Shannon Notes September 29th 2007

 

It’s great to be starting the notes so early in the season writing about winning silverware lets hope it will continue.

The seconds are the first team to be inscribed on the 2007/08 roll of honour after their superb performance in the Transfield Cup final last Sunday. Although the competition may well be regarded as a minor competition these days, it’s still a great way to start the season, not only for the seconds, but for the club in general. UL/Bohs have provided stiff opposition at second’s grade over the last few seasons, and Sunday’s final was no different. It was they that started much better and crossed the try line as early as the 5th minute. Even allowing for the fact that they were playing with the stiffish breeze, early indications were that we could be in for a torrid afternoon, but gradually the lads became accustomed to the requirements of the game. Despite having a lack of sustainable possession we did draw level with an exquisite try from Richie Mullane to which a huge contribution came from Mark Tuohy. It was a short lived parity however as we went behind first to a penalty and then to a try which came more from our lack of communication than anything else. But again, there was no panic buttons pushed and the lads began to command and dictate the game as the first half entered the closing stages. Tadgh Bennett was to be a big influence on the remainder of proceedings and with his penalty we headed into the break at 15-10 in arrears. Not an insurmountable lead by any means, especially with the elements in our favour. Such was the convincing Shannon performance in the second half, UL/Bohs were held, by and large in their own half of the field throughout the second 40. Mark Tuohy drew us level with a well earned try and it was newcomer Dave Barry who gained us the all important lead with a typical snipping scrumhalf try. A conversion and two further penalties from Tadgh ensured captain Alan Kennedy took possession of the cup for the tenth time in the clubs history. No one in the seconds will get carried away with this early success, but nonetheless it’s a good indication of what the lads are capable of.

Four newcomers to the club started their Shannon careers with silverware, Paddy and Leonard O’Sullivan, Dave Barry and Joey Moran all played in the game and I’m sure they’ll be learning The Isle soon. 

The Thirds began the defence of the Gleeson league with a hard fought win over a tenacious St Mary’s side by a scoreline or 14-8. It’s probably no bad thing that the thirds got a tough opener in the league as it will give them a clear indication that they are there to be dethroned and that the other competing clubs will raise their own standards when playing them. It was a difficult opening half and St Mary’s held us scoreless, but a more productive half followed. First Mike Flood crossed the line after a great break by Stephen Garvey, who put in a superb performance along with his centre partner Stephen O’Brien. It was a settling score and our pack began to up the tempo. Mark Adams was on hand to get the second try after the pack laid the platform and  Two excellent conversions by Graham Culliton brought the score to 14 points and with it a satisfactory start to the campaign. Next up is Old Crescent next Saturday in Rosbrien at 12pm.

The U/20’s disappointingly lost to UL/Bohs in the North Munster league by 21-25 in Coonagh last Saturday. It was one of those games where things didn’t click, but this was a game with plenty to get frustrated over. An unusually high penalty count against the lads led to certain aspects of frustration, but in fairness half of them were justified. Again it’s early season rugby for the 20’s and there’s plenty of room for improvement. The have no game this week

The seniors had a good workout against Young Munster last Saturday prior to this weekends Munster senior cup game. Jason Cronin had a good day at hooker and crossed for two tries, while Andrew Finn, David Quinlan and Tadgh Bennett also successfully crossed the try line. It’s a long trip to Clonakilty on Saturday for a 2.30 start in the Cup where no doubt a very difficult game awaits.

The U15’s had another comprehensive win in the league while the Under 13s began their League campaign with an emphatic 40-12 victory over Ennis. Tries from Tim Sheahan, Andrew Cusack, Coarie O'Keeffe, Russell Msakwa (2) and Jack Kearney were added to by five conversions by Captain Ronan McKenna.  Our forwards played particularly well, having a distinct advantage over Ennis at the set piece. This week they continue the league with a home game against Garryowen while the only other underage fixture sees the U/18’s begin their league against Richmond.  

 

Andrew Mc Namara

Shannon RFC PRO

087 2717163

amcnamara@eircom.net

 

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