Youghal Rugby Football Club Sponsor ‘Berties’  -  Match Sponsor ‘The Nook’
By Derek Kiely Photo: Michael Hussey www.youghalonline.com E-mail:news@youghalonline.com

Munster Junior League Div 2

Youghal XV   12     v     Old Christians XV 22

DEFEAT For Youghal last Sunday against Old Christians in a hard fought battle at Frogmore.

Youghal conceded a penalty after just six minutes of the match, which was converted by Christians Out-Half Aidan Tobin giving the visitors the early three point advantage. That lead was extended to eight points on the 26th minute when the Christians winger Aidan Weir went over in the corner for the try.

Christians definitely started the better, taking their early chances, but Youghal fought hard in every department and replied superbly just two minutes later when Youghal’s winger Alan Fox made a fantastic interception on the right wing about 35 meters out from goal and showed a clean pair of heels to the chasing Christians defence as he ran over the try line and touched down under the posts.

Jonathan Ormonde converted and suddenly it was just a one point game. Youghal started to dominate possession and territory for the next 10 minutes with magnificent performances from the forwards, in particular Eoghan Power who put his body on the line throughout the entire 80 minutes.

After a delay due to an injury the first half was delayed by five minutes and on the stroke of the 45th minute Youghal were dealt a terrible blow, when completely against the run of play and in slightly suspicious circumstances Christians broke on the right wing after what looked like an obvious knock forward the ball found its way to Kieran Weir who touched down for the try, which was converted by Tobin giving Old Christians a 15 point to 7 point lead at the break.

The second half was a real hard fought battle in trying conditions and Youghal started the brighter, with the forwards led by Ken Forrest, ploughing their way up the middle of the pitch, winning phase after phase, completing ruck after ruck, but just not getting the breaks every team needs.

Youghal fought hard throughout the second half but the pressure told on the 71st minute when after a series of conceded penalties five meters out from the Youghal try line, referee Paul Twomey warded Christians a penalty try. Tobin converted and Christians led by 22 points to 7.

The cries from the visiting supporters was to push for the bonus point and few could have had any criticism of the Youghal players, who were out on their feet at this stage for conceding a fourth try, but Sean O’Neill’s men were having none of it.

The words, courage, belief and determination come to mind for all who watched as Youghal broke up the middle on the 77th minute and a series of tremendous passes the ball made its way out to the left wing and into the hands of Youghal’s winger Stephen Kelly who ran brilliantly in for the Try.

The match ended with a victory for the visitors, but they really had to earn it and to be honest there was nothing between the teams, except an odd decision here and the odd bounce of the ball there and Sean O’Neill’s team will take plenty positives out of this one and consider themselves to not at least have got a bonus point.

Youghal RFC would like to sincerely thank Michael Treacy and the Treacy family at ‘The Nook’ for their generous sponsorship of the Youghal versus Old Christians match. The Tracy family have a tremendous tradition in supporting sport in Youghal and have a great association with Youghal RFC.

Sponsors like ‘The Nook’ are vital to Youghal RFC and it is always deeply appreciated.

Quiz Night

Youghal RFC would like to thank everyone who supported the recent table top quiz that was held in the recently at the premises of the Clubs Main Sponsor ‘Berties’.

The quiz helped raise some much need funds for the club and everyone enjoyed the night.

Happy Christmas

As we head for the festive season Youghal RFC would like to wish all its members, sponsors and supporters a very peaceful and Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2010.