Club News
 

Irish Examiner

Monday, January 05, 2009

Con overcome dogged Crescent to end Cup famine

Old Crescent 13 Cork Constitution 21, by Charlie Mulqueen


Cork Constitution and Old Crescent demonstrated at Clifford Park yesterday that the ODM Munster Senior Cup is still very much alive.

The sides produced a highly entertaining final in front of a fine crowd before Con bridged a 20-year gap by capturing the title for the 23rd time.

The AIB League champions had to withstand stern resistance from opposition who belied their Division Two status in emphatic fashion. Crescent even made light of conceding a try to the favourites within 35 seconds of the kick-off to lead 13-11 with 56 minutes played. It was then that the opportunism of winger Cronan Healy and the greater experience of the Constitution side told and they went on for a deserved win.


In a competitive and well refereed game, Munster prop Federico Pucciariello, Crescent’s stand-in coach on the day, was well entitled to praise his side for its impressive showing.

“I think we made everybody in Old Crescent very proud with the way we played,” he said. “We have a great band of players now and there are lessons to be learned from this and we have to keep going. We had a great game plan but, unfortunately, we lost too many line-outs”.

While Constitution coach Brian Walsh has savoured success at national level, the club have suffered a Munster Cup famine in recent years. Their elation at laying their hands on the coveted old trophy was understandable, with Walsh understandably happy to see his side prevail:

“There was huge physicality in the game and a lot of good rugby and I felt the skill levels were good, given the high levels of passion and enthusiasm,” said Walsh. “We have been telling the younger players how hard it is to win a cup and they know that now after wins over UL Bohs, UCC, Shannon, Garryowen and now Old Crescent.”

Con got the start they wanted, attacking from the kick-off and Evan Ryan and Duncan Williams, a hugely influential player over the 80 minutes, set up a try for Tom Gleeson. As rank outsiders, this early blow could have seriously undermined Crescent, but they relished the challenge.

Con lost the injured Jeremy Manning after 13 minutes with Anthony Horgan coming off the bench to play at full-back and Darragh Lyons moving to out-half. They stretched their lead to 8-nil with a Richard Lane penalty, Mark Woods narrowed the gap with a Crescent penalty and they went in front with a well-taken try at the posts by veteran hooker Pat Humphreys. Woods converted and Crescent led 10-8 until the stroke of half-time, when a moment of madness by back-row forward Juan Pablo Ruiz cost his side dearly.

Not alone was he yellow carded for throwing a punch, but Lane knocked over the penalty from halfway.

Even though they played the first 10 minutes after the break with only 14 players, Crescent were the better side, not only keeping Con scoreless through the 10 minutes but regaining the lead through a second Woods penalty.

That was as good as it got for Crescent. On 56 minutes, Cronan Healy struck the crucial blow.

He followed up his own clever kick into the left corner, hand tripped Alan Purcell as he tried to clear and then pounced on the loose ball for a try. Lane landed a fine conversion before opening the gap to eight points with a 68th minute penalty.

The trophy was on the way to Temple Hill for the first time since 1989.

CORK CONSTITUTION: D. Lyons; R. Lane, T. Gleeson, E. Ryan, C. Healy; J. Manning, D. Williams; G. Murray, L. Gabriel, T. Ryan, M. O’Connell, D. Kelly, E. Leamy, B. Cuttriss capt, W. Holland.

Replacements: A. Horgan for Manning 17 mins; F. Cogan for Kelly 50; R. Hassan for Murray 54.

OLD CRESCENT: R. Moloney; A. Carroll, W. Leahy capt, D. Grace, E. Dalton; M. Woods, A. Purcell; P.J. McLoughlin, P. Humphreys, E. McGovern, L. Toia Tiola, M. Ryan, L. Viapula, J. O’Neill, J.P. Ruiz.

Replacements: T. Bowles for McLoughlin half time; D. Sheehan for O’Neill 59; K. Ellis for Dalton 64; McLoughlin for Bowles 67.

Referee: Darragh McCormack (MAR).

 

Clever Healy secures victory

Mon, Jan 05, 2009

MUNSTER CUP FINAL/Cork Constitution 21 Old Cresent 13:  CORK CONSTITUTION'S 20-year wait is over after the All-Ireland League champions swept to their 23rd Munster Senior Cup title following a deserved victory over second division Old Crescent in a terrific final at Clifford Park yesterday.

The Limerick side took much credit from the game before being hit with a sucker punch after 56 minutes. Crescent led 13-11, when Con's adventurous wing Cronan Healy cleverly kicked into open space deep in the opponents' 22. He followed up with an impressive burst of speed to clip the heel of scrumhalf Alan Purcell just as he was about to clear to touch.

The ball broke free in the in-goal area and Healy reacted quickest to touch down for all-important second try, which Richard Lane converted. Lane made it an eight-point game 11 minutes from the end.

Within 35 seconds of the kick-off Con scrumhalf Duncan Williams and centre Evan Ryan combined to send midfield partner Tom Gleeson crashing over for the opening try. A Lane penalty eased them 8-0 ahead after the first quarter. Woods cut the deficit with a penalty before converting Pat Humphreys' 33rd minute try to leave Crescent 10-8 in front. Lane completed the half, though, with a monster kick from half-way. Then a 50th minute by Woodsto reclaim the lead was cruelly wiped out by Healy's opportunism.

CORK CONSTITUTION: D Lyons; R Lane, T Gleeson, E Ryan, C Healy; J Manning, D Williams; G Murray, L Gabriel, T Ryan; M O'Connell, D Kelly; E Leamy, B Holland, B Cuttriss, captain. Replacements: A Horgan for Manning injured 17 min, F Cogan for Kelly (50 mins), R Hassan for Murray (54 mins).

OLD CRESCENT: R Moloney; A Carroll, B Leahy, captain, D Grace, E Dalton; M Woods, A Purcell; PJ McLoughlin, P Humphreys, E McGovern; L Toia-Tiola, J Pablo Ruiz, J O'Neill. Replacements: T Bowles for McLoughlin half-time, D Sheehan for O'Neill (58 mins), K Ellis for Dalton (64 mins).

Referee: D McCormack (MAR).

© 2009 The Irish Times

 

Independent.ie

Healy pounces as Con bridge 20-year gap

CORK Constitution claimed the ODM Munster Senior Cup for the first time in 20 years after securing a hard-earned 21-13 final victory over a plucky Old Crescent side at Clifford Park yesterday.

Fancied Cork Constitution were made fight all the way for their 22nd cup success against an Old Crescent side which had threatened to pull off a shock when leading 13-11 some 15 minutes into the second half.

However, Cork Constitution's greater experience and strength in depth proved crucial in the end with an opportunist try from winger Cronan Healy proving key to the winners' success.

Cork Constitution made a dream start when centre Tom Gleeson touched down for a try inside the opening 35 seconds.

A Richie Lane penalty increased Con's advantage, before AIL Division 2 side Crescent, who were seeking their first final victory in the competition, came storming back.

Out-half Mark Woods landed a penalty, before experienced hooker Pat Humphries barged his way over the line for a well-deserved try for the Limerick side.

Woods converted to see Crescent into a 10-8 lead. However, another Lane penalty on the stroke of half-time had Cork Constitution 11-10 to the good at the interval.

When Woods landed his second penalty, 10 minutes into the second half, Old Crescent were back in front.

However, Healy's opportunist try in the 56th minute and another Lane penalty helped the Cork Constitution secure a precious victory.

Cork Constitution -- D Lyons; R Lane, T Gleeson, E Ryan, C Healy; J Manning (A Horgan 18), D Williams; G Murray (R Hassan 54), L Gabriel, T Ryan; M O'Connell, D Kelly (F Cogan 51); E Leamy, B Cuttriss (capt), B Holland.

Old Crescent -- R Moloney; A Carroll, B Leahy (capt), D Grace, E Dalton (K Ellis 64); M Woods, A Purcell; PJ McLoughlin (T Bowles h-t) (PJ McLoughlin 68), P Humphries, E McGovern; L Toia Tiola, M Ryan; L Viapula, J O'Neill (D Sheehan 60), J P Ruiz.

Ref -- D McCormack (MAR).

Constitution Celebrate ODM Munster Senior Cup Final Win

4 January 2009, 3:22 pm

By Trish Drinan

In perfect conditions in Clifford Park in front of a sizeable and vocal crowd, a spirited and determined Cork Constitution claimed their first Munster Senior Cup since 1989, claiming a 21-13 win over a valiant Old Crescent side in what proved to be an engaging and exiting ODM Munster Senior Cup Final.

Old Crescent 13-21 Cork Constitution

It wasn't long before Cork Constitution opened the scoring with a well worked try in the corner after just 50 seconds by centre Tom Gleeson, which wasn't converted.  However it did put Constitution in the driving seat early on although Manning did have the opportunity to put his side further ahead after six minutes with a drop goal attempt, however the kick didn't find its mark.  Old Crescent found their step however, and settled into the game, holding onto possession and keeping play well inside the Constitution half before a penalty brought Constitution back down the field.  An infringement in the scrum allowed Richie Lane to stretch Constitution's lead to 8-0 after 20 minutes, after Lane took over kicking duties from the injured Jeremy Manning.  Ray Moloney had the chance to put Old Crescent on the scoreboard after 23 minutes with a penalty attempt however his attempt fell short.  No mistake was made 4 minutes later with the Crescent outhalf Mark Woods claiming their first three points from a penalty kick.   Crescent's persistence paid off with a well worked try after 31 minutes by hooker Pat Humphries, converted by Mark Woods to put Crescent 10-8 ahead as the first half counted down.  Old Crescent suffered a blow in the last play of the half when No. 8 Juan Pablo Ruiz was sent to the bin, allowing Constitution to reclaim the lead with a Richie Lane converted penalty.  The half time score stood 11-10 in Constitution's favour. 

Both teams came out fighting in the second half, but it was Crescent who made most ground early on, and were rewarded with a 49th minute penalty kicked by Woods to edge them ahead once more.  After 56 minutes however a try from Constitution winger Cronan Healy converted by Lane put Constitution 18-13 ahead.   With little advantage being gained in the dogged battle in the middle of pitch, both teams sought to gain yards with piercing kicks to the corners throughout the second half, with penalties awarded proving the difference between the sides.  Constitution stretched their lead after 67 minutes with Lane again on target with a penalty kick to put the Cork side 21-13 ahead.  Crescent rallied however and continued to push towards the Constitution line.  Crescent had a chance to reduce the deficit after 71 minutes kicked by Woods went left of the posts, however it did signal a resurgence by the Limerick side who continued to test the Constitution defence in the last quarter.  However, Constitution held on for the victory, their 22nd Senior Cup title.

Standing out for Constitution included Cronan Healy on the wing whose work rate was tireless, with Anthony Horgan also being hugely influential for the Cork side.  Aaron Carroll on the wing stood out for Crescent, with his second half kicks for touches showing plenty of class.  As Cup finals go, it certainly didn't disappoint, with both sides showing tremendous grit and determination right down to the final whistle.  Munster Branch President Nicholas Comyn presented the Munster Senior Cup to Constitution Captain Brendan Cuttriss, with Niall O'Driscoll of ODM Accountants in Bandon presenting the medals.


Old Crescent
15. Ray Moloney, 14. Aaron Carroll, 13. Billy Leahy (Captain), 12. Danny Grace, 11. Emmet Dalton, 10. Mark Woods, 9. Alan Purcell, 1. PJ McLoughlin, 2. Pat Humphries, 3. Eugene McGovern, 4. Levita Toia Tiola, 5. Mark Ryan, 6. Lemiki Viapula, 7. James O'Neill, 8. Juan Pablo Ruiz
Replacements: Trevor Bowles for McLoughlin (40), Donal Sheehan for O'Neill (56), Keith Ellis for Dalton (62), McLoughlin for Bowles (66)

Cork Constitution
15. Darragh Lyons, 14. Richard Lane, 13. Tom Gleeson, 12. Evan Ryan, 11. Cronan Healy, 10. Jeremy Manning, 9. Duncan Williams, 1. Gar Murray, 2. Lloyd Gabriel, 3. Tim Ryan, 4. Merle O'Connell, 5. David Kelly, 6. Ed Leamy, 7. Brendan Cuttriss (Captain), 8. Billy Holland
Replacements: Anthony Horgan for Manning (14), Ryan Hassan for Murray (54), Frank Cogan for O'Connell (54)

Referee: Darragh McCormack (MAR)
TJ 1: Jude Quinn (MAR)
TJ 2: David O'Shea (MAR)
Fourth Official: James Hayes (MAR)
Fifth Official: John Purcell (MAR)

 
 
IAN JONES CALLS ON OLD CRESCENT
 
U16 CUP WIN
     
U15's Young Munster 7's Win
 
  Pictures BELFAST MIDLETON
U12 Belfast & Midleton Tours - April 2008
 

Belfast

 

We travelled north to compete in the Malone RFC International Festival of Rugby last weekend. It was the fifth running of the event and 20 teams from 5 nations travelled to Belfast to participate in one of the premier mini rugby competitions in the British Isles. The format for the competition was 4 groups of 5 with the Top 2 in each group qualifying for the cup competition and the remainder qualifying for the shield.

 

We opened the competition with a game against the hosts Malone and ran out winners by 2 tries to nil. That was high point of the day as our next three games were narrow defeats leaving us in 4th place in the pool.

 

The following day brought us the new challenge of the shield competition and after some words of wisdom from the coaching team of O'Malley and Rickard, we were quietly confident of a good performance.

 

Two wins over Ravens and Boroughmuir set us up for a pool decider with Hollywood in which the points were shared with a 1-1 draw. Hollywood had to score 6 tries in their final game versus Boroughmuir to win the pool and guarantee a semi final place. They fell one try short so the teams were tied at the top of the pool with tries scored and try differential still leaving the teams deadlocked. Both teams however qualified for the semi final, Hollywood as group winner after a coin toss and Old Crescent as best 2nd place finishers. The draw decreed that  both sides met each other in the semi final. Playing with the elements, we took the lead and thanks to some determined defence for our side we held our lead to the interval. Using the elements in the second period Hollywood again took the game to our side but some determined defence by all our players, in particular one crushing tackle from Sean Fitzgerald who had just come off the bench ensured that our line held and we scored a second try to give us a further cushion. Hollywood scored in the dying minutes and it was a relieved set of Old Crescent players, coaches & supporters that heard the final whistle.

 

Our opponents in the final were Bishop Stortford the competition specialists with 2 cup and one shield win in the previous 4 runnings of the tournament. Again in the final we started the brighter and were unlucky on two occasions not to take the lead. Our defence held firm and it remained scoreless at the interval. In the second half we continued to soak up the pressure put on us by Bishop Stortford and thanks to an intercept try from Steven Hackett, we took the lead.

 

There was still some rugby to be played but we closed out the game thanks to our determined defence. It was  the first time that an Old Crescent side had won a trophy in the history of the competition and it was a delighted set of players who received their medals from Irish international Paddy Wallace.

 

Old Crescent Squad:

Cormac Blake (capt)

Joe Doyle

Sean Fitzgerald

Gerry Fitzpatrick

Steven Hackett

Jack Harrington

Sean Hensey

Jack Hogan

Gavin Hogan

Daniel O'Keefe

David O'Malley

Cathal Mc Hugh

Paul Mc Namara

Mark Rickard

Luke Rohan

Eoin Ryan

David Wixted

 

Coaches - David O'Malley & Pat Rickard.
 
Midleton

The under 12 trip to Midleton last weekend proved to be a great success.


Congratulations to team captain Jason O'Sullivan and all his squad who were joint winners of the competition with Waterpark and
went through the competition undefeated.

There was great heart & commitment shown throughout the squad & they each and every one of them did everything that was asked of them in all their matches.
They also played some great open rugby and scored some great tries.
Well done to all concerned. A fantastic achievement.


You did everyone proud.


Results:


1. Old Crescent (2) V Midleton  A (2)

2. Old Crescent (2) v Waterpark (2)

3. Old Crescent (5) v Youghal (1)

4. Old Crescent (3) v Midleton B (1)

5. Old Crescent (2) v Cobh (1)

6. Old Crescent (0) v Waterpark (0) - Final
Pictures