Mini’s & Youths Rugby notes for weekend 27/Sept/2014
Under 16s
Ballincollig 17 – Old Christians 5
Ballincollig under 16’s beat Old Christians 17 points to 5 points in a challenge match last Saturday at Tanner Park. This was a closely contested match with some great forward play and back play by both teams. Ballincolligs tackling improved individually from last week but the defensive line needs to tighten up as gaps were identified by the Old Christians strong running back line .Ballincollig still have plenty of work to do on the line out , rucking and clearing out at the breakdown. Ballincollig were more confident in both attack and counter attack compared to last week’s game against Sundays Well. It was great to see the backs and forwards combining and supporting each other in attack that lead to 3 great tries with one try coming from a well presented ball from a ruck on the left hand touchline that was passed all the way out the back line with a touchdown in the far corner. This was an overall improved performance from last week with a good team spirit developing between the senior and younger players. There was some great individual performances but as a team there is still plenty of room for improvement before their first league match. Well done lads !
Under 18s
Ballincollig 22 – Clonakilty 38
In a hotly contested “friendly” , Ballincollig came out on the wrong side of a nine try highly entertaining encounter at Tanner Park on Saturday September 27th. While the score line does not accurately reflect the difference between the two teams’ displays, Clonakilty were deserving of their victory. Clonakilty arrived at the ground just 15 minutes before the kick-off time, however, they started the game far more sprightly and were 12 points to the good after six minutes following some poor defensive positioning. The home team received the wake-up call required, and replied with a well taken try by Paul McCoy who powered his way over the line having found himself in possession in the right place at the right time. This was duly converted by Aaron McNamara, who also followed shortly afterwards with a well taken penalty. Clonakilty crossed the line with two minutes to the break following some loose open play kicking. The try converted, Clonaklity were 17 points to 10 ahead at the break. The Ballincollig pack was heavily depleted due to injury, however, augmented with debuts from Adam Collins in the front row (normally playing in the centre) and Jack O’Sullivan in the backrow (normally found on the wing) you would hardly believe it. Sterling performances from them and the ever present Humphrey O’Mahony and Mikey O’Shea in the loose ensured the backs got plenty of ball going forward. The lineouts proved to be a great source of possession with Paul McCoy catching own and opposition ball at will, with ensuing mauls ably supported by Alex Lehane and David Quinn. Daire Buckley’s throw ins were very well timed. The backs used their possession well with Eoin Sweeney and in second half, Brian Verling, providing quick ball to outhalf Dan Sweeney who was quick to get the line moving. Aaraon McNamara and Cameron Lucey (and Cameron Thornton in the second half) combined very well in the centre and created the necessary space for Dave McCoy who hit the line at pace and consistently broke through the opposition. Wings Adam Collins and Kieran Devaney were quick and always to hand in support. Team fitness leveIs are bit off at present and the necessary support at the breakdown was lacking with resultant turnover ball. In the second half Stephen Falvey and Tomás Molamphy had to defend valiantly at times out wide as Clonakilty continued to punish some poor infield decision making. In the second half Clonakilty scored three converted tries, while Ballincollig responded with really well taken tries from Jack O’Sullivan (converted by Dave McCoy) and Mikey O’Shea. This was Ballincollig’s toughest test to date, it was also their best display with all 19 on the day standing up bravely to the challenge put forward by Clonakility. With greater fitness levels and improved decision making in possession, this Ballincollig side will be a considerable force to reckon with as the league campaign gets underway shortly.
Fixtures Weekend 04/Oct/2014
U7 – Training 10am Tanner Park
U8 – Blitz v Bandon Tanner Park
U9 – Blitz v Bandon Tanner Park
U10 – Blitz v Bandon Tanner Park
U11 – Blitz v Bandon Tanner Park
U12 – Blitz v Bandon Tanner Park
U13 – Kinsale Tanner Park kick off 12 noon
U14 – Kinsale Tanner Park kick off 12 noon
U16 – Training Tanner Park 11.30am
U18 – Training Tanner Park 11.30am
All player registrations & subscriptions are now OVER DUE these can be paid in the club house on Saturday morning
Club shop open every Saturday morning 9.45am