, with the Quins stealing some crucial throws at critical times.
With such a stubborn defence, the promotion chasers had to revise their tactics and after thirty minutes of fruitless effort had to settle for a three pointer to level the game. Harlequins responded with a series of mauls which led to another penalty. They retook the lead leaving the crowd silent. The home team were fortunate to be rewarded a late first penalty to leave it level at the break.
The second half started at a frantic pace, with Ballincollig RFC on the hunt to secure a bonus point that could prove vital for their promotion aspirations. The home side began to punish Harlequins for their lack of pace and experience out wide and started to apply pressure on the flanks. Their first try came after seven minutes in the second half resulting from a quick turnover to send their winger over the line. The West Cork side fought and replied with another penalty after some good work from the backs that left the opposition's defence badly exposed. With only twenty minutes to go and the teams were locked at 11-9, anything was possible. The Quins missed a long range effort that could have put them in front; instead Ballincollig struck back with two more tries that ended the visitor's hopes of pulling off a major shock. Despite that set back, the West Cork Harlequins were resolute to fight on to deny Ballincollig their much needed bonus point. They almost did just that, playing and defending to the bitter end, throwing everything at the hosts desperate for that fourth try. The last five minutes were an epic wrestling contest between two teams unwilling to give up. Ultimately Ballincollig found their way with the last play of the game, forcing the decision out wide after a lengthy siege of the West Cork line.
Even though a shock was within grasping distance, it proved in truth to be a bridge to far. Take nothing away from a team that travelled under strength and put a remarkable performance full of pride. The forward pack played a huge role in the game with a hugely impressive performance from No. 8 Garrett Murphy.
It was a very encouraging display that will leave all the players proud and give them a sense of hope for the last two home games of the season.
Team: Kevin O'Kane, Owen Higgins, Liam Lynch, Damien Healy, Con Sullivan Rocky Falzon, Garret Murphy, Sean O'Donoghue, Vincent Barry, Andre Polivka, John Sullivan, Eamonn Freeman, Justin Brooks, Pádraig O'Driscoll & Pádraig O'Donovan, John White, and Martin O'Kane.
Courtesy of:- Liz Cotter, Club PRO
Youth's Rugby Update:
Congrats to the u14s who have secured a South Munster League Final place after beating Skibbereen on Saturday last in the Paddocks. The date for the final has yet to be decided; they await the winners of Mallow v Midleton.
The u16s beat Cork Con to get to league semi final.
We'll done to all the players, coaches and family support for all the young lads !
In the Club the Juvenile Section Table Quiz Fund Raiser will take place on Thursday 13th March 8.30 pm Tickets €5. Tables of four – go on get your teams together! Tickets available each Sat morning at the club house.
J1 Rugby Update:
For the J1 this weekend an early penalty for Cobh kicked by Greg Higgins gave them the lead but then Water Park dominated with a good lineout and maul and Pirates had a player sin binned. During the sin bin Water park scored and converted a try and kept up their dominance and extended their lead with a penalty. Half time score 10-3. In the second half, pirates came more into the game. A penalty from Mark Chandler put Cobh within 4 points. More pressure from Pirates led to a line break from Eamon Ronan and he continued over for the winning try, converted by Mark Chandler. Final Score 13-10.
Ladies Rugby Update:
It's been a tough few weeks with a string of losses in poor conditions and a number of girls out with injury. Still, nothing will get these Pirate Ladies down. With the full squad coming back together, they are training hard ahead of the replay away to Clonmel due to be played the 23rd of March.
Here are the match results for the last few weeks:
09/02/14: St Senans V Cobh 36-10 – Cobh try scorer's Chloe McCarthy & Aileen Aherne.
02/02/14: Thurles V Cobh 26-10 – Cobh try scorer Jill Mahony, Con & Pen Suzanne Morgan. This match also saw the lovely Nichola Power's return to the pitch, to show the girls how it's done.
26/01/14: Cobh V Dungarvan 5-22 – Cobh try scorer Suzanne Morgan.
Also happening in the club is the development of our Youth Ladies Section. So why not come along if you are interested and see how it goes!
Courtesy of:- Jason Boyle, Club PRO
Midleton 11 Greystones 13
No one could have predicted before the game just how tight a battle this match would be. Greystones, second in the table and chasing promotion, arrived with an air of expectation of a formality in the encounter. While Greystones did emerge victorious, Midleton were rueing what might have been as this was truly a game of two halves.
Midleton got play underway and immediately Greystones were on the offensive.
Strong defending and good discipline from Midleton sees the visitors camping in the Midleton half but unable to capitalise with a scoring opportunity. Eventually Midleton drive forward and win a Penalty just about ½ way. They opt for the chance to open the scoring but the attempt is short.
Greystones gather and counter attack driving Midleton back to their own half. After a good spell defending, a Midleton mistake sees the opportunity for Greystones to open the scoring and their full back Ross Spillane duly delivers. Its about 22 minutes in and the score is Midleton 0 Greystones 3.
On the restart and Greystones up the anti again pushing hard into the Midleton half. A break from the out half sees Killian Marmion over for a try after 30 minutes. Things now seem to be going the visitors way and they pile on the pressure. Midleton defend well and counter attack, the reward a penalty at half time but Christian is unlucky again. At halftime the score stands at Midleton 0 Greystones 10.
Midleton are not willing to give up, and come out fighting after the break. Eager to push Greystones back and attacking strongly, Midleton cede another penalty opportunity that sees the visitors move to 13 points with about 46 minutes played. Undaunted by the scoreline Midleton attack strongly from the restart, Greystones are not prepared for the pressure from a side determined to push through in search of a win.
Some great pressure play in the next few minutes sees Ryan Lehane in for Midletons first score of the day, the result of a great team effort of sustained pressure. The score is now Midleton 5 Greystones 13, 55 minutes into the game. Now Midleton have their backs up and attack again. Greystones are on the back foot and not able to contain the home team. Some great set play sees Christian lined up for a drop at goal that he slots over easily, Now its Midleton 8 Greystones 13.
Its all Midleton for the last 20 minutes, piling on the pressure and on 71 minutes another penalty and the home team are within 2 points of the visitors. Midleton were unlucky not to get a score to seal the win, while the visitors will count themselves lucky to hang on in the end. It was a spirited performance by the home side that everyone can be proud of.
Next up is Navan on the 15th at home – a win would guarantee our place in the league for another season.
Courtesy of:- Damien Kennedy, Club PRO
U-14 V Dungarvan
Away to dungarvan, in very difficult conditions, City played some of their best rugby of the season. Running in 6 try's to 1 at home. Man of the match tom carney, converted 5 out of 6 kicks. Leaving the final score waterford city 40 dungarvan 5. City have won their first 2 games in the plate, with 3 games left to play. A great squad performance, well done lads
U-16 V Thurles
Our lads went down 12-0 away to Thurles in this League match, both teams seemed to be hit with a high injury list and fair play to both for producing a quality game. The next 2 games are very important for the lads if they are to have any hope of making the semi – finals
U-18 V Dungarvan
We welcomed Dungarvan to Kilbarry on Friday night. Three of our players joined Dungarvan to make a game of it and many thanks go to Aaron Skehan, Alex Murphy and Niall Quinn for going across to Dungarvan and all 3 had a super game more is the pity. We started the game very brightly and pegged Dungravan into their own half and after a good turnover by David Roche in the far corner and excellent rucking by other forwards the ball was presented quickly and after some good passes across the backs from one side to the other David Healey touched down in the corner for his first try for WCRFC on his birthday. Then almost straight after we marched straight down the field again and David Roche smashed over for our second try. Although throughout the game we didn't perform as well as we can we still managed to score a penalty in the second half slotted by Ryan Phillips. The game itself was a no contest due to Dungarvan's lack of players and we did lose the game on points due to the fact that we took the opportunity to try different combinations in both our forwards and out back line which did cause quite a bit of disruption to our play. Whilst the result was not what we wanted it was a perfect opportunity to learn how we may play in the future which we took. A few players stepped up to the mark to give the coaches some decisions to make before the next match. With that in mind Niall Quinn was named man of the match closely pushed by David Roche, John-Joe Flynn and Aidan Power. Looking forward to our semi-final in the U18 development league but as usual a lot of work to do between now and then to give us the best opportunity to progress, see you all Wednesday.
Women's V Thurles
Well done to our ladies in their last game of the season last Friday night at home to Thurles, the result didn't go their way but they gave a good account of themselves, hopefully training numbers improve for next season.
J2 V Old Christians
With all the injuries to the squad this week this was always going to be a tough one for the lads travelling to Cork, the result was defeat for City who ran out of steam in the last 10mins but remained competitive throughout. Well done to the hardworking Thomas Stevenson on scoring his first try for the club against tough oppisition, also it was good to see Jack Caffery return to City colours. Big game next week against Clonmel.
J1 V Presentation
An injury hit City travelled to Limerick in their 2nd last game of the league season to take on Presentation. City played some good rugby but mistakes proved costly, the workrate of certain players needs to be improved aswell , Trevor Griffen scored a try and young Mark Hayes kicked a penalty and conversion but it was not enough as the home side snuck it 13-10 and the lads will definatley feel that they left this one behind. The last league game will be at home against promotion hopefuls Kinsale this week. It will be a big game for the lads who have a strong home record this season.
