A quiet week with only one of our adult teams in action.

The 3rd XV made the journey to Bruff on Sunday afternoon to play their first game in defence of their Webb Cup crown. Historically games between the sides have been close fought affairs and given the difficult conditions on the day, this was likely to be the case on this occasion. Both teams took time to settle and with few scoring chances created. Both sides missed penalty kicks and then came the turning point of the game. One of our players was sin binned and following a number of scrums, Bruff crossed under the post for a try which they duly converted to give them a seven point lead. This was the only score in the first half. In the second half with the conditions in our favour, one was expecting our side to use the elements to put themselves in a winning position. However, for a combination of reasons this did not happen. We narrowed the deficit to 4 points with a Brian Clancy penalty goal but could not get the scores to give us the victory. It was a most disappointed team and mentors that left the field. Hopefully the McInerney Cup Final will be a different story.

The only team with a fixture this weekend are the 2nds who play Thomond in a North Munster 2nds League game in Rosbrien at 3pm on Sunday.

Our next AIL fixture takes place on Easter Saturday in Ballynahinch and the club is organising a coach for supporters on the day. If you are interested in travelling on the coach, please contact Dale Harrow on 086-3447197.

On the under age front the under 14s played Bruff and Newcastle West in friendlies on Sunday and put in brave performances. The under 12s travelled to Derryknockane to play a blitz with Young Munsters & UL Bohs and both sides did exceptional well in the difficult conditions.

Our President's Night this year takes place on Saturday April 12th at the Falls Hotel in Ennistymon. Tickets are available from any of the committee members.

It was another roller coaster weekend at Rosbrien with our 1st XV continuing their battle for survival in Division 2 of the AIL. The visitors were DLSP who had never previously won an AIL game in Rosbrien, but by half time it looked like that was going to change when the lead by  seventeen points to nil. However, a combination of a couple of inspired substitutions and some guidance from the coaching staff turned the match completely on its head. We dominated the second half scoring 26 points with 3 tries in the process - two tries for Alan Purcell and another from Mark Ryan with rest of the points coming from the boot of Brian Begley.

Thankfully the only points conceded in the second half was a converted try at the death to give us victory by 26 points to 24.

Our next AIL game is on Easter Saturday away to Ballynahinch and we would ask as many members as possible to travel north to support the team on that date.

This weekend the focus for our sides is Bruff on Sunday with the 3rd XV playing in the Webb Cup at 3pm preceded by an under 20 North Munster Cup game against the same opposition. Again both teams are deserving of your support.

OCRFC 26  -  DLSP 24

We would like to thank all those that made the effort to see our First XV pull the proverbial "rabbit from a hat" today.

After playing up the hill and into a stiff breeze the game went into the break with the home team 17 points to nil down. After conceding 3 tries in the process it must have appeared to the large number of home supporters that relegation to the third division was imminent.

However, whatever was said to the home team at half time manifested itself in a complete change in attitude from the very start of the half.

An unconverted try by Alan Purcell after just two minutes saw the senior teams confidence raise by a considerable amount. A penalty goal by Brian Begley just five minutes later saw the DLSP lead cut to within one score and when Mark Ryan went in for OC's second (unconverted) try just two minutes later the crowd seem to sense that the apparent hopeless situation we found ourselves in at the end of the first half might not be hopeless after all.

Nine minutes into the second half and with the score at 13 to 17 we gleamed some light at the end of the tunnel. The OC attack was unrelenting and it wasn't long before Brian Begley put more points on the board slotting penalty goals on 58 and 67 minutes respectively and putting OC into the lead in the process.

Notwithstanding going ahead the home kept up the pressure and were rewarded by a second Alan Purcell try on 80 minutes, converted by Brian Begley.

With the score at 26 to 17 and with five minutes of injury time remaining the home team went after the bonus point but in doing so left themselves exposed to the counter which they unfortunately fell to in the 85th minute, leaving the final score at 26 points to 24 points.

Four invaluable points to the home team with DLSP going home with two bonus points (one for being within seven at the end and one having scored four tries).

Congratulations to the home team and onwards to the Ballynahinch game in three weeks time.

A quiet week on the adult teams front with only one team in competitive action last weekend.

Our 1st XV made the cross town journey to Liam

Fitzgerald Park to play Thomond in a game critical for both sides survival in Division 2 of the AIL next season. We did not have a good start conceding three points within the opening five minutes of play. We regrouped and levelled the scores with a penalty goal from Alan Purcell after 15 minutes but our discipline let us down again and we suffered two yellow cards. Our opponents took advantage of the superiority in the forwards, scoring a converted try after kicking a penalty goal into the corner for position and mauling the resulting line out over the line. We went into the interval with the seven point deficit but hopeful that we could mount a challenge in the second half.

Our performance was much improved in the second half but we suffered a blow when we conceded an intercept try midway through the half. But this did not deter our side and controlled the game for the next twenty minutes and brought the game level with tries from Alan Purcell & Manus Collins-Smith. With ten minutes to play the game was anybodies but crucially it was the host who got the next score, an unconverted try to give them a five point lead. The rest of the game was a prolonged attack on the Thomond defence which just about managed to withstand the onslaught and take the four points on offer. The losing bonus point was scant reward for our teams efforts, but hopefully they will take encouragement from the performance into their next game which is on Saturday at 1pm in College Park, Dublin with Dublin University our hosts.

Our 2nd XV begin their Munster Junior Plate campaign on Sunday at 2.30pm with a trip to Jimmy Slattery Park to play St. Senan's.

The 3rd XV host Garryowen in the semi final of the McInerney Cup in Rosbrien on Saturday at 2.30pm. This promises to be an excellent game and we would encourage members not travelling to Dublin for the AIL game to come out to Rosbrien and support the 3rd XV.

On the under age front it was a busy day on Sunday with Clanwilliam bringing teams at a number of age groups for friendlies with our sides. The under 18 game was won by Old Crescent by 27 points to 10 and the under 8, 10 & 12 also held matches which were very enjoyable.

The under 13 put in a brave performance against a well organised UL Bohs team.

A mixed bag of a week on the results front!

The 1st XV hosted Suttonians on Saturday last in a critical game for both side in the AIL. In excellent conditions, the game commenced with our side enjoying the favour of the elements. Both sides were tentative in the opening exchanges and after swapping penalty kicks early in the game Steven Touhy added a second three pointer to give our side the lead. However, our defensive frailties were again in evidence and the visitors crossed for a converted try to give them the lead. Our side continued to use the elements well for the remainder of the half, but were unable to penetrate the Suttonians defence and we had to settle for two more Stephen Touhy penalties to give us a 12 points to 10 lead at the break. The question on the lips of the supporters at the interval was would the lead be enough given the elements. In entertaining second half where both sides played some good rugby, the visitors took the initiative and scored two tries and a conversion to a late unconverted Alan Purcell try to give them the important victory by 22 points to 17. Indeed the match could have been won in the final moments but a dropped pass ensured that we earned one point rather than four for victory. This weekend we make the short journey to Fitzgerald Park on Saturday to play Thomond in probably the most important match for both teams in recent times. Kick off is at 2.30pm and we would ask as many members as possible to make the journey to support the team.

The 3rds finally got to play their Mc Inerney Quarter Final against Richmond on Saturday. For a long period of the game we were on the back foot but a combination of some canny substitutions and spirited performances in the closing minutes allowed us to snatch victory with a late try. This sets up a mouth watering semi final against Garryowen in the coming weeks.

On the under age front there was a lot of activity last weekend. On Saturday the under 12s played Suttonians in a curtain raiser for the AIL game and both our sides were victorious. On Sunday, the under 12s were again in action at Rosbrien hosting a blitz with Bruff.Richmond, St.Mary's & Young Munster the visitors. Both teams put in excellent displays.

The under 13s put in another brave performance in defeat to Young Munster while the under 14s like the national side started slowly in their league game against Bruff and despite a great comeback were defeated by 30 points to 22.

The under 18s played Garryowen in a friendly and achieved a memorable victory by three points to nil.

A quiet week on the playing front with only the under 20s in action.

They hosted Newcastle West on Saturday where only a victory would maintain their interest in the chase for the second spot in the table and the promotion play off. The turning point in the game was when our side had a try disallowed in the first half which seemed to knock the wind out of the team's sails and in the end victory went to the visitors. The weekend they continue their AIL programme with a trip to Nenagh on Saturday with a 2.30pm kick off.

Match of the weekend will be on Saturday when our 1st XV will entertain Suttonians in a relegation eight pointer. It has been a difficult AIL campaign this year with the injury blight having a major impact on the team but such is the league table at present a couple of wins against our relegation rivals could still bring us to safety. It is very important that as many members as possible attend the match on Saturday afternoon to give support to the team .Kick off is at 2.30pm with coverage of the Ireland v France game to follow in the clubhouse.

For the first time in a number of seasons we will have an under age game acting as a curtain raiser on Saturday with the under 12s playing Suttonians at 1.30pm.

Our 3rd XV are also in action this weekend with Richmond the visitors to Rosbrien on Saturday at noon for the quarter final of the McInerney Cup.

There was no under age rugby last weekend due to the weather conditions but hopefully weather permitting it will take place this Sunday.

The President's Night function has been deferred to April 12th to facilitate those members who wish to attend the Heineken Cup Quarter Final the previous Saturday. Tickets are available from any member of the committee.

No rugby played last week so the focus of the week from a club perspective was the visit of Wasps to Rosbrien on Friday morning last.

It was a great occasion when Eoin Reddan brought his Wasps team mates coaches and supporters to visit his first club Old Crescent RFC. A number of Old Crescent players, coaches and members were in attendance to welcome our visitors from across the water. The original plan was for the team to have a short training session at the club but due to the condition of the pitches this was not possible. Instead the visit was very much a social one with the visitors mixing with the locals with many photographs  taken and autographs signed. The Wasps players in particular showed great interest in the various photographs, jerseys and other items adorning the clubhouse walls. There was a great buzz of enthusiasm around the club and hopefully the visit will help strengthen the relationship between the two clubs for the future.

This weekend, weather permitting, the 1st XV continue their AIL journey with a trek to West Cork on Saturday to play Clonakilty. The 2nd XV play Ennis in the Munster Junior Cup on Sunday in Ennis at 2.30pm while the under 20s are away to Clonmel on Saturday at 2.30pm.

Under age training is scheduled for Sunday but this will depend on a pitch inspection on Saturday afternoon.

Congratulations to Munster on their great victory on Saturday and we look forward with interest to the quarter final in early April.

Happy New year to all our members and supporters!!!

The holiday period was a quiet one with only two games played. On St. Stephen's Day the annual Kelly Cup fixture took place in Tom Clifford Park between the club & Young Munster. A side representing all the adult teams in the club and the under 20s took the field and but in an excellent performance in the difficult conditions. The cup made it way down the road to Greenfields for the season on an 11-10 scoreline but it was a very beneficial exercise and a very important part of the rugby calendar.

The only other side in action were the under 20s who hosted Clanwilliam in a critical AIL encounter for both sides. Playing with the conditions in the first half our side built up an 11 point lead but the question at the interval was would it be enough. Our young side answered the questions with a determined and organised defensive display in the 2nd half conceding only 5 points in the second half to take the match and the points by 11 points to 5. This was the third victory in a row for the under 20s and with 4 games remaining in the league are very much in contention for promotion back to Division 1.

Great credit is due to Joe Nix, Michael Murphy, Gerry Reynolds, Tom Browne and Dave Nolan for their work in getting the side to this point and we thank them for their efforts and wish them and the team the best of luck in the remainder of their season. They play Clonmel on Saturday in Rosbrien at 2.30pm in the AIL.

This weekend our 1st XV return to competitive action with a trip to Belfast to play Belfast Harlequins on Saturday in the AIL. Given our current position in the table all games are cup finals between now and the end of the season. The 2nd XV host Shannon in a friendly at 1pm on Sunday and the 3rd XV host UL Bohs in a friendly on Saturday at 1pm.

In under age rugby there is a full return to training on Sunday weather permitting. The under 14s host Garryowen in the league and the under 16 host Shannon with both games scheduled for 11.30am. The under12 travel to Abbeyfeale for a blitz on Sunday and they are currently holding a raffle to fund raise for their tour at Easter. The prize is 2 tickets for the Heineken Cup match vs Wasps on January 19th and raffle tickets can be obtained for any member of the under 12s.

Finally this week the club would like to wish the Munster team the best of luck in their important Heineken Cup game on Sunday in France.

A mixed bag of results last weekend on the playing fields!

Our 1st XV welcomed UCC to Rosbrien on Saturday last for the latest instalment of the AIL programme. With conditions being the worse seen so far this season, the winning of the toss would go a long way in determining the result of the match. The visitors won the toss and decided to play into the elements in the first half. Our side defended well in the opening period and were only three points behind at the break with our score being a try from Niall O' Brien following an intelligent kick through from Emmet Dalton which was converted by Brian Begley.

In the second half UCC used the elements wisely and succeeded into keeping the scoreboard ticking over adding 21 unanswered points to win the game by 28 points to 7. This weekend it's a trip to the capital on Saturday with Bective Rangers our hosts with kick off at 2.30pm.

The 2nd XV hosted Nenagh Ormond on Sunday and Adrian Murphy's charges put in another fine display in victory by 27 points to 12. This weekend it is the turn of UCC 2nd XV to visit Rosbrien on Sunday with kick off at 2.30pm.

The 3rd XV had their last Gleeson league game before the Christmas Break when they made the short journey to Garryowen on Saturday morning. Victory was critical to maintain our interest in the competition but a combination of injuries the conditions and some good work from the Garryowen side gave them their first victory over Old Crescent at this level for 4 years on a 27 points to nil scoreline.

Our under 20's made it back to back wins when defeating Richmond 13 points to 3 on Saturday mornings. They now have a well deserved break until their next game in early January.

There was no youth or underage rugby last weekend due to waterlogged pitches.

Finally this week our under 12s are holding a fundraising raffle for their tour at Easter 2008 with 2 tickets to the Heineken Cup match between Munster & Wasps the first prize. We would ask all our members to support this worthy cause.

An undefeated weekend for our adult teams in action!

Our 1st XV did not have a game last weekend and they return to action on Saturday with an important home game against UCC in the AIL. The 2nd XV made the long journey to Clonakilty on Sunday to play a Munster Senior Seconds League match which they won convincingly by 37 points to 17. They have no fixture this weekend.

The 3rd XV hosted Young Munster in an important Gleeson League fixture on Saturday afternoon. This was a game that only a rugby fanatic would enjoy. There was no score in the first half and playing with the conditions in the second period one felt that our side would win the game. Despite taking the lead with a long range penalty goal from Brian Clancy, we never threatened the oppositions line and were fortunate that a number of kickable penalties were missed by Young Munster. Eventually our luck ran out and the scores were levelled by a penalty goal and the game petered out to the finish which was unsatisfactory for both sides in the race for the semi finals. This weekend the 3rds make the short journey to Dooradoyle to play Garryowen in the Gleeson League at 11.30am.

Highlight of the week was the under 20s performance against Clanwilliam in the under 20 AIL on Saturday afternoon. Playing away from home but with the conditions in the first half, they withstood a fierce attack from the home side, particularly in the pack and did well to concede only 5 points. They then settled and Hugh Mulcahy & Darren O'Sullivan using the wind to set up attacks in the opposition 22. This resulted in tries for Mike Mc Cormack & Sean O'Dea both of which were converted by Darren O'Sullivan who also added a penalty goal to give them a 17 point to 5 lead at the interval. In the second half the expected surge from the host came but excellent defence from the pack in particular limited them to 8 points and the first victory of the campaign was sealed in the dying moments when full back Nigel O'Riordan scored an unconverted try to make the final score 22 points to 15. This weekend they welcome Richmond to Rosbrien in their final league game before the Christmas break with kick off at 11am.

On the under age front the under 9 and 12 were in club day action and all involved put in brave performances. The under 18 suffered another narrow defeat but have made excellent progress as the seasons has developed. Training for all age groups as usual on Friday evening and Sunday morning.

We in Old Crescent were especially pleased to hear the news that our member Frederico Pucciariello has been selected to play for the Barbarians on Saturday for their fixture against South Africa at Twickenham. We wish to congratulate Freddie on his well deserved achievement and we wish him the best of luck on Saturday.

Finally this week a final reminder about the EGM to be held next Monday night at 8 pm in the clubhouse. We would ask as many members as possible to attend.

A very disappointing week on the playing fields.

Our 1st XV travelled to Dublin on Saturday to play Wanderers in the AIL and came off a poor second best. We played against the elements in the first half and with half time approaching we were down by nine points and given the conditions were confident of perhaps getting something from the game but we conceded two soft tries which gave our hosts a 21 point lead at the interval and effectively ended the game as a contest. We were unable to mount any significant attacks in the second half and conceded another try which left the score at the end 26 points to nil in favour of Wanderers. One can only hope that the fact that we have no AIL game this weekend will give those involved to prepare for the critical games before Christmas to ensure that we do not enter the new year in the relegation dogfight.

Our 2nd & 3rd XV did not have a game last weekend but both are in action this weekend. The 3rds are in action on Saturday playing Young Munster in a critical Gleeson League game while the 2nds have a Munster Senior Seconds League game against Sunday's Well on Sunday.

Our under 20s were also in action last weekend playing Newcastle West in the AIL and despite putting in another brave performance were on the wrong side of the scoreline at the final whistle. This weekend they travel to Tipperary Town to play Clanwilliam on Saturday with a 2.30pm kickoff

On the under age front the under 14s had a narrow defeat to Thomond in a friendly played at Crescent Comprehensive on Sunday morning and the under 8 hosted Thomond and UL Bohs in a club day and both our teams did the club proud. The under 9 club day was postponed. This weekend the under 12s travel to Ennis to compete in a club day on Sunday and training for all other groups takes place as usual at 9.45.

Finally this week a big thanks to all those involved in the organisation of the very successful Fashion Show which took place in the South Court Hotel last Thursday night and a reminder that the club is holding an EGM on Monday December 3rd in the clubhouse at 8pm and we would ask as many members as possible to attend.

A disappointing week on the playing fields!!

Our 1st XV continued their AIL programme on Saturday when they hosted Buccaneers at Rosbrien. Like the previous week our first half performance was less than satisfactory with some defensive errors being punished by the visitors who took a 17 point lead into the interval. Our cause was not help by the early departure from the field of Lemeki Viapula with a nasty knee injury. We wish him a speedy recovery. Again we hoped for another epic second half display but despite scoring three tries through Billy Leahy, Sean Barry and Ian Guilfoyle and a penalty goal from Gareth James, Buccaneers did just about enough to hold on to the lead and four precious points with a converted try late in the game on a final score of 24 points to 18.The losing bonus point was scant reward for our efforts but we will need to raise the intensity of our performance this weekend when we travel to Dublin on Saturday to play Wanderers.

A very successful week on the playing fields!!

Our 1st XV hosted Malone on Saturday in the AIL and given our defeat the previous week in the competition, it was imperative to our promotion prospects to achieve victory in the game. It was nip & tick for the first quarter of the game with both teams scoring 10 points. Then the sky fell in when a compendium of unforced errors allowed Malone to score 22 unanswered points, securing the try bonus point in the process to go in at the interval with a comfortable lead 32 point to 10 lead.

There were many anxious faces in the crowd with of our some supporters even leaving at half time.

We made the perfect start to the second half with a try for Shane Murphy and a conversion and penalty goal from Gareth James. Our visitors then were reduced to 14 men for 10 minutes and this seemed to lift our side and a second converted try from Gareth James reduced the deficit to 5 points. It was game on for the final 10 minutes by with the astute use of our substitutes we gained the upper hand. It was no surprise when Mark Ryan crossed in the corner to level the scores. It was down to Gareth James and he made no mistake with the difficult conversion to give us the victory and 5 precious points. It was a remarkable game of rugby and one which will be talked about for a long time to come. This weekend we host Buccaneers on Saturday at 2.30pm.

The 2nd XVs game on Sunday was postponed and they are not in action this weekend.

The 3rd XV made the trip to Bruff on Saturday morning and put in a good performance winning by 14 points to 10 with Mike Callaghan scoring a try, conversion and penalty goal and Jody O 'Sullivan also scoring a five pointer. This weekend they host Shannon in a friendly on Saturday at noon at the Crescent Comprehensive.

The under 20s were not in action last weekend but return to action this weekend with a AIL game against Cashel at noon in Rosbrien.

In under age rugby there were memorable victories for the under 18s over UL Bohs and the under 15s over Shannon. The under 13s put in a brave performance against UL Bohs and the under 11 hosted a club day which was very successful.

Final reminder for the Fashion Show which takes place next Thursday night at 8pm in the South Court Hotel.

Best of luck to Munster this weekend as they commence another Heineken Cup journey.

A disappointing week on the playing fields.

Our 1st XV began their AIL programme for the 2007/8 season with a trip to Cork on Saturday to play Highfield. Our injury ravaged squad received a boost when Freddie Pucciariello was released by Munster to play his first game for the club. Playing against the elements in the first half our players put in a very committed performance and went into the interval trailing by 12 points to 3.

 
However we never got the grips with the game in the second period and some unforced errors and indiscipline allow our hosts to take control of the game and despite a try from Mark Ryan in the second half which was converted by Gareth James, we were defeated by 22 points to 10. If our side can learn from this game and continue to give the commitment shown in this display then we can still have a positive conclusion to our season.

This weekend we host Malone at Rosbrien on Saturday with a 2.30pm kickoff and we ask as many members as possible to attend to give support to our team.

The only other adult team in action last weekend were the under 20s who played Richmond in the AIL. It is great that Richmond have returned to their home on the Canal Bank and we congratulate them on their achievement in rebuilding their clubhouse. They also took the points on offer for the fixture but the management of our side were pleased by a great improvement in the side performance from previous weeks. This weekend they travel once again to Nenagh with kick off at 2.30pm.

Our 2nds XV resume their league action with the visit on Middleton to Rosbrien on Sunday at 2.30pm and the 3rd XV travel to Bruff on Saturday at 2.30 for a friendly.

On the under age front, there was no training last weekend but a number of our groups were in action. The under 12s participated in the James Keating tournament in Bruff and put in a creditable performance, topping their pool and were unlucky to lose their quarter final to Ennis. This weekend our under 13s and under 16s are away to Ul Bohs on Sunday at 11.30 and there is training for all other age groups as usual on Sunday morning.

Finally this week a reminder that our reconvened AGM & EGM will take place on Monday November 5th at 8pm in the clubhouse.

A disappointing week on the playing field with only one of our adult teams winning.

The 1st XV travelled to Cork on Saturday to play Sunday's Well in the quarter final of the ODM Munster Senior Cup. This was the typical game of two halves with the first half performance riddled with indiscipline and unforced errors. However in the 2nd half it was like a different team took the field and we got ourselves back into contention and played the better rugby but it was not enough as our missed opportunities came back to haunt us as we were defeated by 20 points to 17 with 3 tries from Alan Purcell, Brian Begley and Gareth James, one of which was converted. The focus now shifts to the All Ireland League and we commence our programme on Saturday next with a trip to Cork to play Highfield. We ask as many members as possible to make the journey on Saturday to support the team and kick off is at 2.30pm at Model Farm Road.

The 2nd XV travelled to Cork on Sunday to play Dolphin in the Munster Senior Seconds League and this injury ravaged side were defeated by the Leesiders.

The 3rd XV made the short trip to Corbally to play St. Mary's in the Gleeson League. It is good to see St. Mary's return to this competition after a absence of a couple of seasons. Our hosts took the lead early on with a unconverted try but this motivated our side to improve their performance and ran out winners by 37 points to 5. Pick of the tries was a short range drive to the line by Bernard Quinn and a 40 meter run by Barry Moloney. They now enter a break from the Gleeson League still in contention for qualification for the knockout stages of the competition.

The under 20s continued their AIL campaign with a home game against Nenagh Ormond on Saturday and were defeated 26 points to nil by a much stronger Nenagh outfit. This weekend they play Richmond in the same competition on Saturday on 2.30pm at the Canal Bank.

On the under age front, the under 13 put in a brave performance on Sunday going down by 24 points to 12 to a very strong Shannon side and the under 12s travelled to Scarriff with 3 teams to play in a blitz with Garryowen and a Scarriff/ Ballina Killaloe selection. It was great to see so many striped shirts on the field and all of our teams put in excellent performances.

The club held a very successful media launch for its upcoming Fashion Show on Monday night last. The Fashion Show will take place on November 15th at 8pm in the South Court Hotel and tickets are available from any of the committee. Our most recent Car Draw also took place on Monday night and the winner was Lisa Quin. The next draw will take place at the Fashion Show.

Our 1st XV continued their AIB Cup adventure on Saturday with a trip to Killballyowen Park to play Bruff. Without the services of many of our players, it was very much an experimental side that took the field, and this gave an opportunity for some to stake their claim for a place in the side for the forthcoming AIL campaign. But what was to follow was most disappointing. We were second best to a very determined Bruff side. Despite winning the try count 2-1 with tries from Alan Purcell and Billy Leahy one of which was converted by Alan, we were defeated by 19 points to 12. One can only hope that this defeat will serve as a wake up call to all those concerned and we will look back at this game as the turning point in a very successful season. This weekend it is a return to ODM Munster Senior Cup action with a trip to Musgrave Park to play Sunday Well on Saturday at 3pm.

The 2nd XV travelled to Musgrave Park on Sunday to play Sunday's Well.

Again injuries resulted in a very inexperienced team taking the field but in this case our team put in a very brave performance going down by 19 points to 7. This weekend they also travel to Musgrave Park to play Dolphin on Sunday with a 3pm kick off.

The 3rd XV continued their Gleeson League programme on Saturday hosting UL Bohs at Rosbrien. This was a vital game for our side as defeat would have most certainly meant that we would not progress to the knockout stages. The was a closely fought game which was delicately poised at 12 points all early in the second half but our side took control of the game in the in the latter stages and took the victory along with the points on offer winning by 25 points to 15.

This weekend they travel to St. Marys with kick off on Saturday at 3pm.

The under 20s have no game last weekend, but this week they commence their AIL fixtures with a home fixture against Nenagh Ormond on Saturday at 2:30pm. We wish the players and management of this team every success in the AIL this season.

On the under age front, the highlight of the week with the visit of Garryowen to Rosbrien on Friday night for a under 12 fixture. A large crowd were on hand to watch two talented group of young players battle it out in perfect conditions. Maybe the idea of "Friday Night Lights" is one that our administrators could adopt to bring the crowds back to club rugby. WE would ask those parents who have not yet returned their children's registration forms to do so this weekend. The club is hosting a Coffee morning for parents on Sunday morning at 11am and all are welcome.

A positive week with victory for all our adult teams in action.

The 1st XV continued their inaugural campaign in the AIB Cup with the visit of Naas RFC to Rosbrien on Saturday. The clash with the World Cup game may have impacted on the attendance but those who did attend saw an efficient yet uneven performance by our side. Our new outside half, Gareth James continues to impress and scored 14 of our sides points with two converted tries with Alan Purcell, Shane Murphy and Lemeki Viapulu also crossing the whitewash for tries to give us victory by 29 points to 14. We now make the short journey to Killballyowen Park on Saturday to face Bruff in the 3rd round of the competition, with kick off at 2.30pm.

The 2nds XV received a walk over last weekend and this weekend travel to Cork to play Sunday's Well on Sunday in the Munster Senior Seconds League at 3pm.

The 3rd XV travelled to Shannon to play St. Senans in the Gleeson League and recorded their first victory of the season by 32 points to 16 scoring five tries in the process. This weekend they host Ul Bohs on Saturday at 3pm.

On the under age front the under 10s participated in a club day in Abbeyfeale with Newcastlewest, Kilrush & Bruff and our teams put in a very good display. The under 16s played Kilfeakle in a friendly  and recorded a good victory.

This weekend the under 12s host Garryowen in a friendly in Rosbrien on Friday evening @ 6pm. On Sunday our under 8s play their first club day of the season with a trip to St.Senan's to play the hosts, Ballina/Killaloe, St. Mary's & Abbeyfeale We ask all parents who have not yet returned their registration forms for the current season to do so as soon as possible. Those requiring gear please note that this is available from the club on Sunday mornings.

A coffee morning for all parents of under age players will take place on Sunday October 21st @ 11am and we ask as many parents as possible to attend.

A mixed bag of a week in the club on the playing side.

The 1st XV hosted Nenagh Ormond in the ODM Munster Senior Cup on Saturday and hopes were high for victory to provide the springboard for a good season. A combination of injuries and some new signings meant that it was an unfamiliar look to the side which is captained this season by experienced front row forward James Cullanine. Our side hit the ground running with new signing form Wales, Gareth James scoring a try under the posts and converting and then adding a penalty goal to open up a ten point lead. Our opponents regrouped and some poor discipline and defensive breakdowns resulted in a converted try and 2 penalty goals to bring them right back into the game. Our side managed to tack on two more penalties from Gareth James to give us a three point lead at halftime. In the second half we had the opportunities to put the game away but failed to take them and as a result it was nip and tuck all the way to the finish with a try from Mark Ryan and a conversion and penalty goal for Gareth James giving us the victory by 29 points to 23. This weekend the attention turns to the revamped AIB Cup and we host Naas for the first time in a competitive fixture at 2.30pm on Saturday.

The 3rd XV had their first home Gleeson League fixture of the season with Shannon the visitors on Saturday morning. Despite having most of the possession and the territory in the opening period we failed to capitalise on our opportunities and went in the the interval two points down on a five points to three scoreline. In the second half we dominated the lineout and this proved to be the basis for controlling the game. When we went ahead by 9 points to 8 in the closing minutes the game was there to be closed out, but a critical mistake in the final minute allowed Shannon in for a converted try to snatch victory by 15 points to 9. It was a much improved performance from the team and hopefully the lessons learned in this game will help us in future games. This  weekend's opponents are St. Senan's which the kickoff time still to be finalised.

The under 20s played near neighbours Garryowen in the North Munster under 20 league and were competitive for a long period before the visitors pulled away in he closing stages to record a victory.

Our 2nd XV return to action on Sunday at 2.30 with the visit of Waterpark to Rosbrien.

In under age rugby the under 18s hosted Garryowen in their second game of the under 18 league on Sunday morning. Our side started slow and at the interval found themselves 18 points to nil behind. It was a different Old Crescent team that took the field for the second half and they dominated the game but only managed to score 12 points. It was great to see them make such a spirited comeback and it will hopefully give them the confidence for future games.  The only other side in actions were the under 11s who hosted a club day and put in a brave performance.

This weekend the under 15 travel to Newcastle West on Sunday morning for a league game and the under 10 are on the road as well for a club day in Abbeyfeale.

Finally this week we ask our members to support the Table quiz in aid of Rehab which is taking place in O'Dwyers pub in Wolf tone Street on Tuesday October 9th at 8pm. Table of 4 are priced at €40.

Due to postponements and walkovers it was a quiet week on the playing front with only 1 adult team in action. The 3rd XV opened their season in the Gleeson League with a trip to Fitzgerald Park on Saturday evening last to play Thomond. Thomond who had some impressive results in the pre seasons games took the lead early on with an unconverted try. Thereafter the first half followed in typical early season fashion with error from both sides the most common feature of the play.

In the second half Thomond used the wind to better effect that our side had done in the opening period, and it was against the run of play that following a fine break out of defense by Steven Conway, John Leonard crossed under the posts and Brian Clancy added the conversion to being us into the lead at 7 points to 5. But that was as good as it got from our side as Thomond's better organisation on the way pushed them on and they scored 17 points without reply and gave them the points by 22 points to 7. This weekend the 3rds continue their Gleeson League programme with a home fixture against Shannon at noon on Saturday in Rosbrien.

The 1st XV commence their quest for the ODM Munster Senior Cup on Saturday with Nenagh Ormond the visitors to Rosbrien at 2.30pm. The under 20 XV are also in action on Saturday in the North Munster League with near neighbours Garryowen the visitors to Rosbrien. Kick off time for this game has not been confirmed.

It was a busy week on the under age front. For the first time in many year we are fielding an under 18 team in the league and great credit is due to Jim Keane & Dermot Davis for their efforts in making this possible. It was a baptism of fire for our side with Bruff, last seasons champions the opponents on Sunday last. We were unlucky to conceded an soft try in the early stages but we regained our composure and went close ourselves on a number of occasions later in the first half. In the second half we continued where we left off and all in all it was a very enthusiastic performance which should stand to them as they progress through their league campaign. This weekend opponents are Garryowen and kickoff for this game is 11am on Sunday in Rosbrien.

The under 15 defeated UL Bohs in a friendly on Sunday while the under 13s put in a brave performance in going down to Garryowen in their opening league game. The under 12 s hosted Bruff & UL Bohs in a club day and all three Old Crescent teams in action performed well.

This weekend the under 11 are hosting a club day with training for under 6 through 12 taking place at 9.45am on Sunday.

Finally the club the hosting a World Cup tag rugby blitz on Sunday from 11.30am in the club with a BBQ from 2pm and the critical World Cup game between Ireland vs Argentina on the big screen in the clubhouse @ 4pm. Hopefully Eoin Reddan and the Irish team will achieve the miracle result to progress to the quarter finals. We wish Them the best of luck!.

There was no games last weekend for our adult teams but this weekend brings the start of a number of competitions. The 2nd XV host Garda in the annual Takumi Trophy game on Saturday at 5pm and the 3rd XV commence their Gleeson League campaign with a visit to Fitzgerald Park to play Thomond on Saturday at 3pm. Finally the under 20s start their North Munster under 20 league programme with a visit to Nenagh Ormond on Saturday at 2.30. We wish all our sides the best of luck.

The AIB Cup draw took place and for the first time all 48 AIL teams were in the hat. Our first round opponents are Naas RFC who we will host on October 6th with the winners playing either Bruff or Highfield in the next round.

On the under age front the only team in action last week were the Under 15s who hosted UL Bohs and were defeated by 29 points to 5. The blitz season commences on Sunday with the under 12s travelling to Ballyhoura to play UL Bohs ,Bruff and the host club. Training for all other age groups will commence at 9.45am for under 6s to under 11s and 11.15am for the youth teams. The U15s host the UL Bohs 2nd XV in a friendly on Sunday with an 11:30 ko.

Finally, this week we congratulate Eoin Reddan on his selection for the World Cup game against France on Friday night. We wish him and the rest of the Irish team the best of luck.

The season took its first tentative steps last weekend with our 1st XV in action for the first time this season in a competitive game. Young Munster were the visitors to Rosbrien for the 1st round fixture in the Limerick Charity Cup on Saturday. This was a typical early season performance by both sides filled with stop start action and defences ruling the roost.  A positive aspect of the teams display was the way they maintained good discipline throughout the eighty minutes. All the points in the game came from penalty goals with the visitors edging out a victory by 12 points to 9. There are no fixtures this weekend for the adult teams.   Our under age section returned to action on Sunday after the summer break and it was great to see so many new faces (both players & coaches) attend for training at the various age groups. It is also great to see that the club have for the first time in many years have revived an under 18 team and we wish Jim Keane and his team every success over the coming season. Our under 16s travelled to the Bayonne region of France last weekend for a mini tour and attended the Ireland vs Namibia game on Sunday. Training for under 6s to under 12s takes place on Sundays at 9.45am with the youth age groups at 11.15am.

As the schoolchildren return to school for another year of learning and our wet summer turns to a thankfully drier autumn, our thoughts return once again to rugby and another season of action. Our AGM was held in late May and the following were elected to serve on the committee of the club for the current season:

President - Tony Murray

Senior Vice President - Glen Quin

Hon Sec - Dale Harrow

Hon Treasurer - John Earls

Hon Fixtures Sec - Pat Reddan

Munster Branch Rep - Brian Nolan

Media Officer/ Asst Hon Sec - Pat Rickard

Registrar - Michael Larkin

Under Age Chairman - Pat Liston

Finance Chairman - John Neville

Grounds Chairman - Liam Keehan

House Chairman - Dermot Mc Govern

Rugby Chairman - Tom Barry

Ways & Means Chairman - Dan Gallery

Ex Officio - Frank Larkin

Other members of committee: Joe Nix; Jim Keane; Billy Leahy; Bobby Mulrooney & Terry Clancy

Crescent College Comprehensive's representative to the club  is Chris Cullinan

The club ran its first Summer Camp for 7 to 14 year olds in July which was very successful. Thanks to all that worked to make it happen.   The annual Pig N Porter tag rugby festival took place in mid July and despite the poor weather conditions a very enjoyable day was had by the many players and supporters who visited the club. Many Thanks to Eugene O'Riordan and his team for another year of dedicated work in ensuring another successful event.   The club also hosted the inaugural Munster club 7's tournament in mid August and it is hoped that this will also become an annual  summer fixture at the club in the years to come.   The annual golf classic took place at Limerick Golf Club in mid August and the winners were Gerry Reynolds and the Takumi team. The most recent Car Draw took place on the evening of the Golf Classic and the winner was Rory O'Donnell.   On the rugby front, our pre season was completed by the visit of Llandovery to Limerick to play the annual Linda Cantrell memorial cup game. Similar to last year, the visiting team won the match by a narrow margin and we look forward to travelling to Wales next season to regain the trophy.   The first competitive match of the season took place last weekend with the 2nd XV playing Shannon in Rosbrien in the Transfield Cup. It took the first half to shake out the cobwebs accumulated during the close season and the team went in at the  interval 23 points to 3 down. Our performance improved immeasurably in the second half and restricted an extremely strong visiting XV to a single penalty gaol score to leave the final score at 26 points to 3 to the visitors.   The only team in action this weekend are the 1st XV who commence their season with a Charity Cup game against Young Munster on Saturday at 2.30pm.   Our under age rugby commences this Sunday with training at 9.45am for the under 6 to under 12 age groups and 11.15am for the under 13 to under 16 age groups.   Our U15's kick of their league with an away match against Young Munster in Derryknockane  on Sunday with an 11:30 ko.