There’s probably no better way to get back into
winning ways than an emphatic away win in the AIB league. What was asked for by
the management was a backlash to counteract our unexpected defeat to St Mary’s
and the players certainly delivered against a very plucky Lansdowne side. The
45-19 win was to mean reflection of the game and it was only in the last play
of the game that the home side crossed our line after thoughts drifted to the
Christmas night out that was to follow. It would be an injustice to Lansdowne
to say that we had it all our own way; they played extremely well in the first
half and on a couple of occasions were kept from scoring only by a good
defence. However the damage was inflicted in a patient fashion and the moments
either side of the break probably decided the outcome. After a ding song
exchange of penalties, David Quinlan burrowed over in first half injury time
fro the first of our five tries and when Lansdowne were reduced to fourteen men
the lads punished them , and harshly at that. Two text book mauls both from
lineouts had the home side in tatters and Sean Cronin and Colm Mc Mahon went
over. Sean added anointer before Stephen capped it all off with a brilliant
intercept try from halfway. Indeed had the referee not hauled him back on here
occasions in the first half for dubious forward passes Stephen would no doubt
have scored a few more. There were more than a few good performances on the
day. Tadgh Bennett’s 20 point haul was magnificent missing only one difficult
kick from eight attempts. Mushy made a welcome return and was his usual
influential self while Colm Mc Mahon , playing his first senior game of the
season, demonstrated that he still has so much to offer at this level, but for
many Leonard Mullane was the outstanding player on view. Not in a flashy
or show stopping way but he went about
his business in a ruthless manner and absolutely nothing went passed him. I’m
sure his watching Grandparents Frankie and Violet were immensely proud,
especially when he was joined on the pitch by his younger brother Richie . It
was a first ever AIB league game for the U/20 player and he acquitted himself
very well for the 25 minutes he was on the pitch. It’s great to see that time
and time again our U/20 players are proving that they have the ability to step
up senior level. I’m not sure on this
one , but I suspect it was the first tome that the impressive RDS heard the
dulcet tones of Frankie belting out the Isle. A special mention to our loyal support
that braved the harsh wintry elements. It’s a support always greatly appreciated by the players. It was a great
way to round off our 2007 AIB run and lying just a point behind leaders Cork
Con we are set up nicely for the run in. However it’s not the end of our rugby
for 2007;the Munster Senior cup final takes place on the 29th of
December and a win in that would certainly bring the Festive Cheer. Highfield
are the opposition and while most would see us as favourites going into the
game , no one amongst the senior side will take anything for granted. Probably
more than any team we will play, Highfield will have an in-depth knowledge of
the way we tick with Geoff Moylan and Ducky Brennan at the helm. Geoff’s three
year tint as our senior coach brought about
2 All Ireland league titles, three Munster senior cups, a three Munster
senior league’s, so he knows well what it takes to win trophies and there’s no
doubt he will have instilled some of this in his Highfield players. Highfield
will come out all guns blazing and we are certainly expecting a tough game . A
supporters coach is leaving Thomond Park at 11am for the game and Tadhg Crowe
can be contacted on 087 6524958.
The thirds have one more friendly game before the new year
when they play St Mary’s this Saturday in Coonagh at 1pm and at underage the
U/14’s play Richmond and the U/13’s play Clanwilliam on Sunday. Both games in
Coonagh.
The first of our new Lotto draws will take place on the 3rd
of January and we would hope that everyone will support this endeavour.
And so ends our final Club Notes of 2007. 2008 Will be an
exciting time both on and off the field .Two developments , in Coonagh and
Andrew Mc Namara
087 2717163
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