Shannon Notes Weekending March 14th 2009

The rain was belting down sporadically, the pitch conditions were deteriorating and we were defending a barrage of black jerseys in our own ’22 whilst hopeful that we could maintain our 1 point advantage. A couple of minutes of normal time remained in our AIB league game against Ballymena and we were almost expecting the referee to raise his arm for a penalty against us; after all, we have been in a similar situation this season where a late penalty denied us. Thoughts of having to travel 6 hours back home in defeat were not altogether palatable, and that was only those on the sideline. Whatever the disposition of our brilliant supporters was, it wasn’t transferred to the players and in the face of the late onslaught, discipline was immense, endeavour sublime and the threat quashed with Ballymena’s only route to points a missed drop goal. What led us to believe a penalty would be awarded was the simple fact of numbers. The first half saw the lads concede only a single penalty throughout and that was in the 39th minute when Ballymena scored their first points. But there then seemed to be different interpretations applied and our penalty count was increased by 800% and thus the anxious moments. After the 80 minutes had elapsed, we than had to endure a further 10 minutes of injury time, but as the clock ticked we finished in the ascendency and when Donny kicked to touch , the relief was palpable.

It should never really have been that close though. Ballymena prodded and poked early in the first half, but after two try scoring opportunities were snuffed out, they never threatened our line. I suppose the same could really be said about our second half, but during the opening half we could possibly have extended our lead beyond Stephen Kelly’s superb try and Tadgh’s equally brilliant conversion. The heavy conditions may well be blamed for squandered opportunities and in such a close contest they could well have counted dearly. As it turned out Ballymena could only manage 2 penalties and while we didn’t add to our first half tally, our seven points was enough to increase our unbeaten run in Eaton Park to three successive games. It’s a win that sees us take a step closer to guaranteeing the crucial top eight spot, but we now have our sights set on maintaining our top four playoff place. Several factors combined to ensure we won last Saturday; the players grit and determination, especially in the closing stages, but without doubt a big factor in getting us over the line was the fantastic support that travelled to Ballymena. Over 60 people made the journey with most making the overnight trip. There was a great buzz around the hotel where players and supporters mingled Friday evening and Saturday morning and there was a definite a sense of responsibility felt by the players to our supporters before and during the game. It was the first supporter’s trip of its kind for the club and it was a tremendous success. The brainchild of Ger Mc Closkey, our assistant secretary deserves immense credit for his efforts and of course he wasn’t alone in his organisation, and on behalf of the management and players, a big thank you to everyone that travelled. At the time of writing we are awaiting the outcome of an appeal regarding the rearranged game with Cork Con. Fixed by the IRFU for St Patricks day, we are hoping to reschedule it until March 31st, a day slightly more suited to the amateur ethos of club rugby. Check out the website for confirmation from around 3pm Thursday.

The good news didn’t stop up North at the weekend. On Sunday the U/16’s won their league by virtue of a 15 nil win over St Marys. It was a performance indicative of their season thus far where they dominated their opposition from start to finish. Mark White crossed for one of the tries with another coming from the ever impressive Mark Leonard. Comfortable wins throughout their campaign paved the way for Sunday’s clincher and it’s a great reward for both the players and the management for their efforts, so congratulations to all involved.

Staying with underage, the U/18’s recorded another win in the league, this time against Bruff. It was a close affair with little to choose between the sides but another excellent performance from Ben Sargeant lead the way for the sides 9th successive win.

Another unbeaten side, the 14’s played their part in a tight game against Garryowen in Dooradoyle. In the end there was only a single score between these two fine sides and it took a cracking try to break the deadlock on the second half. A superbly weighted cross fielded kick from Ronan Mc Kenna was gathered perfectly by Robert Whyte who dived to the corner. The lads had to withstand some fierce Garryowen attacks during the remainder of the game, sneaking in the odd chance for themselves, but held out for a magnificent win. Only one game remains in their league which takes place this Sunday against Old Crescent in Coonagh.

The only other underage fixture sees the U/13’s travel to Newcastlewest.

On Sunday the Seconds played out an 8-8 draw with Young Munster in the league. The conditions were difficult with the strong wind having a major bearing on the proceedings. The draw was probably a fair enough result in the end, with both sides missing opportunities to break the deadlock in the final quarter. Frankie Daly opened the scoring for us early in the game and an Eamon Lane penalty gave us an 8-0 lead before Young Munster responded with their own try and penalty and both defences were tested throughout the game, but each held firm. This Sunday the seconds play Highfield in Coonagh at 2.30.

The Thirds Webb Cup game against St Marys was called off and has been rescheduled for this Saturday in Coonagh at 2.30.

On Monday night next the U/20’s hold a fundraising Race Night in the club house starting at 8pm, while the President’s Night takes place on April 3rd. Tickets for this great club night are €50 and are available from Martin Clancy , Gerry Ryan(086 0618333) and Tommy Rowan (087 7979574)