Castlebar Rugby Club
Castlebar Rugby Club News - 24 Oct 2005
By John Mulligan
26, Oct 2005 - 12:19

Firsts

The Firsts faced Buccaneers in a game that was going to mean a lot to both sides. However it was not to be despite an excellent Castlebar performance we had to give second best but only by five points, in doing so gaining a very important bonus point. Castlebar’s scores coming from Rayno DeKock, Robbie Cusack and Simon O’Malley with Robbie Converting one and adding a penalty. Buccaneers scored two tries and the penalty try was a devastating blow. What is interesting to note is that we now lie third just three points off the lead and are still very much in contention.

Castlebar: Paddy Flannelly, Enda Murphy, Darin Claasen, Jason Keane, Simon O'Malley, Robert Cusack, Christy Cusack, Rayno DeKock, Paddy Durcan, Kevin Cox, Alex Goor, Ruairi Hughes, Mike March, Ger Prendergast, Michael Campbell.

Subs, Paul Coady and Michael Power

The Bulls visit Castlebar!

Next week comes the local derby that everyone has been looking forward to with Westport the visitors to Cloondeash. With recent scores this game now becomes very important as both sides remain in the hunt in the league. There plans to be a party atmosphere with music, food and entertainment and that is not even counting the rugby so everyone is invited to come along and witness local rugby at its very best. The action gets underway at 1pm with the vital under 16 clash between Castlebar and Tuam in what will be a tight exciting game as both teams are currently top of the table. Then at 3pm comes the main event: The top of the table clash between Castlebar and Westport. When the game finishes at approx 5pm regardless of the result all supporters are invited to enjoy the bank holiday atmosphere with entertainment, music and food until late on Sunday night. Everyone is invited to what will be a cracking game!

Seconds

The seconds produced two excellent performances over the weekend in beating Ballinrobe on Friday night 19-12 and then on Sunday hosting and defeating Carrick On Shannon 10-0 to go top of the J2 league with Ballyhaunis. Try of the day must certainly go to Richie Feeney who followed up his own clearance to score under the posts. This is a good seconds team and the potential is there for a successful season. Next weekend is a free weekend for the team who deserve a break after their hard work over the last fortnight.

Castlebar Squad: Eanna Kilbane, David Bailey, Brendan Kelly, Alan Gavin, Neil Coyle, Ray Blake, Mark Staunton, Paul Heverin, Eamon Cafferty, Padraic Cronin, Ciaran Flynn, Jonathon Moran, Brendan Fox, Danny McAndrew, Ivor Gilmartin, John Derrig, Colm Cafferkey, Tommy Nolan, John Joe Ormsby, James Armstrong, Brian Flannery, Michael Moran. Richard Feeney, Peter Gaughan, Paul Coady, Barry Barnacle.

It was great to see three Castlebar stalwarts return to the black and blue over the weekend with Barney, Coady and Mikey all returning from injury. Welcome back lads!

Underage

Well done to the Castlebar under 14 team who had a great win over Ballinrobe recently in the league. This was a great win considering that this was the first game of the league. These are a great bunch of young players who will go far and congrats also to their coaches and parents.

Castlebar’s U-16 squad kept their league campaign on track with a well-earned victory over a depleted Oughterard side at NUIG grounds in Dangan, Galway on Sunday.

Castlebar’s forward pack held the key to this victory, and they provided top-quality ball for their backline. The front row of Conor Walsh, Colm Corbett and Daniel Kelly worked very hard at the scrums, lineouts and around the pitch. The second row pairing of Alan Regan, Brendan Raftery and Brian Kiernan made great contributions in the set pieces and in loose play. Cian O Sullivan had a very impressive game at Number 8, as did scrumhalf Stephen Kane, in his first match in that position. Neil Douglas was very effective at out half, and the rest of the backline of Ray O’ Malley, Donal Newcombe, Stephen Rogan, Donal Irwin and Conor Summerville, - ran well when in possession and put in some good tackles when required. Next Sunday, the U-16’s are at home to Tuam, in the league. Training continues every Wednesday night – on the pitch at 6.30.

Next Sunday the under 16 team face current league leaders Tuam in a winner take all encounter as a curtain raiser to Sunday’s first game against Westport. Kick off is at 1pm.

The under 18 team started the league on Sunday last with a long trip to Gort and unfortunately had to start minus some key players. Gort at home are always a strong threat and their pack ran the show and won comfortably. All is not lost with some big games to come and training is now very important so all players must attend training every Tuesday and Friday night at 7.30.

Mini rugby.

Training continues every Saturday at 11am at the clubhouse. Parents are always welcome to come along and watch the training and our team of highly trained and skilled coaches will answer any questions that you may have.

Club Lotto

This month is Rory Casey’s team, and the lotto will be held on Friday 28^th Oct in Castle Inn. Tickets will be on sale throughout the evening and everyone is invited to the draw, which will take place at 11pm.

Important:

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.