Clanwilliam First XV retained their promotion challenge with a 30-12 win in Bandon where a strong second half performance saw them secure the league points. The result of this game was in the balance for the first hour of play but the Clanwilliam work-rate paid off with seventeen points in the final twenty minutes. The League table now sees Clanwilliam two point ahead of Galbally and Old Christians with Christians having a game in hand.

Clanwilliam under 17's got back to winning ways when they beat Carrick-on-Suir by 28-12 in Collegelands on Sunday.

The Clanwilliam under 15's lost out narrowly in qualifying for the semi-final of their League with a 15-10 defeat in Cashel.

For any women interested in getting fit and playing non contact rugby, there is women's tag-rugby taking place every Tuesday, 7.30 at Collegelands: all are welcome. 

(more detail available)

Bandon 12 - Clanwilliam 30

Clanwilliam First XV retained their promotion challenge with a win in Bandon where a strong second half performance saw them secure the league points. The result of this game was in the balance for the first hour of play but the Clanwilliam work-rate paid off with seventeen points in the final twenty minutes.

Bandon had the better start and went into a three point lead with a penalty kick after fifteen minutes. Clanwilliam were moving the ball through the backs but were conceding possession with a number of errors in their game. These mistakes were putting Clanwilliam on the back-foot resulting in penalties coming Bandon's way. After twenty five minutes Bandon were six points ahead with a successful penalty kick.

From the restart, good pressure on the Bandon catcher gave Clanwilliam a penalty which Willie O'Dwyer converted. The Clanwilliam game was improving with Kieran Merrigan and Richards Childs making ground in midfield. On thirty five minutes, a break out of defence by Bandon brought play towards the Clanwilliam line where the referee awarded Bandon a penalty which restored their six point lead. Clanwilliam continued to work at their game and their scrum was beginning to cause Bandon problems. A good scrum just before half time gave Clanwilliam a penalty near the Bandon twenty two to leave the score 9-6 in favour of Bandon at half time.

The second half resumed with much of the same pattern of play where the Clanwilliam backline were moving the ball wide but finding it difficult to break through the Bandon defence. Ten minutes into the half, a series of quick rucks by Clanwilliam near the Bandon twenty two saw Ian O'Rahelly make a break and bring play near the Bandon line. The Clanwilliam forwards recycled the ball and John Redican powered his way over the line near the posts. Willie O'Dwyer converted. Unfortunately a lapse in concentration after the kick-off handed Bandon a penalty to narrow the Clanwilliam lead to one point. Clanwilliam continued to up the pace of their game and Bandon were beginning to tire. Good work by Denis O' Brien at a ruck near the Bandon twenty two saw another penalty come O'Dwyer's way which he struck well to add three points after sixty minutes.

The Clanwilliam forwards were now finding gaps around the fringes of rucks and recycling fast ball for the backs. A try came from this type of play when Robert Doyle was on hand to finish in the corner. Willie O'Dwyer converted to leave Clanwilliam eleven point ahead with ten minutes remaining. Bandon were keeping Clanwilliam on their toes with their ability to attack from deep and nearly replied with a try. Clanwilliam continued to attack Bandon and breaks by David McCormack and Vivian Grisewood were close to yielding scores. The constant pressure from Clanwilliam paid off with another seven points three minutes from time when a good drive by the forwards was finished by Adam Ryan. The game finished with Clanwilliam looking for a bonus point try but time was against them and the team were more than happy to take the four points considering their position a half hour beforehand.

The League table now sees Clanwilliam two point ahead of Galbally and Old Christians with Christians having a game in hand. Clanwilliam's remaining game is at home to Christians on Sunday week. In the meantime, there is another attractive fixture in Clanwilliam park next Sunday when First Division leaders Richmond visit for a Munster Junior Cup fourth round tie.

Clanwilliam under 17's got back to winning ways when they beat Carrick-on-Suir by 28-12 in Collegelands on Sunday. The team created plenty opportunities and had tries from Keith Ryan, Russell Bowes, Jack Looby, Paul Kingston and James Hogan who also kicked a penalty. Sean Cunningham, Obhran McCarthy and Liam Conway were others to do well.

The Clanwilliam under 15's lost out narrowly in qualifying for the semi-final of their League with a 15-10 defeat in Cashel.

For any women interested in getting fit and playing non contact rugby, there is women's tag-rugby taking place every Tuesday, 7.30 at Collegelands: all are welcome.

Fixtures: Sunday Feb 28th:

1st Team: Munster Junior Cup at home to Richmond, 2.30

Womens team: League away to Tralee, kick-off 1.00

Under 17's League at home to Fethard, 11.00

Under 15's away to Roscrea, 11.00

Under 13's at home to Roscrea, 11.00

Mini rugby, under 11's to under 7's in Clonmel. Leave Clanwilliam 9.30