Club Notes: Week Ending 18.09.15

This week’s club notes come from Waterford City, Bruff, Cobh Pirates and Old Crescent rugby clubs.

Click here for Waterford City RFC Notes

Click here for Bruff RFC Notes

Click here for Cobh Pirates RFC Notes

Click here for Old Crescent RFC Notes

Waterford City RFC – Courtesy of Deirdre Barry, Club PRO

WCRFC 1st Team: Fethard 7-16 WCRFC
Such is the strength in depth of city's squad, the players who didn't feature vs. Clanwilliam were given their chance to impress in the final pre-season game away to Fethard. City were disappointing in the first forty minutes where they didn't play to their usual structure and didn't exploit the space outside. That said, the scrum was functioning well and Aidan Power was taking his chances in the centre and impressing with some great defensive work and offensive angles of running. Despite possession and try scoring opportunities, City only led 3-0 approaching the end of the first half when Fethard scored a try under the post after some sloppy tackling.

City responded well in the second half and played the majority of the game in the Fethard half. The forwards upped their tempo and impressed at lineout time with the backs finally gaining quick ball and using some width. A few try scoring opportunities were squandered but after good work from the pack, the backs shifted the ball quickly to Ryan Philips – playing his last game before moving to Nottingham for college – who cantered in for a typically well finished try. City didn't let their foot off the gas and continued to pound away at the Fethard line with Kevin Whelan working tirelessly around the field and Mark Hayes showing real promise at full back. In the final few moments, Stephen Walsh finished another great backline move after City secured quick ball and he was put into the corner by the impressive Phillips.

Skipper Andrew Condron marshalled his troops well and it was a good blow out for players to get up to match speed before a hectic few months of fixtures. The club would like to wish Ryan Phillips well as he travels to Nottingham for university with the backs eager to take over his top try scoring award from last season.

WCRFC v Fethard: Paddy Halloran, Stephen O'Rourke, Andrew Condron (c), Jason Power, Eamonn O'Keeffe, Connor White, Kevin Whelan, Dave Whelan, Michael Hayes, Jack Caffrey, James Halligan, Connor Brennan, Aidan Power, Stephen Walsh, Mark Hayes, Elliot O 'Mahoney, Brian Walsh, Brian Kinsella, Mark Power, David Healy, Ryan Phillips

Many thanks to all of our supporters, families and friends, and our sponsors Kingfisher Club and Done Deal.

Training – Tuesday and Thursday 6.45pm

WCRFC's 1^st team coaches Peter Jones (left) and Simon O Hara (right), with this year's club captain Ben Duggan.

WCRFC U18s
On Sunday the WCRFC U18 squad travelled to Thurles for a 15 a side tournament. Drawn in a pool with Clonmel, Cashel & Nenagh and also short a few regulars through injury it looked like a tough day lay instore. Facing Clonmel in the first game, the sides played out a hard earned draw. Both sides came close to a winning score in a dramatic finish but a draw was probably the fair result.

Cashel were next up. After an even opening 10 minutes Cashel made the breakthrough, scoring after a number of pick and drives near the City line. City then threw the kitchen sink at Cashel but still couldn't make the breakthrough. In the final game, despite a great start, they also succumbed to a far bigger Nenagh side by 7 points.

Overall an interesting and positive experience for the young squad, providing an opportunity to try out players in new positions and look at a few of the teams that lie in wait this coming season. The club is proud to announce the appointment of joint captains John Harte & Ciaran Holloway for the 2015/16 season. Two very committed and talented players, we wish them all the best.

U18s Squad – Killian Power, Dylan Kelly, Evan O'Sullan, David Jarmilosivic, Eoin Phelan, Ian Kelly, Michael McKinley, John Harte, Cian O'Reilly, Liam Hayes, Tom Doolan, Zac Keating, Noah Mellors, Ciaran Holloway, Jack Jacob, Conor McCarthy, Glen Taylor

Training – Friday evening at 6.30pm and Sunday mornings

Youth Rugby
U16, U14 and U12 teams also available – please contact Youth Officer Jimmy on 0863327327 for more details.

Mini's Rugby
On Sunday, Waterford City RFC Minis (born 2004 to 2009) were back for their second training session of the new season. Despite the rain there was a good turnout in the circumstances. Training time for the rest of the season is 11 to 12, except for blitzes (Oct. 4th at home v Tramore and Clonmel, Nov 1st in Fethard and Dec. 6th in Carrick) when there is no training (kick-off for blitzes is 10:30). Annual sub is €25 and weekly sub is €2. Minis are open to both boys and girls so come along and enjoy the rugby! For more details on Minis rugby contact Paul on 0857162267.

For more WCRFC details please visit and like our Facebook page.

Bruff RFC. Courtesy of Seamus Sheahan, Club PRO

UBL Opening Day victory for Seniors
The UBL kicked off on Saturday with the 1st XV making the trip to Dundalk for their opening game. Buff travelled knowing a good performance was a must if they were to come away with the points. Dundalk had been impressive last season, getting promoted from the junior ranks in Leinster and giving a number of impressive displays in last season's round robin to gain promotion.

Bruff started well and put 3 points on the board after 12 minutes when Dundalk were penalised for a no-arms-tackle which resulted in a sin binning for the Co Louth side. Bruff took full advantage and scored the game's opening try with Dundalk down to 14 men. Fullback Brendan Deady was on hand to touch down at the end of a good move which started in the Bruff half. Tony Cahill converted to make it 10-0. Dundalk brought it back to 10-6 before Deady's second try for Bruff made it 15-6 to the visitors with just 7 minutes remaining in the opening half. With the half nearly up Bruff looked comfortable until 2 yellow cards turned the game on its head. Dundalk capitalised off Bruff's ill-discipline, scoring 10 points before the break to make it 16-15 at half time.

Bruff circled the wagons in the interval and came out fighting in the second half. With two men still in the bin, Bruff Hooker John Hogan burst over the line from short range to add Bruff's third try after 5 minutes which was converted by Tony Cahill. Bruff were now chasing the bonus point and with the game opening up Tom O Callaghan struck for the fourth try which was a combination of solid work from the forwards and good handling by the backs. Cahill again converted and also added 2 more penalties before the end of the 80 minutes to make it 35-16 to Bruff at the final whistle.

Bruff: 1 Dave Horan 2 John Hogan 3 Brendan Keogh 4 Mike Cooke 5 Ger O Connell 6 Danny Keogh 7 Mike Carroll 8 Paddy Clery 9 Tony Cahill 10 Dave O Grady 11 Paudie Kilcoyne 12 Sean Darcy 13 Tom O Callaghan 14 Mark Cosgrove 15 Brenan Deady 16 Cillian Rea 17 Stephen Foster 18 Neilus Keogh 19 Graham Whelan 20 Liam Treacy

Next up for the seniors is a home game with Tullamore on Saturday evening. KO is 7.30pm and a large crowd is expected so please arrive early.

Bruff's Tony Cahill who gave an impressive kicking display in the club's victory over Dundalk on Saturday.

Bruff Players in Munster Representative action
There were a number of Bruff players in action with Munster over the weekend at various levels with great results for the province.

First up were the U18 Clubs who had Bruff's Ordhan Ring lining out at number 8 for the second weekend in a row, Munster coming out on top on a scoreline of 29-3.

The Munster U19s took on Leinster with Bruff's Dylan Reeves-Wasik coming off the bench to help the province to a 26-18 win.

Fixtures: please keep an eye on the website for the latest fixtures which will be updated by Wednesday each week. www.bruffrfc.com

Club Memberships: annual club memberships are now due for renewal. Please return membership fees to any committee members or directly to Matt O Callaghan.

Underage Rugby: Reminder that underage rugby is now back. Mini Rugby (Age Grade 6 – 12) will start at 10:30am and Youth Rugby (Age Grade 13 – 18) will start at 11:30am every Sunday morning. Please also ensure that all players turn up with gum shields or they may not be permitted to play.

Cobh Pirates RFC – Courtesy of Richie McGrath, Club PRO

Cobh Pirates RFC Trip to Tipp
On a rare sunny weekend of June last retired players and friends of Cobh Pirates took on a cycling journey to Tipperary and back, cycling a total of 250 km. The distance of 125km a day tied in aptly with the club celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. Each cyclist took it upon themselves to raise funds prior to taking part, with the benefactors being the clubs own juvenile section and the much deserved Epilepsy Ireland. Over the course of the 2 days the mixed group of experienced and not so experienced cyclists enjoyed the summer sun as they made their way to Ballykisteen Hotel in Limerick Junction, and returned to Cobh on the Sunday. The trip, while challenging, was enjoyable, and took them along the old Dublin road before hanging a left turn at Cahir for the final leg.

The group recently had the pleasure of handing over the funds raised, which totalled €6500 to the recipients. The presentation was made after the County Cup game against Clonakilty in the club house. Club President Mr Eddie McCarthy addressed those present, welcoming those from Epilepsy Ireland and thanking the sponsors who without whom the event could not take place. He went on to thank the club members for organising the event before he accepted the cheque on behalf of Cobh Pirates. Bernard Hughes from Epilepsy Ireland, and a prominent Sundays Well member, acknowledged the efforts of Cobh Pirates and graciously thanked them of behalf of the organisation.

Summer Tag
The club enjoyed another summer tag series this year, culminating on the last Saturday of August. Played over 4 Monday nights, hundreds of children aged 6 to 12 enjoyed playing tag rugby, some as an introduction to the sport and others as more experienced hands in preparation for the new season. The weather Gods were in the club's favour again on the last day, where all the teams took part in the knock out stages. Newly appointed Club Juvenile chairman Mr Liam Hughes addressed the 250+ children and parents present. Liam highlighted the club's objectives of ensuring that all the children enjoy the same attention and game time while developing the skills of the game, most importantly having fun in doing so. He went on to say, "The increased numbers attending the very successful Summer Camp and the recent Tag Finals is testament to the popularity of the sport and indeed, to the facilities offered at Pirates. Again, a sincere thanks to the parents for making this possible, and a request to continue your efforts to ensure that future success is possible.
With Paul O'Connell and Donnacha O'Callaghan moving on, future Munster stars are needed, and with your continued support, we will certainly try our best create them!"

Team Building Day
In recent weeks the adult men's squads enjoyed a team building day in the NMCI in Ringaskiddy, Cork. Throughout the day the lads were educated on topics such as sea survival and damage control, exercises which sea-farers worldwide have to be proficient in. When the lectures came to a halt it was time to practice what they had learned in the fantastic facilities in the college. The life like and realistic environments and situations the players were exposed to demanded a team approach to achieve the objectives as set out in each scenario. The Pirates simulated jumping form a high platform in to the sea, surviving as a group in the water and entering a life raft in sea like conditions. The also took part in a controlled damage-control exercise, which is not for the faint hearted but thankfully they were able to keep the ship afloat. Cobh Pirates would like to thank the extremely professional staff in the NMCI for their time and attention to detail throughout the day.

This season Pirates are introducing rugby training for U13 girls on Wednesday nights. U13s can also take part in mini rugby training and matches alongside the boys on Saturdays. New members are very welcome in all three age groups: U18s, U15s, and U13s.

Training: Wednesdays 7.00pm to 8.30pm

Cobh Pirates Ladies (over 18s) train on a Tuesday at 7.30pm. New members are welcome.

Over the past number of years, Cobh Pirates, supported by the Munster Rugby Development Officers, has run a number of different programmes in local primary and secondary schools. This season the club is aiming to run an extensive programme of schools rugby and are looking for volunteers to coach in the schools throughout the season. Schools Rugby is non-contact (touch/tag) and skills are introduced through a variety of fun games and activities.

Old Crescent RFC – Courtesy of Frank Larkin, Club PRO

1^st Team
After a successful pre-season build up, Old Crescent RFC opened the Ulster Bank League (UBL) campaign with an away fixture against Tullamore RFC last Saturday afternoon. This season the UBL is divided into five divisions of ten teams who will play each other both home and away. The UBL campaign this season will therefore consist of 18 games compared to just 15 UBL games last season.

The match was played on a pitch which has been recently re-sodded pitch and had a deep covering of grass which made for difficult conditions underfoot. Tullamore opened the scoring with a converted penalty three minutes after the kick off. Crescent narrowly missed a penalty attempt ten minutes later, and the next score 25 minutes into the game was a Tullamore penalty followed by another penalty conversion five minutes later to put the home side nine points in front.

Shane O'Brien was successful with a Crescent penalty about five minutes before half time, and on the stroke of half time Tullamore replied with a fourth penalty to leave the home side 12 point to 3 in front at half time. Crescent had played a lot of rugby in the first half but some handling lapses at vital moments meant Crescent had very little to show for it.

The game was evenly balanced for most of the second half, with both sides showing early season nerves, but Crescent did narrow the gap early in the second half with a successful penalty conversion kicked by Shane O'Brien.

The magic moment in the game came with about five minutes remaining, when, after Crescent forward pressure brought us them to the Tullamore 22, the back line made a decisive break with Brian Toughy sending Kevin Meade clear to cross the Tullamore line for a precious try. The vital conversion was kicked by Larry Hanly to put Crescent narrowly in front for the first time in the game with a few minutes remaining. Crescent defended strongly for those last few minutes to secure the narrow win.

The team's 'never say die' attitude secured us a vital away win when it looked like the only consolation would be a losing bonus point. Crescent now face Navan RFC (who had a big win over Sligo RFC last Saturday) in the first home UBL game of the season in Rosbrien next Saturday.

2^nd Team
The Seconds team took on UL Bohemian in Annacotty in a Transfield Cup clash last Sunday. 20 minutes into the game, Barry Neville kicked a penalty to put Old Crescent in front. Bohs replied with a converted try 20 minutes later, and they scored a second converted try to put them 14 points to 3 in front. Crescent scored a penalty just on half time to leave the score UL Bohs 14 Crescent 6 at the break.

UL Bohs scored a third unconverted try early in the second half to put them 19 points to 6 in front. This seemed to energise the Old Crescent side who played much better in the second half. Crescent scored a third penalty and followed that up with a converted try scored by Stephen O'Shea, to narrow the gap to just three points. Crescent pressed hard right to the end and were unlucky not to get over the UL Bohs line in the last play of the game.

Upcoming Fixtures
After the win away to Tullamore last weekend, the Old Crescent 1st XV will be looking to make it two wins from two when they entertain Navan this Saturday in the first home Ulster Bank League match this season.

It promises to be a super family day out as Old Crescent RFC pulls out all the stops to ensure our supporters will get to see our UBL match at 4.30pm as well as Ireland's opening World Cup game versus Canada on big screens in the marquee. The day kicks off with an underage blitz starting at 1 o'clock and there will be hotdogs, burgers and all sorts on offer. Full program for the day:
1.00pm to 2.00pm – Underage Blitz
2.00pm. Pre match lunch in clubhouse, details from Don O'Malley 087 2596886.
2.30pm. Ireland v Canada on TV in the clubhouse and on big screens in marquee
4.30pm. Ulster Bank League: Old Crescent RFC v Navan RFC

The full list of confirmed fixtures for this weekend for the Club are as follows: 1st XV – Ulster Bank League – Old Crescent vs Navan, Rosbrien at 4.30pm, Saturday, 19th September. 2nd XV – Old Crescent vs Nenagh, away at 1pm on Sunday, 20th September. Under 20 XV will play in the Solomon Frost Festival in Highfield, Cork with the first match kicking off at 11am on Saturday, 19th September. Our Under 20's will also play Thomond RFC at home in Rosbrien on Tuesday evening, 22nd September at 7.30pm.