With last weekend being an international weekend, most of our players took a break, and the only senior team in action last weekend was our Under 21’s who went on a well earned weekend tour to Bristol where they played a friendly against Bristol University RFC.  The 35 strong squad travelled out early on Friday morning and back on Sunday.  They trained in Bristol University Sports Complex on Friday afternoon and played their hosts on Saturday morning. To give everyone a game, the squad was split into two teams and they played two matches against Bristol University sides at the same time. Both matches were played in very wet conditions, and both Under 21 teams started slowly against two very strong home sides. However, after getting to grips with the conditions, both teams got into their matches and were unlucky not to get more favourable results. There were notable performances from wings, Canice Byrne and Rob O'Callaghan, hooker Shane O'Neill, second rows, Mark Tierney and Peter Power, and centre/backrow Niall Liston. Afterwards, our players watched the Ireland England match with their hosts in their club house, and the Irish win made up for the earlier results. Overall, it was a very enjoyable tour and our Under 21’s were made feel very welcome by Bristol University RFC.  Special mention must go to Kevin O'Donoghue for all his hard work in helping to organise the short tour.

In Under Age news, our Under 14’s had a great win against UL Bohemians in the Under 14 League Semi-final in Rosbrien last Sunday. Bohs dominated for first ten minutes, with some great defensive work by the Crescent backs which kept them at bay. There were fine tackles in particular by Daniel O’Keeffe and Paul McNamara.  Having weathered the storm, after fifteen minutes, Crescent broke out of their half and after some strong running Dylan Hennessy scored a fine try in the left corner. We did not convert what was a difficult kick. Crescent started the second half brightly and after some fine passing by Shane Eades and Andrew Harrison, Daniel O’Keeffe was released to score a fine try in the right corner, which we did not convert. UL Bohs dug deep and having disrupted one of our better scrums, their scrum half scored a try up the hill in the left corner after some good passing. They failed to convert, leaving them trailing 12 to 5. We went in search of a game clinching score, and having created several opportunities and putting on pressure, Paul McNamara got in for another fine try for Crescent, which was converted by out half Shane Eades to leave the final score at 19 points for Old Crescent to 5 points for UL Bohs. The Crescent pack worked tirelessly for the whole match and no doubt there were some tired men when the game ended.  Paul McNamara had to be taken off with a bad leg injury and we wish him a speedy recovery.  This was a fine open game of rugby and great credit was due to both sides for a very exciting game.

In senior fixtures next weekend, our Firsts play De La Salle Palmerston FC in a vital AIL match at home in Rosbrien at 2.30pm next Saturday, 6th March. Given our precarious position near the bottom of the AIL Division 2 table, this is a critical match for the Club and all supporters are urged to come to Rosbrien next Saturday to support our team.

Our Thirds have a home game against Young Munster at 12.30pm in Rosbrien next Saturday, and our Under 21’s have a home game against Newcastlewest at 1.00pm in Rosbrien next Sunday.

Old Crescent supporters travelled in great numbers to Clonakilty last Saturday for our important AIL fixture against Clonakilty RFC.  Played on a sunny but cold day, Clonakilty began with the advantage of a strong wind behind them.  Clonakilty opened the scoring with a converted penalty after seven minutes, and followed this up with an unconverted try half way through the first half.  Crescent had few attacking opportunities in the first half but defended resolutely.  With half time approaching, it looked like Crescent would turn over only eight point down, having played into a strong breeze, but unfortunately Clonakilty scored another converted try five minutes before half time.  Mark Woods got Crescent on the scoreboard with a penalty just on half time, to leave us behind by 15 points to 3 at half time. Crescent started the second half strongly with the wind at our back, and within two minutes had cut the deficit to 5 points with a try by Lemiki ‘Mac’ Viapula, converted by Mark Woods.  Crescent hopes of turnaround were high at this stage but they dashed when Clonakilty immediately went up the field and scored an unconverted try.  Mark Woods put over another penalty to keep us in touch, midway through the second half, but from there on it was all Clonakilty. In the last ten minutes, they scored two converted trys, including an intercept when Crescent were attacking the Clon line, to leave the final score Clonakilty 34 Crescent 13.

Our Third XV took to the field on Friday night last against Garryowen in Dooradoyle. The squad had taken the decision to give up home advantage and play the game on Friday night so that they could travel to Clonakilty the following morning to support the Senior XV. With a few players in key positions missing it was always going to be a difficult task against a well drilled and organised Garryowen team. Garryowen started well and scored a try early on, but Captain Bernard Quinn rallied his troops and with good defensive pressure, forced a mistake from the Garryowen centres. John Noonan anticipated the pass and juggled the ball into his hands and crossed the whitewash to score a deserved try. John converted his own score and with Garryowen adding another unconverted try, our Third XV came in at half time trailing 10-7. In the second half we were under a lot of pressure and defended resolutely showing commitment and aggression in our play. Brian Clancy entered the fray, returning from a long layoff due to injury and was influential in his organisation of the defence. Peter Cusack was one of many who put in hard hitting tackles to help keep the increasing Garryowen pressure at bay. Eventually, the pressure told and Garryowen increased their lead, scoring two converted tries and a penalty. The Thirds showed their fighting spirit, by rallying towards the end, scoring the try of the game from their own 5 metre line and moving the ball through the hands for Michael Callinan to score under the posts. The team could not be faulted for effort, and with good performances from Edward Chadwick and Gerry Fitzgibbon along with others, coupled with the prospect of one or two players returning to the squad, it could a good starting point for the cup campaign.

Old Crescent under age teams and mentors travelled to West Cork in support of their Senior team last weekend.  50 players and over 63 adults made up a great touring party of 113. The Under 11’s competed in a blitz with Clonakility, Muskery and CBC.  The games went very well with the Old Crescent Under 11’s setting the tone for the day with good wins. The Under 12’s divided their panel of 30 into two balanced teams and played a similarly divided Clonakilty Under 12’s.  Each team had two games, with the Under 12’s continuing the Old Crescent winning form and setting the tone for the Senior game.  Sadly, the Old Crescent Under Age winning streak came to an end with the Senior game loss.

With an International weekend coming up, there are no Senior games fixed for next weekend.  In Under Age, the Under14’s play the semi-final of their league on Sunday in Rosbrien.  All support would be appreciated.

Old Crescent members send their sympathies to the Larkin family on the death of Old Crescent stalwart, Aidan Larkin, last Sunday. Aidan was a founding member of the Club and was Captain of the Club in the 1949-50 season.

Finally, a date for our diaries, the Old Crescent RFC Fashion Show will take place in the Strand Hotel Limerick on Wednesday, 24th March.

A Crescent team combining firsts, seconds, thirds and U21’s took the field on Sunday last in the Munster Junior Plate match in Liam Fitzgerald Park against a strong Thomond side. Joe Nix did a great job in assembling the team during the week, and after a good warm up, the team gelled well from the outset. Shane Murphy put in a captains performance, leading his team by example, with some barrelling runs and good work at scrum time. Will Hanly, starting at full back, showed his senior status in running the young back line, and he kicked a fine penalty and conversion. It was heartening to see a side put together on such short notice that was willing to play for each other, and this surely bodes well for the future of the Club. Tevitha at number 8 put in a strong performance and capped his fine display with a well worked try, after a barraging 60 metre burst through the Thomond defence. Niall Kearney was also on the score sheet after a well earned but undoubtedly fortunate ricochet of the ball off a Thomond player’s boot. Other notable performances came from Owen Croucher at centre, Shane O’Neill at hooker and Mark Tierney at lock.  Overall, the team put up a spirited performance throughout the game and particularly towards the end, when Thomond were hanging on dearly for their narrow win by 22 points to 15.

Our focus now turns to next weekend when we play a vital AIL game against Clonakilty RFC away in Clonakilty, at 2.30pm next Saturday.  With Clonakilty just a few points above us in the Second Division league table, this is a must win game for Crescent in terms of moving us away from the dreaded relegation zone. We therefore need as much support as possible in Clonakilty next Saturday. To enable members and supporters to travel, the Club is running a bus to bring our supporters to and from the game.  The bus will leave the South Court Hotel in Raheen at 11.00am on Saturday morning and the return fare will be €10. Please contact bus coordinator, Frank Larkin on 086 2070733 asap.

We will also have the support of our Under 11s and 12s in Clonakilty next Saturday, when over 60 players and mentors will travel to play Clonakilty before the senior game.

Our Thirds play Garryowen in an important Gleeson League away fixture next Friday evening at 7.30pm in Dooradoyle.  Again, we would ask our supporters to turn up at Dooradoyle next Friday night to support our Thirds.

In Under Age News, our Under 14's travelled to Tralee last Sunday to play Tralee for the second time this season. The match was played in O’Dowd Park in fabulous weather. Due to the absence of specialist hookers, we had to play uncontested scrums for the entire match, which somewhat diluted the forward exchanges. We also had a number of new combinations, mostly in the backs, and it was good to see virtually all of our extended squad in action with everybody who was fit and available getting lots of game time. Crescent scored first following a marvellous break with a fine try from Fionn Whyte and converted by drop kick by our outhalf David O’Malley. Tralee responded and won a penalty in front of our posts which they successfully kicked over. After some great running by David O’Malley and Evan Moloney, Gavin Hogan picked up a ball from the side of a ruck and raced over to score a fine try. We were unsuccessful with the convert to leave the scores at 12 points to three. A period of sustained pressure by Crescent did not yield the expected score as we spurned kicks at goal in pursuit of another try. Tralee responded with some good attacking play and were rewarded a fine try which they failed to convert. The first half finished just after another Crescent try by Geoffrey Coyne, who squeezed through a small gap in the middle of both packs, leaving the scores at 17 points to 8 at half time. In the second half, Tralee got two fine tries which put them ahead at 18 points to 17, having capitalised on some wayward kicking out of defence by Crescent and also some slack tackling when Tralee ran back very strongly at us. However, Crescent responded with another try after a great block down by Eoin Mc Donnell and he succeeded in getting the touchdown. Again, Crescent were not successful with the convert. In the last few minutes of the match, Tralee scored a fine try under the posts, which was converted, to win the match 25 points to 22. Eight tries and lots of running rugby, this was a good game to watch and played in perfect conditions. Fine displays by Gavin Hogan who led from the front all day and from Val Mc Dermott. Many thanks to our hosts Tralee for the match and the post match hospitality.

Back in Rosbrien last Sunday, we hosted Tralee RFC at U9 and U11. A series of matches were played with honours evenly shared between the two teams. Tralee RFC were on their way to Limerick when their original fixtures were cancelled. Old Crescent stepped into the breach and hosted Tralee with just one hour’s notice! Well done to our U9s and U11s for helping out Tralee RFC in their time of need!

Being an International weekend, Crescent had only one senior fixture last weekend. Our Under 21’s played Cashel RFC in a vital League decider in Rosbrien on Saturday and emerged winners by 17 points to nil.  By beating Cashel, our Under 21's won the North Munster U21 League and ensured their promotion to Division One next season.  Congratulations to all Under 21 squad members and to the team management!

The game itself was played in windless foggy conditions. Both teams displayed some great rugby in a very entertaining match. The Crescent defence held well, as it has done all season, having only conceded only one try in the whole League campaign. Cashel put us under pressure early on. However, midway through the first half, from a good lineout win by Peter Power, the ball was moved quickly out to centre Cian O'Brien who broke through into Cashel’s 22. After a number of pick and go's from the forwards, Shane O'Carroll, our Captain, showed good strength to get over for the try which was converted by Kevin Meade. We continued to threaten, with some good breaks by Rob O’Neill, winger, and Kevin Meade, fullback.  Forwards, Mike Manning and Paul Bogan, made life very difficult for Cashel at the breakdown, and Owen Crachier and Mike McCormack worked hard in defence.  With no further scoring, we led by seven points to nil at half time. We started strongly in the second half and began to take control of the game. Our front row of Darragh O'Shea, Mike Cunningham and Robbie Walker, took control in the scrum as the match went on.  No 8, John O'Dwyer, linked up well with the backline and made a number of telling carries. Ten minutes into the second half, Cashel, under pressure, gave away a penalty 35 yards out which Kevin Meade slotted over. Scrum half, Daragh Yelverton, and outhalf, Jason Wycherely, controlled the game well. From a well worked lineout close to Cashel’s line, we set up a maul which the forwards drove over for a try scored by Gavin Herbert near the end of the game. Kevin Meade again converted to bring the final score to Old Crescent 17 Cashel Nil. Being a League, we didn’t win it with this one match alone. We had a strong squad to call on all year. Notably, Paul Clayton, Kieran Murphy, Mark Tireney, Shane O'Neill, Eoin O'Driscoll and Nial Liston, just to name a few. The squad are now looking forward to the Cup.

With a further round of Internationals games next weekend, the only senior club fixture next weekend is on Sunday when our Junior Cup side take on Thomond RFC in the Munster Junior Plate.  The game kicks off in Fitzgerald Park at 2.30pm.

Under Age News: Old Crescent played UL Bohs in the Under 14 League last Sunday in Annacotty.  In the first half, Old Crescent dominated play and scored two fine tries. Sean Fitzgerald scored a fine try for Crescent under the posts after about 12 minutes after some fine running by Andrew Harrison. The try was converted by our outhalf, Shane Eades. UL Bohs scored a try despite Crescent having dominated play. Míchéal O’Neill scored another fine try for Crescent and converted it himself with a fine kick from his left boot. Crescent went in at half time leading 14 points to 5 ahead. Bohs started strongly in the second half.  Both sides spurned overlaps to score until late in the half, Bohs got over for another try after a ruck close to the Crescent line.  The try was converted to leave the final score 14 to 12 to Crescent. Míchéal O’Neill at full back looked very strong and Dylan Hennessy on the wing made some excellent catches and breaks.  Credit is due to a fine Crescent squad and their coaches, as this team now finishes unbeaten in their league section and advance to a home semi final. The team would like to wish speedy recovery to two players who are out injured, David Wixted and Chris Dunford. Old Crescent Under 10’s played a friendly against Shannon Blues in Rosbrien last Sunday.  Old Crescent produced a stunning display to beat the visitors 35-10 in the first match with tries from Maccon Casserly, Timothy Duggan, Cillian Toland, William Campbell, and Eoin Murphy. The small squad also consisted of Luke Reilly, Patrick Hassett and Ronan Reynolds, and each of these players made a significant contribution to the skilful display. Shannon upped their game for the second match and with a large squad to draw from they were able to their rotate players. Crescent didn’t have that luxury and the team ran out of steam and lost the second match.  Had the full squad of players been available, the second match would have been a cracker as Shannon played well and got quick revenge over Old Crescent. In the end, both teams can be happy with their performances and no doubt the two teams will cross swords again this season.
In other news, the President’s Night function for our President, Niall Sheehy, in the Strand Hotel last Saturday night, was the highlight of the Old Crescent social calendar this season.  The event was a great success and was attended by a large turnout of members, players and supporters. A great time was had by all.

Finally, a note for your diary, the Under 17’s are holding a fundraising ‘1970/80’s Disco & BBQ with DJ legend ‘Mickey Mac’, in the Old Crescent Clubhouse on Friday, 19th February.

A mixed weekend for our senior teams – good wins for our Firsts and Under 21’s but defeats for our Seconds and Thirds.

Our First team played a vital AIL fixture against Greystones RFC last Saturday with the two teams occupying third from bottom and bottom in the second division league table.   Crescent started in a determined fashion and played most of the first half in Greystones half.  Their efforts were rewarded after 25 minutes when our Captain, Mark Ryan, burst through a number of tackles to score under the posts.  The try was converted by Brian O’Shea. From the restart, Crescent continued to pile on the pressure and we were awarded a penalty which Brian again converted.  There was no further scoring in the first half, and Crescent turned over 10 points to nil ahead at half time. Ten minutes into the second half, Crescent pressure resulted in a penalty which Brian O’Shea converted, and seven minutes later Brian put over another penalty to put us 16 points to nil in front.  Greystones got their first score, a penalty, halfway through the second half.  However, any chance of a Greystones revival was snuffed out a few minutes later when Billy Leahy went over for a well worked back line try, which was converted by Brian O’Shea, putting us 23 points to 3 ahead. With Greystones running out of steam, Crescent continued to attack and they were rewarded with a try scored by Will Hanly as we approached full time.  The try was not converted.  With the game deep in injury time, and Crescent defending on our own line, it looked like our chance of a 4 try bonus point was gone.  However, in one last attack out of defence, in a move started by first time senior player, Robert O’Neill, and taken on by Mark Woods and James Cullinane, among others, Crescent went the full length of the pitch before our Captain finished the attack by touching down under the posts!  Mark Woods converted and the final whistle followed, giving Crescent victory by 35 points to 3, and adding 5 very precious league points to our tally.

It was back down to earth the following day in Ennis when our Seconds played the home side in the second round of the Munster Junior Cup.  With many of our team not having played together, it was always going to be a difficult assignment against a well organised Junior Cup side.  Crescent battled gallantly and we were only 6 points to nil down at half time, and only 13 points to nil behind midway through the second half, but from then on Ennis were in total control and won the game by 42 points to nil. Our Thirds lost to Cashel in Cashel by 10 points to 3, and our Under 21’s had a hard fought win over Kilfeacle in Kilfeacle by 16 points to 3.

In fixtures for next weekend, we have only on senior fixture when our Under 21’s play Cashel at home in Rosbrien at 12.30pm next Saturday.  A win for Crescent would ensure their promotion to Division One next year.  All members are urged to come out to come out to Rosbrien next Saturday to support our Under 21’s.  Under Age fixtures next weekend are an Under 11 Blitz in Rosbrien, and our Under 14’s are away to Ul Bohs, both on Sunday morning.

In Under Age News, our Under 15’s played Kilrush last weekend. Kilrush only had 13 players, and we got the points, but we played a game (gave them 2 players) which we won 46-12 scoring some great tries, the highlights being a try from a tapped penalty which involved 10 players and was finished by Mark Rickard and a 60 yard sprint from Alan Crean for his first try for the Club. Our Under 15’s are still unbeaten in the competition with two group games remaining.

Old Crescent Under 10’s hosted a blitz against Abbeyfeale, Newport, Ballina Killaloe and East Clare Eagles at Rosbrien last Sunday. The home team found it tough going in the first two matches, and narrowly lost to Ballina/Killaloe and drew with Abbeyfeale.  Maccon Casserly looked to have scored a good try for Old Crescent in the drawn match but the referee claimed he put a foot in touch and denied him the score.  The controversy seemed to make Old Crescent even more determined and we duly produced an excellent display against East Clare Eagles with Oisin Hayes (2 tries), Eoin Murphy (1 try), Patrick Hassett, William Campbell and Luke Reilly being the standout players for Old Crescent. 

Congratulations to Crescent College Comprehensive on their win against CBC last week, and congratulations to the Old Crescent under age players who were involved in the win by Castletroy College over Bandon Grammer, and the fine display by Ard Scoil Ris against PBC.
Finally, we hope to see as many players and supporters as possible at our President’s Night in the Strand Hotel next Saturday Night.  Niall Sheehy, our hard working President, deserves our thanks and our support.

Old Crescent 1st XV resumed their AIL programme on Saturday last with the visit of Malone to a fog bound Rosbrien. With both teams in the bottom half of the table, points were vital and it was the visitors that opened the scoring when after a defensive lapse they crossed for a try which was duly converted. Our first shot at goal was missed and Malone extended their lead to 10 points after 20 minutes with a penalty goal. Mark Woods opened the scoring for Crescent with a penalty goal after 29 minutes but missed a second kick at goal shortly thereafter. The half ended with an intercept by the visitors that nearly led to a try but desperate defending by the Crescent side kept their line intact. Given the fact that our side had the benefit of the elements in the second half, there was an air of quiet confidence among the home supporters that the 7 point gap could be made up. Crucially, the opening score of the second period was a penalty goal scored by Malone to extend their lead to 10 points. This however seemed to spur on the home team and tries from Shane Spring and  Mark Ryan, one of which was converted by Mark Woods, put us in the lead for the first time in the match. Just when it looked like our side would push on and consolidate their lead, another defensive lapse allowed Malone to cross for an unconverted try to regain the lead at 18 points to 15. They doubled their advantage with a penalty goal in the 70 minute and when our side were awarded a penalty late on the decision was made to kick for goal and Mark Woods obliged with his second penalty goal of the game, to bring the score to 21 points to 18 in favour to Malone. To the surprise of many in the ground, no additional time was played so our team was left with just a bonus point to show for their efforts. Next Saturday's visit of Greystones to Rosbrien is now a must win game and we would ask as many supporters as possible come to Rosbrien on Saturday to support the team.

Our Thirds had a win in the Gleeson League against Young Munster last weekend by 10 points to 6.  Crescent scores were a try by Conor McCarthy, and a convert and a penalty kicked by John Noonan.

Under Age News: Our Under 17’s played a friendly against Shannon winning 29 points to 19 points. Although both teams were suffering from a lack of players who are Schools Cup tied, they still managed to produce a very entertaining 8 try match, Shannon getting some respectability on the scoreboard with a last play converted try. Our Under 15's played their first home game of the league campaign on Sunday against UL Bohemians. Missing some players due to various commitments resulted in a number of players playing out of position which presented a great challenge to the team. However, our side which features many of the McCarthy Cup winning Crescent College side showed their superiority in the set pieces and that, along with some excellent full back play from Steven Hackett in the first half, allowed us to take control of the game.  Two tries and a penalty goal gave us a 13 points to 3 lead at half time. We extended our lead to 15 points with another try but we tired in the closing stages and UL Bohs scored a converted try late on to conclude the scoring. We play Kilrush next Sunday in Rosbrien at 11.30am.

Fixtures for next weekend:  As mentioned above, our First team play a vital home AIL game against Greystones RFC, at 2.30pm in Rosbrien next Saturday. Our Seconds play Ennis RFC in Ennis at 2.30pm on Sunday in the second round of Munster Junior Cup.  We would urge as many supporters as possible to make their way to Rosbrien next Saturday and to Ennis on Sunday to support our teams.  Our Thirds play Cashel away at 12.00 noon on Saturday, and our Under 21’s play Kilfeacle away at 2.30pm also on Saturday. In Under Age fixtures, our Under 15’s play Kilrush at home in Rosbrien at 11.30am next Sunday, and our Under 14’s play UL Bohs away in Annacotty also at 11.30am next Sunday.  Our Under 10’s are hosting a blitz in Rosbrien on Sunday at 10.30am.

Our Hon Secretary, Dale Harrow, says that he still has plenty of tickets available for the Ireland v Italy International on 6th February. Please contact Dale asap.  Members who apply for tickets for the Italian game will be given priority in the allocation of tickets for the Scotland and Wales Internationals.  course, members attending the Italian game on the 6th February will have to leave immediately the final whistle blows, to be in time for our President’s Dinner taking place later that evening in the Strand Hotel. Tickets are available from Anna Murray at 086 1440000.

Another week without rugby goes by, with the IRFU and Munster Branch cancelling all rugby last weekend, including our much anticipated home game against AIL table topper’s Lansdowne.  The Lansdowne game has since been refixed for Saturday, 13th February, in Rosbrien.

Hopefully, a full rugby programme will resume next weekend, when our First’s travel to College Park in Dublin to play Trinity at 2.30pm next Saturday.  We would ask as many supporters as possible to attend this game, particularly, our loyal band of Dublin based supporters.  After a disappointing first half to this season in 2009, we need to get back on the winning trail in 2010 as quickly as possible.

Weather permitting, our Seconds will play Killorglin RFC in the first round of the Munster Junior Cup next Sunday at 2.30pm at home in Rosbrien.  Again, we ask all members to turn up in support of our Junior Cup Team next Sunday.

Again, weather permitting; our Thirds will play Clonmel RFC away in Clonment at 2.30pm next Saturday.  Our Under 21’s have no game this weekend.  Under Age training resumes, weather permitting, next Sunday at 10.00am for the mini’s and at 11.15am for the youths.

In other news, our Fundraising Walk has been refixed for Sunday, 31 January, and sponsorship cards are available from any member of the committee.

Our eagerly awaited President’s Night will take place in the Strand Hotel Limerick, on Saturday, 6th February, and tickets are available from Anna Murray at 085 1440000.

Applications from members for tickets for the Home Six Nations games should now be made to our club secretary, Dale Harrow.

Members who visited our grounds in Robrien in recent weeks will have noticed the newly tarmaced car park and approaches to the Club House.  Our Thirds management committee, and Eugene ‘Valvo’ O’Riordain in particular, deserve much praise and our thanks for organising and fundraising for this magnificent job.

Members of Old Crescent will have been saddened to learn of the death of Pat O’Connor, the well known Limerick butcher.  Pat was a former member Old Crescent and won a Transfield Cup Medal with the Club.  We extend our sympathies to his wife Kate and family, and to his brother Noel and his sisters Carmel Lane and Ann Bradshaw, all of whom have long standing connections with Old Crescent.

Old Crescent played Old Wesley RFC in the AIL last Saturday in Donnybrook, and despite playing some attractive attacking rugby, suffered another defeat in what is becoming a difficult season for the Club. The game was played in perfect conditions. Old Wesley got off to a perfect start and led by eight points in as many minutes through a try and a penalty goal.  The Wesley try came from a quick tapped penalty inside the  Old Crescent 22 which caught our defence napping. Despite Wesley going into an early lead, Old Crescent knuckled down to the task and began to enjoy an increasing amount of possession and tested the home defence at every opportunity.  Old Wesley opted for a running game and produced some good moves but these efforts were thwarted by a well organised Old Crescent defence and some excellent turnover ball at the breakdown. As the first half progressed, Crescent came more into the game as an attacking force and were unlucky to miss out on a couple of kickable penalty opportunities.  Wesley extended their lead with a penalty at the end of the first half, to lead by 14 points to nil, a score that did not reflect the effort put in by our team. Crescent started the second half in determined mood and we got on the scoreboard with a converted penalty kicked by Mark Wood after three minutes. Wesley had a forward sin-binned and our pack increased the pressure on their scrum which had a generally uncomfortable afternoon. Old Crescent owned the greater share of possession and Old Wesley were forced into defensive mode for long periods. With Crescent dictating the pattern of play, the home side had to rely on counter attacking opportunities to relieve pressure and on 63 minutes this paid dividends with a break out try by Wesley which effectively put the result beyond doubt.  The conversion went wide but Old Wesley led by 19-3. The score remained unaltered until the final move of the game when Crescent crossed for a well deserved try by winger Martin Treacy, which was unconverted, to leave the final score at 19-8. The last time we played Old Wesley was nine years ago, after which they fell into the Third Division, and it took them until last season to earn promotion back to the Second Division.  The Wesley experience is a reminder, as if we needed a reminder, of the difficult task ahead of us for the remainder of this season.  However, looking on the positive side, our First team are playing attractive rugby and are fully capable of turning this season around.  We must all rally round to ensure we succeed in 2010.

Our Seconds lost to Bruff on Sunday, and our Thirds and Under 21’s had no game last weekend.

In Under Age News, our U17's played a very entertaining friendly against Garryowen in Rosbrien. Garryowen arrived with a very large squad made up of U17’s and U16’s and started the game with a mix of many of their weaker U17 players with U16 players. Old Crescent, themselves missing a number of their usual starting fifteen were still too strong for them in the first half and lead 19 points to nil at half time, having run in 3 tries. Having replaced almost their entire team Garryowen in the second half were literally a new outfit. They soon got a grip on the game and ran in 4 tries to lead 20 point to nineteen with 10 minutes remaining. Crescent eventually got back into the game and were finishing strongly. Pressing hard they ignored a penalty opportunity inside the Garryowen 22, that would have seen them retake the lead,  only to have Garryowen boot the ball down the field and score a breakaway try which should have ended any chance of a Crescent fight back. As time ebbed away Crescent gave one last push but their efforts were thwarted when Garryowen stole ball on their own 5 meter line. Having stolen the ball they should have easily cleared their line but inexplicably gave away a silly penalty for which they were duly punished when Crescent ran in a very late try under the posts which was duly converted and gave Crescent a very pleasurable win.

Our Under 15s commenced their league campaign with a tricky away trip to Newcastle West, the same side that had knocked us out of the cup last season. The dry conditions facilitated decent rugby and both sides did their best in this regard. We opened brightly with our forwards dominating the set pieces but good defence from the home team kept them in the game. We opened the scoring midway through the first half when Cormac Blake crossed under the posts and Shane Eades added the conversion. These were the only scores in the first half. In the second half, despite dominating the set pieces, we were unable to add to our points total.  With five minutes remaining, Newcastle West entered our 22 for the first time and after a period of pressure their open side wing forward crossed near the post and the conversion was successful to level the score. The remainder of the match was played in the Newcastle West 22 but their defence held out and the match was drawn at seven points apiece.

Fixtures for next weekend:  Our Seconds are away to Thomond RFC in Fitzgerald Park, at 2.30pn next Sunday, and our Thirds play Garryowen in the Gleeson League at home in Rosbrien at 2.30pm next Saturday.

Old Crescent got back into action after the November break in our home AIL fixture again UCD RFC. Unfortunately, the break didn’t do us any good as we appeared rusty compared to the students.  With the breeze behind us, we started brightly and were on the scoreboard after four minutes with a converted penalty taken by Mark Woods. We went further ahead on ten minutes with another penalty converted by Mark. However, midway through the first half, having successfully defended against a strong UCD attack, a poor clearance sent the ball straight to the UCD backs who went in for an opportunity try which they converted.  There was no further score in the first half, leaving us one point behind at half time with the difficult task of playing into a strong breeze in the second half. Three minutes into the second half, the UCD pack mauled the ball from near the half way line to near our try line.  We finally pulled their maul down and were penalised, and they scored a try from the subsequent attacking line-out.  The try was not converted. A short while later we were awarded a penalty which Mark converted, bringing the score to Old Crescent 9 points to 12 points for UCD.  At this stage, we were playing well and back in the game. Unfortunately, we were not to score again and UCD went further ahead with three converted penalties, after 15 minutes, 20 minutes and 25 minutes play to leave the final score Old Crescent 9 points UCD 21 points. All in all, a disappointing finish from the home side.
A much depleted Old Crescent Seconds team played Young Munster on Sunday and were defeated by 29 points to nil.  Our Thirds also lost on Saturday to Shannon by 10 points to nil.  The only bright note on the weekend was a win by our Under 21s who defeated a Newcastlewest/Abbeyfeale selection by 15 points to 9.  Our Under 21s are having a great season, having lost only one game to date.

It was another busy weekend on the Under Age front, starting on Saturday with the Under 14’s serving as ball boys and manning the score board for the Senior game against UCD. On Sunday our they renewed acquaintances with their pals from Tralee. Tough conditions underfoot together with a cold day and some new combinations made for a slow start as Tralee were out of the blocks very quickly. Against the hill and the elements we were going backwards in the early stages and two tries and a penalty later has us 13-0 down at the end of the first third. With the elements behind us, we recovered lost ground with a sniping break from Philip Spillane to get us on the score board, and with Fionn White getting a second and Gerry Fitzpatrick a third, which he converted to have us ahead by 17-13 after the second third. We were back playing against the elements and Dylan Hennessy scored a try, a contender for try of the year, having fielded the kick off and broken through two tackles, he then beat several players up the line to round off a super score. Further scores from Paul McNamara, Fionn White, and one more each for Paul and Dylan, before Sean O'Rourke added his name to the score sheet, with Gerry Fitzpatrick converting one and Val McDermott in near impossible kicking conditions.  Although no forwards scored, Joe Doyle provided very good go-forward ball, with strong performances in the tight from Diarmuid McDonnell, Gavin Hogan and Cian Reale and a great catch and drive forward by Thomas O'Donnell being notable. Andrew Harrison had another strong performance as did Paul McNamara, Dylan Hennessy and Philip Spillane.

On Monday night, our Club President, Niall Sheehy, drew the winner of the Under 14s tour fundraiser - 2 tickets for Fridays Munster match V Perpignan - the winner was Ken Johnson. Thanks for our ticket sellers and all who supported our venture.

Fixtures for next weekend:  Our Firsts are away  next Saturday in Donnybrook in Dublin at 2.30pm in what is now a vital game against Old Wesley RFC.  Our Seconds play Bruff at home in Rosbrien at 2.30pm on Sunday.  Our Thirds and our Under 21s have no game this coming weekend.

Another weekend gone by when the weather again played havoc with sporting fixtures. Only one senior Old Crescent fixture survived the weather.  Our Under 21s played their twice postponed fixture against Cashel RFC at home in Rosbrien last Saturday, and were unlucky to lose by 9 points to 3.

However, if our seniors are experiencing problems with the weather, it certainly hasn’t affected our Under Age players who were in action over the weekend.

Our Under 14s played Clanwilliam in Tipperary last weekend and won comprehensively.  The first half was very competitive and our forwards took some time before they asserted themselves. When they got into the game,  2 tries were scored by Andrew Harrison, and one Joe Doyle.  At half time we were leading 17 nil, with one try converted by Michael O'Neill. Second half saw two tries by Paul McNamara and tries by Shane Eades and Dave O'Malley. Converts were by Shane Eades. The team played very well with good performances from Daira Egan-O'Brien, David Wixted, Luke O'Reilly, and Eoghan Ryan. Many thanks to Clanwilliam for a enjoyable game in their new grounds - College Grounds - though some parents had difficulty locating the ground and possibly stat navs will be on the Christmas wish list.

Our Under 12’s travelled to St. Senans RFC in Shannon Town for a blitz with Newcastlewest and Kilrush, as well as St Senans.  We travelled with 22 players and divided into two teams, the Sharks and Barracudas.  It was a bright but very cold morning, and those who brought the club fleeces really appreciated them before the games started.  Each team played two matches. The Sharks played Newcastle West and Kilrush, and won both. The Barracudas played Kilrush and St Senans, and drew with Kilrush 4 all and beat St Senans. The team performed well and are starting to show progress with this years changes, in the scrums and lineout’s.  When both sets of forwards started to drive, we made good ground, although there were a few lateral runs which will have to be commented on at the next training session.  All the players who made the journey got plenty of playing time.  The teams were: Sharks: Oran Collins, Gordan O’Neill, Jack Hegarty, Conor Ryan, Brian Ryan, Padraic O’Neill, Cillian Reynolds, John Blake, Edwin Wixted, and Mark Fitzgerarld.  Barracudas: Matthew Hanley, Sam Ross, Mark Walsh, Killian O’Shaughnessy, Christopher Leahy, Conor O’Farrelly, Joe Gannon, Niall Gannon, Joe Lynch, John O’Donovan, Evan McDermott, and Robert Greer.

Our Under 16’s are back in training on Sundays at 11.30 am, and Shane Gleeson is looking forward to the boys returning for the U16 development league.  Our Under 8’s and 9’S trip to Kilfeakle was cancelled.

Senior Fixtures for next weekend: our First’s restart their AIL campaign after the November break with a home game against UCD RFC at 2.30pm in Rosbrien. The students are going well, with 3 wins from 5 games, so a big performance will be required on Saturday.  Our Second’s play Young Munster away in Derryknockane at 2.30pm on Sunday, and our Thirds’s are away to Shannon in Coonagh at 1.00pm on Saturday.  Our Under 21’s are at home to Newcastlewest/Abbeyfeale at 1.00pm on Saturday in Rosbrien.

A first anniversary mass is being held in memory of our late President, Brendan McElduff, in St. Paul’s Church, Dooradoyle, at 11.00pm next Sunday, 6th December.  Brendan was a very popular President of Old Crescent RFC, and members who were unable to attend his funeral in Castlegregory last year are welcome to attend next Sunday.

In addition to causing serious destruction and hardship throughout the country, the weather played havoc with sports fixtures last weekend, and in the case of Old Crescent resulted in only one senior club fixture going ahead last weekend.  Our Seconds played Nenagh Ormond in Nenagh last Saturday, and lost by 15 points to 5.
 
The only other rugby to report from last weekend is from our Under Age section, where our Under 14s had a home league fixture last Sunday against Estuary RFC in what were very demanding conditions for all concerned. With some new combinations and many players playing to hold on to their places, and others trying to break into the side on a more regular basis, the side started very brightly with Michael O'Neill crossing the line for his side's first two scores, converting the first.
 
With our team adjusting to the conditions and putting the visitors under considerable pressure, Joe Doyle broke through for the next score, but with the windy conditions, we were unable to convert. Almost from the kick off, Paul McNamara made a great break running 50 mtrs to score under the posts with Michael adding the extra two pointer. Further good quality possession from the forwards resulted in Eoin McDonnell scoring, with further tries before half time from Cathal Egan O'Brien and another by Joe Doyle, two of which were converted by Michael.
 
With the wind at their backs, our forwards tied things up in the second half - Sean Fitzgerald pounced for a try on the line as their scrum-half was put under pressure by David O'Malley from a scrum five, with David adding the conversion.  This was followed by a great pick and take, and break from the back of the scrum with the ball going through several pairs of hands finishing with a score for Cian Reale converted by Michael, with substitute Diarmuid McDonnell grabbing the final score of the game for a comprehensive victory.  Coke and Taytos in the clubhouse for both teams were never so welcome!
 
The lack of rugby this week gives your scribe the opportunity to mention a new sporting initiative in which Old Crescent is very much to the fore.  A Sports Ambassadors Programme was launched this week in a bid to grow the number of sports events in the city, and thereby increase the city’s share of the lucrative national and international sports tourism market. A Sports Ambassador is someone who is willing to help bring a national or international sporting event to the city.
 
The Old Crescent Pig & Porter Festival is an excellent example of what the Sports Ambassadors Programme is hoping to achieve.  From small beginnings, our Pig & Porter Festival has grown to become Ireland largest and best Tag Rugby Festival, with over 120 teams competing in this year’s Festival, bringing a huge number of high spending visitors to the City for a weekend.
 
Fixtures for next weekend, weather permitting. Our Seconds play Garryowen at home in Rosbrien on Sunday at 2.00pm.  Our Thirds also play Garryowen at 12.00 noon on Saturday at home in Rosbrien, and our Under 21s play Cashel at home in Rosbrien at 12.30pm on Saturday.

We finally got our AIL campaign back on track with our first AIL win of the season against Terenure College RFC last Saturday.  The win was overdue and comes on the back of some good displays by our senior team which were not rewarded. Old Crescent started strongly with the wind behind us and secured a penalty after five minutes which Mark Woods converted to open our account.  After further Old Crescent pressure which brought play deep into the Terenure half, our winger, Shane Spring finished off a well worked back move with a try which wasn’t converted. Terenure scored an unconverted try midway through the first half, but Crescent replied with two penalties kicked by Mark Woods, to leave the half time score Old Crescent 14 Terenure College 5. Terenure re-started strongly and were awarded a penalty after just two minutes which they converted.  The game was evenly contested thereafter until Terenure scored their second try midway through the second half.  The convert was missed to leave Crescent in front by just one point.  Terenure went ahead with a penalty with ten minutes to go, to put them two points clear.  When it looked like Crescent would once again lose by small margin, with 80 minutes gone our team made a final attack which resulted in a penalty under the Terenure posts. Mark Woods converted to give us our first AIL win of the season by the margin of one point.
 
Our 3rd XV hosted Thomond in the Gleeson League on Saturday afternoon. Playing against the conditions in the first half, we opened quietly but eventually got into the game and on our first incursion into the Thomond 22 a sparkling piece of back play resulted in a try in the left corner . The try was not converted and we immediately surrendered most of our points advantage by conceding a penalty which was duly converted. Discipline was an issue for us in the first half and Thomond took the lead with another penalty goal. We then advanced into the Thomond 22 and crossed for a try under the posts which was converted by Paul McDonagh to bring the score to 12 points to 6. We stretched our lead soon after with another unconverted try and the third Thomond penalty goal of the half concluded the scoring leaving the score at the interval at Old Crescent 17 points to Thomond 9. Playing with the elements in the second half, we continued to rack up the pressure and exchanged penalty goals to bring the score to 20 points to 12. Using the conditions to our advantage, we then rattled off 10 unanswered points to make the game safe and then mounted an excellent defensive stand in the last 5 minutes to keep our line intact. Final score was 30 points to 12 to give us our second win in a row in the League.
 
Our Seconds and Under 21 games last weekend were called off.
 
With no Under 14 match or training last weekend, 28 players and parents took to the road by bus to attend Ireland V Australia in Croke Park - the Doylemobile departed at 10am and we arrived in good time to see Australia score just in front of us, as our seats were in the Davin Stand Lower. After the weak start by Ireland things got better and Ireland were full value for their efforts and were a bit unlucky not to go in ahead at half time. In the second half, we had a great view of Tommy Bowe's try and an even better view of Brian O'Driscoll's try to square the match and 'get out of jail’. Well done and thanks to Peter Doyle for arranging it all.
 
Old Crescent held a successful Under 8 Blitz with visiting teams from Abbeyfeale, Newport and Ballina/Killaloe fielding five teams between them and Old Crescent fielding a further two.  The sight of almost sixty budding stars was well supported by both parents and grandparents alike!  Foundation skills of tackling, passing the ball backwards and running into space was evident in all matches.  We had a fantastic turnout of over twenty players allowing the fielding of two teams plus substitutes.  All players showed fantastic grit and determination, and were perfect hosts and representatives of their Club at this level.
 
Senior fixtures for next weekend: Our First team have no game this weekend.  Our Seconds play Nenagh Ormond away in Nenagh next Sunday at 2.30pm.  Our Thirds play Clonmel away at 2.30pm next Saturday, and our Under 21s play Clanwilliam at home in Rosbrien at 2.30pm next Saturday.
 
Finally, congratulations to Diarmuid McLaughlin who won the car in our latest bi-monthly car draw which was held in the Clubhouse last Saturday.

Having dropped from 12th place to last place after the previous round of matches the team and coach knew they needed to lift their game and also get a bit of luck in order to get back on track.

Playing with the wind and hill they started brightly against Terenure and led 8 nil after 15 minutes, through a Shane Spring try and a Mark Woods penalty. Terenure managed to score an unconverted forwards try before Old Crescent increased their lead with two more Woods penalties, leaving the score at 14 points to 5 points at halftime.
 
In the second half it was all Terenure but for all their possession they were still down 14 points to 13 points well into the second half, having only scored  one penalty and one try. Just as when we played Bruff and had our conversion rebound off the upright to deny us victory their conversion from an almost identical position also rebounded of the upright and one had to wonder if providence was going to shine on Old Crescent this time. However, with only 10 minutes left Old Crescent conceded a penalty in front of the posts which Terenure gratefully took advantage of and took the lead.

After a couple of further plays Old Crescent found themselves defending at their 22 but somehow managed to steal ball which Billy Leahy ran to inside the Terenure 22, the first time in the second half we were inside the Terenure half  it seemed. This gave Old Crescent the impetus to continue attacking for the last three or four minutes of normal time and with virtually 80 minutes on the clock managed to secure a penalty which Mark Woods duly converted leaving the score at 17 points to 16 points in favour of Old Crescent.

A nervous last couple of minutes of injury time was greeted with much joy and relief at full time. A first win of the season and moves the team off the bottom and into 13th place.

Well done to Andre Human, the Team and Management.   

Our First team had no game last weekend and the break should have help with team preparations for our AIL game against Terenure next weekend.  Our Second’s played Shannon in Coonagh last Sunday, in a lively entertaining game in which our team played some great rugby.  At the end of the game, Crescent were attacking the Shannon line, just 7 points behind, when an intercept by Shannon led to a final score of 31 points to Shannon and 19 to Crescent.  The final score line didn’t reflect the draw that was on the cards if Crescent passes had gone to hand.

In horrendous conditions, Old Crescent 3rd XV took on UL Bohemians in the Gleeson League on Saturday last. After an opening draw away against Bruff and a defeat against a very strong Richmond team, it was crucial that Bernard Quinn and his team get a win to kick start their league campaign. Playing against the wind in the first half the starting XV put in a huge effort to keep a strong UL Bohs team from crossing our line. We took the lead with a Paul McDonagh penalty, but almost immediately we conceded a penalty with Bohs converted to level the score and the half ended 3-3.
The half time team talk centred around making use of the wind and playing rugby in our opponents half. We started well adding to our first half penalty with another one by Paul McDonagh with ten minutes gone, bringing the score to 6-3. UL Bohs made a number of changes to their pack and began to get a foothold in the game. These changes and the wind dying brought them more into the game, and they capitalised by scoring a try and converting it to lead the home side 10-6.

Stout defence from our team kept the visitors from scoring again.  We regained our composure and began to use the conditions, and in the last 5 minutes, Trevor Whelan, box kicked over the onrushing Bohs defence and the ball trickled over the sideline for good field position. Our lineout, which had worked well all day, managed to steal Boh’s ball and after 5 phases of play moving the ball from one side of the field to the other, the backs made use of the overlap with Tommy Pratt crashing over the line for a try. Paul McDonagh converted to bring the score to 13-10. Our defence held well for the seemingly endless injury time and we held out for a hard fought, but well earned victory.

Our Under 21s game against Cashel in Cashel last Saturday was called off due to an unplayable pitch.

In Under Age News, our Under 14’s travelled to Kilballyowen Park last Sunday to play Bruff on what was a beautiful morning and dry pitch, despite the heavy rain on Friday and Saturday. Having won the toss our team elected to play with the sun on our backs and although we started somewhat slowly, we did not let the big Bruff pack get into their stride early in the game. As we settled, we started to win some very good quality possession, and but for some excellent tackling by Bruff and some hesitancy by some of our backs we might have scored out wide earlier on.

Eventually the breaks came and some strong running out wide by our wingers Dylan Hennessy and Daniel O'Keeffe resulted in scores, with Cian Reale scoring in between those two scores, and two conversions from Shane Eades to leave us 19-0 ahead at half time.

Further good work by our pack in the second half, against a strong Bruff pack who made us work hard in all areas of the game, led to a steady flow of possession and this, together with good performances from those who game off the bench, resulted in four further tries in the second half, all scored by our backs, including one more each for Dylan Hennessy and Daniel O'Keeffe, as well as scores for Paul McNamara and Micheal O'Neill, one of which was converted by Shane Eades, to finish out comfortable winners by 41 points to nil.

Fixtures for next weekend:  Our First team play Terenure RFC in the AIL at home in Rosbrien at 2.30pm next Saturday.  Our Seconds play UL Bohemians at home on Sunday at 1.00pm.  Our Thirds play Thomond in the Gleeson Leage, at home in Rosbrien at 1.00pm next Saturday, and our Under 21s play their rescheduled game against Cashel  at 2.30pm on Saturday in Cashel.

Our Senior team made the short trip to Galway to play Galway Corinthians RFC in the AIL last weekend. Corinthians were promoted from the Third Division at the end of last season, and they had made a bright start in Division Two with two wins from three games before last weekend.

The home side opted to play against a strong wind in the first half, and it almost paid dividends for them from the off.  A strong drive by the Corinthians pack brought them to the Crescent line where, thankfully, a spilt ball saved Old Crescent from conceding an early try.  Having relieved this early pressure, Crescent regrouped and took total command for the remainder of the first half. Fifteen minutes into the game, some good work by our pack brought us to the Corinthian’s 22.  Our scrum-half, Chirs de Looze, got the ball away to our number 10, Mark Wooks, who broke the home side cover and then set up our winger, Marcus O’Connell to touch down in the corner for a well worked try.  Brian O’Shea missed the difficult conversion. Four minutes later, Crescent were over for another try, following a line out on the Corinthian’s five metre line, the home side were caught napping when our captain ,Mark Ryan, cleaned out the line out and dived over unopposed for an opportunist try.  The try was converted by Brian O’Shea, bringing the score midway though the first half to Old Crescent 12 Corinthians nil. Corinthians gave away a penalty on thirty minutes, which was kicked successfully by Brian O’Shea to give us a 15 point to nil lead.  Crescent were now in full flight, and with the wind at our backs we were unlucky not to go further ahead before half time, when two certain tries were missed due to the final pass going agonisingly astray! Our pack had been dominant in the first half and hopes were high that we would build on our lead in the second half, even though we were now playing into a strong wind.  However, the game changed dramatically ten minutes into the second half when our most influential player, our captain Mark Woods, was yellow carded. Corinthians scored two tries and converted one while Mark was off the field, bringing then right back into the game midway through the second half. Corinthians made good use of the strong wind at their back, and finally went ahead with ten minutes to go when they scored a try and a convert, to bring them to 19 points to Old Crescent’s 15 points. Corinthians were now on top in the final ten minutes and Crescent were hanging on for the losing bonus point.  However, worse was in store, and Crescent conceded a further 17 points in the last ten minutes, a penalty, and two converted tries, to leave the final score at Corinthians 36 Old Crescent 15.  A very disappointing result after a bright start.

In other results last weekend, our Second side lost to Thomond by 9 points to 23, and our Thirds lost Richmond by 42 points to 12.  Our Under 21s had a very good win over Kilfeacle by 33 points to 5.

In Under Age news, Our Under 13’s played a very competitive game against Garryowen which the final score line does not reflect.  Garryowens big forwards caused us considerable trouble but the skill level shown by the Under 13s was pleasing to see. It is clear that better days will come for this team. Our second half performance was very strong, leaving aside a couple of break away scores. Our score was created by Richard Bateman making a break from the ruck and off loading to Joshua Page who drove over for try, which was converted by Sean Keane, a wonderful score. Final score: Old Crescent 7 - Garryowen 34
Old Crescent attended an Under 12 blitz in Garryowen last Sunday.  Our good numbers attending training allowed us to field two very competitive teams.  Competitive matches against Garryowen, Ballina Kilalloe and St Senans, showed continued improvement as the good work in training is paying dividends. The Under 12s are showing great potential and plenty of future senior players will come from this group.

Fixtures for next weekend:  Our Firsts have no game.  Our Seconds play Shannon away in Coonagh at 2.30pm next Sunday.  Our Thirds play Ul Bohemians at home in Rosbrien at 12.30pm next Saturday, and our Under 21s play Cashel away in Cashel at 2.30pm next Saturday.

Finally, the winners of this week’s AIL forecast draw were Ted Frost and Ray Dunne. Congratulations to Ted and Ray!

Our First team travelled to Dublin last weekend to play Bective Rangers in our second game in the AIL this season.  The game was played in cold dry windy conditions in the new look Donnybrook stadium.  As is often the case in Old Crescent AIL games, our team started brightly and they took the game to Bective.  Unfortunately, this early period of Crescent pressure failed to register a score, and it was Bective Ranger who scored first with a try and convert midway through the first half.  Bective followed this with a second try five minutes later, which was not converted.  Bective completed all the scoring in the first half with the addition of a penalty, to leave the half time score Bective Rangers 15 and Old Crescent scoreless. Hopes of a quick Crescent revival in the second half were dashed when Bective scored a third try five minutes into the second half, which they converted to put them 22 points ahead without reply.  Crescent finally got on the scoreboard with a penalty kicked by Mark Woods eight minutes into the second half.  However, this was cancelled out by a second Bective penalty five minutes later. This penalty by Bective turned out to be their last score of the game, and from there to the finish it was all Old Crescent.  Crescent began to get to grips with the game, and good work by the pack was rewarded by a try scored by Jack Corrigan midway through the second half.  The try was converted by Mark Woods to bring the score to Bective 25 Old Crescent 10. Old Crescent has the upperhand and it was now a question of whether or not we could claw back to Bective lead before full time.  With two minutes of normal time remaining, Lemiki ‘Mac’ Viapula, scored a try which converted by Mark Woods, and on the stroke of full time, our Captain, Mark Ring, scored a great individual try which was again converted by Mark Woods. The game went into injury time with a now rampant Crescent just one point behind and Bective desperately trying to hang on for a win.  A great drop goal attempt to win the game by Brian O’Shea just shaved the post and went wide.  However, the final whistle sounded without another score, giving Bective a narrow win and leaving Crescent disappointed at having left our best rugby to the end.

Our Second team went down to a heavy defeat by Garryowen on Sunday by 48 points to 10, however, our Thirds team won on Saturday against the same club.  Our Under 21’s won an important North Munster League game against Abbeyfeale/Newcastlewest by 15 point to 7.

In Under Age News, our Under 17s won their  League fixture against Ennis by 14 point to 5. A damp start to the morning was replaced by glorious sunshine at the impressive Lees Road facility in Ennis. A tough unyielding first half from both teams left the game scoreless at halftime. Old Crescent’s superior strength in the scrum, lineout  and at the breakdown got more pronounced as the game went on, and with the wind at their backs in the second half it was only a matter of time before they would convert this superiority onto the scoreboard. However, Ennis surprised us with an unconverted try just after the restart and the team had to redouble their efforts. In the end they had most of the possession, destroyed Ennis in the scum and ran in two “forwards” tries from Padraig Ryan and Darragh Nunan both converted by Conor Barry to run out worthy winners in the end.
Old  Crescent Under 13’s were up against a visiting Bruff side who proved too strong for the home team.  In the first half Bruff scored three tries and converted 2 of them.  Going into the second half, our Under 13’s fought hard but could not stop some of the very strong Bruff players who managed to get two more tries and converted one.  The game ended 31 - 0 for Bruff.
The Under 11’s had a good outing in the first blitz of the year at UL Bohs. We had 24 players which we divided into 2 even teams. All games were competitive and of the six games played we won 3 and lost 3. Players reacted well to their first experience of kicking. 5 man scrums and contested lineouts. Strikes against the head were even recorded. It will be interesting to see if players consigned to prop, hooker and second row etc will remain there for their careers!! Certainly there was some reluctance for second rows to put their head in and push but that trait remains among adult players also. It was good to see how the skills are developing and also encouraging to see good performances from some of the new players.
The U8s had a blitz against UL Lions and Young Munster. The first matches consisted of 2 teams from Old Crescent playing 2 teams from UL Bohs, with both sets of teams been well match competitively. Great movement and technical ability was shown by players from both sides. Old Crescent tackling was excellent and commented upon by the visiting coaches. Old Crescent teams did very well with getting the basics right, in passing the ball backwards, supporting their teammates and looking up for forward movement. Young Munster fielded one team. Old Crescent went on to play Young Munster in one match and UL then followed on with a match also against Young Munster. Great morning of rugby for our future stars!

The only senior fixture next weekend is our First Team’s second round game in the AIB All Ireland Cup against first division side Clontarf, at 3.00pm in Rosbrien next Saturday.  All club members are urged to come out and support our team in this important fixture next Saturday.  Come out early to Rosbrien and watch the Munster Heineken Cup game in the Clubhouse before our game against Clontarf.

Please Note that the start time of our AIB Cup game against Clontarf has been move to 15:00.

Old Crescent made the long journey up north for the second time in a week last weekend to play Belfast Harlequins RFC in our first outing in this season’s Division Two All Ireland League.  Unfortunately, our second trip up north was not as successful as the previous weekend, and we lost to Harlequins by 31 points to 16. Harlequins elected to play into the strong wind and Old Crescent kicked off with the wind in the first half.  We gave away two soft tries early on, which were converted, but then Crescent put in a credible performance for the remainder of the game and the final score did not do justice to our team’s efforts.  Mark Woods kicked two penalties for Crescent, and Harlequins scored a third unconverted try in the first half, to leave the half time score at Harlequins 19 Crescent 6. Harlequins scored their fourth bonus giving try six minutes after the restart.  However, our team upped their game and scored two unanswered tries, the first by Mark Woods and the second by Phil Glamuzina, to bring Crescent back into the game.  Unfortunately, our tries were unconverted.  Crescent continued to press for the losing bonus point but were denied by an injury time fifth try, which was converted, to leave the final score Harlequins 31 Old Crescent 16.

Our Seconds played Nenagh Ormond last Sunday in the North Munster Seconds League and lost 28-18.  Our Thirds played Richmond in a friendly last Saturday and won by 14 points to 7.  Our Under 21’s has no game last weekend.

Fixtures for next weekend. Our First’s travel away for the third weekend in a row to Dublin to play Bective Rangers RFC in the AIL at 2.30pm in Donnybrook next Saturday.  We would ask our many Dublin supporters to make a special effort to support our team in Donnybrook next Saturday.

Our Seconds and Thirds teams both play against our near neighbours Garryowen next weekend. Our Second play away in Dooradoyle at 2.30pm next Sunday, and Thirds play at home in Rosbrien at 2.00pm next Saturday.  Our Under 21s are away to a combined Abbeyfealle-Newcastlewest side at 2.30pm next Saturday.

Our AIL match forecasts fundraising started successfully last weekend, and match forecast cards for upcoming AIL games are now available from any committee member.

Old Crescent would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Niall Herlihy on the recent death of his father, Martin.  Niall was a respected Captain of Old Crescent in the 1976-77 season.

Old Crescent made the long trek to Magherafelt, halfway between Belfast and Derry, to play our first every game against Rainey Old Boys RFC, in the first round of the AIB All Ireland Cup. Rainey were first on the scoreboard with a converted penalty, but Old Crescent were soon on level terms when we caught Rainey napping at the front of a lineout to earn a close range penalty which was converted by Mark Woods.  After 27 minutes Crescent's back-row created a try at the posts which was scored by Conor McNamara and converted by Mark Woods. Rainey were unable to contain Crescent when we added a penalty by Mark Woods, and a second try scored by Keith Ellis, and converted again by Mark Woods, to leave the half time score at Rainey Old Boys 3 Old Crescent 20. We went off the boil a bit in the second half perhaps due to having made the long journey north on the morning of the game. Rainey scored a try and a convert ten minutes into the second half. Crescent stepped up a gear with some great ball retention and driving and was denied a try by a foot in touch. The score that clinched the game for Crescent arrived after 55 minutes and again it was our back-row that did the damage before the try was scored by Emmet Dalton and converted by Mark Woods.  Rainey scored a late try and convert to bring the final score to Rainey Old Boys 17, Old Crescent 27. 

The win earns us a home draw in the second round of the AIB All Ireland cup, and we can now look forward to welcoming first division club, Clontarf, to Rosbrien on October 17th.  

Last weekend was a relatively quite weekend on the senior rugby front – the calm before the storm – with only the Thirds and the Under 21s having a game. The Firsts had the weekend off, and the Seconds game against the Guards was cancelled. The Seconds did however have a very useful training session. The Thirds lost their friendly against Richmond by 17 points to 5. Our single try was scored by Niall O’Brien, and it was great to see Niall back on the field again in an Old Crescent jersey. Our Under 21s lost to UK Bohemians in their North Munster League game by 20 points to 13. The team gave a great account of themselves and were very unlucky not to get a draw, losing by a try and convert in the last minute of the game. The Old Crescent scores were a try by Cian O’Brien and a convert and two penalties by Kevin Meade.

Fixtures for next weekend:  Our First team make the long trip to Magherfelt, halfway between Belfast and Derry, to play Rainey Old Boys RFC in the first round of the AIB All Ireland Cup, at 2.30pm next Saturday in Magherafelt.  Rainey Old Boys are a long established club but they only joined the senior ranks three years ago. It is an unfortunate arrangement of fixtures that we have to travel to the North again the following weekend to Belfast Harlequins in the first round of the All Ireland League.  Travelling to the far end of the country two weekends in a row puts severe pressure on our team and on our loyal band of travelling supporters.  We wish our team the best of luck and we hope that the long trips will be worthwhile.

Our Second team are away to UL Bohemians in Annacotty at 2.30pm on Sunday.  Our Under 21s are away to Bruff at 2.30pm on Saturday, and our Thirds have no game this weekend.

In Under Age News, our U17’s played UL Bohemians in the Under 17 League in Annacotty on Sunday.  Down 18 points to 6 at half time, they stormed back in the second half to lead 21 points to 18 points only to have UL Bohs steal the game with a last minute try and lose by two points. Compliments to both teams for a great game. Unfortunately, Cian Ryan, our number 5, received a serious injury suffering a dislocated ankle and fractured shin just before full time.  Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Cian from all his team mates and coaches.  Our Under 14’s played a friendly last weekend against Ballina-Killaloe and recorded a good win. Next weekend our Under 13’s and 14’s start their North Munster League campaigns and all under-age registration takes place in the Clubhouse from 10.30 onwards.

Welcome to another Season at Rosbrien and hopefully it will be a successful one.

• We will play our first Competitive game V UL Bohemians in the Charity Cup in Rosbrien tomorrow night, 1^st Sept @ 6.30pm.Come along and support your Club and Local Charities. Admission will be €5.00

• The most recent winner of the Club Car Draw was our Club Doctor, Dr. Michael O’Flynn, Congratulations!

• Our Golf Classic on the 13/14^th August was an outstanding success. Many thanks to all who entered teams or provided Sponsorship.

• The 150 Year Dinner in Dublin has been re-fixed for Saturday 7^th November, details on www.crescentcollege150.com

• Thomond Park Season Tickets will be distributed towards the end of the week.

• Tickets for Munster V Cardiff in the Magner’s League are available from Thomond Park.