After the excitement and drama of last week’s Cawley cup win, it was back to the league and a vital game with Corrib in Headford. Despite playing some great rugby and camping on the Corrib line for the last twenty minutes, sadly Castlebar had to give second best on the day. All our points coming from Darin Claasen. The league may be all but over but the cup competitions are certainly a realistic chance and next Sunday Castlebar travel to Tuam for the first round proper of the Cawley cup. All support would be appreciated with the game kicking off at 2.30.

Castlebar: Nigel Byrne, Mike Power, Darin Claasen, Mike Campbell, Ciaran Flynn, Robert Cusack, Christy Cusack, Rayno DeKock, Paddy Durcan, Ruairi Hughes, Alex Goor, Paul Heverin, Enda Murphy, Alan Gavin, Mike March.

Subs: Paul Coady, Jason Keane, Ger Prendergast.

The seconds were in action also on Sunday last with a vital league game against Westport in Carrowholley. With the team in good form, castlebar had hoped for a big game and a good result. However, despite some excellent rugby with Richie Feeney and the back row with Gavin Sullivan to the fore, a strong bulls side beat us. This is only their first defeat of the season and is still very much in contention for a play off spot.

Castlebar: B Fox, J Derrig, I Gilmartin, S Dever, T Nolan, R Feeney, J Moran, G Sullivan, S Hynes, E Cafferkey, D Glackin, S Devenney, B Flannery, I Kilbane, N Coyle.
Replacements: B Kelly, JJ Hornsby, P O'Malley, J Gaughan, B Barnacle, D Cafferkey.

Castlebar 38 Loughrea 15

Another fine performance from Castlebar’s U16 squad saw them maintain their unbeaten league run. They now have 5 victories from 5 matches, and sit proudly on top of the table.

They were due to travel to Monivea on Tuesday night, but this game was postponed due to freezing fog. However, the squad trained very effectively on Tuesday night, and the fruits of this labour were to be seen on Sunday at Cloondeash, as they accounted for an under strength Loughrea team. Indeed, it is a reflection of the strength of this Castlebar squad, that all of Loughrea’s scores came from Castlebar players, who played with Loughrea to even up the sides.

Once again, Castlebar’s forward pack held the key to this victory, and they provided top-quality ball for their dynamic 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 of Alan Regan, Brendan Raftery and Brian Kiernan made great contributions in the set pieces and in loose play. The back row of John McGuinness, Cian O Sullivan, the ever-improving Rory Martin and the hard-working Shane Casey again made wonderful ground.

Scrumhalf Stephen Kane continues to grow into the role, and combined very effectively with Neil Douglas. The rest of the backline of Kevin Glynn, Stephen Rogan, Conor Douglas and Darragh Carter tackled well.

Castlebar’s two most incisive runners - Ray O’ Malley and Donal Newcombe played for Loughrea and made marvellous breaks – resulting in the Loughrea scores.

Three league matches remain (away to Monivea, away to Gort and home to Creggs), and at this stage of the season, Castlebar are starting to look good to make the playoffs. However, they will meet sterner tests, but this squad is rich in talent, and spirit and look forward with relish to the upcoming challenges.

Training has been moved to Tuesday night, from now onwards – on the pitch at 7.00

The under 18 game against Loughrea did not go ahead at the weekend as Loughrea failed to field. Training continues as usual.

Mini Rugby Supporters have plenty to look forward to over the next couple of weeks with two mini blitzes taking place. On Saturday next Castlebar host its first blitz of the season against Sligo with games from under 7 to under 12. All Parents are invited to come along and watch what will be a great day’s rugby featuring all our mini rugby stars. On the following Saturday the mini’s are again in action when they travel to Westport. We will have a full report next week.

Castlebar RFC’s race night will take place in the Clubhouse on Friday night the 2^nd of December getting underway at 8pm. A great night is assured with thrills/spills and the chance to make a few euros 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.

This month is Leon Jordaan’s team, and the lotto will be held on next Friday Night 2^nd as part of our race night in the clubhouse 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.