Latest Match Reports 
27 / 04 / 08
The Dog Rough Match Report
Ard Na Cregg Cup Semi Final 17 / 04 / 08
Westport 14 West Offally Lions 12
Westport through to the Ard na Cregg Final
Westport go for three in a row in the Ard na Cregg Cup Final, when they head for Galway next weekend after defeating West Offally Lions in a tense, tight game in Westport on Sunday. Both teams played to their full potential and it was nip and tuck throughout the entire contest, with first Westport ahead by seven points from a Lee Keegan try and Pat Hoban conversion, then the Lions roaring back into the action with their own converted try eight minutes later to even the score.
In the second half the same story unfolded, as Westport went ahead by a further seven points, courtesy of a John McHugh try and Lee Keegan conversion, with the the Lions crossing the Westport try line for a five point score ten minutes later. The lions were unlucky with their conversion attempt and then lucky when a sitter of a penalty shot by Westport missed the target, the score then remained, despite work and effort by the Lions, fourteen points to twelve until the final whistle .
The Lions played some good rugby, in what turned into a continuous downpour, but it was Westport's well rehearsed defence that kept them at bay, with fierce attacking forays from Lee Keegan and John McHugh always threatening to increase Westport's total Our pack also excelled in the rolling mauls and it could be perhaps argued that they crossed the line for a try, after rumbling forward twenty yards, but the ref said no. Despite the rain the supporters from both sides were treated to an exciting and enjoyable match, which was a great example of the quality commitment and excitement that the Ard na Cregg Cup brings to Connaught's junior development teams.
( On a personal level Fat Andy tells me that it was the wetest day this season for watching or playing rugby . He was so drentched, that on drying he found he had shrunk down to XXL size .
Tuam 7 Westport 18
Westport have extended their playing season by progressing to the quarter final of the Ard na Cregg Cup, by beating Tuam by 18 points to 7 in an exciting match in the preliminary round of the contest. Played in cold windy conditions, it was far from ideal conditions for kicking conversions and while Westport scored three trys, all the conversion attempts were blown aside by the stiff breeze.The only exception to this weather induced conversion famine was Tuam,s effort from straight in front of the posts after a great breakaway try by their young winger and a well struck drop goal from Westport's Tadgh Cannon.
Westport 's Hugh O'Malley scored the first unconverted try of the match and with Tadgh Cannons drop goal shortly after the commencement of play in the second half, led by eight points to nil . A further try by Westport's Joe Ryan, after sixty five minutes seemed to ensure that Westport were cruising on for a victory, but Tuam who had run Westport close a couple of times ,scored a great solo try from and intercept at half way ,then an uncatchable race for the line by Tuam's winger put seven points on the boardfor the home club.
Westport who throughout the match had played with their usual solid defence and fast attacking forays, uped their game and started to apply the pressure, which was duly rewarded by a forwards try from flanker Liam Scahill .
Westport are now the only Mayo club remaining in the competiotion and will be going on to play the West Offaly Lions at home next Sunday.
Westport's Tadgh Cannon lines up for his drop Goal The Westport pack driving for Tuams's line
Cawley Cup Final
Westport 19 Corrib 18
What a match, what a cliff hanger here's a great report on the game
Westport retained the Tom Dempsey Interiors Cawley Cup in dramatic fashion at the Sportsground on Sunday, waiting until the fifth minute of injury time to go ahead against a Corrib side which had played very well throughout.
In a see-saw battle played in beautiful conditions, a large crowd was entertained by a fantastic match which saw the lead change hands on six occasions.
Westport began the game brightly and were awarded a penalty after eleven minutes but outhalf Eddie Walsh was unable to convert from 30 metres out to the right of the posts.
As the match went on it was Corrib who slowly took advantage through their pack and were awarded for their pressure after 25 minutes when Captain Martin Lee, put his side ahead for the first time, running through the Westport line on the near side from the back of a maul in the near right corner.
Westport struck back eight minutes later through tighthead Pat Conway which Walsh converted to put the defending champions back in front and 7-5 is how it stayed until half time.
Three minutes into second half Corrib took the lead once again through a penalty by Michael Monahan and would not have been blamed for thinking that they had one hand on the cup ten minutes later when openside Dave Keane was sin binned for Westport.
A further drop goal from outhalf Thomas Lee extended their lead to four points on the hour mark but with seven minutes remaining Westport hit back with a wonderfully worked try from a lineout, with fullback Kevin Corcoran scoring his first try of the game, to put Westport back in front by a solitary point until Walsh again added the extras.
Corrib hit back with two minutes to go, when every member of the team joined in a maul to get over the Westport line and when the dust settled, it was Martin Lee holding the ball, to put his side back in the driving seat. Monahan converted to put Corrib four points ahead going into injury time, leaving the defending champions all but out.
Westport showed their determination in driving Corrib back into their own 22 from the restart and after several attempts to cross the opposition line, they were successful in the 85th minute when they spread the ball wide.
Outhalf Eddie Walsh spread the ball wide to Mark Walsh who passed to the onrushing Kevin Corcoran to go over in the far corner for a dramatic finish to a great game.
Scorers: Westport:
Tries: Conway, K Corcoran (2) Cons: E Walsh (2)
Corrib:
Tries: M Lee (2) Cons: Monahan Pen: Monahan Drop Goal: T Lee
Westport:
K Corcoran; D O'Tool, L Jones, M Walsh, G Vissor; E Walsh, P Jennings; M Walsh, P Kennedy, P Conway; L Scahill, P Corcoran; C Hastings, D Keane, JP Walsh (C).
Replacements:
S O'Boyle for Keane, 65 mins; P Walsh for C Hastings, 80 mins.
Corrib:
C O'Sullivan; M Monahan, D O'Connor, S Conlisk, J Gavin; T Lee, E Kenny; A Bane, M Newell, C Moylan; R Colleran, S Walsh; C Reddington, M Lee (C), B McDonagh.
Replacements: M Henaghan for Jennings, half time; J McCarthy for Gavin, 80 mins; R Casey for Moylan, 80 mins.
Referee: Conor Brannigan
Now the report you've all been waiting for
Ard na Cregg (replay) 13/04/08
Westport 8 Buccaneers 6
Buccaneerrs walked the plank on Sunday and splashed out of the Ard na Cregg cup, when they were beaten by Westport's development team by eight points to six in a hard fought contest in Ballyhaunis.
Bottom of the league table Buccaneers were thrown a lifeline last week by the CBIRFU when it was decided that after
they had been caught playing illegal players in last weeks contest between the two clubs, they would be allowed a replay at a neutral venue, designated by the branch to be Ballyhaunis.
Against a stiff breeze it was a difficult day for the kickers, but Bucs managed to score two penalties with only one in reply from Westport's Tadgh Cannon and they went into the second half three points ahead. Despite a formidable front row Bucs lacked attack penetration, but their defence was soilid and effective and Westport had to work hard to eventually break it down to score a try. This was scored by Westport's John Browne, when after sustained pressure by the pack he wriggled over in the second half for a sweet (molasses,sugar and honey) try
Buccaneers only once in the match threatened Westport's line and sixty five percent of the contest was played in Buccaneers half of the pitch however they did have the chance to win the match in injury time when presented with a penalty twenty eight yards out and right in front of the posts. Two feet to the left was Westport's margin of victory and you could hear the cheer in Galway as the ball sailed wide and the referee simultaneously blew up the match.
The contest on the pitch was hard, fair and straight, but one has to take exception to the behaviour of the Buccaneers team after the match was concluded. They left the field in a rush,like beaten little children and failed to clap the referee or Westport off the pitch, they were not very welcoming either to Westport's captain Damien Gibbons who later attempted in the dressing room to thank them for a sporting match, being sworn at and manhandled out of the door, by a Buccaneers team mentor is not on Damien's list of favourite things.
This unsporting behaviour, plus the original " mix up" in regrading players for the Bucs team, plus having a Buccaneers team official dismissed from the field of play last week, for verbally abusing the referee and having to play at a neutral venue, leaves a bit of a sour taste in the mouth, but a sweet try solves these problems and I'm sure that the Bucanneers football committee will put their team management house in order before next season.
Here's what Bucs had to say about their match with us on their website
How will they I wonder report this weeks news from the CBIRFU
WESTPORT 5 BUCCANEERS 8
April 6th, 2008
A DARRAGH LENNON try in the closing minutes of a hard-fought Ard-Na-Cregg Cup clash ensured Buccaneers Thirds overcame Westport Reserves at bitter cold Carrowholly, Westport, on Sunday. With sleet and snow showers falling, this was no contest for the faint-hearted and Buccs duly rolled up their collective sleeves to progress to the quarter-finals on a tight 8-5 winning margin.
Westport notched the opening score but Keith ONeill narrowed the arrears with a penalty for the midlanders, who had to battle without Darren Costello who sustained a nasty leg injury in the opening quarter. The collective will and effort of Buccaneers saw them impose increasing pressure as the game approached the full-time whistle. Their endeavours gained due reward when hooker Darragh Lennon somersaulted in for a dramatic 77 th minute try to seal his side â passage to the next round.
This was a sustained, all-round team effort by Buccs with Decie Ryan putting in immense work at No. 8. Sean Brady was superb in the centre and fullback Decie Byrne had a tremendous input. Conor Flynn too played a significant role as Buccs advance to meet either Sligo or Tuam away next Sunday.
(O Dear, Dear, I don't think so, you are going to play Westport in a replay, which in my view is a big undiserved let off for you. Ed.)
Ard na Cregg 06/04/06
Westport 5 Buccaneers 8
Today was one of those if only days "if only we just went blind side not open side " ext . Truth is after a hard fought match against a heavy duty Buccaneers side, we could not maintain our three point lead, that we held for most of the match and Buccaneers, after a sustained period of pressure in our twenty two, eventually went over for a try in the last ten minutes of the match.
Westport scored a try in the first four minutes, on the side line we thought we were in for a try bonanza, the same as we had achieved against Galwegians last week, but Bucs although not a particularly gifted team were considerably physically bigger up front and in the line out we were losing ball time after time . In loose play we defended comfortably most of the contest but in the set pieces Bucs had a slight edge on us and although we could match them for most of the game we could not hold them out in the dying minutes of the match.
The team played with it's usual gusto and maintained it's reputation of strong defensive play and Cosy Joe was within inches of a try in the corner, which would have put a whole different compexion on the match. So our bid for three in a row will have to be put on hold until we start the procedings again next season.
As an aside it was at times one of the worst days to watch and play rugby this season, with spasmodic gale force wind and wet snow (see pictures page) and Fat Andy got vey wet .
Player coach Dessie, announced after the match that in four weeks time we will be contesting the Mayo Cup in a two day in the same week contest . Details when they become availible.
Connaught 18's Cup
Sorry no live report, we were beaten by 20 points to 10 after a fast tough matchm but we were playing catch up fpr most of the time. Proper report when it becomes availible.
Connacht Junior League 2
Westport 55 Galwegians 0
Report by "Scoop" Cadden
Westport development squad played out their final league in Carrowholly in some style last Sunday in
Carrowholly. The Bulls finished off their unbeaten run in the league with a nine try to none victory.
Pat Hoban, the man of the match drove his pack hard and the pack delivered. Kieran Jennings, Dan
Plaveniks and Michael Ryder all giving the Galway lads a hard time in contact.
Westport played a superb handling game, always looking to play the ball just at the right time, Tadg Cannon playing at out half and Steve Hutchinson excelled in this area. Westport’s victory in the league, the first one ever has been a
long time coming. Years ago it was always a battle to get fifteen lads up in time on a Sunday morning for a
trip to Galway or Sligo, now there are thirty players travelling to Athlone or Ballinasloe each time there
is a game.
This season the team have played eight league matches unbeaten, scored 208 points for, with only 80 points against a remarkable success
Shane Conway, the non playing captain and Joe Ryan the acting captain accepted the League Cup from Michael Cunnigham, President of the Connacht Branch. Shane and Joe thanked all the players for their commitment and hard work and looked forward to playing next Sunday in the first round of the Ard na Cregg Cup.
Dessie Reidy, the coach, has done a huge amount of work over the last few years fostering a
team spirit and he deserves huge credit for that. Dessie has wasted no time in setting his sights on the
next piece of silverware for the development squad, Westport play Buccaneers next Sunday in Carrowholly in
the first round of the Ard na Cregg Cup, kick off @2.30pm..
Westport:
J Ryan R Coady D O’Malley J McHugh J O’Malley D Reidy S Hutchinson J Marek M Kennedy D Keane H O’Malley K Jennings D Conway D Plaveniks D Gibbons M Burke J Browne M Ryder R Cabot GKavanagh
Fixtures
Westport Development squad play Buccaneers in the first round of the Ard na Cregg Cup next Sunday in
Carrowholly, kick off 2.30pm, all support welcome. Westport 1st XV beat Tuam in the Cawley Cup semi final
last Sunday, they will play Corrib in the final in two weeks time.
Dessie Riedy player coach
having a few words about the Ard na Cregg next weekend
Cawley Cup 23/03/08
Westport 60 OLBC 14
OLBC are a great bunch of lads . Sporting hard working and a credit to to rugby football. They worked hard for the entire match and didn't drop their heads, even when it becme apparent after two Westport trys in the first seven minutes of the match that they were outclassed on the day. In the second half they came back hard after a difficult first half and scored two converted trys in six minutes, which goes to show they were up for it and that Westport had become too complacent. Truth be told Westport should have put up another three or four trys and although it's difficult they must learn to focus in similar positions in the future and keep their foot to the metal for the full eighty minutes.
Danny scored two trys and Kevin Corcoran is now only two trys short of besting Stephen Walsh's all time try record established over fourty years ago. George scored after chasing fourty yards,(see photo) it proves there is still life in the old dog yet and long may it continue. Next week we play at home Tuam who had a bye against Ballinrobe, who could not field today and thereafter, all being well, it's a trip to Galway for the final.
J D 2 League 23/03/08
Creggs 10 Westport 18
Dessie and the JD2 lads have put the icing on the cake by playing and beating Creggs in their Galway citidal
This 99.99 % guarantees the JD2 cup will be presented to them after their final game against Galwegians in two weeks time. Fat Andy was at home in Westport reporting on the 18's and JD1 matches, but he hears it was no push over and Creggs came back from 10 points to three behind to the final score of 18 points to 10 and didn't let up to the end. Well done lads seven matches seven wins and two matches with points awarded for no show, is nine matches under your belt and no more than you deserve for a long seaon with too many gaps in play to realise your full potential or you could have be playing in the AIL next season.
18's Semi Final Cup 23/03/08
Westport 12 Sligo 9
A well deserved victory allbeit a bit of hard work betimes, saw Westport's 18's team progress to the final of the Cup when they beat Sligo by two trys and a conversion to three penalties, in Carrowholly on Sunday.
Westport defended well when Sligo surged forward in attack and although they tried hard there was only two occasions in the entire match when Sligo looked dangerous. Westport's two trys showed which team had the edge in attacking play and if it was not for a heavy penalty count against Westport, the victory would have been more clear cut. In the final the penalty count must be reduced to zero and the line out improved to ensure ,a higher victory margin. The spectators who were evident in their numbers and verbal encouragement were treated to a great game and will look forward with relish to the final .Well done lads.
Now a proper report on the same match from ace reporter Mac'Scoop
After two very hard games during the week Westport were at home last Sunday to Sligo in the semi-final and as always the visitors were going to be very strong.The home side scored first with a try in the corner by Liam Carpenter but the visitors replied with a penalty soon afterwards.On the stroke of halftime Michael Mc loughlin broke from a scrum close to the Sligo line and gave a suberb inside pass to Liam Carpenter who scored under the posts which was converted by Brendan Carpenter.As the second half progressed Westport started to tire after the brusing games during the week and Sligo got two penalities after the home side gave away too many penalities but they held out and now progress to the final against Galwegians on the weekend of 5/6 April.
Connaught U-13s Cup
Westport 0....Buccaneers 3
This was a very close game as the result shows and Buccaneers can thank their big pack for this victory as through out the game they played nothing but a foward battle while Westport played rugby as it should be played by mixing up the game with some great backline movements.Had a few of the referees decisions favoured the home side it would have been a different result.It can safely be said that on the day the better rugby side lost but this is a young team that are well drilled and their style of rugby will win them alot more games in the future.
Now a decent Mac'Scoop report on the Friday night Cup match v Corinthians
Last Sunday week Westport were at home to favourites Corinthians in the quarter final and after a very tough game the sides were even at 5-5 and a replay was fixed for the following Thursday in Galway.Again it was a close encounter with the score 0-0 at half time after Westport had played some great rugby against a very stiff breeze.The visitors were of course confident with a strong wind behind them in the second half but it was the hosts who scored first with a good try after some poor defence.Westport never gave up and with ten minutes to go Brendan Carpenter put over a penalty.Corinthians appeared to have won the game with some great defence but with only two minutes to go their posession was turned over and after great passing in the backline Calum Southgate scored in tha corner giving Westport a great victory by 8-5.
Cawley Cup and JD1 League combined 16/03/08
Westport 25 Ballina 3
An early start to the St Patrick's day celebrations was apparent at the Westport clubhouse, on the back of a 25 to 3 victory over Ballina, in a combined J D 1 and Cawley Cup match on Sunday 16th March. The result does not flatter Westport, as they were clearly in charge of the pitch for most of the match, but Ballina were no easy side and they fought to the final whistle to put points on the board.
Ballina's pack were strong and tough and Westport's front row had to work hard to match their weight and determination, however they were well able for the task and in the line out Dave Keane exerted his usual aerial superiority. Ballina and Westport both had a ten minute yellow card break for one each of their players in separate incidents, but it little effected the game as a whole and indeed Westport scored a try while down to 14 men
Eddie Walsh had his kicking boots on today and slotted over two early penalties to start off Westport's tally, this was followed by a unconverted J P Walsh try, then a Ballina penalty to bring the score to 11 points to 3. Ballina did threaten Westport's line a few times, especially in the second half, but Westport's usual strong drift defence and a bit of hard work kept the Ballina wolf from the door. Two further trys, one from the Maestro Eddie Walsh and the other by Danny O'Toole put the contest beyond doubt.
It appears that the next round of the Cawley Cup is presently a bit of a mystery as two scheduled matches including one or other of our next opponents did not go ahead today, so we shall have to wait to see what our masters in the CBIRFU come up with (see all Cawley Cup results on All Results page) The first team have yet to play Bucs away while the seconds play v Creggs next weekend and play their last match of the league against Wegians at home in two weeks time.
Westport's18's Quarter Final Match v Corinthians 16/03/08
Westport 5 Corinthians 5
After watching the international team on Saturday it was like a breath of fresh air to watch Westport's 18's take on Corinthians in a quarter final match on Sunday. No problem here with jaded attack plans or lack of spirit and commitment. Westport tore into Corinthians and in the second half, tying the match at five points each, were the dominant team on the field and heading for another score. All the more pity then that the ref blew up seven minutes early, this was particularly galling as he also blew the first half three minutes early too, his egg timer must have been
running out of sand.
Westport played very well and took on a big front five in the Corinthians team with gusto and their spirit and commitment never faltered and was a credit to them and their mentors. They have now to travel to Corinthians mid week to finish what they started and if you have the time Fat Andy suggests that you hit the road and give them the support that they deserve on the night.
02/03/08
J D 1 Connaught Junior Cup
We went to Monives and got beaten by a good few points, as this site was down for two weeks with a tec. fault its all a bit late now to recall the details. Suffice to say it was not pretty and the result was a fair reflection of Westports efforts.
Lets hope we show a bit more spirit and skill in the remainder of this seasons league and cup fixtures.
J D 2 League Match
Westport v Corinthians
Our good friends Corinthians were unable to field a team on the weekend of the international fixture. We were ready and keen to go. We have looked for the points and bet 4 to 9 they will manage to get a team arranged for the Ard na Cregg Cup.
JD1 League 24 / 02 / 08
Westport 60 OLBC 3
A great result today showed a vastly improved performance from the first team, when they ran in ten trys to no reply from OLBC. Kevin Corcoran scored a hat trick ,Captain J P Walsh scored under the posts and by dint of hard work and endevour, Sean O' Boyle added to his seasons tally by scoring a good forwards try, .Young Lee Keegan playing his first senior match showed a good turn of pace and tactical knowledge scoring his first senior try in style. . "Ice" Jennings olbliged by also crossing the line and Dave Keane showed again what a good player he is by scoring twice.
As the score would suggest OLBC were not really at the races, but having said that they never dropped their heads and were unlucky not get over for a consolation try when they cycled the ball through fifteen fazes on the Westport line, just ten minutes before full time.
We played well but with weak opposition it was not enough of a challenge to really test our mettle and we do have to polish up on a few things before next weekends cup match. Roger Martin went off injured (not again I hear the cry ) and will not be fit for next week having damaged his knee tendons which is a pity.
Coach Marius says
"Work hard, it won't be such
a walk in the park next Sunday"
(Incidentally the CBIRFU site league results are wrong for despite 10 trys we did not recieve a bonus point and the JD2 league results are also wrong we have played 6 ,won 6 not five matches. Please tell Eamon Mc Guffin CBIRFU about it if you have the time. Fat Andy)
J D 2 League
17 / 02 / 08
Tuam 24 Westport 34
What a match, high spirited, high scoring and of course the right result from a Westport perspective. Westport's development team go from strenght to strenght with another winning performance away from home and are now leading the J D 2 League
We travelled with twenty seven players and every one got their minutes of glory, bar our two casualtys on the side line waving their crutches in the air. We scored six trys to Tuams four and although we were always ahead and looked like winning from the first quarter Tuam matched us stride for stride as they tried to play catch up. They put up a great performance and it is as well that we have such a well schooled defence against such a team. Tiger scored a try today and was unlucky not to score a second and we could have had another couple to add to the tally if we had the rub of the green on the day. We were definatly over for a rolling maul and subsequent melee, but the ref, Westport's own Andy Maxwell, could not see the ball grounded.
A couple of points to ponder, Westport did allow Tuam to get back into the game in the last fifteen minutes and they scored two trys, this taking the foot off the gas syndrome could be dangerous in a tight game and our try conversion rate was not 100%, lets look for an improvement next Sunday.
Next week we play Ballina at home, we will not be at full strenght, as five of the lads are away but with our depth of talent and wisdom, plus hard work we should have no problem putting Ballina to bed.
Westport:
K Jennings C O’Malley C O’Brien D Plaveniks D Conway J Browne O Mallowney D Gibbons P Hoban T
Cannon J O’Malley S Hutchinson J McHugh J Marek J Ryan,
Replacements
D O’Malley, H O’Malley, D Keane, M Burke, S Cannon, J Mulroy, M Ryde,r C Hastings, D McNally
JD1 League
Sun 17/02/09
Sligo 14 Westport 5
Not having the power of bilocation our correspondent was not at the Sligo match so the comments can only be second hand and frankly you don't want to hear them verbatim. Sligo seemed hungrier and we were disapointing. Enough said, Rob Murphy can tell you all about it in Tuesdays Mayo News.
J D 1 Connaught Cup
10/02/08
Westport 21 Ballinrobe 5
The Ballinrobe goods train was hauling to many wagons and did not have enough steam in it's boiler to overhaul the Westport flyer on it's journey to the cup final. That's not to say that the Westport train did not nearly come off the tracks in the contest, as its front row engine faltered a bit, the lineouts coal fire went out on occasions and tactics could have been better.
The Kevin Corcoran express however was fully fired up with a head of steam and twice it hurtled its way down the track to hit the buffers over the Ballinrobe line. Eddie the tank engine, puffed up to take the conversions and added 11 points on to the destination cup final board (one conversion and three penalties) The match had a few chimney stack sparks flying and one Robe station hand, was given a yellow card by the station master for a illegal shunting offence.
For the eighty minute journey Westport did persist in steaming up and down in the mauls and set pieces, when the signalman should have indicated much more fast ball out wide to the wings, where the opposition were only burning coke not anthracite. Despite a fair bit of steam pressure, the mighty homeside engine maintained it's usual solid defence for nearly the entire game, but someone left open the level crossing and Ballinrobe rattled through for a consolation try in the final ten minutes of the trip. On balance we got what we deserved today, keeping it simple and playing honest rugby worked, but we can do better with a bit more oil on the pistons and a route plan to fire up and unleash our centers and backs more often.
If Westport ups it's game to the same level as it's Clonmel day excursion and if it does this consistently for the next league matches leading on to the then cup match in March, then we can all buy a return excursion ticket to Galway.
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( Incidently regardless of Saturdays international performance I still think Ireland are not playing to their potential and O'Sullivan is certainly not forgiven for last years world cup team preparation, plus his team selection and for not playing his full reserve bench, which was damaging to team morale and which stymied us in the competition. This was writted in case Eddie is reading this page, so he cannot say again in publlic that no one mentioned any of the above to his face)
Fat Andy)
J D 2 League Match Sun. 03/02/08
Westport 20 Sligo 7
For a team rather ring rusty from a six week enforced lay off this was a fair result, but they know that when they wind up a gear for the next competitive match they can be much better than today's performance would suggest. Sligo did lift it's game in the second half and were rewarded for their efforts by a fine try in the last minutes of the contest. Westport already had it's 20 points on the board and let their guard down. Sligo are never beat until the final whistle and true enough Sligo scored a cracking try from half way, JohnBellewy made a break beat two men to scored beside the posts.
In truth Westport's second team at its best would have put Sligo away by at least another fifteen points and I confidently expect that their next match will see them back in their stride. Having said that five matches and five wins is a good start to the season and with the style and commitment they show we are on for a league title the way we are progressing with seven more matches to go. Midweek, Dan and Joe Ryan all had good games but overall the whole teams commitment on a muddy wet pitch is what did the business.
Despite the unfavorable playing conditions Westport played some good rugby at times, put the ball through their hands but also battled hardclose to the breakdown. Owen Mallowney, John Browne and Chuck O’Malley won plenty of ball in thecollisions for Westport. Tadg Cannon was first tocross the line for Westport 15 minutes in, after somepick and go’s by Westport, Cannon went over from one yard out. Westport continued to pile on the pressurebut couldn’t found it hard to turn the pressure into points. Just before half time Tadg Cannon wassuccesful with a penalty.
During the second half Sligo tried hard to break down the Westport defence to no avail. Westport eventually ground their way upfield for Chuck O’Malley to score Westport’s second try, Tadg Cannon added the conversion. Westport’s third try defied the conditions and was created by slick handling by the forwards after a break by MattieBurke, after a breakdown the ball was flashed wide for David O’Malley to score in the corner.
Westport:
K Jennings C O’Malley C O’Brien D Plaveniks D Conway J Browne O Mallowney D Gibbons P Hoban T Cannon J O’Malley S Hutchinson J McHugh J Marek J Ryan,
Replacements D O’Malley H O’Malley D Keane M Burke S Cannon J Mulroy M Ryder C Hastings D McNally
If your checking, the CBIRFU web site is wrong in its league posting ,showing Westport with only four matches played up to todays date, instead of five, however we are still top of the league ahead of Castlebar see the Results page for the correct league table
A I L Junior Cup Sat. 02/02/08
Clonmel 12 Westport 3
"We did Ok in Co. Tip.but if anything we gave the Clonmel team just a little too much respect to start with "
This is the jist of phone reports on the cup match, which we played against Clonmel on Saturday 2nd Feb.
Reportedly we were the team playing the rugby, defending like Stonewall Jackson and battering away at the opposition after our usual rusty start. We were unfortunate to conceed two soft penalties in the first half with only one in reply and unlucky in one incident, when Clonmel were wide open and we had a two man overlap, but such is the nature of the game.
The second half was hard graft, to no tangible return and Clonmel slotted over a couple more penalties, but we put in a good performance and although conceeding two further penalties, the lads should shake off their natural disapointment. We did a good job and on another day we could have a bit more confidence, plus the rub of the green that could bring us a win. It's all a learning curve and next season we will put what we have learned today into practice. Next week we have Ballinrobe at home in the J D 1 Cup and not to underestimate them, as they can be tough enough betimes, we should be into the semi finals.
J D 2 League Sunday 3rd Feb.
Westport Sligo
Connaught JD1 Cup Sat 26th January
Westport 31 Connemara 3
Dave Keane got a black eye and the Connemara all blacks had a black day, when Westport after an indifferent start came out 31 to 3 winners in the 1st Round of the 2008 Heineken Junior Cup match in Carrowholly.
Five trys, three from Kevin Corcoran,one from J P Walsh and the other from the old master Eddie Walsh, to a single penalty was the final result. Westport had an indifferent start and within the first twenty minutes had four turn over ball against them and were down by 3 points.
This lamentable state of affairs was slowly rectified during the rest of the half when J P Walsh and Kevin Corcoran crossed the Connemara line and Eddie slotted over a conversion The slow start was mainly down to much chopping and changing due to injury, ensuring that the home team took time to find it's rhythm.
Despite their initial lead and territorial dominance, Connemara never really looked dangerous and once Westport upped it's game they were playing most of the rest of the match in the visitors half, more Westport trys was the enevitable result. Having said that Connemara are a well schooled side and put together some good moves, but even going forward they found it impossible to break Westport's drift defence. Despite a half gale blowing from right to left, Eddie Walsh was in fine kicking fettle and slotted over three fine conversions.
The homeside never realy looked in difficulty, that is except for one occasion, when Westport wide open on the right wing, were blessed by a fumble and drop, which saved them from a certain Connemara try. The visitors never gave up or dropped their heads and even to the last minute were working hard to put a try on the board. A good result for Westport and a morale booster for their trip to Clonmel next weekend, when they should put the homeside early to bed, before the Irish International starts at 2-30,
Connaught J D 1 Cup Match Sunday 13/01/08
Westport 56 UCG 0
Not the clinical bloodless operation the Westport 56 , UCG 0, scoreline would suggest, for if Westport had focused a bit harder in the second half the score line should have shown the homeside with a match score in the mid seventies .After a high scoring first half, with trys from, Kevin Corcoran, George Visser, Sean O'Boyle and J P Walsh and little or no response from the opposition, the home crowd were expecting big things in the second half,. but they were initially a tad disappointed.
Starting the second half Westport took an inordinate amount of time to crack UCG's defence, with the students for the first time wheeling Westport in the set scrums on three or four occasions. The visitors stalwart defence of their line for the first twenty minutes of the second half, was a sight to behold and did ask a couple of questions of the Westport team, however the understandable introduction of substitutes had changed Westport's playing pattern and scrum performance, but as most of the play was on, or in the vercinity of UCG's five yard line perhaps Westport should have broken the UCG defence sooner.
Eventually the homeside did, as the first half form suggested, put up twenty points, to add to the first half's thirty six, however the students never gave up for the entire match and must take a lot of credit for a gutsy performance. On balance they were playing out of their league and stood no real chance of victory but that didn't stop them trying their best.
Second half trys from Westport's Mike Heneghan, Mark Walsh and that all round rugby man again, George Visser.
Fat Andy says
Well done George two trys without really trying
Two reports for the price of one this week Sat. 5th Jan 2008
Castlebar V Westport J D 1 League & AIB A I Cup
Castlebar 3 Westport 10
Clapping in the Castlebar team
Not a classic, few cup matches are, however Westport came out the undoubted winners at Cloondeash
beating Castlebar by seven points and gaining league points, plus an opportunity to play in the last eight of the
A. I. B. All Ireland Junior Cup contest.
Westport emerged with the Mayo bragging rights and Sligo also made it through, when they won 20-17 at home to Coleraine, however, Monivea’s hopes of national cup glory end as they lost 37-3 on their visit toTullamore (ouch)
Westport were probably worth another try on the days perfofmance, but between illness, injury and a 27 day lay off we just could not crack a solid Castlebar defence in the vital five yard zone despite several battling attempts and spending most of the match in mid field or homesides territory. Westport kept the ball tight in the second half against a strong showery wind yet Eddie slotted over a great conversion for such a windy day
Rog Martin had to leave the field in the second half with a torn muscle, which rules him out next weekend and Marius as the prime jumper had to work hard to control the line out.The team played well in all departments and I would expect a big improvement by next weekend for the UCG clash at home, when we can get serious ball to the backs. Well done to all the lads and Clonmel in the next round of the cup, piece of cake, when we fire on all cylinders.
RESULTS
Armagh 17 27 Navan RFC
Boyne 14 32 Clonmel RFC
Castlebar 3 10 Westport RFC
Clogher Valley 15 10 Cooke RFC
Kanturk PP Crosshaven
Seapoint Kinsale
Sligo 20 17 Coleraine RFC
Tullamore 37 3 Monivea RFC
Connacht Junior League 2
Buccaneers 7 Westport 8
A Tadgh Cannon cannonball penalty goal over the sticks and a Shane Conway unconverted try scuppered "Bucs" hopes of a victory and secured Westport's development teams, league winning credentials . Buccaneers played a strong squad with a couple of injury recovering AIL wannabees on the team, yet they could not put the match to bed, despite leading seven points to three until one minute from full time, when on the back of a stoic and rock solid drift defence, the pack rumbled forward and Westport's Shane Conway bulled over the line to give Westport the match points.
Westport had crossed the home teams line twice during the contest, but unfortunatley the Athlone ref was blindsided on both occasions and could not award the try to the visitors. Westport are now clearly top of their group and go into their Christmas recess in great form and with supreme confidence of a victory in their next league match against OLBC, away on the 20th January 2008.
Connacht Junior 2 Division
Buccaneers 7 Westport 8
Christmas came early to the Westport development squad with a sweet victory in Athlone last Sunday.
Buccaneers fielded a strong side and took the early lead with a converted try. The Westport men had
other plans and did not travel to Athlone just to makeup the numbers.
The pack dug in and started to grind out the territory with the two props Martin Kennedy
and Shane Conway relishing the contact. Buccaneers conceded a penalty and Tadg Cannon duly converted.
The Bulls really had the dander up and wanted their victory, Owen Malowney was outstanding in attack and
defence, in the eightieth minute Shane Conway crashed over for a try after some Trojan work by the pack.
This sealed the victory for Westport who are still unbeaten in the league.
Westport:
S Conway H O’Malley
M Kennedy D Conway K Jennings O Malowney M Burke D
Gibbons P Hoban T Cannon J O’Malley J McHugh L Jones B
Keane N Monroe, Replacements: D McNally for N Monroe
Connaught J D 2 League
Westport 17 Monivea 13
Westport RFC snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in Carrowholly last Sunday.
Westport were 7 points adrift to a fancied Monivea and were looking at their first defeat of the season
with only ten minutes remaining, however hard determined work by the pack, battling away for nearly five minutes on Moniveas five yard line, eventually resulted in a match winning try.
Westport were a little disjointed in the first half and didn’t play to their full potential, they just didn't look like scoring. This all changed when super sub, Dessie Reidy, the player coach, came on in the second half. He got
the players settled, put some form into the attacking moves and the Port responded scoring three tries,
David O’Malley, Cosy Joe O’Malley, and John McHugh all touched down for Westport.
Westport 20 Corrib 12
Westport's first team came away with a victory on Sunday despite a lack lustre first half in which they used the considerable wind advantage to little result ,only collecting a try in the first minute of the game for their efforts. Corrib just hung back deeper and collected and returned most of the long probing kicks down field.
The score was just five nil at half time and some trepidation was seen on the sideline as Westport went out to play against the wind. The second half showed what the homeside were made of, when keeping the ball tight against a strong wind in their faces they repeatedly ran at Corrib and in the first twenty minutes showed what they were made of. Two trys followed and although Corrib fought on and scored another try in the last quarter the result was never really in any doubt. James Gill made a welcome return to the side and his contribution of strong pacey running was a pleasure to watch. Westport will learn a lesson from this performance that, regardless of the weather conditions, if they keep ball in hand and play rugby there are few teams that can match them.
02 / 12 / 07
Castlebar v Westport J D 1 League
We went to Castlebar in the rain.
We went by car and went by train.
The ref said no match, there's too much water
So we all went home some pints to slaughter.
Fat Andy .
The poet of the pitch
25/11/07
Westport v Tuam
No scheduled match this weekend, so Tuam decently agreed to come down and play a friendly fixture.
They played our first team in the first half and the second team in the second half. There was a mixum maxum of players on and off the field and MOB and Des played with Tuam for the match. A decent enough match to watch and a useful exercise for Tuam and Westport. Des Riedy did the refereeing honours and it was a good natured and friendly contest. Next weekend will be just a touch more competative with both teams away to serious competition in their respective leagues. See fixtures page.
J D 1 League Sunday 18 / 11 / 07
Westport 16 Galwegians 17
Shakespear had it bang to rights when Macbeth says "so foul and fair a day I have not seen"and I'm not talking just about the weather. A match we should have won, could have won, was lost by Westport on a filthy rottern day, to a competent Galwegians side, by a lack of discipline and focus in the second half. Galwegians Eamon Molloy was also on form with the kicks when they mattered, yet Westport played some good rugby and the pack proved it's worth in the loose and set exchanges.
A couple of Westport's departments are still a bit adrift at reading the game in progress and despite the the afore mentioned good work in the pack our set scrums do need to be a bit lower be times, plus we definatley need the Mussolini ethos of " one leader, one voice" not the current tower of Babel.
Despite playing well in the first half and leading by eleven to three at one stage we could not stop a competent "Wegians " from pulling slowly to near level and when we lost two men for yellow card offences, within a couple of minutes our fate was sealed and that baby, was all she wrote.
Next week we have a free weekend and will be playing a first team v development squad match. First team, one win out of four Development team unbeaten to date, should be interesting.
J D 2 B League Sunday 11 / 11 / 07
Westport 18 West Offaly Lions 12
An entertaining and in the second half tense (for Westport supporters) match ended in a victory for the home team in Carrowholly on Sunday. New to the League and just formed, the West Offaly Lions performance was well drilled and fairly slick, they are a credit to their coach Charlie and on their Sunday performance will do well for themselves in their first season.
The first half was firmly in Westport hands and they racked up two trys to one, spent most of the time in the oppositions half and looked comfortable going into the second period with a 12 to 5 point lead. It was however evident on the side line that although playing well in all departments, the Port did seem to lack a bit of bite and it was felt they could have closed down the match with one more big effort.
The second half was very much W O L 's and they played long stretches in the Westport half and their hard work was rewarded by a forwards try under the posts, duly converted. Westport put over a well struck penalty, but with the score now 15 points to 12, it needed a big effort and a dose of experience for the Westport team to maintain it's strong defence and plough down the pitch to obtain another penalty score and win the match.
The C.B.I.R.F.U. President Mick Cunningham was on hand after the match to say a few words of encouragement and praise and the President of W.O. Lions was presented with a club tie by our own President Bob Kilkelly.
Here is a polished and more informative report from our accomplished PRO Tommy
Junior League 2
Westport 18 West Offaly Lions 12
Westport played host to the West Offaly Lions in Carrowholly for their first ever league game. Westport promptly welcomed the young Leinster men by scoring a try after ten minutes, after flashing the ball wide Niall Monroe was first to cross the line for Westport, Ryan Cafferkey added the conversion. The Bulls consisting of a good mix of young and old were to cross the line again after some excellent recycling and handling, Pat Hoban playing at scrumhalf kept the ball moving from the breakdowns, Ryan Cafferkey playing at outhalf spread the ball intelligently and Steve Hutchinson who was instrumental in the build up play crossed the line to score. The Lions woke up after this score and put a lot of pressure on Westport with some big men taking the ball at pace close to the breakdown, eventually the pressure paid off and the Lions scored their first try in Connacht Rugby.
During the second half Westport started the better and were unlucky not to score a few tries, Westport created the overlaps but did not capitalise on them, Michael Henehan came close on a couple of occasions. The pressure yielded a penalty to Westport and Ryan Cafferkey converted to make ten points the difference. Again the Offaly men came back and scored a good try under the posts through persistent pressure applied by their young pack, which was converted. The Bulls held firm, worked their way back up the field and forced a penalty for Ryan Cafferkey to slot between the posts and seal the match for the Bulls.
Dessie Reidy is building quite a squad of players in Carrowholly, there was 15 more players togged and ready for action on the sideline, this is really pleasing for the coach who likes to see players under pressure to perform.
Westport:
J Ryan J O’Malley S Hutchinson M Henehan N Monroe R Cafferkey P Hoban M Burke M Ryder C Hastings D Plaveniks D Conway K Jennings H O’Malley C O’Brien. Replacements used: J Mulroy, S Conway
JD1 Second Hand :Match Correspondent Fat Andy was not there
Corinthians 12 Westport 10
Corinthians won the JD1 encounter with a last (literally ) minute try but with the usual Corinthian spirit that we have grown to love and admire, they had no replacement front row, after an injury to one of their lads, so uncontested scrums were the order of the day for the last ten minutes or so . This was particularly galling to the Westport pack who had performed very well during the entire match and the editor is of the opinion that the competition rules state that, all contesting teams must have a replacement front row player available if you don't tell the ref before hand it's a bit naughty and you can run into trouble, or have the game annulled or awarded against you. ( I think) Let's see what happens!
Next week the first team are at home to Galwegians but you will be assured of a competitive and lively match as always.
J D 1 League Sunday 04/11/07.
Westport 32 Tuam 5
A result against a weaker team that would have been even better if we had not put up a penalty count of eleven to one in the second half. We were worth another three trys but the ref seem to notice more transgressions on our part in the second half and reduced our fluency which slowed our game. A couple of curious descisions on our behalf also did not help .
We saw a lot of positives in our performance and the pack did well in the loose and getting fast ball out on the wing to Kevin Corcoran was a notable success and he duly obliged with four trys. Our line out was fine with Maurius and Roger working well and would have worked better but for on Tuam's throw the ball seemed to fly straight to them on their side of the lineout, this must have been an optical illusion rather like an earlier forward pass to Kevin on the wing. Dave Kane seems to have found a new berth in the centre and on today's performance will do well in this position.
"Ice" Jennings was on Connaught refferring duty, but it is a worry if again he is called away on a Sunday when his playing abilities are required by the team, Corinthians next weekend away will be a case in point.
Commiserations to Joycee and Sean O'Boyle, both of who were helped off the pitch with injury that will put a stop to their gallop for a couple of weeks.
J D 2 League
Loughrea 7 Westport 36
Other duties kept our correspondent Fat Andy from traveling to Loughrea, but his absence was suitably covered by no lesser person than President Bob.The Dog Rough Report can confidently state that our band of brothers put in a great performance playing some excellent well structured rugby and our future opposition can on this basis start gently shaking in their shoes when they hear that the Westport Development Team is on it's way.
Monivea 16 Westport 10
O dear, our match did not go quite to plan and we lost out to Monivea by six points, in a strongly contested contest at the Castle Grounds on Sunday. Despite our two trys, we left the kicking boots behind and did not manage to slot over the conversions to give us an even Stephen result. All the scores came in the first half
To be fair our second half performance did tend to run out of steam, due partly to the massive front row contest in the first half which took it's toll on the pack, who also lost Pat Conway to a head injury. However Monivea were reduced to fourteen men by a deserved red card (and a ten minute yellow) and so we should of managed a score in the half but Mona played out of their skins and seemed hungrier for victory and thus prevailed.
Our defence was on the whole as good as our oppositions, but we did let in on softy try when Monivea got behind us and although we had the cover we could not nail the man with the ball. In retrospect we did not let loose our back division until too late in the match, prefering to keep the ball with the forwards to long after it became apparent that they were not going to get the required break through.
Rob Murphy was at the match so a more detailed and probably accurate report will be in this weeks local paper.
District League 2007
Wednesday October 3rd
Castlebar 14 Westport 10
Hello reality check . While the forwards played a resonable match and the backs were average, this was not a team performance on Wednesday night, that will inspire confidence in a successful JD1 League campaign, unless all of our premier 22 pick up their ideas.
Castlebar where no great shakes, but a lack of cohesion, team spirit and match disipline lead to a lamentable loss against an average opposition. It was not that they won, but that we lost it . Time to take stock, put in the hard training and focused mental discipline, along with a desirs to commit 100% to the teams season objectives. Not much more to be said on the matter.
Sunday 23rd Sept
Westport 33 Ballyhaunis 9
Some idiot deleted by accident an excellent 350 word report, so you can hopefully
get a full report in the local papers to which copy was sent, but no save button pressed.
Bottom line, we scored 5 trys: Kevin Corcoran x 2 Eoin Joyce x1 JP Walsh x1 Danny O'Toole x1
Ballyhaunis scored 3 penalties all in the first half .Eddie missed one conversion but put over four difficult kicks and missed the easier one Good work though. The only a yard and a half push in set scrums applies to the District League, we could have done a lot better with fully contested scrums such was our dominance. We played fairly OK, but next weekend will be more of a test when we play Castlebar at home. Don't you just love local derbys. Come back soon Tommy Cadden, we need a competent PRO.
Team list Westport v Ballyhaunis.
1 Pat Conway
2 Alan Cusack
3 Mathew Walsh
4 Sean O'Boylr
5 Roger martin
* Peter Corcoram
6 Connor Hastings
7 John Browne
9 Paul Jennings
10 Eddia Walsh
12 George Visser
13 John McHugh
14 Joe Corcoran
11 Kevin Corcoran
15 Eamon Joyce
Subs: J O'Malley James Munroe Ryan Cafferkey Dave Keane
Martin Kenneddy Danny O'Toole J P Walsh The Polish Lads
Ballina 17 Westport 17 Sat. 15th Sept.
A unsatisfactory draw was the result of the Saturday District League contest between Ballina and Westport, played at Heffernan Park, Ballina. On paper it was no contest, Westport should have put Ballina to bed with a lullaby, however after 180 seconds, it was Ballina who were seven points up and it was time for a Westport reality check.
Fortunatly two trys by J P Walsh and one from Roger Martin, plus a vital conversion from Eddie Walsh ensured that the final honours were shared at seventeen points apiece. Westport played catch up for most of the match and were teetering on the brink of a loss, but for a rumbling forwards assault on the Ballina line in the final minute, with a touch down from J P Walsh.
The match was not without incident and a Ballina player was shown the yellow card by the referee for a bit of handbags, in a disagreement with Westport full back David Keane.
The nature of the rules of the District League, with unlimited subs available and permitted to play, gives the respective team selectors a chance to experiment with team formation and prospective players skill levels, but this in my view can also lead to a dysfunctional game and a moderation of player commitment.
Westport lacked the cutting edge in this match, but it is that self same professional committed edge that will result in success in the JD1 League and Cup. Now is the time, both in training and on match day, that the first team playing nucleus must be stabilized and tuned, so we may hit the ground running when the JD1 League kicks off in five weeks time.
.
Ballinrobe 10 Westport 29
The first competitive match of the season was against Ballinrobe and Westport comfortably beat the homeside in a competitive, incident free contest, played at the racecourse grounds. The first half was refereed by Westport scrum half and referee qualified Paul Jennings, who stood in for the official Branch referee, who must have gone to France for the world cup, because he certainly didn't turn up for this match.
Westport's branch referee Bobby Halloran, summoned at short notice, dropped the cooking of the Sunday dinner and drove down post haste to Ballinrobe to oversee the second half of the match. Westport had the preponderance of the possession and showed a marked improvement from the previous weekend's match. Our Polish contingent were again in action and they all have great potential to be valuable additions to the squad, as they learn their craft with more match experience. George, Roger, young Mr Hoban (despite playing for Connaught under 19's on Saturday) Sean O'B and Sean C plus Pat C (who got split in a clash) all had good games and Marius was his usual dynamic self, directing the troops when required. Westport scored five trys and Eddie was just a tad off with a couple of the conversions, slotting over two out of five.
The team was at full strength and with a bit more tweaking, looks good to go for a successful District League campaign. Next weeks match against Ballina will prove the efficacy of these words, but I think we are in very good shape this early in the season.
Friendly Match Westport v Mullingar: Sat. 01/ 09 /07
First Match of the new season was played against Mullingar on Saturday. The score was 25 to 23 for the visitors.
Westport were a bit ring rusty and a little creaky for the first twenty minutes but picked up to play a good match and coach Marius will be pleased at the performance of his players. Welcome to our new Polish contingent who went on for the second half, if your correspondent was any way decent he would have their names for publication but he promises to improve as the season progresses, well done lads anyway. George ,Eddie played their usual top end game and another welcome is to young Mr Hoban at scrum half. Thanks to referee, deadly Des Reidy.
Mayo News Tag Rugby League Results Fixtures and News 2007
The Mayo News Tag Rugby League
Wednesday 27/06/07
Final league placing's and fixtures for the Mayo News
Tag Rubgy League 2007
Finals on Friday night 29th June. The Presentation to the winning teams will take place in the Clubhouse afterwards, there will be prizes for the winning teams in both sections, even if your team don’t win the league outright there are prizes in both sections for the teams who played the game in the true spirit of Tag Rugby and Sportsmanship, so don’t go home early if you go down early on the night. There will be a jumbo barbeque with a vegetarian option and disco on the night, to avoid congestion in the car park can players either pool together to travel or arrange taxis to Carrowholly. For those of you who want to stay on site, there will be changing facilities and showers available if required. A final reminder, all teams must be paid up before kick off on Friday Night.
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The Mayo News Tag Rugby League
The rain disrupted some fixtures last Wednesday but most games went ahead regardless and by the 7.30pm it was a fine evening for Tag Rugby. In the Social section AMO continued their great run of form and pipped Kellys Heroes 14 to 13, Enda Holmes made some classy breaks to inflict some damage on Patricia Kellys side. Mysterious Milk Tray Men got another win on the board defeating Charlies Angels.
The League table is begining to take shape with AMO topping the table and Up Close and Personal holding up the table from the bottom, maybe they are too busy trying to get know the opposing teams and not putting enough effort into scoring tries. In the Super League, CoCoNuts just outrun Walshs Wibbly Wobbly Wonders, we had a super first time referee in this game and the abuse he got from adults was unbelievable, referees only have one pair of eyes and won’t change their minds so can everyone just zip it next week and play the game.
The Young Guns won against Sweet Seven 18 to 4, the scoreline suggests a big difference between the two sides but if Sweet Seven ran in straight lines they would be clocking up the points. Rashers Batters are a team going quietly about their business and defeated Ocean Spirit last week. In the final game of the Super League Da Playerz defeated The Singing Lumberjacks 16 to 14.
The Young Guns are topping the table in the Super League section and Ocean Spirit are rooted to the bottom of the table like an anchor. All teams will be seeded for the Finals according to their place in the League Table.
All Tag Rugby Teams must pay their registration fee before kick off next week, the fee is €240 per team, there are teams who haven’t paid from other competitions so if there is no pay before kick off, no play.
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The Mayo News Tag Rugby League We got sunshine finally for the Mayo News Tag Rugby League last Wednesday night in Carrowholly. It ensured a full crowd turned up for the games. In the Social Section, AMO are continuing their good run and defeated Heartstopers last week.
The Mayo News finally got a win on the board defeating Allergan All Stars, last year the AMO and The Mayo News were propping up the league tables but after some serious off season training and some shrewd moves in the transfer market they are winning on a regular basis. Club Physio aren’t playing as sharply this year but still defeated Charlies Angels by one point.
Up Close and Personal are still looking for that first win and went down to Mysterious Milk Tray Men. Kellys Heroes got the better of Cheeky Monkeys in the last game of the Social Section. In the Super League, The Singing Lumberjacks went down to the Young Guns. Da Playerz went down surprisingly to Rashers Batters. Walshs Wibbly Wobbly Wonders got their first win defeating Sweet Seven, soccers finest against gaelic football’s finest. CoCo Nuts also got their first win of the league defeating Ocean Spirit ten points to seven.
Can all referees turn up ten minutes before kick off next week, it ensures all games kick off on time, referees are assigned games for next week, please see fixtures anybody who can’t make it or anybody who like to referee should contact Eddie Walsh on 087 6687162, Ladies and Gents don’t be shy we need referees! If you have any queries about next weeks fixtures contact Tommy (087 6488594). Even if you aren’t playing come on down to Carrowholly and enjoy a bit of
The Mayo News Tag Rugby League All tag rugby teams turned up last Wednesday for the Mayo News Tag Rugby League despite the drizzle. The competitive juices of most teams are flowing now and it showed. The games are heating up and teams are getting louder.
Charlies Angels will have plenty to shout about after outgunning their colleagues Allergan All Stars by just one point. AMO got their first win after a long and hard apprenticeship last year, all the training seems to paying off.
The Mayo News could not get their noses in front and again had to make do with a draw against Kellys Heroes. Up close and personal went down to Club Physio despite some heavy attacking artillery in the likes of John Browne and Kevin Corcoran. Up Close and Personal will have to get in some training sessions on the Mall in Castlebar during lunch.
Heartstoppers got the win against Mysterious Milk Tray Men in a very keen contest which threatened to get out of hand after some controversial decisions by the referee (fair play Joe). In the Super League Section, Da Playerz outplayed Walshs Wibbly Wobbly Wonders.
The Young Guns battered Rashers Batters by nine points, Rashers really are missing Maria Harrington this year. Sweet Seven came out tops against Coconuts and in the final game of the section, The Singing Lumberjacks led by the Soprano himself John McHugh defeated Ocean Spirit.
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The Mayo News Tag Rugby League kicked off last Wednesday in good conditions. The Social teams were first out of the blocks, it seems like it will be a very tight league with three draws on the first night. Up Close and Personal went down to Charlies Angels who went into a quick lead after catching Up Close and Personal napping in the first ten minutes, once Liz O’Donnells team settled and got the hang of the game they came right back and actually won the second half contest.
The only other team to win in the group was the Mysterious Milk Tray Men who defeated Team Physio who are a bit rusty since last year. The Super League kicked off at 8pm, Walsh’s Wibbly Wobbly Wonders were the only team not to show, the team is full of Liverpool supporters, so the points had to go to The Singing Lumberjacks. Walsh’s will be back next week to get some points on the board. The Young Guns, Rashers Batters and Sweet Seven all got off to a winning start.
There was some serious speed on some of these teams, there can’t be any moaning on the final night if opposition teams object to playing a team full of under 18’s or under 20’s Rugby players, these players come under the quota of 2 Junior 1 players and 2 Junior 2 players. Can all referees turn up ten minutes before kick off next week, it ensures all games kick off on time, anybody who would like to be a referee should contact Eddie Walsh on 087 6687162, we need referees so don’t be shy. Team Registration is now due all teams must be paid up before kick off next week, it is only €240 per team, all players should pay their Captain next week and the Captains can pay in the Clubhouse where the Shorts are for sale. if you have any queries contact Tommy on 087-6488594
Results
Social League Heartstoppers 13 Kellys Heroes 13 The Mayo News 6 AMO 6 The Cheeky Monkeys 4 Allergan 4 Charlies Angels 14 Up Close and Personal 6 Club Physio 6 Mysterious Milk Tray Men 10 Super League The Singing Lumberjacks 3 Walsh’s Wibbly Wobbly Wonders 0 (no show) Da Playerz 14 The Young Guns 20 Rashers Batters 12 CoCoNuts 3 Sweet Seven 11 Ocean Spirit 3
Fixtures
Social League Kellys Heroes v’s Mayo News, Pitch 1 @7.15pm AMO v’s The Cheeky Monkeys, Pitch 2 @7.15pm Allergan (Ger Corrigan) v’s Charlies Angels, Pitch 3 @7.15pm Up Close and Personal v’s Club Physio, Pitch 4 @7.15pm Heartstoppers v’s Mysterious Milk Tray Men, Pitch 1 @8.45pm Super League Walshs Wibbly Wobbly Wonders v’s Da Playerz, Pitch 1 @8pm The Young Guns v’s Rashers Batters, Pitch 2 @8pm CoCoNuts v’s Sweet Seven, Pitch 3 @8pm The Singing Lumberjacks v’s Ocean Spirit, Pitch 4 @8pm
The Rough Rugby Match Report: Sunday 22th April
Connacht Junior 2 League Semi Final
Westport 5 Dunmore 6
Westport's development team exited the semi final play offs of theConnacht Junior 2 League last Sunday.
The Bulls were hot favourites for the title but Dunmore, who have played no competitive matches for the last few weeks, rose to the occasion and asked the hard questions of an unbeaten this season Westport.
From early on the heavier Dunmore pack applied the pressure on the Westport defence, which in its customary fashion held firm. Their only reward was a penalty kicked by Mark Coen, however it was Westport that finished the first half stronger with a classic forwards try A Dave Conway take in a lineout ten yards out, gave the the pack the ball and they drove over the line for Damien Gibbons to score the try.
The second half was an extremely on off affair, neither team seemed able to build up any momentum and this favoured Dunmore who played a real tight game. Westport played a wide running game with Joe Ryan and John McHugh threatening the Dunmore line on a few occasions.
With ten minutes remaining, Mark Coen slotted another penalty for Dunmore to get their noses in front. This is where they stayed until full time despite the best efforts of Westport, who were camped in the Dunmore half for the final ten minutes. Dunmore now go on to contest the league final with Creggs.
Westport: S Conway H O’Malley C O’Brien D Conway D Plaveniks C Hastings M Ryder D Gibbons D Reidy B Walsh J O’Malley G Visser S Hutchinson J Ryan D Ryan
Replacements: J MCGing D McNally P Walsh R Cabot TCannon J McHugh
Dunmore: T Lannon T Lee D Keavney S Rattigan F Leonard
M Cummins G Kelly B Burns M Corless M Coen D Rafferty
M O’Neill J Ronan A Fleming B Bones
Replacements:C McHugh B Egan N Silke
(Compliments for report Scoop Cadden)
Ard Na Cregg Final
Westport 18 OLBC 10
Report: John Mulligan
Westport added more silverware to their already impressive collection when they overcame OLBC in the Ard Na Cregg final played at Corinthian Park Sunday evening. Despite the clouds following their defeat of Corinthians, the Bulls held their nerve and in true fighting spirit retained the title they won in such dramatic circumstances last season.
Things started brightly for Boy's Club who opened the scoring after twelve minutes with a penalty from Justin Ryder as they set their stall early. They camped in the Westport in the opening half an hour denying any real possession as they drove on for further scores. However two further penalties were missed and it was clear that Westport had to gain an upper hand if they were to defend their title.
With just one minute left in the first half they got their chance. A break by George Visser got into the Boys Club half but was held short. A penalty was awarded to the Bulls where Joe Ryan kicked after being fouled. The resulting line out was fed through the channels to the centre where Damien Gibbons gained possession. He passed to Matthias Burke who dragged two defenders over the line for the try. This was exactly what Westport wanted and was a serious blow to Boys club after all their possession. Bartley Walsh's conversion attempt was difficult and veered wide.
No further scores happen in the remaining minutes of the half and it was clear from the restart that Westport were the side on the ascendancy. The decision to move Danny Ryan to the wing and Joe Ryan to Full Back would be seen as significant as they drove on in search of another score. Joe O'Malley was unfortunate not to be awarded a try after going over while another attempt was disallowed. But this was not going to stop a now remnant Westport team who crossed over for a vital score ten minutes into the second half. Damian Gibbons the hero diving into the Corner despite the best efforts of the Boys clubs full back line. The lead was now certainly in Westport's favour as they spread the ball at every opportunity. With twenty five minutes gone, Danny Ryan ran from half way and shifted three tackles to score a glorious try. There would be no comeback from Boys club now who still gave everything but now found themselves in trouble. They would score an excellent try from their full back Stewart Cook under the posts that was converted by Ryder. But that would be their lot as Westport lifted their game. With time virtually up Bartley Walsh kicked a wonderful drop goal to end Westport's scoring and guaranteed them their second Ard Na Cregg title in two years.
This was a true team performance from the Bulls who were excellent from 1 to 18. Under severe pressure from a determined Boys club team, they showed resourcefulness and guile under pressure with Danny Ryan and Damien Gibbons coming in for special mention. Boys club traditionally are a hard working side and with players like Cook, Grimes and Ryder, never gave up. The introduction of Miley Joyce near the end deserves a special mention also. But in the end the record books will show of a Westport win that was truly deserved.
Westport: S Conway, H O'Malley, C O'Brien (Captain), D Conway, M Burke, C Hastings, M Ryder, D Gibbons, D Reidy, B Walsh, J O'Malley, G Visser, S Hutchinson, J Ryan, D McNally.
Replacements: J McGing for S Conway, D Ryan for McNally, D Plaveniks for C Hastings (Blood), and J McHugh for O'Malley.
fTalking Rugby with John Mulligan
Every time we come to the end of this column at the end of the season that song “my way” springs to mind. Looking back over what was one of the best seasons ever on the rugby fields of placecountry-regionIreland fills me with pride. Yes placecountry-regionIreland won the Triple Crown and yes we didn't have the year in Europe that we would have liked. But like was said to me last year, sometimes you are not going to get what you want. But then at the start of the season if you had told me that we would have seen history made not only nationally and internationally with the opening of Croker and locally with Westport and Castlebar having the type of seasons that other clubs would have killed for, well, I probably would have looked at you a little funny and probably asked for what ever you were smoking. But, in hindsight it was incredible. As this is the final “Talking Rugby” for a while, I thought it would only be fair to look at the clubs in the county and do a kind of report card for the season just gone and a wish for the season ahead.
Maybe its time to start with the Local Club
Castlebar: what a season, starting off in a time of change, Seamus King, Eugene Marais and Shane McElwee have produced Miracles. But maybe not, why? It's a young, local, fearless bunch of lads who have the experience of Alex Goor, Paddy Durcan, and others like them including captain Rory Hughes to lead them into battle. This year, Castlebar made the final of the Cawley cup and in doing so got rid of one Major Bogies of failing to reach finals. They made the top four and reached next season's AIB cup. The have continued to grow with underage and successful with it. It is only a matter of time before it happens in a big way and when it does, it will blow the socks off ya! Well done lads. Ye deserve the break!
Westport: last season was special; winning the league was a true highlight. But the beginning was not the best this time around. However winning the Cawley cup and the Ard NA Cregg has brought some joy back to the Bulls as they prepare to host the IRFU Festival of TAG in May so it looks like the banks of the Carrowbeg will be rocking. By the way, I'm there for the weekend so there will be a special on the festival the following week with pictures and all that stuff. But seriously Westport has had something special and to their eternal credit they have kept it going. However not to win a junior cup since 1975 is a long wait and im sure that they would want to change that statistic.
Ballina: Are Capable of great things but this has not been their best of seasons. Were on to good things after winning the Cawley cup last season but I fear that the AIL Hangover has not cleared. Next season will change all that if they can hold on to their senior players who will be tempted by the lure of senior rugby and a possible provincial Contract. But there is one great thing on the Horizon and that is their under 16 and 18 teams. If these guys can stay together and play locally and stay fit, then who's to say? This club has a wonderful history and deserve to be back to their best.
Ballinrobe: Maybe I'm wrong but if we were to do a record of the amount of rounds played at cup level since 1990 then I reckon Ballinrobe would be second only to Westport in that regard. Sadly relegation was their lot this year but they are still one of the few sides that everyone hates to play and I mean that in the positive sense. It wasn't to be this year but next season they are in a competition that they can realistically do very well. Like Castlebar they have invested heavily on their underage system and that will bear fruit in the next couple of years. It has to
Ballyhaunis: without doubt one of the most improved teams in placeConnaught this year. Only Monivea denied them a shot at promotion this season and that hurt. But with a new generation in charge and the fact that the club have decided to take on its problems and beat them, then we could be looking at a side who may not win everything, but could be one of the sides to beat next season. A new direction has been shown to them and it's the one way they want to go and it looks very promising. Again underage here is vital and must be worked on for the future.
In conclusion it has been a season to remember. But there isn't that much time to relax and put the feet up. We have the TAG Festival in Westport in May. The RAG Rugby Tournament in Westport and Castlebar and then Pre season ahead of the early start. We have the summer games and the autumn brings us the World Cup in place country-region France as the Irish bid to win the tournament for the first time. There is so much to look forward to that we honestly do not know where to start. Well, we will know what to do when we have had a break from the beautiful game so enjoy the sunshine and the warm weather and I will talk to you in May with the TAG Special. Until then…ENJOY!
Westport 18 O.L.B.C. 10
Westport travelled to Corinthian's grounds on Sunday to contest the Ard na Cregg final with O.L.B.C. and after a
keenly contested and competative match, Westport came out the winners by 18 points to ten.
The score line indicates how close this match was, right through to the final whistle, only an accurate drop goal, in the dying minute of the contest, from Westport's Bartley Walsh, made Westport's win safe.
In the first half, a dominant O.L.B.C. went three points ahead from a penalty goal and playing with a wind advantage, had 70% of the possesion and 85% of the territoritory, only a massive defensive effort from Westport kept them at bay. Westport were only three times in the O.L.B.C's 22, but on the last occasion,,just before half time, Mattie Burke went over for an unconverted try, which although against the run of play, placed a firm marker for Westport's performance in the second half.
The second half saw almost a different team venturing out for Westport and in a reversal of the first half, Westport became the dominant force on the pitch. Two unconverted trys from Westport's, Damien Gibbons and Danny Ryan put Westport firmly ahead and despite a fine late try by O.L.
