- Jack O’Donoghue is top turnover king after round two
- ‘Saints’ relegated, Newcastle West can yet lift the MJL1 title
- AIL defeats for Shannon, ‘Munsters’, Bruff and Thomond
- Terrific wins for UL Bohemian and Old Crescent tonight in AIL2A
- Bonus point win as Munster prove too strong for the Southern Kings in Cork
- Kings will need to be in regal form to deprive Munster of home victory
- Important games for Limerick clubs as the AIL resumes action this week-end
- Tension mounts as local clubs feature in second last fence of Munster Junior League 1
- Impressive win for Clonmel on UL pitch keeps them on title target
- Will Joe Schmidt ring the changes for the Scottish game?
- Cancellations a-plenty as Munster Junior Cup gathers momentum
- Henshaw at full-back not really a gamble as Ireland name their team
- Ian excited about exploring new horizons as he plans two moves
- Nine local clubs in Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup action this week-end
- UL Bohemian and Thomond advance in the Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup
- Abbeyfeale lift the Transfield Cup for the first time since 1977
- Young Munster facing battle to avoid the drop
- Munster fight hard for victory in Rodney Parade
- Bonus point for Garryowen as Shannon fail to build on recent form
- AIL: Shannon win, Young Munster and Garryowen lose today in 1A
- AIL wins tonight for Old Crescent in 2A and Thomond in 2C
- John Ryan for Archer the only change on the Munster team
- Key Euro games for referees Neville, Clancy, Brace and Lacey
- Frank Quinn’s review of the final pools games of Heineken Cup
- Decent Munster representation on Ireland Six Nations squad
- English clubs’ wretched record at Thomond Park: 21 defeats, 2 wins
- A Newcastle view as their side fails to get winning bonus point
- Is the Transfield Cup final to take place in the Markets Field?
- Defeat for Richmond today dents their junior league title hopes
- Brave Garryowen’s late strike gives them ticket to Bateman decider
- Munster march on towards another home Heineken Cup quarter final
- Munster and Gloucester announce their teams for to-morrow night’s game
- All to play for as Munster Junior League division one hots up
- Garryowen keen to avoid their third successive cup defeat
- Munster’s Ian Keatley seems set to join Benetton Treviso
- Leinster are still the favourites to retain the Champions Cup
- Thomond and Bruff advance in cup: Newcastle drop league points
- Munster superb as they hold on for bonus point victory
- Munster’s away form will again be tested in the Showgrounds
- Munster Senior Cup retains its magic as Garryowen seek more glory
- Leinster’s winger James Lowe is suspended for two weeks
- Local referees are included in Guinness PRO14 week-end fixtures list
- St Mary’s, Thomond, Newcastle West, Bruff in league and cup action
- Brilliant Earls try seals victory over Leinster
- Young Munster romp home with comfortable Charity Cup win
- 12 changes as Munster prepare for another Thomond Park epic
- Frank Murphy to referee Munster v Leinster PRO14 fixture
- Full house for Munster and Leinster showdown at Thomond Park
- Christmas 2018 marks a record year for Limerick Rugby website
- Ulster happy with home win while Munster settle for single point
A Newcastle view as their side fails to get winning bonus point
- Updated: 14/01/2019
By Tim Mulcahy
Newcastle West 10, Waterpark 3
ON a typical November day in Cullinagh NCW’s first XV returned to their home ground after a hard earned draw on the hill in Kilfeacle last Sunday. The talk on the sidelines was of the need to get a bonus point against Waterpark but, as we all know, bonus points are hard earned in this league and Sunday’s game would be one of those fixtures where 100% effort was not fully rewarded.
Rugby is at times a complicated game and the home side was near full strength on the day. However, you can do all the preparation you want, and try and cover all the ‘what ifs’ before the game, but if the team that dominates the scrum is penalised five times in this area, coaches can’t prepare for those decisions.
It was a game where Michael Bourke slotted in for his first game at out-half and acquitted himself very well. The home side scored two tries in the first half coming from James Kelly and Sean Herlihy. Both conversions were missed as It was not a day for kickers with the wind very strong across the field.
A greasy wet ball made it hard to run the game out wide but the home side, to their credit, tried everything possible to get over the line in the second half. Huge credit to the Waterpark defence that kept out charge after charge from the Newcastle West pack towards the line. But keep the home side out they did.
It was a frustrating day for all involved in the junior team last Sunday. To the fans who come out week after week and follow this team there is still a lot of rugby to be played. This team is still in the running for three cups.
To the players and management, everyone who was there felt your pain. Remember, we did win and the supporters will be in Cullinagh next Sunday for the Crosshaven game.
Scores, Newcastle West, James Kelly try and Sean Herlihy a try.
Squad: Shane Magner, Sean Corbett, Declan Moloney, Gerald Griffin, Dave Foley, Brian O’Doherty, Alan O Riordan, Keelan Headd, James Kelly, Sean Herlihy, capt.; Tommy Kelleher Jnr, Ed Powell, Sean Murphy, Michael Bourke, Sean Ivess, , Damián Kelly, Donal O Sullivan, Taliolega Tuaau, Kenneth Browne Aaron O Brien, C Moloney, Jason Woulfe.
Next Sunday 20th January the Nerwcastle West First XV are at home to Crosshaven in the Munster Junior League.
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