Firsts

The firsts had an important game on Sunday last against Monivea knowing a win but put them in a great position in the league. However, despite a great display they had to give second best but only just to a Monivea side determined to retain their title. Paddy Durcan scored the vital try with Diarmuid Byrne scoring two penalties. As a rule this defeat would rule them out of the league, but a defeat by only two points gave them a valuable bonus point keeping them in joint second place behind Westport with just three league games remaining.

Castlebar: Conor O’Malley, Paddy Durcan, Kevin Cox, Alex Goor, Ger Prendegast, Tadgh Kirby, Enda Murphy, Mike Campbell, Christy Cusack, Diarmuid Byrne, Jason Keane, Darren Claasen, Paddy Flannelly, Mike Power, Paul Coady

Matt Connolly for Conor O’Malley

Should it happen that we beat Westport and Monivea lost any of their remaining games, then we would return to the top of the league table. Something this team is certainly capable of. Never in the history of the club has a local derby been so instrumental in the league and all Castlebar supporters are asked to come out and support the team on the biggest local derby of them all. That game is next Sunday 20 Feb 2005 with a 3pm kick-off in Cloondeash.

Ladies

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.

Training continues on Tuesday and Friday for the under 18 team at 7pm. There are some big games ahead of this talented team so all players are asked to attend and be on time! Training continues for the under 16 and 14 teams on Wednesday with the bus leaving the Courthouse at 6.30.

The draw for the underage cup competitions takes place on Wednesday. This could be a good year for Castlebar who have strong sides at all age groups and hopes are high that we can take some silverware this season. Players will be notified of the draw.

There was training for all mini Rugby players on Saturday last as all teams prepare for the Connacht Blitz. The under 10 and under 12 Blitz take place on the 26^th of February with the under 10 Blitz in Ballina and the under 12 Blitz in Galway. It Is important that all players get out to training this Saturday as some players thought that it would be postponed. Training will go ahead on Saturday and will only be postponed if the conditions are dangerous. With just a week to go it is an exciting time for the club and with the excellent teams we have at the moment, Success could only be just around the corner. Players are asked to be at the clubhouse at 10.45 sharp.