Mitchelstown U18s rugby back on track with good win over Bandon
JUNIOR 2 RUGBY – MICK BARRY CUP
Training will be as before. Next fixture, also a must win game, will be away to Old Christians on January 25 under lights, kick off 7.30pm.
U18 DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
What a difference a week makes. Last week, with Mitchelstown covered with frost, the pitch was deemed unplayable. This week for Mitchelstown’s game in Bandon, the weather was perfect for rugby, with the pitch in great condition for the time of the year.
Mitchelstown started the stronger of the two teams and were camped in the Bandon half for the opening phases of play. Good hands and lines of running were evident, keeping Bandon on the back foot. Despite going close to scoring a try, Mitchelstown’s first score came when they were awarded a penalty when Bandon went off side. John Landers stepped up to give Mitchelstown a 3-0 lead after 7 minutes.
From the restart Mitchelstown secured the ball and engineered good field position. Great ball retention was shown by forwards and backs before out half James Meaney made a dart down the blind side to score in the left hand corner to give Mitchelstown an 8 point lead after 10 minutes. The conversion proved to be just beyond John Landers range, to leave the score Bandon 0 Mitchelstown 8.
John kept the score board ticking over with his second successful penalty after 14 minutes to increase the lead to 11 points. Mitchelstown continued to pummel the Bandon defence for the majority of the first half with James Conway and Darragh Kenneally going close, before prop Josh Evans crashed over the try line to increase Mitchelstown’s lead to 16 points. Half-time score Bandon 0 Mitchelstown 16.
Despite between 16 points up, and being on top, Mitchelstown knew the game was far from over and Bandon would up their game in the second half. From the re-start Bandon gained a foothold in the Mitchelstown half but Mitchelstown were equal to everything Bandon threw at them.
Mitchelstown’s first up tackling put every Bandon player on the ground, and Mitchelstown’s counter rucking slowed down the ball to prevent Bandon getting any quick recycled ball. When Bandon resorted to kicking for position, full back Chris Noonan proved himself to be more than equal to Bandon’s kicking game, and returned the ball with interest.
John Landers continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over in Mitchelstown’s favour, with further successful penalties after 8 and 10 minutes of the half, to push Mitchelstown’s lead out to 22 points.
Bandon to their credit refused to concede defeat and with 8 minutes remaining, scored their first try under the posts which was converted to leave the score at Bandon 7 Mitchelstown 22. The remainder of the game passed without any further scoring, with both teams unable to add to their scores, despite their best efforts.
Squad: Ken Baker, Dean Barry, Sean Clancy, James Creagh, James Conway, Josh Evans, Ben Healy, Sean Keane, Darragh Kenneally, Jack Kennerly, Jack Kenneally, Adrian Lamb, John Landers, James Meaney, Domnik Neau, Chris Noonan, Jack Norris, Conor O’Brien, Jamie O’Gorman, Sean Purcell, Shane Shanahan, Paul Waldron, Thomas Willers.
Mitchelstown played in the black version of their jerseys, sponsored by the Firgrove Hotel and Colours Paintstore.
This result puts Mitchelstown on 15 points, joint top with Ballincollig, and ensures that they will remain in the top four of the South Munster U18 Development League. Their final position will be determined based upon remaining matches, with a home semi-final is a strong possibility.
Thanks to the Mitchelstown supporters who made the trip to Bandon.
Training will continue on Monday evening at 7pm in Currabowen.
Next match up, at home to Muskerry on 22nd January in Fermoy RFC, kick off time 7.30. All support greatly appreciated.
U14 FRIENDLY
A visit to Galbally is planned shortly, with hopes high of a good contest.
MINI RUGBY
We realise that there are many lessons to be learned, and training, coupled with a few new faces would enable us to compete with senior clubs, who have far greater resources, and more people to choose from. Training will be Tuesday evenings at 7pm in Currabowen, and Saturday at 10am at St Fanahan’s College.
WHITE COLLAR BOXING
We have a new, improved, venue. Boxers meeting was held at The Firgrove Hotel last Thursday, with a very large attendance. It was great to see that so many ladies are interested as well as some of last year’s stars. It is strongly rumoured that there will be a member of the gardai in the ring again.
The first seeds have been planted for our March fixture, with many suggestions being taken on board to improve the experience from last year. WCB have been booked for the event on 15th March, and to provide the ring and training. The setup will likely be complete in a couple of weeks. Tickets will be limited.
LOTTO FOR ALL
The first Mitchelstown Rugby Club lotto draw was held in The Hunter’s Rest last Sunday week, with a large number of club officers and members in attendance. Club president, Owen Dawson wishes to thank everybody involved in the organisation of the lotto, especially Lisa Sheehan, and all those who sold tickets throughout the town and hinterland. The draw was for a massive € 3,000 which was not won on the night. Four luck dip prizes were drawn, with two lucky €50 winners, and a further two €25 prizes. The numbers selected were 4 , 8, 15, 23.
The next jackpot will be a whopping €3,200, and the draw will be held in The Mulberry Tree on Sunday, 26th January at 9pm. All are welcome to witness the event, and enjoy the tension. Remember, the fewer the numbers to pick from, the better the odds. Special draw will be available for those who take an annual ticket.
Published:
Friday 28th February 9:08am
