Shannon Notes Weekending January 31st 2009

Game time was at a premium last weekend as the weather continues to cause problems with the pitches. Our U/20's and seconds were forced to postpone their games, but some forward planning by Galwegians ensured our AIB league game went ahead. A change of venue to the unfamiliar surrounds of NUIG's sports grounds in Galway didn't seem to have caused any ill effects for our lads as we recorded our fifth win of the league campaign. It was a somewhat mixed bag with regards performance varying from excellent to average , however the positive points far outweigh the negatives. Without stating the obvious it was great to come away from Galway with a win over a side that have always given us difficulties, especially when playing at home. Added to the fact that their squad contains a significant number of contracted players, then a win against Galwegians is a fine achievement. Our opening 25 minutes was possibly our best period of rugby of the season. Pace and power were the key to our early dominance and although our 11 point yield should, perhaps have been more significant there was little indication that the home side would go onto give us a scare or two in the subsequent 30 minutes. Penalties concede in kickable positions was the main downfall in the second half and while 'Wegians never really threatened our line we were facing a 12-11 deficit as their reliable kicker lined up for his 4th successive shot at goal . Had he landed that effort, well it would be fair to say we would have had an uphill struggle given the momentum garnered by Galwegians. But panic never set in and slowly a reassertion of our early confident play reappeared. Fiach O'Loughlin was in cracking form and certainly played a captain role and it was his intervention on no less than four occasions that lead to Mike Essex's first try for Shannon in the 65th minute. There certainly a sense of relief, but such was Glaswegian's desire to gain something form the game, their pace never relented and although they pushed hard they failed to unlock our defence. Several players looked very sharp including Marcus O'Driscoll on the wing and before he was carried off injured, Joe Manuel tackled ferociously in midfield.

Given the disruption to the season schedule with the postponement of the Cork Con game, this win was very welcome and despite being edged out of the top four, just, our destiny is still very much in our own hands. Saturday sees Dungannon travel to Coonagh for the next instalment of the AIB league for a 2.30 start. A reminder to all that the supporters coach to Cork Con next week is travelling and leaves Thomond Park at 11am.

The thirds are in action in Rosbrien against Old Crescent in the Gleeson league playoff on Saturday at 12pm while the U/20's are scheduled to travel to play Highfield in the AIL for a 2.30 start. On Sunday the Seconds take the same road for a league game again against Highfield.

The condition of our pitches in Coonagh means that the underage have decamped to Villiers for training on Sunday mornings which is well able to cope with the volume of players we have. Fixtures for this weekend are as follows. Saturday, U/11 Blitz in Annacotty at 11am.

Sunday the U/10's Blacks host a blitz while the Blues are in Derryknockane. The U/13's and U/14's are in Bruff at 11.30 while in Coonagh the U/16's play Richmond at 11am. As with all training and fixtures it is advisable to check with the coaches prior to Sunday.

Andrew McNamara - PRO