Shannon Notes weekending November 22nd 2008

It was a weekend where frustration on the field of play was the bye word for failing to win either our U/20 or seconds games. The U/20's were up against a highly organised UCC side in Cork and were comprehensively beaten. As previously mentioned, this season we have a young side who are steadily improving and this seasons exploits will stand them in good stead as most are underage again next season. They were under severe pressure from UCC from the outset, but battled bravely throughout. College sides are always difficult to play against given their professional style set up and it was a case of battening down the hatches for the inevitable barrage from the students. Hopefully they will regroup and put consign that loss to the past as they prepare to play Young Munster this Saturday in Greenfields at 2.30

Our seconds travelled to Bruff for a league game short several regulars due to injury and the ruling regarding playing in the previous senior game. In what I can only describe as a raft of baffling penalties in quick succession against our lads, Bruff edged them in front as the second half turned into a penalty fest, with a distinct advantage to the home side. We started well enough and lead heading into the break. Frankie Daly scored a fantastic try which augmented Eamon Lane's kicking exploits, but it all began to unravel in the second half where we found it extremely difficult to get out of our own half. There's no doubt that the lads didn't play to their strengths and when faced with a numerical disadvantage twice in the second half their task was made all the more difficult. The two point defeat was very disappointing but this Sunday when we face Young Munster the side will be bolstered by the return of several players ineligible to play last week. Kickoff is at 2.30.

The seniors are back in action this Saturday when they play UL/Bohs in a challenge game in Annacotty. The break from playing was welcomed but I know that the lads are anxious to get back into the heat of battle so to speak. UL/Bohs will provide ideal opposition as we look a week ahead and the resumption of the AIB league. Kickoff is at 12.30

There was no underage games last weekend, but it was a very productive Sunday morning for both the players and the coaches as many of our senior side, as well as our senior coaches held coaching clinics for teams throughout our underage section. It was the first session of what will be an ongoing programme and the given the enthusiasm of players and coaches last Sunday it will be of enormous benefit to all concerned.

Andrew Mc Namara

Shannon RFC PRO

087 2717163