Shannon Notes Weekending January 17th 2008

We had three cup games last weekend with a win a draw and a loss. It could be considered a reasonable return, but unfortunately it was not quite we expected, especially in the AIB cup. Denied passage to the next round with the last kick of the game was a hard pill to swallow and given the disparity of divisions between ourselves and Ballynahinch it made this result all the more disappointing. Despite trailing by 12 points to nil at half time, no one was sounding alarm bells given the strength of the wind in our favour in the second half. Add in the fact that the visitors were numerically disadvantaged at the resumption, than notions of defeat were not upper most in our mind. The idea of facing a defeat was further relegated when after 50 minutes we were leading thanks to a try each from John O'Connor and Fiach O'Loughlin and Tadgh's two conversions. Several of Ballynahinch's players looked dead on their feet as the second half progressed which makes their victory all the more remarkable. It was however the period from the 75th minute to the additional 5 minutes which was added that decided the outcome of the game. A missed drop goal, a try for Ritchie Mullane which was called back for a toe nail in touch should have wrapped up the game for us but Ballynahinch's admirable attitude shown throughout the game was once again demonstrated in those final few minutes. Three successive penalties saw them scramble their way into kick range and as he had done on four previous occasions Ryan Bambry slotted over the pressure kick and no sooner had the flags been raised, the final whistle blew. Some might argue that those last penalties were rather harsh, but taken as indicative of the entire game they alone did not lose the game for us. To say the post match dressing room was bleak would be an understatement, but if anything positive is to be taken from Saturday is the reinforced desire to win the AIB league. The next phase of that desire sees the daunting prospect of facing current champions Cork Con in their own back yard this Saturday. A supporters coach is travelling to the game and Ger Mc Closkey can be contacted on 0872745926.

The drawn cup game came in a real thriller that had those who braved the undesirable elements on Sunday leave Coonagh with no doubt that the Munster junior cup is still a major desire for both Shannon and Garryowen. It was a game where both sides played wholehearted, committed rugby and even after extra time neither could be separated. Instructions given to the referee prior to the match on the outcome of the game meant that we thought we had won the game by virtue of Eamon Lane scoring the first points of the game, but a rethink from the powers that be on Monday ensured that both sides will try again this Sunday. It's probably the correct outcome as no team that gave as much effort as both sides did on Saturday deserves to be dumped out of the cup in such circumstances. Although the game last Sunday was devoid of tries and only 12 points were shared in was nonetheless enthralling. Playing with the strong breeze in the first half we managed to knock two penalties over from Eamon Lane. defences were severely tested throughout the game but both stood firm and while Garryowen reduced the deficit with a penalty in the second half it looked as if we could hold out in normal time , but while defending heroically we conceded a penalty and thus came the extra time. One might have expected the pace of the game to lag in the additional 20 minutes, but it was as relentless as what went previous. The only penalty chance came our way in extra time but unfortunately it was missed. Those that missed the game should do all in their power to get to Dooradoyle on Sunday at 2pm for the reply, both sides deserve the support.

On Saturday the thirds advanced to the next round of the Mc Inerney cup after withstanding a few anxious moments against Richmond in Coonagh. It finished up at 17-12, and for the first 60 minutes we were coasting along, but given 26 players that turned up, the managements wanted to try and play as many players as possible and perhaps the change of personnel upset the rhythm somewhat and Richmond came back with two quick tries. Richie Ryan was first to cross the Richmond line after a good chase. Just five minutes later Jim Heniger set up Fionn O'Dalaigh with an excellent burst from our own 22 up to Richmond's. Fergal Curtin's two conversions made it 14-3 at half time and not long after the break he scored a try to give a commanding lead. After that Richmond battled admirably, but we had done enough to secure a place in the next round against Young Munster next Saturday in Derryknockane. Kickoff is at 12

The ladies played out another draw in the cup against Kinsale in a game that was equally as exciting as the second's game. This season our young women's side have come on in leaps and bounds and their skill level has certainly been increased. The replay this Sunday sees them travel to Kinsale.

The u/20'S resume the Ail when Cork Con travel to Coonagh this Saturday at 2.30 and for anyone not travelling to Cork, their support would be greatly appreciated.

Underage games scheduled for this Sunday sees the U/18's travel to play St Senans while the U14's play Kilrush at 12pm and the 16's play Garryowen at 11, both in Coonagh.