TALLAGHT RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

TALLAGHT R.F.C. 0

C.Y.M. 0

Leinster Division 4 Development Section B
Tymon Park

14/12/13

Tallaght’s womens team finished their group stage fixtures with a hard-earned draw with leaders CYM.

In a game played in horrendous conditions with constant rain and gale force winds, both teams deserve credit for getting a game on at all.

CYM had scored 23 tries in their five games to date but Tallaght showed real grit and determination to keep them scoreless for the first time this season.

Tallaght have finished in second place in the group behind CYM, with only one defeat in six games, and they enter the knock-out stages in January in good spirits.

Tallaght RFC

Rosie Gallagher
Lisa Kelly
Gillian Spain
Catherine Murphy
Martina Fitzmaurice
Lorraine Cleary
Michelle Tyrell
Louise O’Loughlin
Lisa Maguire
Maire Gilbourne (Capt)
Caroline Hannigan
Rachel Valentine
Ciara Lalor

Replacements

Claire Cumiskey

Jim O’Connor©

TALLAGHT R.F.C. 10

Try: Aaron Morgan
Con: Danny Behan
Pen: Ciaran Stewart

Stillorgan R.F.C. 9

Metro League Division 7
07/12/13 Tymon Park

Tallaght bounced back from their disappointing defeat against Coolmine last week by beating Stillorgan 10-9 at home in their final match before the Christmas break. Tallaght seemed to be on fire for the opening five minutes driving Stillorgan back and setting up camp in their 22. It looked like it was going to be a long day for Stillorgan but they managed to soak up attack after attack to leave Tallaght frustrated and scoreless.

Stillorgan launched a smart counter-attack to get into the Tallaght twenty-two. Under pressure, Tallaght gave away a penalty which Stillorgan converted to lead by three. Tallaght dug deep, inched their way forward and were rewarded with a penalty which Ciaran Stewart kicked superbly to level the game. It was a real end-to-end match and Stillorgan appeared to get stronger as the game went on. Once again Stillorgan earned a penalty from this pressure which they kicked to go 6-3 ahead at half-time.

Tallaght started the second half as they did the first, full of aggressive running. Some wonderful interplay down the wing resulted in Aaron Morgan getting over the line to secure the try. Danny Behan converted to give Tallaght a 10 -6 lead. To Stillorgan’s credit they were dangerous and they weren’t giving up. It was a real nail biter of a game and when Stillorgan were awarded another penalty which they converted it was down to a one point lead for Tallaght.

Despite the tense finish Tallaght showed good composure to see the game out and hang on for the win. It leaves them once again five points clear in second place in the race to finish in the top two to contest the final for the Division 7 trophy. Tallaght now have a month off over Christmas and their next match is on January the 11th away to Old Wesley.

Tallaght R.F.C.

15 Alan Bernes
14 Vilius Kuklis
13 Stephen Heaney
12 James Maher
11 Richard Wilson
10 Ciaran Stewart
9 Gary Doyle

8 Simon Sweeney (captain)
7 Patrick Crofts
6 Jack Russell
5 Paul Cunningham
4 Alan Moore
3 Declan Malone
2 Ollie Murphy
1 Tony McManus

Replacements

Simon Cumiskey
Aodhan Tinney
Sean Judd
Aaron Morgan
Danny Behan

Report by Jim O’Connor

TALLAGHT R.F.C. 10

Try: Aaron Morgan
Con: Danny Behan
Pen: Ciaran Stewart

Stillorgan R.F.C. 9

Metro League Division 7
07/12/13 Tymon Park

Report by Gregg Behan.

Well now, in the absence of our great wordsmith, Jim O’Connor who was attending to rugby business elsewhere yesterday (also, he seems to be turning into something of a media whore, the camera just loves him) I feel it falls to me to say a few words on our win over Stillorgan. We went into this game knowing only a win would suffice, the armchairs had insisted nothing but a win would be acceptable and looking at the league table prior to the match I have to agree, the win was vital for Tallaght to maintain the momentum needed to compete at this level and not just be there to make up the numbers.
The opening five minutes and Tallaght seemed to be on fire, they drove over Stillorgan and set up camp in their 22 and it looked like this was going to be the beginning of a slaughter of the innocents. Stillorgan of course had other ideas and managed to soak up attack after attack with no score registered. Before I knew what was happening we were back in our 22 and Stillorgan looked the stronger, to add insult to injury we gave away a penalty which Stillorgan converted leaving us trailing by 3. Tallaght dug deep, inched their way forward and were rewarded with a penalty which Ciaran kicked superbly to level the score. The game was fought from end to end and it looked like Stillorgan were getting stronger as the game went on, this was not in our script!!! Another penalty awarded to Stillorgan and we trailed again 6-3 and we wished for half time and the opportunity to re-group.
Tallaght started the second half as they did the first, fire in the belly and a massive desire to win. They dominated in every area of the pitch, half time words of wisdom from Curtis seemed to do the trick. Some wonderful play down the wing resulted in Morgo going over the line to secure the try, happy he jumped up, punched the air and roared at Collie, “Did ye see my try” why, I have no idea but everybody else thought it was funny?? Danny converted to leave us leading 10 -6 not a score you can get comfortable with and against this Stillorgan team there was no room for relaxing, they were dangerous and they weren’t giving up. It was a real nail biter of a game and when Stillorgan were awarded another penalty which they converted I found myself turning to prayer and asking Jesus, Allah and Budda to blow the final whistle, thankfully one of them heard my prayers and the ref obliged.
This really was a team effort, I can’t single any one player out for special mention, our forwards put their bodies on the line time after time and our backs defended like Spartan’s keeping the hordes at bay. Overall it was one of the best displays by a Tallaght team I have ever had the good fortune to witness. We are not making up the numbers in this division; we are showing the way and richly deserve our position of 2nd place and the opportunity of a play off if we continue our winning ways. The score was 10-9 but trust me when I say this, had we played that team 3 or 4 years ago, they would have smashed us into the ground. You can be very proud boys, you played the game as it should be played and you delivered the result we needed. Stay fit over the Christmas, hold off on the mince pies and let’s continue to write history for Tallaght RFC………………………Oh, by the way, happy happy happy old man.

Report by Gregg Behan.

COOLMINE R.F.C. 16

TALLAGHT R.F.C. 03

Pen: Danny Behan

Metro League Division 7
30/11/13 Ashbrook

After the high of beating AIB last week, Tallaght were brought down to earth with a bump by Coolmine who beat them 16-3 in Ashbrook. Tallaght started well and for the first twenty minutes they were camped in the Coolmine half. However they didn’t take advantage of their possession and territory where it counted, on the scoreboard. In truth they were let down by some poor option taking which left Coolmine off the hook.

In fairness to Coolmine their big, experienced pack started to come into the game and their hard, direct running exposed some poor Tallaght defending on the fringes. Their gameplan was simple but effective and it earned them two penalties which they kicked to take a 6-0 lead at half-time.

Tallaght used their bench for the start of the second half and the performance improved. However they still couldn’t score. Twice they turned down kickable penalties to kick for touch and try to score through the maul, but both times the tactic failed. They also frequently got into the Coolmine twenty-two through the powerful running of Simon Sweeney and Jack Russell but on every occasion they were ultimately penalised for holding onto the ball.

Coolmine kicked another penalty to go 9-0 in front. At that stage Danny Behan was sprung from the bench and, regardless of the result, it was great for everyone at the club to see him back on the field. He took over kicking duties from Ciaran Stewart and attempted a kick from inside his own half which fell just wide. He then kicked an excellent penalty to reduce the score to 9-3 and at least put Tallaght in line for a losing bonus point.

However it was not to be as Tallaght threw some loose passes in their own twenty two trying to chase the win. They ended up turning the ball over and Coolmine scored a try through their scrum-half, which was converted for a 16-3 final score.

Tallaght could have no complaints, the Northsiders were deserved winners. However they will be kicking themselves for not taking their chances, especially in the first half. They have set high standards for themselves this season and they failed to meet those standards. It was a tough lesson for everyone that you can’t take anything for granted in this league.

Other results went their way however so they remain four points clear in second place and well in contention to finish in the top two and make the play-off for the trophy. Next week’s home game against Stillorgan is their last game before a month-long break for Christmas and it’s an absolute must-win game now.

Tallaght R.F.C.

15 Stephen Heaney
14 Gary Doyle
13 Vilius Kuklis
12 James Maher
11 Sam O’Reilly
10 Ciaran Stewart
9 Aodhan Tinney

8 Simon Sweeney (captain)
7 Patrick Crofts
6 Jack Russell
5 Paul Cunningham
4 Joe Ivers
3 Declan Malone
2 Tony McManus
1 Sean Judd

Replacements

Alan Bernes
Ollie Murphy
Simon Cumiskey
Colin Malone
Danny Behan

Jim O’Connor ©

“Bro’zillian, Wax the boys” report

Tallaght Rugby Club’s first every “Bro’zillian, Wax the boys” fundraiser was held in the Old Mill pub in Firhouse on Saturday the 23rd of November. It was a massive success with the club raising approximately two thousand euro. The scheduled volunteers were Alan Bernes, Ciaran Stewart, Aodhan Tinney, Simon Sweeney, Paul Cunningham, Alan Moore, Joe Ivers, Declan Malone, Tony McManus, Dave Clarke, Darran Kearney and Jim O’Connor. But such was the fun more players volunteered on the night to have various regions of their bodies waxed including Simon Cumiskey, Sam O’Reilly, Stephen Heaney, Ollie Murphy and even coach Brian Curtis joined in.
Tallaght RFC wishes to thank the management and staff of the Old Mill pub, the club sponsors, who looked after everything superbly. The club also wants to thank all the family and friends who came out on the night to (literally) tear strips off their loved ones. The club also wants to thank Ray Brennan of topfoto.ie for taking all the photos on the night and Stephen, the DJ.

The true heroes of the night though were Fiona Nolan and Lorraine Cleary of Elysium Hair and Beauty Clinic who did all the waxing. But the final mention must go to chief organiser Joe Ivers who put the whole thing together.

All in all, it was a superb night and once the waxing was done there was dancing until the wee hours.

 

Jim O’Connor (c)

Photos: topfoto.ie

Tallaght R.F.C. 07

Try: Alan Bernes
Con: Ciaran Stewart

A.I.B. R.F.C. 05

Metro League Division 7
23/11/13 Tymon Park

Tallaght cemented second place in the Metro League Division 7 table with a hard-fought win over AIB at Tymon Park. The bankers took an early lead with a try after only two minutes when their big pack drove through some poor tackling from Tallaght to touch down. The conversion was missed but Tallaght responded well.

Through the superb tactical of out-half Ciaran Stewart, Tallaght pinned AIB back in their own half. Led by the great ball carrying of skipper Simon Sweeney, the Tallaght pack constantly made ground and it led to a number of penalties. However, as good as Stewart was kicking from hand, he struggled off the tee, and missed with three kicks at goal in the first half. It could have been worse for Tallaght though as AIB looked certain to score from a breakaway but were saved by a superb cover tackle from wing Colin Malone. The half-time score was 5-0 to AIB.

Tallaght began the second half as they played in the first, dominating possession and territory but not taking advantage through poor handling. They weren’t helped by a yellow card shown to flanker Emil Wyrebiak, who was somewhat binned for showing poor discipline. In fairness to Tallaght though, they didn’t panic and Stewart’s pinpoint tactical kicking kept them playing in the right area of the pitch. From one superb touch-finder Tallaght won the ball back through Paul Cunningham who terrorised the AIB lineout all day. Simon Sweeney and Jack Russell made some big carries to draw in defenders and then the ball went wide.

Scrum-half Gary Doyle fed Stewart who put centre Vilus Kuklis into space. Kuklis threw a superb pass to Malone on the wing and he offloaded with great skill to Alan Bernes who ran under the posts for an excellent team try. Stewart converted and finally Tallaght led 7-5. Then with the game nearly over, AIB player Liam Quinn suffered what looked like an ankle dislocation. The game was immediately paused as an ambulance was called. Everyone at Tallaght RFC wishes Liam a speedy recovery.

After half an hour the game resumed in fading light with only 80 seconds left to play. But it was quite a dramatic 80 seconds. Tallaght had a lineout but lost the ball to AIB. AIB attacked but Tallaght managed to turn the ball over and Stewart kicked to touch, thinking time was up. However, the ref ruled there was still time for an AIB lineout. The bankers won the ball and attacked but Simon Sweeney managed to turn the ball over to Tallaght again.

Standing near the touchline, scrum-half Gary Doyle just needed to kick the ball the two feet into touch. However instead he attempted to chip the AIB number eight who caught the ball and made a beeline for the try-line. To Doyle’s credit he managed to get back and make a tackle along with Jack Russell that got the man into touch. Doyle and the rest of the Tallaght team were most relived to hear the referee blow the final whistle.

Tallaght showed real character in keeping going when things weren’t going their way for so much of the match. The win leaves them five points clear of third-placed Old Wesley and only a point behind leaders Old Belvedere.

Tallaght R.F.C.

15 Alan Bernes
14 Gary Doyle
13 Vilius Kuklis
12 James Maher
11 Colin Malone
10 Ciaran Stewart
9 Aodhan Tinney

8 Simon Sweeney (captain)
7 Emil Wyrebiak
6 Paul Cunningham
5 Alan Moore
4 Joe Ivers
3 Declan Malone
2 Tony McManus
1 Simon Cumiskey
Replacements

Jack Russell
Sean Judd
Sam O’Reilly
Stephen Kelly
Stephen Abbey

Jim O’Connor ©

Photos by topfoto.ie

 

Final reminder : Bro'zillian, Wax the boys fundraiser is this Sat 23rd in The Old Mill. 8pm.

To make the night a success we need more than just the 14 volunteers, so please support your club and bring along you partners, friends and family.

See Facebook for more details:
https://www.facebook.com/events/536653609743158/

Or contact Joe Ivers (joe@leaders.ie) or Lorraine Cleary (lorrycleary@gmail.com).

Also featured on Leinster Domestic webpage:
http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/domestic/branch/10706.php

 

UNIDARE R.F.C. 8

TALLAGHT R.F.C. 10

Tries: Maire Gilbourne, Lisa Maguire

Leinster Division 4 Development Section B
17/11/13

Tallaght rugby women’s team recovered from their first defeat of the season last week to beat Unidare in Malahide. They went behind early when Unidare kicked a penalty to go 3-0 up. But then Tallaght hit back when their magnificent captain Maire Gilbourne showed great power to smash her way through three tacklers for a try to make it 5-3 to Tallaght. Unidare hit back though, just before half-time, to score a try of their own to make 8-5 to them at the break.

Tallaght showed great composure and courage not to give up though as they slowly worked their way back into the game. Claire Comiskey stood out all day with her powerful carrying and Martina Fitzpatrick was once again a workaholic in the pack. It ultimately came down to the one of the last plays of the game. Unidare seemed to have it won but they had to survive a five-metre scrum on their own line. They seemed to have done enough but Unidare kicked the ball out too soon. So Tallaght took on Unidare in the scrum and they attacked them through the pack showing great patience as they inched their way forward, phase after phase.

Finally the ball was worked to replacement Lisa Maguire who got over for the match-winning try. The conversion was missed but it mattered nothing, Tallaght had won!

Tallaght now lie in second place in the table behind CYM.

Tallaght R.F.C

1. Catherine Murphy
2. Lisa Kelly
3. Rosie Gallagher
4. Claire Comiskey
5. Martina Fitzpatrick
8. Lorraine Cleary.
9. Michelle Tyrell
10. Louise O Loughlin
12. Maire Gilbourne
13. Caroline Hannigan.
15. Ciara Lalor.

Replacements

Lisa Maguire
Rachel Valentine

Report by Jim O’Connor

 

C.Y.M. 12

TALLAGHT R.F.C. 0

Leinster Division 4 Development Section B
20/10/13

Tallaght rugby’s womens team lost their first game of the season against a well-organised CYM team who are unbeaten at the top of the table. Tallaght played well but they got stuck in their own half too much. Their defence was superb in particular with full back Ciara “Hitwoman” Lalor making several try-saving tackles.

Tallght struggled though to play the game in the right areas of the pitch though and eventually they were punished for it when CYM scored a try that was converted for a 7-0 lead.  Matters weren’t helped for Tallaght when centre Caroline Hannigan was sin-binned after one high tackle too many. CYM took advantage and scored a try in the corner for an unassailable 12-0 lead.

Tallaght performed well and the likes of Rosie Gallagher and Martina Fitzmaurice had fine games.

Tallaght RFC

Rosie Gallagher
Lisa Kelly
Gillian Spain
Catherine Murphy
Martina Fitzmaurice
Lorraine Cleary

Michelle Tyrell
Louise O’Loughlin
Lisa Maguire
Maire Gilbourne (Capt)
Caroline Hannigan
Rachel Valentine
Ciara Lalor

Replacements

Claire Cumiskey

Jim O’Connor©

TALLAGHT R.F.C. 17

Try: Stephen Heaney 2, Jack Russell
Con: Ciaran Stewart

CLONDALKIN R.F.C. 10

Try: Ciaran Murphy
Con: Colin Lyons
Pen: Colin Lyons

Metro League Division 7
09/11/13
Tymon Park

It was derby time as Tallaght welcomed local rivals Clondalkin to Tymon Park. After Tallaght were beaten by Old Belvedere last week, they were determined to hit back, but they knew Clondalkin would give them nothing easy. The game had barely started when Clondalkin’s Shane Young took a bad bang to the head while making a tackle. The game was delayed a half hour as an ambulance was called. Thankfully Shane was released from hospital later in the night and everyone at Tallaght RFC wishes him a speedy recovery.

When the game resumed, Tallaght started brightly and nearly had a try after five minutes. Vilius Kuklis, making his competitive debut in the centre for Tallaght, made an outstanding break and looked to have put wing Colin Malone away for the try, but the referee judged his final pass forward.

Unfortunately that was as good as it got for Tallaght in the first half. Despite having the breeze behind them, Tallaght refused to kick the ball and tried to run everything out of their own half. It made for extremely frustrating viewing as they constantly turned the ball over either through poor handling from the backs or the forwards taking the ball into one ruck too many.

Clondalkin were quite happy to take advantage, making better use of their possession and playing the referee a lot smarter. They took the lead when Colin Lyons kicked a penalty and that was the half-time score. In the second half, Tallaght continued to underperform and the game looked lost when Ciaran Murphy scored a fine try for Clondalkin. Lyons converted and Clondalkin led 10-0.

This finally provoked a response from Tallaght. Skipper Simon Sweeney came on and Jack Russell moved into the back row alongside him. Between the two of them, and substitute prop Simon Cumiskey, they finally generated some decent forward ball. Sweeney made a fantastic run swatting off several tacklers, and when the ball was recycled, Russell showed great strength to force his way over for the try. The conversion was missed but at 10-5 Tallaght were in the game. Vilius Kuklis, who was outstanding on his debut, made another outstanding break but was stopped by a high tackle when he looked certain to score.

Then came the try of the game and possibly the try of the season. Good passing from Gary Doyle and Emil Wyrebiak put full back Stephen Heaney into space near the halfway line. Heaney took off on an arching run but then threw a sumptuous dummy pass which fooled the Clondalkin defence so much that he was able to go through himself for the try under the posts. Ciaran Stewart converted and Tallaght led 12-10.

Tallaght smelt blood now and after an intelligent kick from substitute centre James Maher Tallaght chased up hard and won the ball back. Wing Colin Malone spotted that the Clondalkin defence had shot up and put through a deft grubber kick. With no Clondalkin defenders around, any one of four Tallaght players could have scored but Stephen Heaney took the honours for his sixth try of the season.

Tallaght had a 17-10 lead they wouldn’t relinquish and though there were a few nervous moments they held on for the win that reclaims second place in the table for them, a point behind Old Belvedere. It was a typically tough derby and Clondalkin deserved their losing bonus point. Tallaght have two weeks off before their next game against AIB but they know they will need to play a lot better to beat them.

Tallaght R.F.C.

15 Stephen Heaney
14 Gary Doyle
13 Vilius Kuklis
12 Jack Russell
11 Colin Malone

10 Ciaran Stewart
9 Aodhan Tinney

8 Sean Judd
7 Emil Wyrebiak
6 Paul Cunningham (captain)
5 Alan Moore
4 Joe Ivers
3 Declan Malone
2 Ollie Murphy
1 Tony McManus

Replacements

Alan Bernes
Stephen Kelly
Simon Cumiskey
James Maher
Darran Kearney
Simon Sweeney

Jim O’Connor ©