It was a mixed bag of results for our sides last weekend with our seniors
and seconds winning, but it was disappointment for both the 20's
and thirds. The seniors managed to reduce Cork Cons lead in the AIB
league to a single point after the five point win over Terenure. Despite the
27-12 scoreline we weren't entirely dominant and even with the strong wind in
our favour in the first half, it wasn't easy to break down a resilient Terenure
side. When the tries did come, they were worth waiting for. It was like the Andrew
Thompson show in the first half as he crossed for two tries, converted both
and scored a penalty which accounted for our 17 nil half time lead. The second
of Tommy’s tries was an exceptional effort and probably stands out as our best
score of the season so far. The amount of players involved, the lines of
running and the slick passing all contributed to the exquisite score. With the
wind a major factor in the game, the 17 point lead was not entirely
insurmountable, but a concerted effort just after the break saw Padraic
O'Brien crash over after another impressive consortium of players were
involved. Ian Dowling was a welcome addition to the side and his almost
constant enthusiasm for work helped punch holes in the defence. Terenure, as
you'd expect came right back at us and two tries in 10 minutes ensured the lads
couldn't rest easily and it took a big effort to keep them at bay for a third
try. However, the battle hardened attitude and the desire to maintain our 100%
home record saw the lads hold tough and play a patient game as they went for
the bonus. Three minutes from time David Quinlan's dive into the corner
gave us that all important extra point after another impressive passage of
play. Many people at this stage of the league would say that we are assured of
a semi final spot, but nothing is taken for granted within the senior camp and
our next game against Dolphin will be crucial in our quest for a home semi.
Crucial games await all the contenders and with several clubs in contention it
will make for a very interesting run in. That game, away to Dolphin has been
moved to Easter Sunday to accommodate
There was major disappointment for our U/20's who crashed out of the
South Western Conference of the AIL after a Young Munster intercept try
separated the sides in Greenfields last Sunday. There has been little between
these sides over the last number of years and Sunday's game was no different.
The lads will concede that they did play below their capabilities, but their
efforts were severely hampered after just 7 minutes of play when the game went
to uncontested scrums after Young Munster registered two injured props in that
short space of time. Not for the first time, against the same opposition, we
had to endure the almost farcical situation for almost 75 minutes of play. If
this is what it takes to gain advancement, than I think the ethos of the game
is compromised. By virtue of the fact that the home side were the only ones to
score, then their victory was deserved and for our U/20's it's a time for
reflection and reassessment.
The Seconds had a comfortable win over Garryowen in the league, but the
result of the game would have no bearing on the outcome of the competition, so
it was more or less a friendly. It was a good workout at a time when we await
our opponents for the quarter final of the junior cup which takes place Sunday
week the 16th March.
Our Thirds bowed out of the Webb Cup in dramatic circumstances. Trailing
UL/Bohs in Annacotty by 19-13 in the dying stages, prop Ger Broderick
was held up over the line and under the posts and a five meter scrum looked
likely, but alas the referee blew the full time whistle.
It was desperately disappointing for the lads whose efforts throughout the game
deserved more. Our Tries came from Paul Ryan and Mike Goode, who were
both outstanding, as were Captain Ger Ryan at scrumhalf and prop Kevin
Flynn. Indeed everyone involved should be proud of their contribution, not
only on Saturday, but throughout the season.
Our U/18's played superbly in a friendly match against St Marys and were
comfortable winners, while the U/16's put in a battling performance
against Ennis but were beaten. Our Under 13s were made to work hard,
before eventually getting the better of Newcastle West in the League .Newcastle
West scored the first try early on in the match, but before half time we had
two tries of our own - one from Jack Dineen which was unconverted, the
other from Joey Purcell which Greg O'Shea converted. In the
second half, centre Conor Burns touched-down with Ronan McKenna
adding the conversion.
Sunday sees the 13's play Kilrush and the U/14's play St Mary's,
both in Coonagh while the U/16's travel to Annacotty.
On Saturday the seniors will be well supported by the U/10's who are
travelling to
Another reminder about the club Lotto. Anyone
who has yet to get involved is encouraged to do so as soon as possible. Direct
debit details and prepayment options are all available and details are up on
the website.