Archive for the 'Match Reports' Category

Sligo U13′s reach Connacht Cup final

Published on March 25, 2013 in Match Reports, News and Youth. 0 Comments

Sligo U13′s 17 Westport U13′s 7

Sligo U13′s will now go through to the Final round of the Connacht U13 Cup after a fantastic win against a hard Westport outfit.

Sligo have made the final after wins against Ballinrobe and defeating a top class Galwegians side who beat Sligo away in the League competition.

They started the match with the wind behind them and after receiving the kick off immediately took the game to Westport. Captain Ben Smyth lead from the front followed by his front row partners Brendan Cunningham and Remi O’Connell. With a well set ruck and quick ball Out half Cody Gardner kicked long to force Westport deep in their own half. 2nd rowers Connor McElligot and Sergee Brian Kelly competed well in the line outs and the Sligo backs used the ball well spinning it wide at every opportunity. After multiple phase ball scrum half Cian Quinn changed direction and the quick hands from centres Robbie Ryan and Ronan McGoldrick gave winger Eion Hallinan time and space to use his pace and glide over for Sligo’s first try.

Sligo immediately applied pressure from the restart heading straight back into Westport territory and recycling the ball well then running blind, winger Adam McCormick Simon ran in Sligo’s second try in making it 10-0 at half time.

The second half started with Westport on the front foot applying all the pressure but with solid tackling from both wing forwards Kelvin Morris and James McDonagh Sligo turned it around fighting back into their oppositions 22. Back row Brian West who had a solid game broke off, with ball in hand busted his way over the line to score Sligo’s third try and dynamic Full back Dillon McDermott converted to make it 17-0.

From then on it was all defence as Westport showed their courage and fought back. Replacements Mark Harte, Leo Brennan Tohill, Jack Moran and Cian Herghty proved Sligo’s depth and defended well. Westport kept on attacking and after numerous attempts at the line finally crossed over to close the game 17-7.

Sligo now have to play the winner of the Corrinthian White’s vs Buccaneers match, on April 7th they will try hard to bring the cup home.

Squad;
Ben Smyth
Brendan Cunningham
Remi O’Connell
Connor McElligot
Sergee Brian Kelly
Kelvin Morris
Brian West
Mark Harte
Cody Gardner
Eion Hallinan
Ronan McGoldrick
Robbie Ryan
Adam McCormack Simon
Dillon McDermott
Brandon Nooney
Cian Herghty
Cian Quinn
David Battles
James McDonagh
Jack Moran
Joseph Doggett
Leo Brennan Tohill
Marcus Meehan

Sligo RFC U12’s keep marching on

Published on March 13, 2012 in Juvenile, Match Reports and News. Closed

Juvenile rugby in Sligo continues to grow in reputation after the Connaught U12 Tuam Rugby Blitz last weekend. A superbly organised event by the Tuam Tigers and beautiful weather provided the start to an entertaining morning. A dedicated Sligo team provided a performance to be proud of and the match results to suit. Playing 5 games the Sligo team won 4 and drew 1. Many thanks to the parents who travelled to the venue to support the team and to the Sligo coaches Aidan Ryan and John Fairbrother for continuing to develop the team’s potential. But most of all a BIG THANK YOU you to all the players for their dedication and commitment throughout the season making us all feel proud.

Meanwhile back at home, Carrick on Shannon visited Sligo IT with their U7/8/9/10/11′s team in what turned to be a very enjoyable day for all with some magnificent displays of rugby.

Many thanks to the Glasshouse Hotel for their generous sponsorship of the after match catering.

There will be no training this Saturday 17th due to the St. Patrick’s day celebrations. Below is a list of the remaining fixtures;

Mar-24 Away Connacht Blitz Bucks/Monivea (U11s Only)
Mar-24 Training for other groups in Sligo IT
Mar-31 Away Connacht Blitz Ballina (U10s Only)
Mar-31 Naas U11 Blitz ( U11s Only)
Mar-31 Training for all others in Sligo IT
Apr-01 Home V Ennis U12 Only
Apr-07 Easter Saturday – NO Training
Apr-14 Final Training Session
Apr-29 Seapoint Mini Rugby Festival in Dublin ( U11s/U12s Only)

Under 11′s at training on Sat morning at Sligo IT.

Sligo beat Buccaneers to make Senior Cup final

Published on March 12, 2012 in Match Reports and Senior. Closed

Sligo 37
Buccaneers 28

Sligo somewhat surprisingly but deservedly beat the much fancied Buccaneers team to make it to their first Senior Cup final since 1992. This fixture was rearranged as weather disrupted the original match back in January. Sligo have been struggling in Division 2B of the AIL while at the same time Buccs have been going well in Division 1B. With such a disparity it was always felt that Sligo would seriously struggle against their more illustrious opponents.

Both sides fielded weakened sides for this Cup encounter with Sligo giving an outing to several young players especially in a totally reshuffled back line. All the young lads given their chance showed up very well and can be very proud of themselves. Sligo did field close to their best pack and they laid the foundations for this excellent win.

Sligo started much the stronger and were rewarded with an early penalty which the excellent Daniel Hawkins converted. However Buccs were soon on the attack and found themselves with a line out five metres for the Sligo line. Things looked ominous but Sligo as they were to continue right through the game drove Buccs backward and from the resulting scrum won a deserved penalty to get off the hook. Soon Sligo were on the attack and when veteran full back Roger Burrows collected a poor clearance kick he set up a great attack and with a beautiful offload set young flanker David Heath free. Heath had a lot to do but with some good speed and a beautiful swerve past the last defender he crashed over in the corner. The try lifted the side and the lead achieved was never relinquished until the final whistle.

The midlanders scored two penalties before Sligos out half Hawkins glided past his opponent to score near the posts. He converted his own try to make it 15 6. The next two scores came from Buccs, a try and a penalty to make it 15 14. The match continued in this helter skelter fashion into the second half, Sligo were next to score when their excellent number eight Aidan McNulty blacked down a clearance and then collected to score a fine opportunist try. Again Hawkins converted 22 14 to keep the pressure on.

Next up was Billy Leahys try on the left corner. After some good driving play by the forwards the ball was cleverly moved left for Leahy who had a bit to do but he managed to beat two despairing tacklers for the touchdown to move to 27 14.

Just when they feel they are cruising back come Buccs with another converted try 27 21. A penalty from straight in front again by Daniel Hawkins pushes it out to two scores and a bit of breathing space at 30 21. Crucially Sligo are next to score as both sides are tiring on the heavy pitch. This time it was that man Mata Fifita on one of those powerful bursts that the supporters come to see, brushing aside would be tacklers like swatting flys and he touches down near the posts. Hawkins converted 37 21 with seven minutes remaining.

Buccs would have the final say with a converted try but it wasn’t to be enough and Sligo pulled off a great moral boosting win which should stand them in good stead for those vital league games ahead.

This was a highly entertaining affair in sticky conditions with both sides willing to attack at all times. For Sligo’s young players this will have been invaluable experience and the coach Simon Galvan will be real pleased the way they showed up today.

The foundation of this win was laid by a very strong pack performance. The scrum was dominant with parity at the line outs. In the loose Sligo did get a bit of a hard time from the referee where they were very aggressive but did at times go off their feet and that’s an area they will need to examine. The back row were very strong with number eight McNulty the pick of the three with his big hits ball carries and general industry and he capped a great outing with a well taken try.

In the tight five Jamie Bowes had his usual barnstorming runs and he is a great workhorse for the team. The front row had the advantage all day with Mannion Coneeley and Mchale doing damage to their opposition. It was great too to see Brian Kane getting game time and he acquitted himself very well in the tight and in the loose where he has a great turn of speed for a prop.

Sligo’s back line did really well considering there were several new combinations. Daniel Hawkins at ten had an excellent match and was the stand out player on the park. He contributed 17 points through the boot and one touchdown and his all round work rate was exemplary. Young Stephen Butler in the centre had a great outing and his defence was strong with some nice touches in attack. Stephen is one for the future for sure. The rest of the backs were busy all day and they will gain confidence from this outing.

Sligo will face Galwegians in the final later in the season and it will be their first Senior Cup final since 1992. Remarkably Peter Mullan who came on today played in that game and wouldn’t it be amazing for Peter to be involved twenty years later. It is a huge testimony to a player who has given an enormous amount to his club and to the dedication to keep himself in such shape and fitness over the years.

Sligo; R Burrows S Donnelly S Butler M Fifita B Leahy D Hawkins G OHehir R mannion G Coneeley A McHale J Bowes J Wilson P Conlon( C ) D Heath A McNulty Subs P Mullan B Kane N OHara A Tansey M McMorrow

Buccaneers; J McGuire C Greene M Carroll K Kirapati B Corcoran A Kenneddy M Dolan M Staunton G Halligan D Higgins E Rooney J Tormey J Donoghue C Hannify L Sachner Subs A Connaughton A Hayman T Clifford L Dolan S Stapleton

Cashel too strong for Sligo!

Published on February 6, 2012 in Match Reports, News, Photos and Senior. Closed

Sligo 6
Cashel 18

Table topping Cashel RFC came to Hamilton Park with an unbeaten record and showed their class with an 18 point to 6 victory over a hardworking Sligo on Saturday. Cashel’s superior physicality proved too strong for a brave Sligo side who carried the battle to their visitors right to the final whistle.

With heavy morning rain causing difficult underfoot conditions it was the visitors who kicked off and immediately put their hosts under pressure. The early pressure was rewarded three minutes in with a well struck penalty from centre Colin Morrissey.

The Cashel number 12 repeated the dose after 13 minutes when his side were rewarded with another penalty for a ruck infringement. Sligo’s Shane Mc Guinness was shown the yellow card and was sent from play for 10 minutes.

The munster men upped the intensity and tried to use their numerical advantage to full effect. A sweeping move from right to left looked set to reap the full reward but a massive Cathal Finneran tackle forced the turnover and the danger was averted.

Sligo’s line was finally breached after 30 mins when following a line out catch and drive inside the Sligo 22 prop forward Horward Stanley touched down. To move his teams total to 11. Morrissey added the extras.

5 minutes from half time Cashel went further ahead when Ed Leamy, brother of Irish international Dennis, crashed over in the corner following some fine off-loading play by the visitors.

Sligo started the second half in determined fashion and began to take the game to their hosts. James Wilson and Peter Mullan were successfully competing from touch, Jamie Bowes was carrying powerfully and Rory Kerins and Aidan Mc Nulty were making inroads at the breakdown. Matele Fifita’s powerful running was causing concern for Cashel and Hugo Lafitte’s pace was always a threat.

A Daniel Hawkins penalty after 50 minutes put Sligo on the scoreboard and this was added to by a monster drop goal from David Gerrity 10 minutes later.
Both sides created chances in the final quarter, but defences were on top and when the final whistle was blown the score read 6-18 in favour of the visitors.

Next up Sligo Tavel north to second placed Banbridge. The match takes place on Saturday 18th of February and Sligo will be hoping to gather a big travelling support for the day.

Sligo:
David Gerrity, Cathal Finneran, Mataele Fifita, Gavin Foley, Hugo Lafitte, Daniel Hawkins, Billy Leahy, Adrian Mc Hale, Gary Conneely, Shane Mc Guinness, Jamie Bowes, Peter Mullan, Paddy Conlon (capt), Rory Kerins, Aidan Mc Nulty. Reps Ross Mannion, Brian Keane, James Wilson, David Heath, Gary O Hehir

Cashel:
Rory O Connor, Kevin Leamy, Jack Ryan, Colin Morrissey, Pat O Connor, Brian Silke, Ollie Mc Glinchey, Mike Kelly, Dave Mc Cormack, Howard Stanley, Llyod Foot, Sean Walsh, Brendan O Connor (capt), Ed Leamy, John Ed O Connor. Reps Barry Moloney, Danny Lambe, Albie Devitt, Michael Hickey, Alan O Donnell.

Referee Brian Montayne LBIRFU.

Photos by Rory Raftery – See the full match gallery on Facebook

Sligo secure win over Connemara in Senior Cup

Published on October 22, 2011 in Match Reports, News and Senior. Closed

Sligo 13 :: Connemara 9

Sligo’s much awaited return to winning ways arrived in the form of a well worked Connacht Senior Cup win against fellow Ulster Bank League division 2 side, Connemara, at Strandhill on Saturday. The teams met earlier in the season in the Connacht Senior League with Connemara taking the spoils on that occasion but a much improved Sligo proved a sterner test for the Galway outfit and Sligo proved the stronger of the teams on this occasion.

Despite a week of torrential rain, the pitch, although greasy, proved playable and thankfully the weather cleared prior to kick off. There was little or no breeze evident as Sligo’s Mark Butler kicked the match off with his team playing away from the road end. Immediately from the kick off Sligo put pressure on their opponents and quickly established a foothold in the Connemara half. The early exchanges were forward orientated with Sligo using their driving maul to good effect. With 4 minutes gone on the clock the Sligo pack were rewarded for their hard work. A scrum ball taken against the head on the halfway line was moved quickly past the ten metre line and Connemara were forced to concede the penalty from the ensuing ruck. Daniel Hawkins stepped up and a well struck kick put Sligo into an early lead. Continue reading ‘Sligo secure win over Connemara in Senior Cup’

Sligo fall to Nenagh Ormond!

Published on October 16, 2011 in Match Reports, News and Senior. Closed

Sligo RFC 5 :: Nenagh Ormond 9

Sligo suffered their third defeat on the trot in the Ulster Bank League when they were defeated by Tipperary outfit Nenagh Ormond at Strandhill on Saturday.
Three Dan Fogarty penalties were enough to keep the visitors ahead at the final whistle despite Sligo’s Daniel Hawkins scoring the only try of the game.

Sligo had to start without lineout specialist James Wilson who picked up an injury in the previous match, but were boosted by the return to action of Peter Mullan who had previously been unavailable.
With little or no breeze to contend with Sligo kicked off and early pressure yielded a sustained foothold in the Nenagh half. An early break by Matele Fifita was continued by Gavin Foley but the centres work was undone when Nenagh won the breakdown and were allowed to clear their lines. Sligo continued to press and were almost rewarded after 13 minutes when a fine Paddy Pearson line break was stopped just short of the visitors line.

Continue reading ‘Sligo fall to Nenagh Ormond!’

Connacht Senior League kicks off this weekend – Sligo RFC V’s Galwegians RFC – Saturday 3pm

Published on August 26, 2011 in Match Reports, News and Senior. Closed

The season has come around again and kicks off this weekend with a home encounter against AIL Div 1 side Galwegians in the Connacht Senior League. Simon Galvan’s men have been in pre-season now for nearly six weeks in preparation for the busy season ahead. The AIL fixtures have been set, with 7 home and 8 away games. The first AIL game sees Sligo at home to fellow newcomers to the AIL Boyne RFC. Boyne are strong outfit having come through as the Leinster Junior league champions last season.

This weekend sees Galwegians back to Strandhill. It is some years since Galwegians senior side have visited Sligo, when Sligo were last a senior club in 1998. Sligo RFC President John Kane would like to extend a very warm welcome to the Galwegians team, management and supporters coming to Sligo on Saturday.

The game is listed for Saturday with a 3pm kick off at Hamilton Park, Strandhill. Please be aware that the Warriors Run is also on in Strandhill on Saturday so parking in and around Strandhill will be limited. The Club car park is reserved for persons attending the match.

After the fantastic success of last season, Sligo welcome the re-appointment of Simon Galvan as senior coach. Simon was recently appointed as Director of Senior Rugby at the Club and the President and Club committee wish him well in the new position. The appointment of Dominic Storey as Senior Team Manager is a huge addition to the managment team. Also in the management team are the backline coach Paddy Pearson and Rodger Burrows.

On the field, Sligo welcome back former Sligo players Rory Kerins, Michael McMorrow, James Fox and Thomas Stenson – all rejoing the club.

While the Club strives to enhance the ties with Sligo IT a very special welcome goes out to French student Hugo Laffitte. Hugo is a former French U18 player and will be a welcome addition to the squad for the season ahead as he furthers his studies at Sligo IT.

Also coming in this season is Daniel Hawkins (pictured below) from New Zealand, arriving in Sligo next week. Daniel has been playing his rugby in Marlborough, New Zealand and earlier this month received the Marlborough Red Devils Player of the Year award. His CV reads well and is an exciting prospect at outhalf.

Photo courtesy of The Marlborough Express – see full article here.

Also new to the squad and the Club this year are front row players Shane McGuinness (Carrick-on-shannon) and Charlie Langley (Nenagh Ormond) – again both are very welcome to the Club.

In addition to the players transferring back and joining the Club, we have a number of former Club Youth players making the leap into senior rugby. In planning for the season ahead and indeed further into the future, Simon Galvan has identified the need to get the player conveyor belt back on track to ensure that the Club retains players produced by our Youth section. To that end, Simon invited a number of the Club’s U19′s to join the senior squad for pre-season training – Robbie Keegan, Gerard Keaney, Gary O’Hehir and Shaun Donnolly. Also in the squad are former Sligo Grammar School players John Healy, Thomas Ferrari and David Heath. A number of the U19 and former Grammar School players have earned a spot in the starring line-up in the senior side on Saturday against Galwegians – Gary O’Hehir at scrum-half and John Healy in the centre.

Special thanks goes out to those players from neighbouring clubs that joined the Sligo squad for pre-season training and we look forward to seeing some of those players appear for the Club under the dual status regulations in both the Connacht Senior League and the All Ireland League.

See you all Saturday – 3pm – come along and support the Club!

Tag Rugby – Week 2

Published on May 16, 2011 in Match Reports and Tag. Closed

Last Thursday saw the second week of tag return to Sligo Rugby Club, Hamilton Park. Although there were very heavy rain showers that day, thankfully the showers stayed away just in time to allow all 36 teams play their 40 minutes of tag.

The 6.30 games kicked off on time with Socrate Healthcare playing against Tagtastic, with a small panel the socates healthcare managed to stay afloat for the 40 mins. Beginners to the game, they showed the Tagtastic team their skills and tried their best to outdo them. Unfortunately they didnt succeed in winning the game, with Tagtastic taking the win 16 to 6. The second round of games at 7.15 showed a full panel of teams. The LA boozers were up against the Supermodels team, both teams played last year and this showed on the field with an even game for the most of the 40 mins. The Supermodels took the win with 19 points to 11. Another of the 7.15 games showed great skill with two new teams playing tag this year, those being Cartron Cowboys and Mullens Madness. The Cartron Cowboys had fun on the pitch and showed great skill against the Mullens Madness team. The win was good for Cartron Cowboys with a 21 point win to 7 Mullen Madness. The 8.45 games kicked off just in time, and one game that took place at this time was The Glasshouseotel versus Thunderstruckers. Although the Thunderstruckers team playd last year, still also have some new players to their panel. The game was taken by the Thunderstruckers team with a great win of 16 to 3 points.

After all the games had all finished all tag teams made their way into the clubhouse to take place in the annual tag Table Quiz. With 28 teams packing out the hall in the clubhouse it was a great night of entertainment. Following 9 rounds of questions, including a round in Irish, the winners of the table quiz were representing the Cartron Cowboys. The prizes for the table quiz were generously sponsored by Jako and The Record Room. Next week sees the return of the very popular Sports day games. This will include games such as the egg & Spoon race, the sack race and the 3 legged race, it is promised to be a very entertaining night for both the participants and viewers

Please note:
Sligo Tag Rugby is an Over 18s Event.
Players are not permitted to wear any jewellery (including glasses)during the games.
All players must wear Tag Shorts.

Reminder of some RULES:
4.4 The marker must stand directly in front of the ruck ball. The marker and the defensive line can only move forward when the ball is touched/played by the scrum half. Sanction: penalty

5.8 An attacker may receive a pass behind their own try line or may run behind their own try line when in possession of the ball. If an attacker is tagged behind their own tryline, the attacking team shall restart play with a Drop-Kick from the centre of their tryline.

5.9 The srumhalf can pass or kick the ball with only one tag on as long as they do so immediately (one step) .

5.16 If the scrum half is not in position within 3 seconds of the ball being played at a ruck ball, a changeover will be awarded to the defending team. The Referee will determine the time period.

5.17 if the ball carrier executes a voluntary tag by deliberately playing a Ruck Ball with both tags intact, the defending team are award a penalty.

6 In open play the ball may only be kicked from hand and while it is on the ground or while it is in the air having hit the ground. Sanction :penalty

6.13 The Attacking team may kick the ball at any time while in possession. The ball must not go higher than the referees shoulders for a grubber kick.

6.19 if the ball is kicked and bounces in the field of play and crosses the receiving teams tryline they will receive a Changeover ten meters out from the tryline the centre of the field.

6.24 If a Grubber kick travels higher than 1.5 metre, a penalty will be awarded to the defending team at the place where the ball was kicked.

6.25 If the ball is kicked and it goes out of the field of play in the full, the receiving team will receive a changeover at the poing where the kick was taken.

The contact details for Sligo Tag: sligotag@gmail.com or join us on facebook/sligotag.

Tag Rugby – Week 1

Published on May 6, 2011 in Match Reports and Tag. Closed

Thursday May 5th, saw the return of another much anticipated Season of IRFU Tag Rugby to Hamilton Park Strandhill, home to Sligo RFC. With this being the 5th consecutive year of Tag Rugby Tournaments at the Sligo Venue, the popularity of the game is prominent with yet another increase in the number of teams. With an additional six teams entering the leagues on last year, this Season is surely going to bring a great atmosphere to Strandhill. The rain stayed away for most of the evening, much to the happiness of all those taggers who braved it on the pitch and all the dedicated supporters on the sidelines. Three games kicked off at the first game time of 6.30pm, followed by a further five games at each of the following times of 7.15pm, 8.00pm and 8.45pm. One of the refs commented on the high standards of the teams this Season, with teams having improved vastly since last year.

The competition certainly kicked of with a blast with the Strandvestites taking on a new team from Ballina called the Rat Pack, this was to be a much anticipated game as the Strandvestites are one of the strongest teams in the league with many players having played tag for several years. With 6 female trys from the standvestites to 1 female try from the Rat pack it was an exciting game, but the Strandvestites took the win at 17 points to 5.

We saw a strong crowd take over the rugby club at 7.15pm as the next round of games kicked off. The regulars of Fairly Lively were up against last years runners up Guten Tag. This was also a very exciting game, with Fairly Lively having no subs they put up a strong game for 40mins. However Guten Tag took the lead with a win of 18 points to 14, having secured 4 female trys.

The 8.00pm games had a number of new teams entering the Tag field for the first time competing in the beginners league. The Socialites were up against the Stiefel Scrummers; with no subs for the Stiefel Scrummers it was always going to be a tough game. The Socialites took full advantage of their full panel and at half time took a good lead. As both teams are new to Tag Rugby the help of ref Gavin Foley explaining the laws quite clearly was much appreciated by each side. Although it was a tough game for both, the Socialites took a good win of 19 points to 10.

The final set of games began at 8.45pm; the new fifth pitch was certainly used to its full potential. Trickys Try Hards were up against Indecisive Tagstards. Trickys Try Hards pulled out all the tactics that they had learned and developed from last year and took a great win by 21 points to 5. At the same time another game was taking place between the Generals and Tagtastic. As both teams had played in previous seasons it was a very exhilarating game for both of the sides. But the Generals showed their strength by taking the win 11 points to 9.

Thankfully the sun stayed out just in time for the final whistle to be blown on the last of the evenings games. Crepes were available last night by Chez Phillipe, who is based in his cafe in the court yard on Teeling Street. There was also a selection of food on offer from the catering van of Percision Catering. Both Chez Phillipe and Percision Catering will be serving food to all the hunger taggers throughout the eleven weeks. Lee Munn on guitar supplied the entertainment in the clubhouse, this was generously sponsored by JAKO.