It may not have been as comprehensive as many had predicted
prior to the game, but Saturday’s AIB league victory over Old Belvedere was a
great way to start this season’s league campaign. The lads may well have been a
little disappointed in them selves afterwards but a win is a win. Things may
not have clicked on the pitch as we may have wished for and that was probably
the main disappointment, but when the final placings are decided in over six
months time what will be registered as the result in the first game is a win
for
After a drop goal by Old Belvedere we could and should have
been awarded a try, but from his position the referee was unsighted and Fergal
Walsh’s effort went unrewarded. Tommy popped over his final effort, but that
was with 12 minutes remaining and what followed in those tense minutes was a
great effort from the lads. The final whistle may well have brought relief and
with it the all important win. Apart from the result there were plenty of
positives to be gleaned from the game. WE had three payers starting the AIB
league for
We had a reasonable support from the usual suspects and it
was appreciated by the lads. Hopefully as the games progress the supporter’s
bus will expand its passenger list.
Garryowen are the next on the agenda this Saturday in
Dooradoyle and I don’t think anyone needs further motivation for this game from
either club. The current AIB league champions may well have been on the losing
side in the Senior cup game, but the chance to atone that result has come
quickly. Our last trip to Dooradoyle turned out to be an epic with a last gasp
win for us in the league semi final two years ago and a replication will do
very nicely. Hopefully this fixture is well supported from both clubs.
Our U/20’s had yet another big win in the South western
conference of the AIL. Corinthians were no match for our lads and the facile
57-3 result reflected the proceedings. The quality of opposition may not have
been as strong as we would have hoped for, but all the lads can do is play
what’s in front of them. They did play well, but there’s still plenty of room
for improvement. Big wins such as these may well give a false sense of well
being, but the astute coaches will ensure complacency doesn’t set in. In fact
with several injured players slowly regaining fitness, everyone will have to be
on their toes. Marcus O’Driscoll was a player to stand out crossing the line on
three occasions while captain for the day Martin Staunton gave his usual
bullish performance and scored the games final try. As said before, bigger
tasks lay ahead and this Saturday’s first away game with Galwegians will
certainly be one of those.
The Thirds unfortunately suffered their second defeat in
the Gleeson league at the hands of Young Munster by the narrowest of margins. A
controversial separated two evenly matched teams after we lead 10-6 at the
break. Without several key players including captain Mark O’Brien it was always
going to be an uphill struggle against the cookies. Paul Ryan crossed for his
fifth try of the season with Tony Hall adding to the score with a conversion
and penalty. Our reign as holders of Gleeson league is now hanging by a thread,
but the management are confident that they can turn this situation around. If
they are to however, nothing less tan a win over unbeaten Thomond this Saturday
will suffice. Kick off in Woodview is scheduled for 2.30.
At underage the U/15’s recorded a big win over
Newcastlewest while the U/12’s had a good day in the Bruff hosted Keating memorial
blitz. After losing in an earlier round they went on to secure victory in the
plate competition.
The only underage fixtures this week sees the U/15’s away
to
The senior ladies side host Cooke in the AIL on Sunday in
Coonagh at 1.30.
Andrew Mc Namara
087 2717163
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