Those that missed last Saturday’s senior cup quarter final
with Garryowen missed out on an exciting and entertaining cup tie it was a
typical local derby with very little between the two sides. Both teams contributed
handsomely to the entertainment factor and while it may well have been cup
rugby, but both sides showed a willingness to play stylish rugby. The advantage
swung like a pendulum throughout after Andrew Finn opened the scoring with a
try. Andrew Thompson’s 14 point haul was a big factor in the result which was
in doubt right up to the final whistle. Even when Pat O’Connor slotted over a
drop goal deep in injury time to extend the lead to six points, the nerves were
still jangling. Such is Garryowen’s strength and ability; we couldn’t rest easy
until the final whistle blew after over nine minutes of injury time.
I don’t think Garryowen will feel hard done by, we did
deserve our win, but with one eye on next weeks AIB league clash, it’s a
victory that won’t swell the heads of the lads. Indeed, it will refocus their
minds as they are only to well aware that a fine team like Garryowen will be
out to avenge this particular victory. There’s no doubting that the AIB league
is the ultimate goal, but our pedigree in the senor cup over the last ten years
or so ensures that it’s a competition we are still hungry for. Cork Cons are
our semi final opponents which takes place in
The U/20’s opened their All Ireland League campaign with a
big win over Thomond in Coonagh last Saturday. Although the 41-10 final score
may indicate a one sided affair, it was far from it, especially in the first
half. It was a sluggish enough start and Thomond were full value for their 10
-5 lead as the first half drew to a close. Dave Barry responded to a Thomond
penalty with a charge down try, but The Soda cakes scored a well deserved
converted try. It wasn’t until the final few minutes of the half that the lads
began to play to their strengths and when they did, they were rewarded with an
excellent try when Cian Desmond crossed for the first of his two. The pace of
the second half increased considerably and Thomond began to find the going
tough. Stephen O’Dwyer’s try got us ahead on the scoreboard and Mike Kinsllea’s
drop goal increased that lead to 10 points.
A further three tries were scored before the end and with a bonus point
system in place in the league, all points secured are vital. The campaign is
long with plenty of stiff challenges ahead, but to get off to a start like we
have is fantastic. This Saturday we have another home tie against Corinthians
with a 2.30 start
Against the same opposition, this time in Woodview the
seconds were made to work really hard for their 18-12 win in the league. They
were forced to come from behind against a dogged and determined Thomond side
that lead 12-6 at the break after scoring two tries to our two Joey Moran
penalties. It wasn’t a case of the lads playing particularly badly but Thomond
were playing to their strengths and allied to a couple of unforced errors , it
meant that they were dictating the pace in the first half. The second half response
from our lads was however much more cohesive and purposeful. A wonderful try
from Joey Moran under the posts gave us a one point lead and although much more
comfortable we didn’t extend the lead for a while. Mark Tuohy’s strong and
incisive running brought the second try and ensured the second win in as many
games for the lads.
No game for the seconds this week.
The thirds were given a walkover last weekend, but return to
action this Saturday when they are at home to Young Munster in the Gleeson league
at 12.30.
Our U/18’s continue their unbeaten run in the league when
they comfortably beat
Its three out of three for the Under 13's following their
24-12 victory over
Andrew Mc Namara
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