Club Notes: Week Ending 25.09.15

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

Click here for Old Crescent Notes

Click here for Waterford City Notes

Old Crescent RFC – Courtesy of Frank Larkin, Club PRO

1^st Team
Our first home UBL game of the season took place in Rosbrien last Saturday when we hosted Navan RFC. With our new entrance nearing completion, the club grounds never looked better thanks to the hard work over the summer of our grounds committee led by Dermot McGovern.

With our senior team having one of the most successful starts to the season in many years, there was a festival atmosphere in Rosbrien last Saturday. An under age blitz took place before the Ireland Canada game was shown in the clubhouse and this was followed by the late kick off of our UBL game. Navan had a big home win in their opening UBL game a week ago, beating Sligo by 54 points to 10, so we were expecting a stiff contest.

Both sides traded penalties in the first few minutes, Crescent's kicked by Larry Hanly, before Navan got in for a converted try with 15 minutes gone to go 10-3 in front. Crescent wasted no time in replying and Brendan Guilfoyle got in for an unconverted try three minutes later.

This was followed on the half hour by another unconverted Crescent try scored by our Captain, Cathal O'Reilly, to put us in front for the first time in the game. There was no further scoring in the first half and Crescent went into the break leading by 13 points to 10.

The early part of the second half was evenly divided with both teams having chances to score. However, relentless pressure by the Crescent pack finally told midway through the second half when Seagan Gleeson crashed over for a try which was converted by Larry Hanly to put Crescent 10 points clear. Crescent went in search of the bonus point try and spent the final ten minutes of the game deep in the Navan half. With a bit more patience it might have come but it wasn't to be and Crescent had to settle for a comfortable victory by 20 points to 10.

In a new departure, the 'Man of the Match' was chosen by the players themselves, and No 7 Cian Reale (pictured right) was named the Old Crescent RFC 'Man of the Match'. The Man of the Match award is sponsored by Camden Square, Crescent Shopping Centre. Tevito Tali Toia was chosen as Man of the Match in the previous week's game against Tullamore.

U20s
Our Under 20's travelled to Cork last Saturday to participate in the inaugural Solomon Frost Under 20 Cup, involving Highfield, Naas and Old Crescent, members of the Frost family being heavily involved in each Club over the years. Old Crescent was ably represented by our Past President Eddie Frost and former captain George Frost.

With each match 20 minutes a side, there was no time to waste in our first game against Highfield. However, against a very big Highfield pack and a lively back line, we struggled to get into the game and were under pressure form the start – in a game with a very large number of scrums, and resets, resulting from errors from both sides, probably reflecting a bit of early season match rustiness, this did not really suit us and gave Highfield the platform to play from and this led to an early score and conversion for Highfield to lead by 7-0.

To our credit we improved our performance in the second half and although the game continued to be loose and ragged, we did not secure enough possession or territory. With the final kick of the game, Highfield dropped a goal to secure a 10-0 victory.

In the second game, despite a good start by Highfield who led by 7-0, a lively Naas side led by their scrum half, who was ultimately the player of the tournament, ripped apart the tiring Highfield team, to set up the third game with ourselves. For this game we were considerably more focussed and our hunger and direction was evident as Andrew Harrison put in a massive hit on the Naas centre (most certainly 'hit of the tournament) and this energised the team.

Although this match was for some reason only 15 minutes a side, on 10 minutes, Niall Hardiman mauled off a line out drive to score a try, which we were unable to convert. Two early penalties by Conor Lenihan had us chasing the game to lead by 11-0 (as a win and scoring more than 19 points would have given us outright victory in the tournament), but despite great breaks by Sean Fitzgerald and Luke O'Connell, we were unable to penetrate their line again and with the shorter game time, the additional score proved elusive, with Naas holding on to lose the game, but win the tournament. Our thanks go to the Frost family and to host club Highfield for a most enjoyable day's rugby and for their hospitality in the clubhouse afterwards.

Old Crescent's Under 20's continued on their winning ways with a comprehensive win over Thomond in a North Munster Under 20 League clash in Rosbrien last Tuesday evening. We started brightly and the players were clearly intent on showing the management team their much needed improvement in this area after the tournament last weekend. The first declaration of our intent was a break up the centre from Sean Naughton, leading to a try after eight minutes by Val McDemott, converted by Conor Lenihan. Shortly afterwards a super kick through by Eoin Ryan secured a line out near the Thomond line and with Val entering the line from full back, Conor dotted down, but failed with the conversion, his only miss of the evening when he kicked impeccably.

Shortly after that we had the try of the night. Thomond thought they had cleared their lines, when Val took a quick throw in to himself and then from 40 metres completed a jinking run past 4-5 defenders to score by the posts. Thomond came back into the game for the next 10-15 minutes and although they did not score, due to good defence by Old Crescent. A further break by Sean led to a try by our new star winger, Gavin Hogan, who bagged another before half time as did Sean.

Thus at half time the contest was effectively over, but our players drove on, with Sean Fitzgerald making a telling break from the restart with good support from Eoin Ryan to secure the first score of the second half. Straight from the kick-off Val ran in almost untouched by the posts and now with an abundance of possession and tired Thomond limbs, Sean Hensey got on the scoreboard after another break by Sean Fitz.

Thomond tried to conjure something tangible and a scrum on our 25 metre line saw their No 8 break off the scrum and score their only try of the night. Following a further quiet period, we finished off the game with two long range tries, the first from Andrew Harrison after a movement started at half way and then our final score of the night coming from Cathal Egan-O'Brien supporting another break from Val. Gavin Hogan and Sean Naughton were selected as joint Men of the Match for their strong performances in the backline.

Upcoming Fixtures
Old Crescent RFC's senior team travels to Kanturk next Saturday for an away UBL game against Kanturk RFC kicking off at 2.30pm. Old Crescent lost this fixture on a miserable day in Kanturk last year and we will be hoping for a better result this time. A limited number of seats are available on a bus leaving from the Old Crescent clubhouse at 11.30am sharp next Saturday morning. Contact Club Secretary Paul Donnellan to book your seat.

In under age news, the annual John O'Riordan Memorial Tournament for Under 11's will take place next Sunday morning in Rosbrien.

Newcastle West RFC – Courtesy of Martin O'Sullivan, Club PRO

First XV – Munster Junior League Div 1 Kicks Off
And so it begins. It seems like a lifetime ago since our last league game but once again we stand on the edge of a new season. Pre-season has gone well and the lads are looking forward to getting the league campaign underway. There isn't long to wait as we embark on our journey this Sunday with a trip to St Marys. Always a tough place to go and we're under no illusion that this will be no different. Our supporters have been magnificent with their willingness to travel and shout on the lads and we hope we can rely on them again this season. So here we go again. Another season of rugby to look forward to. Join us on the journey.

Fixture details: St Marys RFC v Newcastle West RFC, Sunday Sept 27^th @ 2.30pm.

Mini Rugby season has begun. New Volunteers & Players needed.
The 2015/16 season has kicked off in full and all children wishing to partake in rugby should join their age group. All our mini rugby training for teams u6 – u12 is every Sunday 10:30 to 11:30 and 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 next Sun 27-Sep-2015 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.

Latest Mini fixtures to hand for next 2 weeks

Latest Youth fixtures to hand for next 2 weeks

Lotto
Results from Friday September 18^th draw

Numbers Drawn 1, 2, 9 & 26 – NO WINNER

Lucky Dip Winners
Ger O'Sullivan, c/o Ballygowan
Syd McCoy, c/o Ballygowan
Melanie Mulcahy, Killeedy
Kate Ryan, c/o Pat Ryan
Margaret Moran, Beechwood Avenue
Liam Cremin, c/o The Silver Dollar
Denis Murphy, Pallas Foods
Promotors Prize – Mickey Lane

Next week's draw will be in Lee's Bar on Friday September 25^th. The jackpot stands at €10,800

Bruff RFC – Courtesy of Seamus Sheahan, Club PRO

UBL Game 2
Tullamore were the visitors to Killballyowen on Saturday for round 2 of the UBL. Tullamore came into the game on the back of a narrow 13-12 home defeat to Old Crescent with Bruff coming off the back of a bonus point victory over Dundalk. Last season's meeting in the mid-lands was probably the game of the season with Tullamore coming out on top 24-23 thanks to a late try from their tight head prop Ger Molloy.

Bruff made one change for this game with Graham Whelan coming onto the wing for the injured Mark Cosgrove. Brian Cahill took Whelan's place on the bench and Keith Laffan also came onto the bench to replace Stephen Foster who picked up an injury at training during the week.

Bruff started brightly and looked like scoring 5 minutes into the game but were penalised inside the Tullamore 22 for an infringement at the ruck which allowed the visitors to clear their lines. On 9 minutes Bruff were awarded a kickable penalty after a great kick chase from the Bruff back three but were unlucky to see the Tony Cahill's effort come back off the left upright. On 15 minutes Tullamore made a telling visit to the Bruff 22 and were awarded a penalty which was converted to make it 0-3 to the Co. Offaly men. Bruff levelled on 27 minutes with a penalty from Tony Cahill to make it 3-3. It was obvious at this stage that the result was going to be tight, as it was last season, and who ever scored next was going to have the advantage. Tullamore very nearly took that advantage on 33 minutes. The Tullamore backs moved the ball wide and their winger showed a clean pair of heals and was heading to the corner flag until Bruff fullback Brendan Deady made a last gasp try saving tackle to keep the visitors out. Bruff cleared their lines and on 40 minutes converted a second penalty to make it 6-3 at half time.

Tullamore started well in the second half and their pressure was rewarded on 43 minutes when they got in for a converted try to make it 6-10. Bruff didn't panic and on 50 minutes scored a try under the Tullamore posts. A solid Bruff scrum set the platform for the backs to move the ball from left to right with full back Brendan Deady hitting the line at speed to touch down for the 5 pointer which Tony Cahill converted. Cahill kicked two more penalties on 55 & 65 minutes to make it 19-10 to Bruff with just 15 minutes remaining. But Tullamore struck again on 70 minutes with an unconverted try which made for a nail biting finish. With just four points between the teams Bruff pushed hard and won a penalty straight in front of the visitor's posts. Player coach Mikey Carrol executed a perfectly timed counter ruck which forced Tullamore to concede the penalty. Cahill made no mistake and took Bruff's advantage to 7 points with only a few minutes remaining. Tullamore have proven in the past that they are a team that play to the death and nearly sneaked in with the last play of the game only for some great scramble defence from the Bruff backs.
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Team 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 Graham Whelan 15 Brenan Deady 16 Cillian Rea 17 Keith Laffan 18 Neilus Keogh 19 Brian Cahill 20 Liam Treacy

The seniors travel to Navan this weekend for round 3 of the League. Navan had a big opening day victory over Sligo followed by defeat last weekend to Old Crescent. KO is 2.30pm in the Balreask Old Grounds

2nds Defeat Shannon in Cracker
The 2nds gave an impressive performance on Sunday to overcome Shannon on a score-line of 39-34. Bruff had try's from Brian Cahill, James McCarthy, Liam Treacy and Eamon O Dea. The try of the game came from prop forward Shane Breen who showed some great skills before dotting down for the score. Brian Cahill and Richie McAuliffe shared kicking duties on the day converting 14 points between them.

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 10:30 am Youth Rugby (Age Grade 13 – 18) will Start at 11:30 am every Sunday morning. Please also ensure that all players turn up with gum shields or they may not be permitted to play.

Waterford City RFC – Courtesy of Deirdre Barry, Club PRO

WCRFC Senior Squad
No matches for WCRFC senior squad this weekend. Some of the senior players filled their time by helping coach and train with the mini's teams on Sunday morning (see below).

Next Sunday the 27^th, Waterford City take on Newport in their first league game of the 2015-2016 season. Waterford City travel away to Newport and kick off for this game is 2.30pm. All support is welcome.

Mini's Rugby
A great session was had with the Minis (U7 – U12) players in Kilbarry last Sunday morning. There was a good turnout and fortunately the weather held up. The big news however, was the presence of the senior players who had a day off from playing duties and decided to lend a hand with the regular coaches. The kids were delighted to have some of their heroes along, and who knows in a few short years from now we may have some of their talent in the senior ranks.

A big thank you to senior coach Peter Jones for setting the wheels in motion and making the day such a success and Paul O Reilly our Mini's rugby co-ordinator.

Date for your diaries
Sunday October 4th is our first blitz of the season when we host Tramore and Clonmel with k.o. at 10:30. Parents – don't forget to bring catering for après-match.

Fixtures for weekend 26^th/27^th September
Seniors – Newport V Waterford City – Newport, K.O. 2.30pm – 27/09/2015
U18s – Douglas-Carrigaline V Waterford City – K.O. 1.30pm – 26/09/2015
U16s – Youghal V Waterford City – Youghal, K.O. 11.00am – 27/09/2015
U14s – Fethard & District V Waterford City – K.O. 11.00am – 27/09/2015