After the disappointment of our trip to Duncannon last week, it was great to
get back to winning ways in Coonagh last Saturday. Indeed it turned out to be a
very satisfying weekend for our adult sides in competitive action with the
seniors, seconds and U/20’s recording very important victories in their
respective competitions.
The priority for the seniors was to get the AIB league challenge back on track
and despite Glaswegians taking a first half lead, it always looked as if we had
the capability to secure the all important win, Although the weather conditions
on the day were an improvement on our previous outings in Coonagh, the almost
constant rainfall for the last number of weeks ensured that the pitch would be
heavy and not conducive to our style of play. It may have contributed to the
fact that at times we struggled to convert possession into points and it took a
big effort to secure the winning scores. The team showed several changes from our
loss up North and although not lining out for the first time this season, Mushy
and Donnacha Ryan were welcome additions along with Alan Quinlan, with all
three contributing handsomely to the win. Captaining the seniors for the first
time in place of the injured Birthday boy Dave Quinlan seemed to suit Seanie
Cronin, and his excellent display rallied the troops. Colm Mc Mahon was barely
on the pitch 30 seconds when his charge over the line resulted in our first try
in the second half and then Stephen Kelly’s speed ensured we claimed the four
points on offer. While there were a few contenders for AIB man of the match,
the decision to award the accolade to Phil O’Connor was absolutely correct.
Never a flashy player, Phil gets on with whatever he has to do, and quite often
his work rate isn’t appreciated by onlookers.
Two points behind Cork Con at this stage of the season isn’t all that bad. Five
games remaining in the league means that we are entering the most crucial stage
of the campaign. It’s only a pity that those five games will be over a
protracted period of time, but the break in action this week is certainly
welcome.
Prior to the senior game, the U/20’s took to the Well field to resume their AIL
crusade. Highfield provided the opposition and despite putting up a spirited
display, the
It’s a win that keeps the pressure on leaders UCC who travel to Coonagh on
Saturday in their final game, but we will have one more game afterwards. A win
would close the 7 point gap and a further win in the final game against UL/Bohs
would ensure top spot, but for the moment all concentration focuses on UCC.
Kick off in Coonagh this Saturday is at 2.30 and although in conflict with the
international, we urge everyone to support the lads.
On Sunday the Seconds advanced to the next round of the junior cup with a merited
win over Bruff. 19-8 was the final score with all our points coming in the
first half. Our lack of scoring opportunities throughout the second period was
probably a combination of things, but a high penalty count against us did
contribute in no small measure. However, the first half saw display was enough
to see off a plucky Bruff side who always poised a threat. Not content with
arty for the seniors, Colm Mc Mahon scored our opener after Les Hogan created
the space and when Mark Tuohy powered over to gibe us a comfortable 14 point
margin after fifteen minute sit looked as if we would have a comfortable
afternoon. Bruff though will never capitulate and they played their way right
back into the game, but all they had to show for their efforts was a penalty.
Diarmuid Sheridan stretched our lead on the stroke of half time with a fine
individual effort and the early signs of an easy victory returned, but Bruff’s
second half effort ensured we could rest easy until the final whistle. Given
the second half circumstances it was a good first time cup outing for the lads
and they will certainly improve as they hopefully progress in the competition.
The thirds had a friendly game against Bruff on Saturday and were unlucky to
lose out, however the main positive was that there were 25 players given that
they haven’t played for a while.
The U/18’s were effectively knocked out of contention for the league with a
very narrow loss away to Newcastlewest. Despite tries from Martin Casey and
Rory Murphy it wasn’t enough to prevent the 15-13 loss. This Sunday they play
UL/Bohs in Coonagh at 12.15.
The U/14’s scored a big win over Ennis to keep up their impressive league form
while the U/16’s lost out to
Other underage fixtures this Sunday sees the U/8’s host a blitz and the U/9’s
travelling to play Ballina-Killaloe. The U/14’s host Newcastlewest in a
friendly and the U/13s play Bruff at 11.30 also in Coonagh.
Andrew Mc Namara
Shannon RFC PRO,
amcnamara@eircom.net
087 2717163
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