The following were winners of the 401 draw that took place in the Club on the 3rd November 2012.
WEEK 45
€401 Mick Corry
€100 David Malseed
€100 Anne McDonnell
WEEK 46
€401 Stephen Murphy
€100 Pat McSherry
€100 David McGuinness
WEEK 47
€401 Martin O’Donnachadha
€100 Sean Gardiner
€100 Sean Connolly
WEEK 48
€401 Pat Carroll
€100 Peter Murtagh
€100 Eugene McEnteggart
The Dundalk U8 squad headed to Skerries on Sunday to partake in a blitz with the hosts and old foes Boyne. The U8 coaches approached the blitz with a little trepidation as this was Dundalk’s first blitz that full tackling/rucking rules would be enforced. Well the coaches needn’t have worried as the players took to the more physical aspects of the game like the proverbial ‘ducks to water’.
Dundalk A began their day with an encounter with Skerries 1. It took the lads a little time to become accustomed to the new rules and lost the game by a couple of tries. But they quickly got in their stride as they blitzed Skerries 2 and Boyne 1 in their next games. Adam McCoy and Tom Cunniffe were to the fore with some crunching tackles while DD Reilly and Luke O Connell finished off some lovely tries. Dundalk B also took their time getting used to the rules and played out a draw in their opening game with Boyne. But like their other compatriots, they roared into form by beating Boyne 2 and Skerries 2. Liam O Connor and Rory Wallace got through a trojan amount of work around the field while David Coyle and Jake Kenny clocked up some fantastic tries.
Dundalk A: Oisin Nash, Adam McCoy, DD Reilly, Tom McCourt, Will Smith, Max Valentine, Luke O Connell, Eoin Purton, Tom Cunniffe, Daniel Cartwright, Oisin McBride.
Dundalk B: Donal Lavery, Liam O Connor, David Crilly, Daire Thomas, Jake Kenny, Rory Wallace, Enda Dooley, David Coyle, William Conyngham.
Following the disappointment of Saturday the 3rd XV lifted club spirits somewhat with a good win over Navan in the McGee Cup competition at Mill Road on a bright Sunday afternoon.
The game itself was a great match between two teams that tackled hard from start to finish. It was apparent that it would take something special to breach either defence and move fell to Rory Mc Ardle, who produced a slicing run past three Navan defenders to score under the posts. Aidan Reilly converted.
This settled the Dundalk team, a good blend of new and experienced players and they settled into a pattern of play which saw them attack Navan at every opportunity. The young pack, ably led by the experienced Alan Byrne, gained the upper hand on a much heavier and more experienced Navan unit. Then from a long clearance kick, Pierce Campbell gained possession inside the Dundalk half. He stuck the ball under his arm,upped a gear and raced down the touchline to score in the corner. The conversion drifted just wide.
Navan steadied themselves and attacked the Dundalk line from the restart but as sometimes happens Dundalk stole the possession in a ruck and Simon Byrne went over under the posts.
The second half continued in the same vein and coach John Mc Kevitt saw some of his work come to fruition with tight defence and good covering evident in the home team. Navan however remained dogged in their attacks and were rewarded ten minutes from time with a try.This score seemed to rouse Dundalk to greater effort and Chopper launched a huge Garryowen from just inside the half way line.As Navan screamed offside at the ref, Chopper came on the charge after his own kick,at a terrifying pace, and just as it seemed he would get the touchdown a despairing Navan boot put the ball out of play.
After Chopper’s recovery, Dundalk gained possession from the drop out and Will Matthews came from the right wing to collect a pass from Eamonn Roe and slide in for a try in the left corner. Chopper,despite instructions from his son, missed the conversion no doubt still in recovery from his amazing sprint.
Well done to all and keep up the good work
Dundalk 2nd XV took on Newbridge at Mill Road on Saturday last at 1 o’clock.
This group has been trying very hard to gather their forces and put up credible performances which they know themselves capable of. Saturday last saw the beginning of a returning pride and a sterling performance against a good Newbridge XV. The scoreline of 22-33 shows a huge improvement in attitude, application and performance and we hope to see them move on to increasing success in the pre-Christmas period.
The Dundalk XV conceded two very soft tries in the first half of the match, one in particular coming from a line out mix up close to the Newbridge line. Dundalk replied with a try from Kieran Mc Cabe which was converted by Donal Clare who had already knocked over a penalty leaving the half time score at 22-10 in favour of Newbridge.
The second half was dominated by the Dundalk XV who added further tries by Eoin Mc Nally and David McGee. The defence did trojan work during the second period and dominated the Newbridge pack for long spells. This display is more like the 2nd XV we know and we hope that with some adjustments to defensive patterns we will soon return to winning ways. Well done to all. We can do it!
Team;R.O’Hagan,N.McGroarty,C.Scully,O.McNally,D.McGuinness,D.Clare,S.Mulligan[Capt.],C.Williams,L.Steen,C.McCabe, C.O’Hanlon,R.McGee,S.Quigley,S.McEneaney,D.McGee, J.Kerr,J.Whyte,T.Thornton,P.Conway
Newbridge RFC were the visitors to Mill Road on Saturday last. Despite the sunshine it was bitterly cold and this may have been responsible for some poor hands which cost us dearly over the course of the game. Newbridge were lying second in the Leinster League Table having been defeated only once and that was by a last minute kick in the game against Enniscorthy.
Dundalk’s injury problems continue and on Saturday we had to select from a panel which did not include Jonathan Williams and Afa Fa’atau, both of whom have featured strongly in previous matches.Some rejigging of the forces meant that we fielded the strongest possible fifteen with those who stepped up more than capable of challenging for permanent inclusion.
From the kick off Dundalk chased hard and the ball catcher was deemed to not have released the ball and Dundalk were awarded a penalty. Ultan Murphy, playing at out-half, opted to kick at goal but the strong breeze caught the ball which hit the upright and bounced back onto the field of play. A very alert Newbridge player caught the ball and cleared his lines to relieve the early Dundalk pressure. The breeze was to prove problematic all afternoon for both teams.
Dundalk went behind after ten minutes when an excellent Newbridge line-out on the home 22 was taken cleanly and moved at speed. Dundalk were defending bravely and forced the Newbridge team to work the ball through seven or eight phases before their hard running winger broke through the tackle to score right in the corner. The conversion was missed and so Newbridge led 5-0 after ten minutes.
Dundalk settled themselves and again brought the game to Newbridge. Greg Whately led the way making great ground after handing off his tackler at the side of a ruck. He gained twenty metres before being caught and held by the opposition full back. From the ensuing ruck quick hands by the support players freed winger Gerard Scully out wide and he dived over to register Dundalk’s first score. This left the game at 5-5 after twenty minutes as the conversion was missed, drifting just wide of the upright.
Newbridge had very strong runners and forced Dundalk to defend stoutly The Dundalk defensive set up was well tested and not found wanting keeping Newbridge from breaking through.The opposition out-half attempted a drop goal but his effort was well wide. A further Newbridge penalty from just outside the Dundalk 22 was taken by the wind and drifted wide of the upright. Dundalk had a number of opportunities to register scores but dropped passes, possibly from cold hands, meant that no further scores came in the first half.
Dundalk started the second half enthusiastically but over enthusiasm cost them and led to a penalty award to Newbridge on the home 22.The kick drifted wide. Another penalty, five minutes later was kicked more accurately and gave Newbridge an 8-5 lead with 48 minutes gone. The momentum was now with Newbridge and Dundalk were acutely aware of their need to hold their discipline. Again, from a well worked line-out inside the Dundalk 22, Newbridge showed quick hands, strong running forcing Dundalk to defend desperately. However a missed tackle allowed the Newbridge winger in for a try, which was unconverted, leaving the score 13-5 with fifteen minutes remaining.
This Newbridge score seemed to spark a renewed effort from the home fifteen. Greg Whately made another impressive break from his own ten metre line to the Newbridge 22 where he was eventually hauled down. The referee spotted a Newbridge player trying to slow down the ball in the ruck and Ultan Murphy sent the resultant penalty between the posts to bring the score to 13-8, narrowing the gap and giving his team great hope.
Dundalk rose to the challenge and were now playing the better rugby. Team Captain Thomas Campbell tapped and went from a free kick only to be tackled by the opposition number 6 who had not retreated the necessary ten metres. T.C. got the penalty and the number 6 got a ten minute break for his troubles. Ultan had another shot at goal from the half way line and this effort was more successful,sailing over to leave the score at 13-11 with eight minutes to go.
Dundalk piled on the pressure in their chase for further scores. They attacked and had Newbridge under all possible pressure. From a scrum Dundalk were awarded a penalty and kicked for the line. A great throw in from Jonathan Grey found Ciaran Sloan and Dundalk worked the the ball to the centre of the pitch. Driving towards the Newbridge line Dundalk were awarded a penalty on the opposition ten metre line for an off side offence. With only two minutes plus injury time to go Dundalk players and supporters endured the agony of seeing the kick drift millimetres wide of the upright.
The game finished Newbridge 13 Dundalk 11. So close!
Dundalk get a bonus point from this game but it could have been so much more. Dundalk are proving to be contenders in all their games in this League and with just a modicum of luck could have had more points on the board. Our next outing is at Lansdowne Road against Wanderers on the 17th Nov and we are looking forward to playing at this venue.
Man of the Match this week goes to Greg Whately whose strong running and breaks kept Dundalk in the game and created opportunities for all around him. He just pipped Jonathan Grey whose excellent line-out throwing made life very difficult for Newbridge. Well done all, onwards and upwards
Team:U.Murphy,R.Shields,R.Williams,S.Murphy,E.Fa’atau,G.Scully,T.Campbell, R.Farrell,J.Grey,R.Smyth, D.Sloan, C.Sloan, C.Beattie,S.Martin,G.Whately, L.Steen, C.Brannigan,O.Mc Nally,R.O’Hagan.
Dear Members,
Please note that there are still a number of family tickets available for the upcoming internationals at the Aviva Stadium against South Africa on November 10th and Argentina on November 24th. Each Family ticket admits one adult and one child, offers exceptional value and prices are as follows:
South Africa Match:
Category 3 Family Ticket (admits 2) : €70
Category 4 Family Ticket (admits 2) : €55
Argentina Match:
Category 3 Family Ticket (admits 2) : €55
Category 4 Family Ticket (admits 2) : €40
As there is just over 1 week to go, members and friends wishing to purchase tickets please contact Honorary Ticket Secretary Brian Byrne on brian.byrne@ecci.ie or Honorary Treasurer Alan Byrne alan@marshmackey.com. Brian can also be contacted by mobile on 0872411234.
This week sees our 1st XV ,2nd XV, and 3rd XV all feature at home at Mill Road. The !st XV take on Newbridge !st XV in our next Leinster League fixture. The 2ndXV also entertain Newbridge 2nd XV in their league and hope for better results this time out. Please note the change of time for the K.O.— 1o’clock for the 2nd’s match and 2.30 for the 1st XV. The 3rd XV field against Navan on Sunday at 2.30.
Apologies to Robbie Farrell who was Man of the Match last time out in Enniscorthy and should have been mentioned in the report of that game. Due to time constraints I condensed the report too much and omitted the Man of the Match award so please accept this apology. Well done Robbie and keep up the good work.
There are reports of an excellent game on Fri night last, under lights, where a combined 1st and 2nd XV played another combined 1st and 2nd XV in a very competitive outing. The game finished with each team scoring 6 tries and the weekend commenced soon after the final whistle. Good luck next weekend lads.
Training on Tuesday and Thursday at the usual times. Full attendance le bhur d’toil.
Dundalk sharks U 11 s traveled in large numbers to Dublin last Saturday to take on one of Ireland’s premier rugby clubs. The sharks fielded 3 teams , each blended with experienced players and beginners. Conditions couldn’t have been better for attacking rugby and the sharks set out their stalls early and ran the ball from every position and this really paid off with some wonderful tries being scored. 6 games were played and Dundalk were successful in 4 and drew in 2. Credit to st Mary’s who equally moved the ball which resulted in Dundalk having to to defend and tackle for periods of each game.
The tour party was all about parents as well and the group traveled in style in a double decker which was very exciting for all. the sharks took to the field with faces painted for the Halloween spirit and in some respects must have been a bit daunting for the marys lads who must have been a bit spooked by the whole thing.
The day was finished off with a trip to the RDS to see Leinster v Cardiff in the Rabo Direct along with 17000 other Leinster supporters.
2nd’s woes continue
Dundalk 2nd XV travelled to Enniscorthy to fulfill their 2nd’s League fixture on Sat last. Life has been difficult in this League for this group of players and the difficulties continued in Enniscorthy. The Dundalk team started well but the elementary errors and fitness levels soon took their toll and the game got away from them. More effort in training will improve the situation with fitness and team cohesion so attendance at training is vital to improvement. The game finished 47-12 in Enniscorthy’s favour.
Next fixture Dundalk v Newbridge Nov 3rd Mill Road
Bonus point only reward after long journey.
Dundalk made the long journey south to the home of the 2012 Towns Cup holders Enniscorthy on last Saturday afternoon for our Leinster League fixture.
Both teams were sitting on equal points in the League Table after the previous rounds and so each knew that this was a vital match to maintain their League position in the top half of the that table.
Enniscorthy have always been formidable opponents on all occasions when the sides have met and with a big physical pack and strong running backs there was to be no difference in this encounter.
Dundalk opened brightly and attacked from the kick off keeping ‘Scorthy pinned in their own half. Dundalk attacked relentlessly but when the Enniscorthy winger intercepted a ball, he ran unchallenged to score under the Dundalk posts with the Dundalk committed to an all out attack with only five minutes gone. 7-0
Dundalk remained in attacking mode even after this score and were awarded a penalty but Ultan Murphy’s super effort just went outside the upright. Encouraged, Dundalk pressed hard and again kept ‘Scorthy confined to their own half. Afa Fa’atau broke through with a strong run on the wing and got touch just ten metres from the home line.
Dundalk got a scrum after a great run by Gerard Scully, who was tackled by a ‘Scorthy player who subsequently knocked on. A strong Dundalk scrum,gave Greg Whately a great platform to work off. He found Thomas Campbell with his pass and he quickly spotted a powerful charge from Afa who took a pass to crash over under the post despite attempted tackles from the opposition. Ultan converted to draw the scores at 7-7 on 15 minutes.
Disaster now struck with Afa having to be replaced due to injury.He had been really on song and was causing all kinds of problems for Enniscorthy. Robert Shields came on for the injured Afa. Enniscorthy piled on the pressure but the Dundalk defence was resolute and were beginning to drive them back when the ‘Scorthy out half slotted over a drop goal opportunity to leave the score at 10-7 on the twentieth minute.
Dundalk steadied themselves and pressed hard from the restart working the ball from wing to wing with the strong carrying of Simon Crawford, Robert Farrell and coach Ene. Their efforts brought a ruck on the ‘Scorthy ten metre line and the home side went offside at this ruck giving Dundalk a penalty. Alert hooker, Jonathan Grey,tapped quickly and went at the defenders at speed and powerfully drove through to score under the posts. Ultan again obliged to put Dundalk ahead 10-14 on 25 minutes.
Enniscorthy fought back and were again held out after many phases by a very determined Dundalk defence. Their out half went again for the drop goal and closed the gap to the minimum, 13-14 at half time.
Dundalk will rue the the mistakes of the second half which cost them dearly. Each team knew that a good start to the second period was needed to secure victory. However a mix up in a Dundalk line out, early into the second half, saw the ball being taken by the Enniscorthy No 6 who somehow found himself free to score in the corner from the Dundalk 22. 18-14 to Enniscorthy on 45 minutes.
Five minutes later the ‘Scorthy number 10 exploited a gap in the Dundalk defence, sprinted down the field drawing the cover and linked up with his winger who went over in the corner. Again the conversion was missed leaving the score 23-14. Captain T.C. and Coach Ene refocused the team with some strong exhortations and Dundalk ‘s play improved greatly. Stephen Murphy was yellow carded for a late tackle in the 57th minute but this seemed to galvanise the Dundalk players. Redoubling their efforts Dundalk pressed hard and were very unlucky to see a quick break from a tap ball by T.C. stopped by a good tackle by the ‘Scorthy full back. The ball went forward in the tackle and was subsequently cleared. Dundalk’s spirit was not broken and attacking play brought a penalty in the 65th minute which Ultan converted to leave the score at 23 -17. Despite their best efforts Dundalk could not secure any further scores and the game ended with Enniscorthy winning 23 -17. A losing bonus point was Dundalk’s only reward.
Team: U.Murphy, G.Scully, R.Williams, A.Fa’atau, S.Murphy, J.Williams, T.Campbell, R.Farrell, J.Grey, C.Brannigan, C. Sloan, S.Crawford, E.Fa’atau, S.Martin, G Whately, R.Shields, J.Smith, D.Sloan, P.Keely.
Next League Fixture Dundalk v Newbridge Nov 3rd Mill Road
