Sunday is a big day for Castlebar RFC as they prepare to face Buccaneers in the League at Cloondeash with the game kicking off at half two. This has been one of the most keenly anticipated games in the Connacht junior calendar all season and history has shown that these games are tight, tough and never short of the odd piece of controversy. Buccaneers come to Castlebar confident, currently fourth in the league behind Castlebar, Westport and Monivea and know that they need to win. But away from home they have been quite suspect at times. Castlebar rugby fans will remember what happened at Dubarry Park three seasons ago when the firsts travelled up and got an historic win in very testing circumstances and with the players we have this year, hopes are high that the same can be done again. The next three weeks will have a telling effect on the league with Monivea our opponents in two weeks time. The call goes out to every rugby fan in Castlebar and surrounding districts to come out in force on Sunday and cheer the lads on. A win here would one of the most important results in a very long time.

A special wish to senior second row and all round good guy Paul Heverin who was injured during the week. Everyone wishes him well and is looking forward to him being back and in full flow soon.

Training continues on Wednesday evenings and all players travelling are asked to be at the courthouse at half six. New players are always welcome as the team continue their preparations. Contact Nicola for more details.

Castlebar’s under 18’s travelled to Loughrea for their vital league game and came out on top in a cracking encounter winning by 32 points to 12. Their tries coming from David Staunton who dived over the line, Nigel Byrne, and supersub Shane Cunnane who scored two and Ian McDonagh. The rest of the points coming from the boot of Ronan Conway. But it would be unfair to single out the try scorers as this was a true all round team performance and credit must go to everyone on the panel.

Last Saturday hopes were high that the Blitz would go ahead. Sadly conditions got worse on Friday night and it had to be postponed. Training did take place for the under 12,11 and 10 teams and despite the wet conditions all three teams had a great work out which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The even better news is that the Blitz will now go ahead next Saturday subject to weather conditions and all players are asked to be at the pitch at half 10 on Saturday morning. Should the unthinkable happen, any news on changes will be broadcast on Saturday Morning so Players and Parents are asked to listen to Mid West radio and CRC for news between 9 and 9.30 on Saturday morning. As always, all parents and friends willing to come out and watch on Saturday morning are very welcome.