Week-end of club games shows Munster rugby talent

Byi FRANK QUINN

MUNSTER Clubs completed the very notable double by Cork Constitution
winning the Energia All Ireland League 1A 22/23 final (this is how it
was billed in the team sheet handout. ), beating Terenure College RFC
33-22. Their fans showed up to make it a memorable occasion for the
players to play a decider in The Aviva Stadium.
In addition UL Bohemians won the Energia Womans AIL final 23-24
competition (this is how it was billed in the team sheet handout ), by
beating Railway Union 48-38.
Both games were held at the Aviva Stadium on the same Sunday, 28th April,
women first at 1.45 and men second at 4pm.
The wemans 6N championship finale against Scotland was held on the
Saturday, 27th in Kingspan Stadium Ravenhill at 2.30 pm. (24 hours
earlier) Ireland won and finished 3rd in the competition, winning 2
from 5 games
The Womens AIL final was played 24 hours later at the Aviva.
There were no players from the AIL womens winners UL Bohs on the match
day 6N squad and it included two players from Railway Union in the match
day squad. Thirteen of the 23 match squad players were from Old
Belvedere and Blackrock.
The imbalance is noticably visable and the scheduling of the event seems
ridiculous, even allowing for local arrangements re. squads, the
minimum requirement would be for the opportunity to represent your country.
The attendance or lack of it at the women’s final was very noticiable for
a game which produced over 80 points, plenty of tries, good rugby,
entertainment and tight scoring by both sides to stay in the game.
Chishom Ugwueru scored three tries off the right wing for UL Bohs to
light up the game for trhe Limerick Reds . In addition to the delicate
conversions, Kate Flannery displayed her overall authority on the park with outstanding ease.
For Cork Con It was James Taylor who stole the show with his place
kicking , he landed 7/7 for 18 points. In addition he turned down a few
chances by going for the corner and he was rewarded with tries. They
were down to 13 men twice during the game but still managed to win
scrums and lineouts as Terenure College’s discipline was shot to
pieces. Taylor showing signs of Con’s Ronan O’Gara from their past
wins, they fully deserved a comprehensive success.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login