Castlebar Rugby Club
Castlebar Rugby Club News 10 Jan 2006
By John Mulligan
10, Jan 2006 - 19:44

Firsts

Not to be for the firsts at the weekend as Galwegians defeated them by six points on Sunday last. Castlebar’s tries coming from Rayno DeKock, Darren Claasen and Mike Power. Darren Claasen kicked the rest of the points. This was a brave comeback as we were 25-3 behind at one stage. Next up is Loughrea in Cloondeash with a 2.30 kick off time. All support would be appreciated for what will be a cup rehearsal.

Seconds

The seconds’ game against Ballinasloe was called off due to a frozen pitch.

Castlebar kept their unbeaten record intact against a much larger Creggs team, but had to fight "tooth and nail" to finish with a draw.

On a foggy Sunday morning both teams kicked off with a place in the playoffs as the prize. Both teams were very well matched, the skill of the smaller Castlebar lads against the physical strength of the bigger Creggs forwards. Indeed, it was an unstoppable rolling maul, which resulted in the Creggs score after 10 minutes. The Castlebar team were staring down the barrel of defeat, but as this team has done on many occasions this season, they rallied, worked very hard for each other and drew level just before halftime. Ironically it was a maul from the Castlebar pack after sustained pressure – they had crossed the line three times, before the try was awarded on the fourth time. Prop Colm Corbett was the player to touch down. At this stage the front row of Corbett, Conor Walsh and David Walsh were driving at the opposition. Second row Alan Regan was having a storming game in the lineout, and his partner Kevin Glynn was always present in support. But the Castlebar back row – led by captain and "man-of the match" Shane Casey, Cian O’ Sullivan and David Casey – were superb. They tackled like demons, turned over any loose Creggs ball and punched holes in the opposition. At this stage, Castlebar were very unlucky not to have gone ahead.

The second half was a titanic battle, as both teams refused to slow the tempo of the game. Both sides had opportunities, but the defences were up to it. The ever-improving scrumhalf Stephen Kane had a great game, and Neil Douglas was making some great plays at out half. The rest of the backline - of Donal Newcombe, Kevin Curry, Conor Douglas, Ray O’ Malley and Stephen Rogan played very well. Indeed, with the last move of the game, a sweeping move across the backline that ended with a pass from Donal Newcombe to put Conor Douglas away for a try. Unfortunately, it was called back for a forward pass. All told, a draw was a fair result for a cracking game.

Training continues as Usual.

Under 18

The season gets underway in a big way for the Under 18 team after Christmas so all players are asked to attend training which goes on at 7pm Tuesday and Friday nights.

Training recommences for all mini rugby teams on Saturday next at 11am out at the pitch. We hope all had a good Christmas and are looking forward to a busy rest of season. Parents are always welcome to attend if they have any questions.

The Castlebar RFC Lotto for December was held on the 30^th of December in Rays with a Jackpot of 6,800 Euro. There was no winner of the Jackpot with the numbers drawn being 8,11,12 and 28. There were three match three tickets and it was a family affair with Pat Kilbane having two and Fergal Kilbane the third. Congratulations to them. The next draw will take place on Friday the 27^th January with a venue to be announced. David O'Malley’s team are on duty on the night. A special request also to all players to return tickets as soon as possible.