Match Reports
Castlebar U 18 Fixture Thursday 12th Feb 2004 - Castlebar 10 v St Attractas (Tubbercurry) 17
This was an opportunity not to be missed. A Castlebar side made up of players from St Geralds, Davitt College and Balla CS had the chance of taking on the most impressive new school in Connacht Rugby.
St Attractas play a very direct brand of rugby, they are very strong up front and their back line run straight and direct lines. Castlebar are still developing a game plan. The Castlebar coaching staff are pleased that their charges are showing serious signs of being capable of competing with the very best sides in Connacht. With a solid scrum, improving lineout, a terrific backline and a defence that causes opposition sides a lot of problems Castlebar are starting to show form that will stand them good stead in the coming weeks.
The front five of David McManaman, Neil Coyle, Colm OíBrien, Brian Flannery and Ger Flynn are a handful, causing defences to commit to the breakdown and very aggressive in our own defence. The back row of Gavin Sullivan, Oli Davies and Enda Murphy are gaining huge amount of ground and putting the team into good playing positions. The backline of Andrew Verity, Danny McGing, Nigel Byrne, Shane Heffron, John Derrig, Ronan OíDonnell and Colm Harte are gelling together into a really strong unit.
On the night there were many big performances with Gavin Sullivan scoring two tries, Enda Murphy making huge yards, Danny McGing controlling the game, but the outstanding performance was from Andrew Verity who added a control of the pack to his ever improving armoury.
All the Castlebar subs were used on the night with Ian McDonagh, Roddy OíConnor, Martin Gill, Matt OíMalley, Michael Moran, and Kieran Tolster all playing significant rolls in this game.
Castlebar 3 v Westport 0 Monday 16th Feb 2004
These are traditionally very tough and uncompromising affairs and this match did not disappoint. Both sides are preparing for very difficult cup assignments in two weeks tome and as preparation for that this game had it all. There were impressive periods of play from both sides with the tie being decided by a superbly taken drop goal by Danny McGing. There was added spice by the fact that Westport had run away with the league and were rightfully crowned champions. Well done.
This game could well be the match that determines the season for both sides. If they can reproduce the quality of performance in terms of commitment, concentration and determination then this game will prove to be the reasons for upcoming famous victories against Corinthians for Castlebar and Athlone for Westport.
Castlebar can be well pleased with a number of facets of play that went their way. In the first half Westport threw everything at the Castlebar defence which refused to buckle. As the game progressed then so too did Castlebar in terms of their attack. Enda Murphy, Nigel Byrne, Oli Davies, Colm O’Brien, Andrew Verity and Shane Heffron all made huge yards in attack. For the first time we saw Neil Coyle, Ian McDonagh, Brian Flannery, Ger Flynn make a lot of yards in attack also, coupled by the hard work and foraging of Ronan OíDonnell, Conor Heneghan and Colm Harte. But it is the defence that gives the most pleasure, epitomised by one enormous tackle by Danny McGing to turn a good Westport attack into nothing.
The game was cut seven minutes short as a result of a power failure, nonetheless Castlebar will be well pleased that they played constructive rugby that showed the way forward for the team.
C Harte, R OíDonnell, S Heffron, N Byrne, C Heneghan, D McGing, M Moran, N Coyle, C OíBrien, G Flynn, B Flannery, O Davies, G Sullivan, E Murphy (Capt), Matt OíMalley, Martin Gill, Kieran Tolster, Ian McDonagh.
It was unlucky for the Firsts at the weekend when they were defeated by Westport by just one point. In a team that are missing so many players, they showed great heart and determination with Andrew Olsen having an outstanding game. The tries were scored by Dale Jones and Mike Campbell. It is a welcome break for all players next weekend as Ireland play Wales in the six nations. Training continues at the usual times.
With so many players out from the Firsts due to injury, The Seconds have had to take a back seat for a little while. The junior b league is still to be played and there are some great games to be played so all Seconds players are reminded that training continues on Tuesday night.
Training Continues on Wednesday nights and all plans are now in place for the fashion show that will take place in the Failte suite of the Welcome Inn Wednesday 18th Feb starting at 8pm. Tickets are available from all ladies team members and cost ten euro for adults and eight euro for Students and children. All are welcome and all proceeds go towards the running of the Ladies team. Club members are especially asked to attend, and volunteer in the selling of lotto tickets. Underage News
Last Saturday was a historic and memorable day for the Mini rugby teams of Castlebar RFC as they hosted Monivea and Sligo in Cloondeash. It was a beautiful day for rugby with over 280 players attending. What was also special was the amount of parents who came out and supported and a special thank you goes to them. It was a fantastic day with some excellent rugby played and all players were looked after with food and drinks provided after the games. Castlebar did extremely well and won several of their games at under 8,9,10,11 and 12 level. Afterwards everyone got together and watched Ireland take on France in the six nations. A special word of thanks must go out to all the players who made it a day to remember and to everyone who helped. Training continues at the usual time on Saturday.
It was the cup weekend for the under 14 team but despite an excellent performance from the team, they had to give second best to a strong Sligo team. There were some great performances from the players and with more training, this side will be chasing for honours very soon. Training is at 7pm Wednesday night.
The under 16 team play Monivea this Wednesday evening in Monivea in a refixed league game. Players have been notified about travel arrangements and are asked to be at the courthouse on time. This is an important game as the cup is just two weeks away so a good performance will be important.
The clock is ticking ahead of the keenly awaited first round of the cup in which Castlebar will face Corinthians. Training takes place at the weekend.
Some ground tickets are available for the six nations game between Ireland and Wales in Lansdowne road on Sunday next. Anyone Interested must contact a member of the Committee before Thursday.
There are now plans in place for the Mini Rugby teams to have their own web page as part of the Castlebar RFC website. All notices that involve these teams will be posted there. If there is a cancellation of a game it will be posted on this page. Full details are on