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26 April 2008
Balbriggan Win Jenkinson Cup
After a long barren spell Balbriggan won the North East Jenkinson Cup on Saturday defeating Boyne 33 - 17 in the final. For many on the team this was their first competition win and this was refelcted in the post match celebrations. It was also a night for brothers - with Balbriggan fielding three set of brothers on the night , Conor and colin Casey, John and Andy Whitment and Michael and Maurice McAuley.
The Balbriggan side took a long time to settle into the game, after staring well they had to ensure sever Boyne pressure. A penalty from Conor Casey saw Balbriggan take a lead but this was negated by a goal from Boyne. Boyne then were on top for most of the half and added a further penalty but just on half time a break by the Balbriggan backs saw Maurice McAuley send older brother Michale into the corner for a try. This left the half time score at 8 - 10.
The half time team tak saw a change of tactics from Balbriggan and they started to maul the ball more before releasing the backs. The Balbriggan pack benefited from the return of Captain Karl Roche and veteran Packie O'connor both of whom had been on the injured list from the early weeks of the season. eventually Balbriggan got the break through when Conor Casy made a break that beat the defence and passed to brother Colin to score under the posts. Balbriggan added a couple of penalties converted by Maurice McAuley when teh Boyne discipline slipped. Balbriggan then brought in U20s Kirean Malone and andy Whitney to replace tired legs. Whitney marked his debut by finishing off a good back move scoring inthe corner. Conor Casey wrapped up the scoring with another characteristic break and score under the posts. Boyne replied with a score in injury time but the victory was Balbriggans.
After the match team coach Des O'Connor noted that this was a well derved victory and a great way to end the season and hoped that this would npw give this young team confidence to go forward to better things next season.
Balbriggan: S Mullen, C McNally, J Mullen, M McAuley, Mi McAuley, C Casey, A Smith, P O'Hare C Casey, P O'connor, C Caldwell, A Egan, J Whitney, C Roche (Capt), P Quinn.
subs: D Sheridan, A Whitney, P Comey, P Joyce, K Malone
Balbriggan Tag Blitz
On Saturday Balbriggan held the first of a series on mini blitzes. The Blitzes are being supported by Fingal County Council and the Dormant Accounts fund as a means fo attracting new players into the sport. Club YDO has been working with the local national schools to encourage children to take up sport. With the growth in population in Balbriggan many families are unaware of the range of sports available.
On saturaday there were over 60 kids participating in the event. They played a series of tag matches and also had a kicking competition and then ended up with a kicking competition. The day also benefited from the first spring like day in a while. The day concluded with a BBQ.
Overall it was a great success and the next day is scheduled for Saturday 25th May at 2.30pm at the Club's Balrothery ground.
2/05/07 Balbriggan Defend
Rugby Title
The Under 18s of Balbriggan Rugby
Club defended their Leinster Plate title they won last
season by defeating New Ross in a close encounter. Balbriggan
entered the match knowing they had the ability to lift
the trophy as long as they played to the same standard
they had set for themselves the previous week in a near
fautless semi final against Tallaght. New Ross who had
earnt the right to play in the decider by defeating
Wexford in the second semi final were expected to be
a much tougher opponent and so by match end it proved.
Both sides scored one try each in the first half with
the match ultimately being decided by the boot. New
Ross opened the scoring with a well taken try to their
centre following some good passing and running by their
backs. This try was converted and New Ross lead 5 –
0. This lead was then extended with a penalty and Balbriggan
found themselves 8 – 0 down. With plenty of time
left in the first half Balbriggan lifted their game
with the forward’s maul starting to have a major
effect on the game. The work of the Balbriggan maul
which marched up field twenty metres on no fewer then
four occasions in the latter part of the first half
was augmented by the play of Balbriggan’s halves.
Scrum-half Daniel McGrogan and out-half Ian Murphy running
off the back of Balbriggan’s maul began dictating
the course of play and ultimately the match. It was
on the back of one of Balbriggan’s surges down
field that Balbriggan found themselves back in the match.
New Ross threw them-selves into Balbriggan’s maul
and backline ball but found themselves on the wrong
end of the referee. After being awarded two penalties
in a row Balbriggan found themselves camped on the New
Ross try-line. Setting a maul as they had done so successfully
through the match to that point it seemed only a matter
of time. Whilst it was the maul that set the platform
Balbriggan found themselves over the try-line following
an astute pass from McGrogan. With the maul halted by
New Ross, McGrogan passed to the blind-side to his second
row team-mate Conor Daly who did enough to crash over.
Balbriggan now trailed 8 – 5. This lead was reduced
further to 8 – 7 with McGrogan slotting an exceptional
conversion in trying windy conditions. Balbriggan had
in deed found themselves back in the match with the
half-time score remaining 8 – 7. With a very even
first half it was obvious the match was going down to
the wire. Balbriggan lifted throughout the second half
playing with much better field position then New Ross
with the ball only coming into their own quarter on
two occasions whilst New Ross seemed to be defending
for the remainder of the match. Balbriggan made numerous
breaks only to be denied time and time again by the
stoic defence of New Ross. With the better of the field
position McGrogan who definitely had his kicking boots
on this day gave Balbriggan a 10 – 8 lead with
a calmly taken penalty. This lead was held onto until
the fulltime whistle which went with Balbriggan camped
on New Ross’ try-line which was a fitting end
as Balbriggan’s dominance during the second half
saw the majority of the game played in this part of
the field. With McGrogan and Murphy leading from the
front in the backs they were ably assisted by Tom Hagan,
Brian Russell and Maurice Sheehy who all had exceptional
games in the Balbriggan forward pack although you would
have to go a long way to find anyone to say that everyone
else in the Balbriggan side didn’t play their
part in the victory.
1. Mark Brown 2. Leigh O’Toole 3. Tony Healy (c)
4. Conor Daly 5. Brian Russell 6. Conor McMahon 7. Tom
Hagan 8. Maurice Sheehy 9. Daniel McGrogan 10. Ian Murphy
11. Andy Whitney 12. Aaron Poynton 13. Ciaran Smith
14. Brendan Gallagher 15. Sean Kenny 16. Stephen Harford
17. Steffano Vettraine 18. Eamonn Harford 19. Ciaran
Verdon 20. Dave Sheridan 21. Ronan Caswell
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| 2 Photos added to gallery. Here |
17/04/07 Balbriggan
Secure Chance To Defend Title
The Balbriggan Under 18s rugby
side have secured the chance of defending their Leinster
Plate title they won last season following victory over
Tallaght in last weekends semi final. The win follows
on from hard fought quarter final success the week before
against Edenderry. Playing at home against Edenderry,
Balbriggan took the match 13 – 9 scoring two tries
to nil. Daniel McGrogan scored the first picking the
ball up and crashing over following a good drive by
Conor Daly. Edenderry hit back with two penalties to
take the lead 6 – 5. With half time approaching
Balbriggan’s Captain Tony Healy stormed onto a
ball a full 15 metres out and with enough speed up barged
over to take back the lead 10 – 6. Edenderry completed
the first half scoring with another penalty to trail
at the break 10 – 9. Balbriggan secured the match
with the only other score being a penalty from in front
of the posts which then secured their semi final chance
against Tallaght. The confidence garnered from the Edenderry
victory was evident in bucket loads against Tallaght
as Balbriggan ran out convincing 29 – 7 victors.
The win was built on stoic defence and excellent ball
movement all round the park. Balbriggan scored three
tries in the first half with the first going to Maurice
Sheehy who finished off some nice forward drive to pick
up and crash over. Daniel McGrogan converted from the
sideline and Balbriggan lead 7 – 0. Sheehy then
played a role in his sides second score picking the
ball up from the back of a solid scrum, popping inside
to the ever present Tom Hagan who dove over to put his
side 12 – 0 up with the conversion missed. Balbriggan
then extended their lead to 19 – 0 with what was
the try of the match. Following several phases of interplay
between the backs and forwards Lightning Ciaran Smith
found himself in the clear for the converted score.
Balbriggan also added a penalty in the first half, although
Tallaght managed the last score of the first stanza
scoring a well taken converted try of their own. If
Smith’s try was the score of the match then the
only points to come in the second half were probably
the cleverest. Balbriggan on winning a lineout ten metres
from Tallaght’s line threw short to the front
of the lineout, the ball then popped back to the hooker,
who then popped it back inside to Balbriggan’s
Captain Tony Healy who on catching Tallaght’s
defence napping strolled over to score. Balbriggan had
secured their victory and earnt the right to defend
their title in two weeks time against New Ross who had
won their semi final against Wexford.
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4/04/07 Under 18s Edge
Closer to Title Defence
Balbriggan’s Under 18s rugby
team have come one step closer towards defending their
Leinster Plate won last season with a solid 20 –
3 win away to Longford. Balbriggan now enter round four
at home to Edenderry. Victory against Edenderry would
then put the holders into a semi final and a real chance
of back to back titles.
The Under 14s of Balbriggan completed their season playing
Under lights in Ashbourne. Whilst disappointed to lose
the match 47 – 14, the novelty of being under
lights made the trip to Ashbourne’s revamped facilities
a real novelty for Balbriggan’s young charges.
Ashbourne dominated play during the start of the match
scoring four run away tries. Balbriggan hit back as
half time approached scoring two converted tries of
their own with Shane Rooney and Mark Spellman scoring
and Kyle Healy converting both. Although Ashbourne scored
four more tries in the second half, Balbriggan ended
the match knowing they made their hosts work really
hard for all of their spoils with all twenty five of
the Balbriggan squad playing their part during the match.
With Rooney being a stand out for Balbriggan he was
well supported on the night by Jamie Fogarty, Sean O’Byrne,
Ciaran Browne, Tom Domigan and Ben Moore.
The Balbriggan Community College completed their run
of matches in the North East Development League at First
Year level with a home match to Dundalk and an away
game to Ardee. With running rugby being the order of
the day a number of tries were scored in both matches.
As for the winners, Dundalk won it’s away match
to Balbriggan scoring six tries to three whilst Balbriggan
also won on the road, defeating Ardee 26 – 14.
Balbriggan scored four tries in Ardee with Shane Rooney
and Chris Hagan scoring whilst Gregorz Pogorzelski scored
twice.
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28/03/07
Balbriggan Schools Rugby Report
The first years rugby squad of Balbriggan Community College
played their latest match in the North East Development
League away to St Marys of Drogheda. Playing into a strong
breeze in the first half the Balbriggan lads found the going
tough with St Marys getting out to a 19 – 0 towards
the end of the half time beak following three well taken
tries. Knowing that a score before the beak would put them
back into the game Balbriggan soon found their feet and
following some damaging runs by Shane Rooney who popped
a beautiful pass out the back door to Shane Bertram, Balbriggan
had scored in the corner. They were now trailing 19 –
5 and plying with new resolve. Bertram was once again on
hand to open the scoring for the second half and with the
try converted Balbriggan were now well in the match 19 –
12. St Marys however weren’t done crossing the line
for their fourth try of the match to now lead 26 –
12. Rooney, who was putting in a man of the match performance
for his side got his own rewards barging over the line for
a well taken try after he picked the ball up from the back
of a scrum. Balbriggan were now within range of their hosts
26 – 17 but were unable to continue the come back
with St Marys holding on for victory. Others to support
Rooney and Bertram on the day in playing well for Balbriggan
were Daniel Edwards, Darragh O’Cuinnegain, Jamie Fogarty
and Grzegorz Pogorzelski.
28/02/07 Balbriggan Finish
League In Top Half Of Table
Balbriggan’s Senior rugby team
finished a credible seventh out of fourteen teams on the
points table of Division Three of the Leinster League. With
results including a win and a draw over local rivals Malahide
and Swords respectively, Balbriggan have improved from ninth
position last season and eleventh the season before that.
With Tullow, Longford and Rathdrum setting the pace for
most of the season Balbriggan now know what needs to be
done to not only improve again next year but also make a
push for league success. For coach Dale McAuley it was a
couple of losses around Christmas that played a crucial
part in determining Balbriggan’s League finish. “Every
side will always look back on the season and talk about
the, what ifs, but I think the two losses to Arklow (13-10)
and Clane (18-12) around Christmas became crucial. If we
had of won those games that would of set us up better for
our run during the new year. It wasn’t to be, but
in the end we are delighted to of improved again in finishing
seventh.”
Balbriggan started the next chapter of their season over
the weekend with a 31 – 0 win away to Ardee in the
North East Jenkinson Cup. Doing most of the running during
the match Balbriggan scored five tries to nil, scoring two
in the first half and three in the second. John Whitney,
who is improving all the time at out-half played exceptionally
well putting Michael McAuley through a gap with a perfectly
timed cut out pass to score Balbriggan’s first try.
Whitney was on hand again for Balbriggan’s second
try when he broke Ardee’s defence to then pop the
ball to the rampaging Andy Smith who side stepped Ardee’s
cover to score under the posts. Cathal McNulty converted
both of Balbriggan’s tries and the visitors lead 14
– 0 at the break. Playing off the back of a dominant
scrum Balbriggan had some early chances of scoring on the
resumption of play only to be let down by some handling
errors. Michael McAuley got things back on track for Balbriggan
when he was on the end of a lovely pass out of traffic by
Conor Caldwell. Caldwell in making a twenty metre run and
attracting three defenders to himself used his strength
to get the ball out to McAuley who crashed over in the corner.
Caldwell then played a role in Balbriggan’s fourth
try being on hand with the final pass to replacement Dale
McAuley who in pushing off two defenders did enough to go
over near the posts. Whitney finished things off nicely
for the visitors scoring under the posts after receiving
a kick from forty metres out. He beat four defenders capping
off a superb game. Others that played well for Balbriggan
were Karl Roche who was man of the match at Number 8 and
Brian Darcy who was solid at first centre. The win puts
the side in good stead as they are preparing for their first
Towns Cup match against Tullow which is to be played away
the weekend after next. Following their win over Ardee,
Balbriggan have an extra training session planned this Sunday
as part of their preparation for Tullow.
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21/02/07 Balbriggan Pipped
At Post By Ratoath
Balbriggan’s Under 14s were pipped
at the post recently in one of the entertaining matches of
the season going down at home 34 – 27. Entering the
game with high hopes of going one step further than a 10 all
draw the last time the two sides met, Balbriggan were slow
to start allowing a couple of tries in early on. They soon
hit back with a well taken try scored by Tom Domigan who may
of found himself a place in the forwards to trail 10 –
5. Ratoath however strengthened their first half advantage
scoring on two other occasions to lead at the break 20 –
5 having scored four tries to Balbriggan’s one. Whatever
was said at halftime seemed to work in Balbriggan’s
favour with the home side scoring the next two tries to Andrew
McCaffrey and Domigan once again. With one of the tries converted
Balbriggan now trailed 20 – 17. Ratoath stretched their
lead to 27 – 17 having scored their fifth try. Balbriggan
quite remarkably scored to make the match interesting again
with Niall Duffy scoring a length of the pitch run away try.
Both sides once again exchanged scores with Balbriggan’s
McCaffrey scoring his second leaving the score at 34 –
27 with minutes to go. Both sides with chances of ball in
hand were unable to trouble the scorers again with the final
result sitting in Ratoath’s favour. For Balbriggan Shane
Rooney and Kyle Healy assisted Balbriggan’s try scorers
in playing well. Balbriggan’s Under 10s turned the tables
on Rataoath taking the spoils in another close match 10 –
7 whilst Balbriggan’s 12s lost gallantly 6 – 3
to Skerries. The Skerries match was highlighted by the tackling
of Ruari O’Byrne and all round good play for James Goodman
for Balbriggan. They were ably assisted by Adam Newe and Dara
O’Cuinneagain who also played well.
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Photos
of Athboy Vs Balbriggan by Joe Curtis 14th Jan 2007.
Here |
7/02/07 Balbriggan’s
Under 16s Taste Sweet Rugby Victory
Balbriggan’s Under 16s tasted
a sweet victory over Athboy in an away game coming away with
the spoils 45 – 5. In a game that took a little while
going Balbriggan soon hit their straps with man of the moment
Dave Sheridan scoring the first of his two tries. The try
was converted and Balbriggan lead 7 – 0. Rua O’Cuinneagain
was next on the score-sheet with a devastating run of his
own, a try which was converted and Balbriggan had a 14 –
0 lead. It was only soon after that Sheridan troubled the
scorers for the second time giving Balbriggan a 19 –
0 lead. Athboy who had been gallant throughout, making the
visitors work extremely hard for their rewards were next to
score. Following some good lead up play and consistent drive
Balbriggan soon ran out of numbers with Athboy crashing over
for a deserved score. With half-time looming and somewhat
against the run of play Balbriggan how ever scored again with
Ciaran Verdon on hand to pick up an innocuous ball and place
it over the line for his teams fourth try of the half and
a 26 – 5 lead. Balbriggan scored three more tries in
the second half with each of Shane McGuiness, Darren Sweetman
and Sean Malone scoring. At the end of the day Balbriggan
had their deserved win.
Recent results for Balbriggan’s younger charges have
been a little mixed. The Under 12s have defeated Ashbourne
5 – 2, drawn with Suttonians 6 all and lost to Navan
5 – 0 whilst the Under 10s have defeated Ashbourne 6
– 5 and lost to Boyne, Dundalk, Navan, Barnhall and
Naas 6 – 2, 2 – 1, 7 – 3, 2 – 1 and
2 – 1 respectively. With a lot of close losses more
often then not by just the one score this close group of lads
that is the Balbriggan Under 10s have promised to keep working
hard with a turn around in results surely just around the
corner.
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24/01/07 Balbriggan’s Under 7s Experience
First Win
The Under 7s of the Balbriggan Rugby
Club experienced their first win of the season defeating Dundalk
4 – 3. After having previously played four matches with
their best result being a draw against Skerries Balbriggan’s
young charges were delighted to come out the victors and kick-starting
a new chapter of Balbriggan rugby. Try scorers for Balbriggan
were Sean Hussey and Ciaran Murphy who scored two each. Balbriggan
also played Dundalk at Under 8s level losing in a close match
3 – 1 with Cormac O’Byrne scoring the try. O’Byrne
also scored on three other occasions against Boyne helping
his side to a 5 – 1 victory. Jake Vickers and Peter
Lawless were the other try scorers on the day. Balbriggan
also played Dundalk and Boyne at Under 10s level losing 2
– 1 and 6 – 0 respectively.
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17/01/07 Balbriggan Mini Rugby
Report
Balbriggan’s Under 7s and 8s played
Skerries with mixed results the order of the day. Balbriggan
in fact played two matches at Under 7s level coming away with
a draw in the first match 5 all and losing the second match
narrowly 6 – 4. Try scorers on the day for Balbriggan
were Johnothan O’Carrol and Sean Hussey. Cian Nulty
and Rory Kennedy played exceptionally well quite often providing
the final pass leading to tries being scored. Dara Carr marshalled
his team-mates well in defence and was aided by Ciaran Murphy
who played an excellent game in his first match of rugby and
Daniel O’Byrne who never stopped trying. Liam Ruelens
was also outstanding especially with ball in hand. Balbriggan’s
Under 8s also managed a draw against Skerries with the end
result reading 4 all. Balbriggan’s four tries came from
Cormac O’Byrne, Peter Lawless, Jake Vickers and Stephen
Newe.
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25/10/06
Balbriggan Community College Win First Rugby Cup Match
Balbriggan Community College’s Junior Cup Rugby team
won their first cup match with an away win at Tallaght.
The win was a great bonus for the school who are fielding
in the Leinster Development Cup at this level for the first
time. They now move on to face St fintans from Sutton in
the second round. The match with Tallaght ending 12 –
7 in Balbriggan’s favour with both tries going to
Daryl Whyte. Whyte was well supported on the day by Shane
Egan who was easily best on pitch and Anto Murphy who had
a great game at outhalf. The college’s senior cup
side also met Tallaght in the first round with tallaght
taking the spoils on the day.
As for Balbriggan club rugby there were plenty of youth
teams in action with the Under 8s and 10s playing Dundalk
at home. The Under 10s came out 10 – 7 winners after
a very competitive game. Scorers on the day were David Goodman,
Brian Smyth, Robert O’Byrne, Steven Sharpe and a hat
trick from the very impressive Liam Thornton. In defense
Eoin Foley and Jordan Collins tackled with great determination.
The Under 8s were beaten 4-1 and will improve as a number
of new players were having their first game. The scorer
on the day was Peter Lawless who touched down in the corner
after a excellent break. Others to play well included Jon
O’Carroll, Steven Munson, Steven Hughes, Cormac O’Byrne,
Gavin Mullen, Dylan Collins, Jack Perdue and Oisin Benton.
Balbriggan’s Under 12s also played Dundalk losing
in a great game 4 – 1 with Ryan McGrogan scoring Balbriggan’s
try after a great break. Best on the day for Balbriggan
were Conor McEntee whose tackling is something to be seen,
Ruari O’Byrne who gave great service at scrumhalf
and Andrew Corscoran who never stopped trying.
Balbriggan’s Under 14s and 16s traveled to Ashbourne
with the home side securing wins in both age groups. The
Under 14s match had plenty of tries scored with Ashbourne
winning 30 – 10. try-scorers for Balbriggan were Jamie
Fogarty and Mark Spellman. Sean Bruton had his best game
ever for Balbriggan making numerous breaks and defending
really well. Ciaran Browne also played well making numerous
good runs with the ball in hand. Balbriggan’s 16s
came up against a very good side in Ashbourne and were never
in the hunt with all in attendance on the day playing manfully
to the final whistle. Ian Rogan, Sanjo, James O’Neill
and John Courteney who were all new comers to the squad
fitted in well and never stopped trying.
25/10/06 Balbriggan
Remain Undefeated With Emphatic Home Win
The Balbriggan Senior Rugby team remain undefeated in all
competitions after an emphatic 29 – 6 home win against
Birr. The win sees the team with three Leinster League wins
and a draw well placed towards the top of the League table.
The side has also two other wins to their credit with these
victories coming in the North East Cup. It is however understandably
the current success at Leinster league level that has the
place buzzing at the moment.
Although comfortable winners on the day, Balbriggan had
to work hard against Birr, scoring the majority of their
points in the last twenty minutes. Birr in fact went into
the halftime break leading 3 – 0. Both sides exchanged
penalties early in the second half, with Birr holding a
6 – 3 advantage with twenty minutes to go. It was
at this time that Balbriggan lifted their work rate and
resolve turning down opportunities to shoot for penalty,
instead preferring to maintain field position to have a
crack at the line. Two or three possessions later and the
tactic paid off. After firstly being denied close to the
line and then held up over the line, Balbriggan received
another penalty with the side deciding to take a quick tap.
Bouncing off two defenders from ten metres out Balbriggan’s
Captain Packie O’Connor on being scragged by the third
defender had enough momentum to reach out and score on the
line. The try was converted by Cathal McNulty and Balbriggan
lead 10 – 6. From that point on Balbriggan were always
in control scoring three more tries seemingly every time
they made it into Birr’s territory. The last try came
with one minute remaining securing Balbriggan an all important
bonus point for scoring four tries. The bonus point try
was scored by Daragh Keran who came on at halftime to play
in the unfamiliar position of Tighthead Prop. Keran’s
inexperience in this specialist position quickly evaporated
as he in fact not only sured up Balbriggan’s scrum
but also turned it into a weapon.
O’Connor and Keran were well supported on the day
by Paddy Connolly who gave great service at scrumhalf and
Karl Roche who continues to impress at centre especially
with what he brings to the team in organising it’s
mid field defence. James Mullen was recognised as Balbriggan’s
man of the match at first centre following some barnstorming
runs and big hits in defence and could be one to watch for
the future as he steadily improves.
18/10/06 A Feast Of Schools
Rugby
First and Second years at Balbriggan Community college were
introduced to schools rugby for the first time this year
participating in a seven a side rugby blitz amongst themselves
over a two week period. The blitz competition coordinated
hand in hand between the school itself and Balbriggan Rugby
Club’s Development Officers Dale McAuley and Daniel
Lyngcoln gives first and second years the chance to experience
rugby at a fun level against peers of the same age. Each
year was split into four teams, with the lads nominating
their own sides. Each side then played each other once over
and hour and a half period each week for two weeks with
points awarded for wins, draws, losing by less then a try
and for scoring more then four tries. A final was then played
between the top two sides at the end of week twos for bragging
rights around the school. Four second year teams graced
the field in their own competition with the “Sly Sharks”
and “Fingal Force” narrowly beating “Balbriggan
Thunder” and “Aussie Devils” to the final.
With plenty of tries scored, the final ended in a draw with
school bragging rights shared.
As for the first year teams “Rooney Squad” and
“Nathans Cows” qualified for the final with
“Chip Stix Bengal Tigers” and “Domigans
Dingoes” narrowly missing the top two spots. Bragging
rights at the end of the tournament went to Rooney Squad
who pipped Nathans Cows by a try. The tournament itself
was not only an opportunity for the first year lads to have
some fun but to also put their hands up for selection in
a first year team for some friendly matches to complete
a trio of sides for the school with the Junior and Senior
teams already waving the school flag in the Leinster Development
Cup.
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Second Year 7s Blitz
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18/10/06 Balbriggan Community
college Enter junior and Senior Leinster Rugby Cup
The Balbriggan Community College played their first inter
school rugby match last Thursday with an away friendly to
St Marys in Drogheda. The match gave both sides the opportunity
to hone their skills for their respective first round Leinster
Junior Cup matches this week. As a follow on from the Marys
match Balbriggan’s Junior side will be away to Tallaght
with victory ensuring a second round birth in the Cup. It
is Balbriggan’s first entry at Junior Leinster level
following their Senior counterparts footsteps who entered
the Cup for the first time last year. The Junior sides entry
alongside the Senior team has completed another chapter in
the development of Balbriggan rugby.
The Marys match itself proved most advantageous with a number
of players and numerous combinations tried by Balbriggan.
Lead in the forward pack well by Ian Rogan and John Courteney
Balbriggan threw themselves into the match against their slightly
more experienced opponents with running rugby being the theme
of the day. It was St Marys however that reaped any benefits
from their attacks scoring two tries towards the end of the
first half. Balbriggan then started the second half the better
with out-half Anto Murphy coming into his own and getting
his side going forward. This better control of the ball saw
Balbriggan surging up field eventuating in a try to Daryl
Whyte. Back in the game Balbriggan rung the changes to look
at different options and to give all an equal shot at securing
a jersey for the following weeks Cup team. It was at this
stage of the match that flanker James O’Neill came into
his own ably assisting Balbriggan’s man of the match
Shane Egan in securing possession and shutting down St Mary’s
attack with text book tackle after text book tackle. Balbriggan
then made another break with Chris McMahon shooting down the
sideline with the try-line beckoning. McMahon in his excitement
tripped over his own foot and the opportunity was lost. St
Marys scored soon after and any opportunity for Balbriggan
to win was gone. The team now look forward to their Cup match
with Tallaght knowing full well they will be better for it
from their match with St Marys who were worthy winners.
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Junior Cup Team
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| 18/10/06 Onwards and Upwards For Balbriggan’s
Mini Rugby Section Click Here. |
First Year Blitz
| 18/10/06 Balbriggan Youth
Rugby. Click Here |
Balbriggan
U12’s have 28,000 die-hard rugby fans in raptures at
Lansdowne Road
On 6th of October in Lansdowne road Balbriggan took on the
might of North Kildare on front of 28,000 fans. Of course
most of these fans came to see this match which kicked off
at 8:15.
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The 28,000 crowd
was warmed up for the by the curtain raiser between
Leinster and Munster but were in raptures when the main
event began. From the start
it was clear that Balbriggan were intent on bringing
the game to North Kildare. Willed on by the huge crowd
the forwards pounded the Kildare defences which held
up to every advance by the Balbriggan team. Across the
field through the backs hands and still no luck in breaching
the North Kildare defence which were up to 3 inches
taller per man (they must feed them more meat down there). |
As
the minutes passed it seemed that Balbriggan must score
but out of the blue a breakaway for North Kildare put
paid to any ambitions that Balbriggan had. Heart break!.
A second followed in similar fashion a couple of minutes
after and then the final whistle.
Alas Balbriggan had lost but who
cares we played well put our tackles and performed like
a TEAM. All went home happy especially the team in the
knowledge that that they will have been the last members
of Balbriggan to play in this version of Lansdowne in
a competitive match.
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The last time a Balbriggan team had played in Lansdowne road
was in 1977 and went on to win the Culleten cup that day.
Incidentally one of tonight’s coaches John O’Byrne
was a member of that team and his son Ruairi is a member of
this team.
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Everybody
connected deserves a mention for their commitment on
and off the field. We cannot name the 50-100 parents,
brothers, sisters, friends and club mates who came to
cheer us on but appreciate their support as indeed we
wish to thank the Leinster branch for arranging such
a wonderful event. |
The squad (not in any particular order)
Glenn Foley. Patrick Healy, Andrew Corscoran, Darragh O'Cuinnegain,
James Goodman, Ruairi O'Byrne, Ryan McGrogan, Conor Weldon,
Jamie Fogarty, Aaron Bruton, Conor McEntee, Adam Newe, Charles
Ward, Garry Hines and Stephen O'Byrne
The team was ably supported by the coaching staff of: John
O'Byrne, Chris McGrogan, Tom Weldon and Daniel McGrogan
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11/10/06 Balbriggan Come Out
On Top In Local Derby
Balbriggan Senior rugby team came out
on top defeating Malahide 18 – 16 in the first round
of the Leinster League. In a very grafting first half the
only points that came to either side came by way of the boot
with each side slotting two penalties a piece. The second
half proved to be a different affair with a few more breaks
made by each side. First to benefit from the more open play
was Balbriggan, with Captain and Number 8 Packie O’Connor
crashing over to score on the back end of some good clearing
out by Michael O’Keefe. O’Connor’s try was
converted by Cathal McNulty and Balbriggan had a 13 –
6 lead. Malahide struck back with an unconverted try of their
own, to trail 13 – 11. Balbriggan then rang the changes
to immediate effect. Young wing sensation Ciaran Mackey burst
into the game making numerous ground making surges and giving
the team a real lift when needed. His inspirational play lead
to a break made by the Balbriggan backline who were soon after
awarded a penalty. The ensuing lineout five metres out from
Malahide’s tryline had Balbriggan firmly on the attack.
The ball found it’s way to the back of the maul and
into the eager hands of super sub Dale McAuley who is developing
a knack of adding that something special to the team when
needed. McAuley’s presence in the maul, kept Balbriggan’s
platform going forward which ultimately allowed him to crash
over and score when Balbriggan’s own version of the
human battering ram better known as left wing Damian Smith
decided to fly in off his wing and add one final shove to
the maul. It proved enough of a shove and Balbriggan lead
18 -11. Malahide scored out wide in the last minute of play
and with the ensuing conversion attempt a draw was on the
cards. The kick fell wide and Balbriggan had done enough to
take the game.
Balbriggan also has their Under 8s, 10s and 12s in action.
The 8s and 10s travelled to Malahide drawing three all and
losing 5 – 3 respectively. The Under 12s travelled to
Ratoath and came away victors 12 – 2.
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4/10/06
Balbriggan’s 18s Narrowly Miss 10s Finals
Balbriggan’ Under 18s rugby team flew the club flag
proudly finishing equal first at the North east 10 a side
blitz. Taking the field for the 10 a side format , Balbriggan
knew full well that scoring tries would be where the day would
be won or lost. As each side would have to play four matches
each it was imperative to get as many points on the board
as well as winning as the matches were reduced significantly
in terms of playing time to accommodate the number of games
played. By the days end Balbriggan scored eight tries and
conceded 3. Try-scorers for Balbriggan were Tom Hagan, Ian
Murphy, Leigh O’Toole, Ciaran Smith and Aaron Poynton.
Balbriggan tasted success over Boyne winning 10 – 5,
against Navan winning 15 – 0 and also against Ashbourne
winning 12 -5. The only defeat the squad had on the day came
against Dundalk, with the home side winning 7 – 5. Having
acquitted themselves so well, Balbriggan narrowly missed progressing
to the Leinster 10s Finals by virtue of the fact that Boyne
who also lost one match had a slightly better try count. Best
for Balbriggan on the day were Tom Hagan and Ian Murphy. Balbriggan
also competed at Under 16s level at the 10 a side blitz coming
away with a victory over Dundalk and losing to Ashbourne,
Skerries and Boyne. |
27/09/06 Balbriggan Make It
Two In A Row
The Balbriggan Senior rugby team made
it two in a row with a rousing display at home in defeating
Boyne in the North East area Jenkinson Cup. After two huge
games between the sides last season, another thrilling encounter
was on the cards. For those that took in the match, what ensued
was an advertisement for the game itself as both sides left
no stone unturned or ounce of energy left in the bodies as
they fought it out for victory.
After several early exchanges Balbriggan got the better field
position throwing themselves into sortie after sortie at the
Boyne line. Either through general play, penalties or from
setting up mauls close in Boyne were surely to crack with
Balbriggan’s Kevin Casey going to within an inch of
scoring on one occasion only to be held back. Boyne’s
defence through this whole period proved up to it. With Balbriggan
choosing to set a scrum as the next option on receipt of their
next penalty, Boyne’s grit and determination in defence
paid off as they secured a turnover in possession, kicked
the ball down field to escape danger. What remained for the
rest of the first half was similar with neither side able
to convert any pressure into points. Both sides went into
the break locked at nil all with surely someone going to crack
after drinks. Boyne had the first opportunity to score points
within the first two minutes of the resumption of play. The
penalty kick on goal from right in front struck the post,
rebounded into the field of play to be gathered by Balbriggan.
From the ensuing phases of play, Balbriggan received a penalty
of their own some twenty metres out from their own line. With
Boyne expecting them to kick for touch, Balbriggan caught
them on the hop, took a quick tap and decided to attack with
ball in hand. Daniel Lyngcoln’s quick tap saw the ball
after two passes find it’s way into Paul Quinn’s
hands who hitting it at full speed found himself in the clear.
Skirting the sideline, Quinn took the ball over the halfway
line, passed back in field to the ever present Kevin Casey,
who found Lyngcoln for his second touch who then passed back
further in field to the flying James Mullen who shrugging
of a clasping hand ran the ball over for the try. Cathal McNulty’s
conversion had Balbriggan leading 5 – 0. Boyne hit back
soon after scoring a try through some persistent mauling work
in the forwards to once again lock up the scores at 5 all.
McNulty then added a penalty for Balbriggan and a 8 –
5 lead. That lead was stretched even further through the excellent
vision of Lyngcoln and a superb strike of the ball by out-half
Paddy Connolly. With Lyngcoln seeing that Boyne’s fullback
was badly out of position he screamed to Connolly that “no
one’s home”. Connolly then sent a raking torpedo
punt kick scorhing through the air a full fifty metres. The
ball came down on it’s point, bounced up and backwards
towards Balbriggan’s players who where steaming through.
Balbriggan’s man on the spot, James Mullen jumped for
the ball, popped it to Lyngcoln who was on hand to dive over
and score. McNulty’s conversion from the sideline took
Balbriggan to a handy 15 – 5 lead. Boyne next registered
points with a penalty to bring the score back to 15 –
8, only to their resolve thwarted by Balbriggan’s persistence
in play. Following good pressure on Boyne’s scrumhalf
by Emmett Fahy the ball popped loose, was put on the toe by
Balbriggan’s Number 8 Michael O’Keefe who with
fifty metres to go put it to toe a couple of more times and
had enough in the legs to out-sprint the cover, re-gather
and dive under the posts. Balbriggan’s lead now stretched
to 22 – 8. Boyne had the last as far as the scoreboard
was concerned scoring a converted try. The spoils on a great
day of rugby however went to Balbriggan winning 22 –
15.
Balbriggan also played Boyne at Under 16s and Under 18s level.
The Under 16s lost in another entertaining match 28 –
22 with both sides scoring four tries. Dave Sheridan in a
man of the match display scored all four of Balbriggan’s.
Boyne also snuck the Under 18s match winning 10 – 5.
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30/09/06 Balbriggan Start
On Winning Note
Balbriggan’s Senior rugby side
were delighted to kick off their season with a home victory
against Swords. With expectations centering around improving
on last season and making a real push in all competitions,
the Jenkinson cup win against Swords has provided the perfect
tonic for the club to build from.
For the first match of the season both sides would of surely
come of the pitch sore and bruised with no quarter given for
a first run. Swords applied the early pressure actually scoring
a try near the sideline within the first five minutes with
Balbriggan’s poor defence being the main culprit. Swords
continued applying the more constructive pressure as Balbriggan
continually searched for the right approach in getting back
into the game. Swords were duly rewarded once again with an
unconverted try following a well constructed maul and a handy
10 – 0 lead. This was the last score before the halftime
break which must of come at a good time for Balbriggan as
the team that took the field for the second stanza had seemingly
been transformed, performing and dominating as they would
of hoped.
Balbriggan, all of a sudden were dominating the contact area
with more conviction. They were lead well in the pack by Damian
Smith who received Balbriggan’s man of the match and
Club captain Packie O’Connor. The backline started finding
it’s feet as well, making numerous advantage lines and
helping transform the first half erratic display into something
that looked a lot more like rugby. As a result Garry Hoban
struck three well hit penalties for Balbriggan which was just
reward for his team’s dominance. Balbriggan were now
back in it, trailing 10 – 9. With an improving kicking
game Balbriggan soon capitalised following a kick, reacting
the better to force a turnover which was kicked through again
by Stuart Mullen who toed through again, receiving a favourable
bounce to then dive over near the posts. Balbriggan now had
a deserved 16 – 10 lead.
Balbriggan worked hard through the remainder of the second
half to close the match out and seemed to get their just rewards
when super sub Dale McAuley popped a miracle ball around the
back of a defender to his wingman Michael McAuley who scooted
the 20 metres to the try-line. Diving to place the ball down
McAuley was ruled by the referee to of run out over the dead-ball
line even though the whole area had been confused by the line
markings of the adjoining football pitch. McAuley’s
score would of seen Balbriggan home 23 – 10, they instead
had to be satisfied with the 16 – 10 scoreline.
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13/09/06 Balbriggan’s
Youth Teams Kick Season Off
The Balbriggan Rugby Club youth section kicked off over the
weekend with the Under 16s at home to close neighbours Skerries
and the Under 18s also playing at home to Dundalk.
The Under 16s which was a North East League match proved to
be a very entertaining match with eight tries scored in all.
With plenty of running rugby being the order of the day Balbriggan
had the better of the opening exchanges applying a lot of
pressure on the Skerries line which was duly rewarded with
a penalty to Stephen Whelan and a 3 – 0 lead. With the
ball moving from one end to the other Skerries hit back with
two tries and a 12 – 3 lead. Skerries scored a third
try just before the break going in at oranges leading 17 –
3. Lead strongly up front by Damian Mooney and Tony Hammond,
Balbriggan were back in it with a well earnt try with Rodney
Whitehouse picking the ball up following some good ruck work
by the forwards and diving over. Skerries scored a fourth
try to once again open up a gap over the Balbriggan boys holding
a 22 – 10 lead. Balbriggan however were not done and
were back in the match with Stephen Whealan crashing over
carrying three defenders. This bought the score back to 22
– 15 and it was game on. Both sides lifted for the final
push with Skerries delivering the final blow with a well worked
move down the blindside, off a scrum. Balbriggan scored a
third try on the bell to Dave Sheridan who played an outstanding
match which bought the scoring to an end with Skerries running
out winners 29 – 20.
In the other match played by Balbriggan over the weekend Balbriggan’s
18s had to settle for an 8 all draw with Dundalk. Balbriggan
and Dundalk scored one try each with Balbriggan scoring theirs
in the first half running into a strong wind. Following some
excellent work from the backline who ate up the ground, recycled
possession to then move the ball through the backs for a second
time Balbriggan’s prop Tony Healy was on hand to recycle
for a second time and to crash over. In a difficult conversion
attempt Daniel McGrogan was unlucky to miss after striking
the posts. Dundalk returned the favour in the second half
scoring their try once again running into the wind. Both sides
traded penalties locking the game up at 8 all. In what was
a great open game and a good hit out hit out for both sides
the result puts Balbriggan in good stead for their next match
away to Boyne. Best for Balbriggan on the day was Ian Murphy
who steered the ship well from outhalf.
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30/08/06 Balbriggan Announce
Two Signing As New Season Kicks Off
Balbriggan’s Senior rugby squad
have announced two new signings as they look forward to their
first match of the season this week. The squad which has been
training three nights a week through August have been building
well for their North East Jenkinson Cup match away to Dundalk
on Sunday. The Dundalk match is then followed by two more
Jenkinson fixtures before an internal trial match is planned
for the squad on the fourth Sunday of the season. It is planned
that by training three nights a week through August and rotating
certain keys positions and players through the Jenkinson matches
and then the trial that the club’s players will be ready
first their first Leinster League match of the season. Competition
through the first four weeks for selection in that match at
home to Malahide should be fierce as Balbriggan hope to build
on last years good finish.
With the squad building well through August it is little wonder
that it’s two key signings of Michael O’Keefe
from Skerries and Rory Mallon from Wexford have fitted in
well. O’Keefe who stands at six feet one and plays as
a flanker is expected to push for a regular starting position
and as his standing in the Skerries set up would suggest it
is hoped he will play a key role this season. Mallon who is
adept at either Scrum-half or Fullback and has a good kicking
game should also contribute greatly as his talent will go
towards strengthening Balbriggan’s backline options.
Following on from the Malahide match Balbriggan then play
three more Leinster League games in a row which are away to
Wexford and Swords and then at home to Birr. As luck has it
and the way the draw has fallen, Balbriggan now have the opportunity
to really hit the ground running this Leinster League season
as these matches are all very winnable.
Balbriggan’s mini section had their first Sunday session
on the weekend at the Ring Commons sports-ground. With big
plans for the section this season the boys took part in matches
amongst themselves with inter club matches beginning in the
next few weeks.
Whether involved or interested in any age group of the club
all members and members of the general public are invited
to the Balbriggan Rugby Football Club Annual General Meeting
this Wednesday at the Brackencourt Hotel from 8.00 p.m.
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23/08/06 Youth Training In
Full Swing
The Balbriggan Rugby Club Youth and
Mini sections are back into full training in preparation for
what should be another exciting season in Balbriggan Rugby.
The Under 10s and Under 12s are currently going through their
paces each Tuesday and Thursday down at Bath Road from 1pm
to 3pm. The sessions are a mixture of physical activities,
skill activities and team games all designed to firstly ensure
the kids are having fun and then secondly as a way of getting
back into the season. The sessions will continue down at Bath
Road until school goes back when regular training will begin
each Wednesday night in preparation for matches that begin
each September. The Under 14s, who had their first session
last week, are also getting together each week down at bath
Road. The 14s set up at this time of year is slightly different
to their younger club mates as they meet at 7pm each Wednesday
for pre season training as a way of really getting the ball
rolling as they build up for the season. The Under 16s and
18s are also involved in pre season training getting together
twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm also at Bath
Road. Just like the 10s and 12s all youth teams of the Balbriggan
Rugby Club will move back to their usual Wednesday night training
once school goes back. If you are a little too old for any
of these age groups Under 20s and Senior rugby may be for
you with both groups also getting together down at Bath Road
on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays each week at 7.15pm.
If you are keen, experienced or otherwise or just want to
give rugby a go come down to Bath Road over the next couple
of weeks and join in with one of the fastest growing clubs
in the area. Also feel free to ring Club Development Officer
Dale McAuley on 087 2433 498 for any enquiries. If you still
want to get involved in other areas of the club also feel
free to ring Dale with any inquiries or come along to the
club’s AGM which is scheduled for Wednesday August 30th
at the Brackencourt Hotel.
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4/08/06 Balbriggan Rugby In Full Swing For Coming
Season
Balbriggan Rugby Club are in full swing at the moment during
pre season gearing up for what should be an exciting year
in all areas of the club. Following on from an improved season
last year in the senior ranks which saw the IXV improve from
winning four matches to winning eleven and the fielding of
a IIXV for the first time in some years Balbriggan are looking
to improve again this year in all Senior competitions. Whilst
there was an improvement in the Senior ranks, competition
success was achieved not once but twice at Leinster Level
by Balbriggan’s Under 18s last year who won both the
Leinster League First Division and the Leinster Plate. Whilst
some of those lads will be going up into the Under 20s this
year, the Under 18s of this coming season will be buoyed by
the inclusion of several talented new comers to the side from
last years Under 16s. It is hoped that competition success
will once again be an achievable goal.
Balbriggan’s Senior side start this years campaign
competing in the regional Jenkinson Cup which will be used
as a pre cursor to the Leinster League which starts on October
1st. Winning nine of their last twelve games provided a
good finish to last season as well as giving the squad a
boost of enthusiasm for the coming season. When contacted
Balbriggan’s re-appointed Captain Pascal O’Connor
stated that he was “hoping for the side, which is
young in areas, to start strong and gain some results this
year as it had potential to do well in the league with winning
matches being achievable with hopefully some of the older
lads such as myself leading by example and offering a steady
head.” O’Connor went on to say that one of his
aims this year as Captain was to “keep an eye on the
development of the younger lads in the club as there is
a big celebration building around the place with the construction
of our new facility” adding that “the whole
club from Under 7s right up to Seniors are looking forward
to playing on the new pitches when they are ready.”
Balbriggan’s Development Officer Dale McAuley reiterated
what O’Connor had to say stating that he “was
delighted with the huge strides the lads made last year
after losing some earlier matches and hopefully with some
of the younger guys gaining some vital experience playing
alongside some of the more experienced players like our
Captain our goal will be to prepare well enough each week
with a view to winning.”
Whilst there is a real enthusiasm this year for the Senior
side there is also a real buzz around Balbriggan with the
prospect of the club fielding an Under 20s team for the
second year running. One of the new comers to the Under
20s this year is Ciaran Malone who was last years successful
Under 18s Captain. Malone who has played rugby with Balbriggan
for his entire life and has played at representative level
and has been nominated for the Fingal Independent Sports-star
of the year award will be a real boost to the 20s with his
leadership and playing skills which are second to none.
When contacted about Malone as a prospect McAuley stated
that “Over the four years I have been here Ciaran
has been a standout in every match playing in the loose
forwards. Even against the so called bigger clubs who have
players with good reputations Ciaran has generally stood
out more often than not out playing his entire loose forward
opposition.” McAuley went on to finish that “Ciaran
was definitely one to watch.” When contacted about
the coming season with the 20s Malone stated that he was
“hoping to once again be competitive and hopefully
win another competition ” adding that he felt this
was achievable as the “20s should once again have
a strong team.”
If anyone is interested in having a look at the progress
of Balbriggan’s new facility it can be found in Balrothery
next to the North County Cricket Club. Also if anyone is
interested in playing rugby with Balbriggan and joining
an exciting year from Under 7s up to Seniors feel free to
contact Dale McAuley on 0872433498.
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