Shannon Notes Weekending December 5th 2009

Without a competitive fixture, the seniors went to Fitzgerald Park to play Thomond in a very worthwhile challenge game ahead of the resumption of the AIB league this Saturday. As usual Thomond provided stiff opposition and it was easy to see why they are going so well this season. Several of our U/21 players made their senior debut and all acquitted themselves very well. It certainly keeps the more experienced players on their toes when they see the talent coming through. In the end we ran out comfortable enough winners, but given the fact that both sides used their panels throughout the game the scoreline mattered little. It seems quite a while since we had that great win in Blackrock , but I know that the attitude of intent is still intense within the squad and with our long standing nemeses Cork Con travelling to Coonagh on Saturday, we'll need every one in the right frame of mind. This season's earlier result in Cork between the sides still plays on the mindset a little and the resolve to make things right is strong and it's hard to see either side win by the 19 point margin we had that day. Kickoff is at the usual 2.30.

The seconds continued their excellent form and ratcheted up another bonus point win in the league. After the previous week's victory over Garryowen the lads were eager to maintain that form and their performance against a very strong Young Munster side ensured such an occurrence. Bolstered by several U/21 players that were without a game at the weekend, they produced a four try performance that sees them well placed to secure a playoff spot. The bitter cold didn't affect the players too much, which couldn't really be said for the hardy supporters of both sides, and it was a fairly lively game with little in the difference up to the half time break. The kicking talents of Ben Sergeant were called into play throughout the game and he landed some real beauties. Prop Killean O'Neill followed a penalty by Ben with a rampaging 25 meter dash to the line and the response from Young Munster prior to the break was 2 penalties. That however was as close as the sides got as we took control of the game in the second half. Fiach O'Loughlin marked his welcome return to action after a lengthy injury with two tries in quick succession and then the bonus try came from the speedy Craig O'Hanlon. These tries were punctuated with more mercurial kicking from Ben who all added up to the final score of 33-11. Next up for the seconds on Sunday is a trip to Bruff with a 2.30 start.

The U/21's, Thirds and Women had no games last weekend, but all return to action this week. The U/21's head to Galwegians hoping to pick up where they left off in the South-western conference of the AIL on Saturday. The thirds are also unbeaten in the Gleeson league and will hope to keep that particular record intact when Old Crescent come to Coonagh on Saturday at 1pm. The Women take on Thurles away from home on Sunday.

Underage was once again decimated but hopefully the following fixtures will go ahead this Sunday

Under 11s Blitz: Shannon Blacks at home

Shannon Blues at St. Senans

Under 13s League: Old Crescent v Shannon Rosbrien 11.30 a.m.

Under 14s League: Shannon v Kilrush Coonagh 11.30 a.m.

Once again it's advisable to check with the coaches for training and match details.

Finally we congratulate our U/21 outhalf Gareth Quinn Mc Donagh for his inclusion in the Irish U/19 squad that played Australia during the week.