Castlebar Rugby Club
Castlebar Rugby News - 1st Dec 2003
By John Mulligan
1, Dec 2003 - 21:38

Firsts News

Last Sunday was a great day as Castlebar’s firsts got their season back to winning ways by beating Loughrea in Ballygasty. Tries from Andrew Olsen, Simon O’Malley and Christy Cusack with a conversion from Robbie Cusack who also added a penalty. There were some good overall performances with debutants Mike Durcan and Ivor Gilmartin playing well. With other results going the way they did. Castlebar now find themselves back in the top half of the division. Next Sunday is a very important day as Castlebar take part in the first round of the Cawley cup. Their opponents are Creggs, who knocked them out of the competition last season. This is a major game in a competition that Castlebar can realistically win so support will be everything. Kick off is at 2.30Seconds News

BAR ONE

The seconds are in training ahead of the J2 league which is suppose to start shortly, as preparations are in full swing, they will be playing friendlies. One of these features Westport, which is fixed to take place next Sunday. More information will be available to the players on Thursday At 7.30.Ladies news

The game between Castlebar and Enniskillen that was due to take place on Sunday last was postponed until after Christmas. Their next game takes place at home on the 14^th of December when they face Armagh. Development of the game has become paramount and it has been put to all clubs in Connacht to develop their Ladies Team. Apart from a great way to get fit it is great fun and everyone is welcome, just bring your gear and enjoy. Training continues on Wednesday night at 7pm.

Last Saturday morning was a very important day for the mini rugby teams as they face Ballina and Dunmore at Cloondeash. In all over 200 players turned up for games at under 8,9,10,11 and 12. The rugby was fantastic with great performances from all the Castlebar teams. The objective was not competition but to improve the skills and to enjoy ourselves, which everyone did. Castlebar were successful in several games but had to give second best in others. In fact there was seven games underway at any one time and was well attended by parents and supporters alike. Training continues on Saturday at 10.45. and if any player has not registered, then they are to attend on Saturday where Paul Gannon will be overseeing registrations. Under 14

Training continues for the under 14 team on Wednesday nights at the usual with a bus leaving the courthouse at 6.30. Their next game takes place on the 6^th of December against Creggs.Under 16

Dunmore 15 Castlebar 6 - Castlebar showed great determination and team spirit, and deserved a better result from this U-16 League fixture in Dunmore. From the beginning the Castlebar pack rucked and mauled with great power and technique. While the lineouts need some work, the scrum was a very solid platform, which allowed the backs to launch attack after attack. Following sustained pressure, Ronan Conway landed two sweetly struck penalties to give Castlebar a 6-0 lead. At this stage Castlebar were totally dominant, with Shane Cunnane (pack leader) having a storming game, ably assisted by his fellow prop, Richie Staunton. Both were very keen to take the ball to the opposition and made great yardage. The second row pairing of Joseph Moran and Liam Sweeney also made some powerful drives into the heart of the opposition.

Unfortunately, Castlebar slipped back a gear, and Dunmore kicked an easy penalty. Then just before halftime, Dunmore scored a try by using the overlap, and the kicked the conversion.

The second half started like the first, with Castlebar again applying the pressure, with some great play from David Staunton, Darragh Irwin, Ronan Conway and Eoghan Walsh.

The much improved possession allowed Fintan Casey to provide a better service to Danny Cunningham, who made some fine breaks. The centre pairing of Sean O’ Beirn and Cathal Foy were again were superb in defence, and the wingers of Tom Murphy and Mark Conlon and fullback Paudie O’ Malley all contributed to the cause.

Unfortunately, for all the quality possession, Castlebar just could not breach the Dunmore defence, and against the run of play, Dunmore scored a dubious try. Stephen Mohan, Chris Rogan, Craig Naughton, Brendan Redmond all played well when introduced.

All told, this was a great effort from the Castlebar lads, who are now stringing together lovely passages of play. The continuity play has improved immensely, and they are now shaping up to have a real go in the remaining league matches.

There will be a friendly match against Ballyhaunis on Monday night Dec 8^th, under floodlights (kick off at 7.30)

Training continues every Wednesday night (on the pitch at 7.00).Under 18

With a solid determined team, there is a lot expected of this team, and they have delivered to the delight of everybody in the club. They also take to the pitch on the Wednesday 3rd of December when they play Dunmore in Cloondeash half 7. Details will be announced at training on Wednesday night with the bus as usual from the courthouse. Are you interested in playing rugby but thought that you lived too far from Castlebar? Well if you live in the Balla area and were interested, then Castlebar RFC would like to hear from you. Training takes place for all mini rugby players on Saturday Mornings at 11am and there is training for all under 14, under 16 and under 18 players on Wednesday night at 7pm. We have best coaches around, all IRFU trained and approved and you become part of one of the fastest growing clubs in Connacht. If you are interested you can contact Castlebar RFC in Cloondeash and buses can be arranged if we have enough numbers making it easier on parents and taking the hassle out of attending training and games, so come on…,WHAT are you waiting for?? Get involved! New players are always welcome!