Castlebar Rugby Club
Castlebar Rugby Club - 14 Nov 2005
By John Mulligan
15, Nov 2005 - 20:12

Firsts

It is back to action for the firsts on Sunday with a trip to Loughrea in the preliminary round of the Cawley Cup. This games kicks off at 2.30 in Ballygasty. It is important that as many as possible make the trip as a win will see us face Tuam in the first round proper. All players will be notified of travel arrangements at training.

Note: The branch has warned anybody travelling to Loughrea to allow an additional 30 minutes (due to serious road works in the area).

A welcome break for the seconds this weekend but their next game is on the 27^th away to Westport in an important league game. With 38 players on the squad and training regularly, hopes are high of a good second’s run this year and Ivor’s lads are having a great season so far. If a friendly is organised, players will be notified at training.

The Under 14 Team are doing really well with two wins from two so far in the league and last Saturday were due to face Westport but the game was cancelled due to a bereavement in the Westport club.

Castlebar remain unbeaten in the league so far this season, as they clocked up another win away to Ballyhaunis last Friday evening. The game was played in gale force winds on the magnificent floodlit Ballyhaunis pitch. Castlebar have been hitting form in recent matches, and they tore into the Ballyhaunis from the kickoff. After several drives by the forwards, Donal Newcombe sliced through the Ballyhaunis cover to touch down. However, back came Ballyhaunis, and after a deft chip over the Castlebar defence, their winger won the race to the touchdown. This seemed to sting Castlebar into action, and after some great driving runs by Shane Casey, Daniel Kelly, Colm Corbett and Brendan Raftery, scrumhalf Stephen Keane crossed for a wonderful team try. More driving play by Alan Regan, who had his finest game so far this season led to another try by Conor Walsh. Castlebar were now dominating the physical battle, and it wasn’t long before Kevin Curry scored after a brilliant break by Ray O’ Malley. Ballyhaunis tried hard, but the Castlebar defence with Neil Douglas, Pat Wiseman, Rory Martin and Emmet Glynn - was not allowing them any space. Stephen Keane got another touchdown as the Ballyhaunis defence wilted. Neil Douglas kicked three of the five conversions.

This was another hard-won victory by a team showing remarkable spirit and a great work ethic.

Next match is versus Monivea, and the date and time of this has yet to be finalized. Training continues on Wednesday at 6.30.

Castlebar: Conor Walsh, Daniel Kelly, Colm Corbett, Brendan Raftery, Alan Regan, Emmet Glynn, Rory Martin, Shane Casey, Stephen Keane, Neil Douglas, Darragh Carter, Donal Newcombe, Pat Wiseman, Kevin Curry, Ray O Malley, Conor Summerville, Colin Molloy, Stephen Rogan, Brian Kiernan.

The under 18 team were due to play Corinthians at the weekend but sadly Corinthians were unable to travel. Training continues as usual.

Mini Rugby

Castlebar’s Mini Rugby teams are in action this weekend when we travel to Monivea for a mini blitz. All players are asked to be at the courthouse at 9am and are reminded to bring their headgear and Mouth guards. The teams will return to Castlebar at 3pm on Saturday afternoon. We will have a report on how they got on next week.

Castlebar RFC’s race night will take place in the Clubhouse on Friday the 2^nd of December getting underway at 8pm. A great night is assured with thrills/spills and the chance to make a few euro while supporting your rugby club. There are 9 races on the night in all and if you fancy being an owner for the night, a horse/jockey costs just €30 with great prizes for winning owners. When the excitement of the racing is over, there will be music afterwards for those who want to celebrate their winnings or just want to have an enjoyable night. All are welcome and we will be keeping an eye on all the early movers and shakers in the build up to that night.

Held: Johnny McHales

Numbers drawn; 6, 17, 20 and 25

No winner of Jackpot.

Three match threes: G O’Boyle, B Creavin and B Delaney.

Held: Castle Inn

Numbers drawn: 5, 9, 10, and 21

No winner of Jackpot.

Five matched three: M Kearney, I Staunton, J Finan, E Fahy
and M Mulroy.

This month is Leon Jordaan’s team, and the lotto will be held on Friday 25^th Nov in Ray’s with the Jackpot now at €6,700.

All Club notes must be sent to PRO John Mulligan by 10am Monday Morning to by txt to 086 – 0547660 or by e-mail to talkingrugby@hotmail.com for inclusion in that weeks press.