We headed for Terenure last weekend confident of getting a victory, and in
fairness to everyone, no one dared speak of a bonus point. It would have been
enough to come out of the awful conditions with even a narrow victory and while
Terenure may well be rooted firmly to the bottom of the table, nothing was
taken for granted prior to the game. Shannon have often struggled in Terenure
and we expected a dogfight from a side clambering for form and for a while it was
something of a struggle initially, not to the degree of palpitations , but
enough to ensure complacency was not on the agenda. However what followed the
half time break was a 20 minute period which dispelled any lingering doubts of
defeat and propelled us well and truly into the driving seat. And it was only
then that we could contemplate, however tentatively, a bonus point. Our
forwards literally took the game by the scruff of the neck and reminded
everyone that this side possesses the skill, talent and indeed the attitude to
win trophies. Without doubt the headline grabber was Tad Bennett whose personal
contribution of 25 of our 35 points scored added handsomely to his already
impressive tally in the league thus far. With just four games played Tad has
knocked up 71 points already including his two tries last Saturday. It was not
however a one man show by any means and several other players contributed
enormously. David O'Donovan's first half try set us up nicely for what followed
and John O'Connor's effort early in the second half was a just reward for his
superb efforts throughout the game. While Terenure did manage a late try, the
spirit of the side was epitomised directly after that score. Not content with
the win in the deteriorating conditions the lads pushed hard for the forth try
and were duly rewarded as Tad scampered over for his second of the day. The
only negative of the day was John Clogan's shoulder injury sustained late in
the game, but fortunately it's not as bad as first suspected and he should be
back in action in a few weeks. The steady improvement shown by the lads is very
pleasing, but no one is getting carried away with a bonus point win over the
bottom placed side in the league. It's just another stepping stone to where we
want to be and while the league takes a three week break sixth in the place in
the table is more than adequate at this stage. Perhaps the true test of our
progress comes this Saturday when we face our victors in the first AIB league
outing, Blackrock in the AIB cup. Stradbrook was not a happy place to be for us
on the 4th of October and retribution is certainly what we have in mind. Last
week I mentioned that kickoff was at
Saturday was also a great day for the thirds as the maintained their unbeaten
run in the Gleeson league with a 10-8 win over UL/Bohs. A large crowd turned up
for what proved to be a fascinating encounter between two well-drilled sides.
The artic conditions did little to dampen the rugby spirit on an occasion that
proved to be a great advertisement for the ELVs. The thirds were lucky enough
to be well endowed with a large squad and it is clear that this level of rugby
is blossoming. The poor conditions and some tenacious defending by UL/Bohs
accounted for the fact that we registered only a single penalty in the first
half. Bohs responded with a penalty of their own in the second 40, but our lads
were playing exceptionally well, none more so than player coach Tony Flynn and
Jimmy Doran. Both epitomise the spirit within the thirds squad this season.
Tony was rewarded with a fine converted try as time was ticking away and it
looked as if it would be the winner, however Bohs battled hard and were
themselves were rewarded for their admirable approach to the game with a well
worked try in the corner. The conversion would have levelled up the game, but
as it transpired the kick drifted wide and victory was justifiably ours. It's
great to see that this groups effort and work rate is beginning to reap its due
rewards. Next week, stay tuned for the thirds adventures against the highflying
St. Marys who are also unbeaten this season. Kickoff in Corbally on Saturday is
at 2.30.
Both the seconds and the U/20's games were called off due to the weather but
its back to action for both sides this weekend. On Saturday the 20's entertain
Buccaneers in Coonagh at 2.30 and on Sunday the seconds play Cork Constitution
also in Coonagh at 2.30.
At underage the U/15's had a great win over UL/Bohs by 17-7 in the league and
now progress to the semi final which unfortunately may not take place until
after the schools competition in the New Year.
This Sunday it's fairly active. The U/12 Blues are in Newcastlewest while the
blacks head to Ennistimon for blitzes. The 13's blues are away to UL/Bohs at
The U/16's are away to
The women's team play Young Munster in Derryknockane on Sunday at 1pm.
Tickets for the autumn internationals are now available to Members through Tad
Crowe and he also has introduced a package for the two remaining ERC games and
Four Magners league games for €280.