Shannon Notes November 17^th 2007

 

Another Local AIB league encounter and another win notched up. It was far from a classic free flowing game of rugby, but our victory over UL/Bohs was enough entertainment in itself for our supporters. A hard fought and tense game was the offering of the day and despite the 16-6 final score, we could never rest easy. UL/Bohs are a fine side with plenty of adventure and enterprise and they were well capable of coming from behind if the lads’ concentration slipped at any stage. But it didn’t and a composed and mature performance is probably how best to describe the game plan deployed for the day. A very good first half was rounded off exquisitely when Stephen Kelly scorched over for a try in injury time which was added to by Andrew Thompson to give us a 13-3 lead at the interval. Despite having the upper hand we could add only a Tadhg Bennett drop goal in the second half, but it was enough. Mossy Lawlor made a very welcome return after a lengthy spell on the treatment table and was his usual dynamic self. Another to make a return from injury was Donnacha Ryan who came off the bench in the second half. Neil Ronan has fitted extremely well into the club and his commanding performance earned him the AIB man of the match. It was a good win but realistically it’s only part three of a fifteen match programme, which continues this Saturday when we travel to Clontarf. A supporters coach will be heading to Clontarf leaving Thomond Park at 9.30  and any wishing to avail of the €10 fare can contact Tadhg Crowe on 087 6524958.

The seconds bounced back with a 36-8 victory over Highfield after defeat last week in the Munster league. It was as comprehensive as the scoreline suggests and even allowing for the quality of the opposition, it was an excellent performance. Among the try scores was Colm Mc Mahon who crossed twice. The seconds have no game this weekend. The U/20’s had to reverse a six nil deficit at half time in order to beat Garryowen in the AIL despite having plenty of try scoring opportunities throughout the first half. The second half was, however a different story. Keith Ellis crossed early and then Martin Stanten came up with the ball after his forward colleagues created the opportunity. It was a just reward for an excellent game from Martin. By this stage the lads were in control throughout the field and a bonus point was their aim. It came when Darren Horan crossed for his second try of the game and that was the result well and truly beyond doubt. The game finished 32 -6 in our favour. It’s a big game this Saturday for the lads when they face Young Munster in Coonagh at 2.30. I would urge anyone who isn’t going to Dublin to get out to Coonagh to support the lads.

The thirds played and beat Old Crescent by 26-20 in a friendly last Saturday. William Dalton scored his  first try for Shannon after 5 years, but in fairness he hadn’t being playing rugby in those years .It’s great to see a former underage players back playing rugby and another of those is Dave Brouder who also scored a try . Another friendly for the thirds this week sees them travel to St Senans in Shannon at 12.30.

The U/18’s had a great win over Garryowen by 29-10 while the U/13’s helped themselves to four tries in a 24-0 victory over UL/Bohs. First on the score sheet was winger Evan Fitzgerald who touched down after 5 minutes and then Greg O’Shea went under the posts. Mark Mc Kenna’s conversion made it 12 nil at half time and with Jack Dineen crossing and another by Greg O’Shea it made for a comprehensive win and performance from the lads. 

Finally an EGM has been called for the club members in order to discuss the executive committee’s proposals for the redevelopment of our Clubhouse in Thomond Park. All members are invited to attend the Woodfield House Hotel on Thursday 29^th of November at 8pm.

 

Andrew Mc Namara

Shannon RFC PRO

087 2717163

amcnamara@eircom.net

 

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