Busy times for underage teams in Clonmel Rugby Club

CLONMEL RFC UNDER 7S REPORT

BY FRANK QUINLAN

Clonmel Rugby Club’s Under 7s warriors had their first day out in the Clonmel colours.

Every player did those colours proud, with 30 taking to the field, boys and girls, with the club fielding three teams.

Carrick-on-Suir, Fethard, Mitchelstown and Kilfeacle provided the opposition.

It was a brilliant display of participation, teamwork and enjoyment for all.

Across all matches the players showed skill, determination and enthusiasm, with impressive passing, tackling and support play. Most importantly the energy and smiles on the pitch reflected exactly what mini rugby is all about.

A big thank you is extended to all parents and coaches for their continued support.

CLONMEL RFC UNDER 8S REPORT

BY GRAHAM KAVANAGH

The Under 8s played a lively blitz against visiting clubs Kilfeacle and Mitchelstown. After a good 30-minute warm-up the games commenced, and it was a hectic affair. There was some great talent and skills on show. Every team won a game to everyone's delight.

CLONMEL RFC UNDER 9S REPORT

BY TONY RYAN

Over 20 Under 9s lined out for Clonmel for their first blitz of the season.

All the boys and girls gave an exhibition of rugby against visiting teams Mitchelstown and Carrick-on-Suir.

CLONMEL RFC UNDER 10S REPORT

BY GREG CARROLL

The Under 10s had a fantastic morning, fielding three teams, playing Kilfeacle and Carrick-on-Suir across three rounds of games.

There was some fantastic rugby played by everyone involved. The coaches were very proud of all the kids and the effort they put in. It’s great to see the progress they’re making, and everyone is looking forward to a great season ahead.

CLONMEL RFC UNDER 11S REPORT

BY BRENDAN MULLAN

The Under 11s fielded three teams, with 32 players. Each team played four matches against Kilfeacle, Carrick-on-Suir, Fethard and Mitchelstown. The boys were excellent, displaying great skill and effort in each match. Most of all, they had great fun.

Congratulations to the boys who played their first blitz for the club. It’s hoped they enjoyed it and that it will be the first of many. Thanks are extended to all the parents for their support and all the goodies in the clubhouse, and to all the coaches for their continued hard work with the boys each week.

CLONMEL RFC UNDER 12S REPORT

BY CIARA KIELY

The Under 12s team represented their club in their first home blitz of the season. This amazing team put on an excellent challenge to visiting teams Kilfeacle and Carrick-on-Suir. There were two fast-paced matches with brilliant defence phases, turnovers and tries.

Thanks are extended to all the 29 warriors and coaching team for their consistent effort and dedication to their teammates- you are an inspiration to all. And a huge shout out to the Warriors support group for always getting there and encouraging them, no matter what.

CLONMEL RFC UNDER 14S REPORT

BY JOHN CARROLL

Clonmel made a fantastic start to the East Munster Under 14 League against Waterford City.

A tough and physical opening in Waterford saw both teams battle hard from the whistle. Clonmel had to be patient, with five minutes of relentless pressure eventually breaking through Waterford's defensive wall for the opening try.

Once the lads settled into the defensive system, the rugby really started to flow. Powerful carries, excellent support play and some brilliant running rugby saw Clonmel add to the scoreboard.

But the 30-0 scoreline doesn’t tell the full story. Waterford City are a strong, improving side and made Clonmel work hard for every point. Most importantly, all 22 players got on the pitch – and all 22 played their part. This was a squad win. Well done lads. It was a great start, onwards and upwards.

CLONMEL RFC UNDER 16S REPORT

BY THOMAS LONERGAN

A miserable Friday night in Waterford, with heavy downpours and strong winds made for incredibly tough conditions in the Under 16 Pan Munster game against Waterford City. Clonmel’s Under 16s battled bravely from the start but it wasn't their night after a hard-fought contest against a very strong Waterford City side. Despite the weather and the challenge in front of them, the Clonmel lads showed fantastic heart, determination and team spirit throughout. Onwards and upwards.

CLONMEL RFC UNDER 18.5s REPORT

BY SEAN FLACK

The Green Machine hit the road when travelling to Dungarvan on an unseasonably hot October afternoon for an Under 18.5 Pan Munster game.

Clonmel came flying out of the blocks, dominating the opening 30 minutes with some huge carries from Rory O’Dwyer and Jack Fitzpatrick. The pressure eventually paid off when Sam Normile crossed for the opening try. Dungarvan hit back right on half-time to leave 7-7 at the break.

The home side started the second half strongly and moved into a 17-7 lead, but Clonmel dug deep. An excellent backs move released Darragh Dempsey, who touched down under the posts to make it 17-14.

Then came a move straight off the training ground, with Dylan Flack powering through the Dungarvan defence to put Clonmel back in front. Conor Williams added another try to leave the score 24-17, before Clonmel finished the job with a late score to seal an impressive 31-17 victory.

It was a brilliant comeback, with huge character shown and a massive team effort from the boys. Well done lads.