What a way to end our baron run in the AIB league. Back to winning ways, with a
bonus point is something which is very welcome. To describe the feelings after
Last Saturdays result against UL/Bohs as relief indicates that there was panic
in the camp, but the reality is that after our three previous defeats , apart
from the disappointment of losing, there was a confidence that with a little
luck results would go our way. Fortunately last Saturday we didn't have to rely
on luck as more or less dominated UL/Bohs throughout the game. Twice they
crossed our line and on both occasions we were reduced to 14 men and in return,
our five try haul ensured the scoreboard reflected the proceedings. Perhaps the
return to the familiarity of Coonagh had a bit part in the outcome, but overall
this was a result that was brewing for a while.
Although we controlled the game almost throughout , UL/Bohs did take the lead
after three kicked penalties , but once Mossy Lawler pounced for our second try
on the stroke of half time the lead would not be relinquished again. The high
penalty count against us throughout the game disrupted our momentum but the
fact that two players were sin binned will mean that discipline at key areas will
have to improve. The second half began with a concerted effort with Any Finn
denied as he stretched for the line and then Mossy's long range drop goal just
hit the inside of the posts and rebounded the wrong way. However the extension
of the lead that we desired came when Dave Quinlan barged over in the corner.
The big gap in defence that was left when Andy Finn was binned was exploited by
UL/Bohs when they rounded off a nice move to keep within touching distance, but
soon after two successive penalties by Tadgh Bennett increased the lead to a
more comfortable margin. The best try of the game was scored after Stephen
Kelly pounced on a loose pass and then off loaded perfectly to Andy Finn as the
gamer entered the final 10 minutes and by then the result was more or less
decided, but the scores did keep coming. 82 Minutes elapsed when UL/Bohs scored
nothing more than a consolation try, but then 4 minutes after Jason Cronin
marked a personnel milestone when he scored his first ever try in the AIB
legume after a brilliantly timed intercept on the 22, although by Sunday
morning that 20 meter run had turned into an almost 50 metre dash to the line.
The 19 point winning margin means we jumped a few spots and although still a
little off the leaders we can hopefully capitalise on the victory in the coming
weeks starting with the AIB cup game on Saturday against Cork Con , in Templehill.
Any game down there is tough, but with
Unfortunately the seconds couldn't replicate the result against the same
opposition on Sunday and were defeated by 17 points to 12. Played in conditions
ranging from heavy rain to clear skis it was a day when the ball was greasy and
not very amenable to running rugby. After going behind to and early try we
battled hard to get back into the game, and Tommy Cregan tapped over a penalty
to leave us four behind. The first half finished with the home side extending
their lead with a penalty, but as the second half progressed it was our lads
that made all the running. Another Cregan penalty maintained the impetus, but
then mid way through the half a mistake on our behalf proved costly as UL/bohs
pounced and scored a try against the run of play. It was an awful shame as it
looked more likely that we would score up to that point. We did cross the line
through Niall O'Brien, but at that stage it was too late. It was by no means a
bad showing from the lads and with a bit of luck they could have won this one.
Sunday sees them get an opportunity to make amends when
The early arrivals to Coonagh were able to see Tony Flynn's 3rd XV get their
second Gleeson League win at the weekend with a 19 - 9 victory over Thomond.
Leading at half time with 2 John Lynch tries by 10- 6 after playing against the
stiff wind,
The win however was not without cost as James Kearns left the field with a very
serious ankle injury; we wish James and our other long term injury victims
Fionn O'Dea and Fergal Curtin speedy recoveries. Next up on Saturday is a tie
with Bruff in Coonagh at 2.30 .
The U/21's kept up their impressive winning ways when they accounted for
Sundays Well with ease. Another bonus point was secured which sees the lads top
the table at this early stage. This week we were due to play UL/Bohs , but on
account of both sides being affected by Irish trials the game has been
rescheduled for next weekend.
The ladies have a trip to
Underage fixtures this weekend,
Under 13s League:
Under 19s League: Ennis -v- Shannon Ennis (Club grounds)
Tickets for the Autumn Internationals are readily available from Tadgh Crowe
and it has been decided to rescind an earlier decision to link them with other
tickets for the six nations. The current economic climate has certainly
affected the demand for these tickets and currently we still have a large
quantity available. We would ask members to assist us in trying to minimise the
financial consequences to the club of not selling all our tickets by informing
friends and colleagues of the availability of these tickets. It must be
remembered that the club procure these tickets for the benefit of our members
and its incumbent for all of us to help out.
Finally the annual mass for deceased members takes place in the clubhouse on
Friday the 27th November at 8pm. Also a reminder that the mass for the 38,39,40
side takes place this Sunday in St Marys church at 11am.