Clanwilliam First XV caused an upset by beating first divisions leaders Richmond 14-6 in the Munster Junior Cup last Sunday at Clanwilliam park. This win for Clanwilliam was the result of a huge effort by all the Clanwilliam players who competed intensely for every ball and showed more variety to their game than their opponents.

Clanwilliam under 17's did well in their drawn match against Fethard. The under 13's played Mitchelstown on Saturday and lost out 27-24. (read more)

Clanwilliam 14 - Richmond 6

Clanwilliam caused an upset by beating first divisions leaders Richmond in the Munster Junior cup last Sunday at Clanwilliam park. This win for Clanwilliam was the result of a huge effort by all the Clanwilliam players who competed intensely for every ball and showed more variety to their game than their opponents.

The game opened with both team missing kickable penalties before Richmond took the lead after fifteen minutes with a successful kick. Clanwilliam settled into the game and were not afraid to attack from deep positions. A Robert Doyle break made space for Richard Childs who was stopped short of the Richmond line. This was followed by a series of attacks by the Clanwilliam forwards before Ian Quinlan got over for the only try of the game. This score on twenty minutes gave Clanwilliam confidence as they realised that they were more than a match for Richmond.

The Clanwilliam forwards were coming out the better in contact and were constantly making ground with the rolling maul. Richmond's tactic of using their bigger forwards to try and make ground in the backline was not working as Kieran Merrigan tackled all-comers into his midfield space. Some over eagerness by Clanwilliam forwards at the breakdown lead to a number of Richmond penalties and on thirty three minutes they converted one of these to take the lead. Richmond had their best period of play after this with most of the play taking place near the Clanwilliam twenty two.

Clanwilliam regained their composure and defended with discipline to leave the score 6-5 at half time. Clanwilliam turned to play with the slight breeze and put in a tremendous display for the next fifteen minutes. With Richmond missing a number of touch kicks, the Clanwilliam backs ran direct at Richmond and found gaps appearing with Richmond missing a number of tackles. Vivian Grisewood, Padraig Ryan and Robert Doyle all made incisive breaks to bring play near the Richmond line. The Clanwilliam forwards were getting to the breakdown first with Willie Fleury and Sean Walsh in particular putting in big tackles whenever Richmond tried to make ground around the fringes.

Richmond did well in holding out until the fifty eight minute before giving away a penalty which Willie O'Dwyer kicked to give Clanwilliam the lead. Clanwilliam continued to dictate the play and the forwards were carrying ball at their opponents. The front row of John Redican, Michael Doherty and Adam Ryan were to the fore of a number of rolling mauls. Most of the play was taking place in the Richmond half and the Clanwilliam effort was rewarded with another O'Dwyer penalty kick on seventy minutes. The eight point deficit spurred Richmond into action and they started to move the ball wide. This nearly resulted in a try but a covering tackle from Ian Quinlan kept the lead to eight. Andy Lacey was also prominent making tackles across the gain line as Richmond continued to inject pace into their game.

The fitness of the Clanwilliam forwards told as they increased their work-rate for the last ten minutes and had critical turnovers from Eddie Ryan and David McCormack to deprive Richmond off attacking opportunities. Clanwilliam finished the game back in control of matters to complete a great team performance.

Sunday's game showed that Clanwilliam's form at the moment is in good order and competition for places is intensifying. Clanwilliam's final league match against Old Christians has been pushed out a few weeks and the quarter final of the Junior cup against Bruff is scheduled for Clanwilliam Park on Sunday week.

Clanwilliam under 17's did well in their drawn match against Fethard. The team played the game at a fast pace and the forwards and backs linked well to create a number of scoring chances. There were good displays from Richard Kennedy, Jack Looby, Adam Ryan, Cillian Ryan, Keith Ryan and Emmet Fitzpatrick. This result keeps the team in contention for a League play-off place.

The under 13's played Mitchelstown on Saturday and lost out 27-24. After being well behind at half time the team played an excellent second half and almost got the win. Darragh Burke, Frank Ryan, Ben Downey, Graham Roche, Daniel Kelly, Jack Comerford and Dylan Buckley were some of the players to do very well.

Fixtures:

Saturday March 6th:

2nd Team: Webb cup away to St. Marys, kick-off 4pm

Sunday March 7th:

Womens Team away to Tralee

Under 17's: League away to Thurles, 11am

Under 14's: Away to Bruff, 11.30am

Minis: Under 7 to under 12: away to Fethard. Leave Clanwilliam at 9.30.