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SPORTS IRELAND :: October 13, 2008

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Monday, 13 October 2008

Issue No.1132 - the complete edition

By Mark Stokes & Dónal Ferrie

Issue No.1132 October 13, 2008

Contents

GAELIC GAMES. 1

County Finals. 1

GAA News. 1

IRISH SOCCER. 3

World Cup Qualifiers. 3

Setanta Sports Cup.. 3

Eircom League:. 3

JJB Sports Premier Division.. 4

North's World Cup dreams fading fast. 5

Eircom League Reports. 5

Setanta Sports Cup Reports. 7

Irish Soccer News. 7

RUGBY. 9

European Rugby.. 9

AIB League.. 9

European Rugby Reports. 10

Rugby News. 11

OTHER SPORT. 12

GOLF.. 12
CRICKET.. 12

GAELIC GAMES

County Finals

Laois SHC Final

Portlaoise 2-15 Rathdowney 1-19

Offaly SHC Final

Birr 1-15 Kinnity 0-15

Tipperary SHC Final

Sarsfields 2-22 Clonoulty R 1-20

Clare SHC Final

Newmarket 1-20 St Joseph’s 3-7

Wicklow SFC Final Replay

St Patrick’s 1-5 Kiltegan 0-9

Roscommon SFC Final

Castlerea 0-12 Pearses 0-9

Monaghan SFC Final

Latton 0-15 Carrickmacross 0-11

Meath SFC Final

O’Mahony’s 2-12 Summerhill 0-7

Westmeath SFC Final

Castledaly 0-10 Garrycastle 0-8 Back to Top

GAA News

The draw was made during the week for next year's Championship with the tie of the Championship opening weekend being that of Dublin versus Meath, who renew their rivalry of the late 80s - early 90s. Also Galway and Antrim are playing in the Leinster Hurling Championship. The draw for the various provinces is as follows.

2009 Munster Hurling Championship

Quarter Finals

Cork v Tipperary

Semi Finals

Waterford v Limerick

Clare v Cork/Tipp

2009 Leinster Hurling Championship

Quarter Finals

Laois v Galway

Offaly v Wexford

Dublin v Antrim

Kilkenny receive bye

2009 Connacht Football Championship

Quarter Finals

New York v Mayo

London v Galway

Roscommon v Leitrim

Sligo receive bye

2009 Leinster Football Championship

First Round

Kildare v Offaly

Carlow v Louth

Longford v Wicklow

2009 Munster Football Championship

Quarter Finals

Tipperary v Limerick

Waterford v Cork

2009 Ulster Football Championship

Preliminary Round

Down v Fermanagh

Quarter Finals

Fermanagh/Down v Cavan

Tyrone v Armagh

Derry v Monaghan

Donegal v Antrim

Wexford turn on Meyler

Wexford have dispensed with the services of John Meyler as Senior Hurling Manager. It had been expected that Meyler would have been kept on for another campaign but the Wexford County Board decided that his name would not be put forward for the post. It seems that a small number of players forced the issue.

Compromise Rules squad announced

The squad for the Compromise Rules Series in Australia was announced on Tuesday. Tyrone and Kerry have the most representatives with four each. The surprise omission was Colm Cooper as Seán Boylan went for physicality over skill. The full squad is

Seán Cavanagh (Tyrone) (Captain), Graham Canty (Cork), David Gallagher (Meath), Colm Begley (Brisbane Lions/Laois), Paddy Bradley (Derry), Bernard Brogan (Dublin), Benny Coulter (Down), Bryan Cullen (Dublin), Kieran Donaghy (Kerry), Leighton Glynn (Wicklow), Finian Hanley (Galway), John Keane (Westmeath), Aaron Kernan (Armagh), Ciarán Lyng (Wexford), Steven McDonnell (Armagh), Enda McGinley (Tyrone), Ciarán McKeever (Armagh), Joe McMahon (Tyrone), Justin McMahon (Tyrone), Michael Meehan (Galway), John Miskella (Cork), Aidan O’Mahony (Kerry), Pearse O’Neill (Cork), Tom Parsons (Mayo), Kevin Reilly (Meath), Tommy Walsh (Kerry), Killian Young (Kerry).

Standby: Aidan Carr (Down), Ronan Clarke (Armagh), Paul Finlay (Monaghan), Conor Gormley (Tyrone), Kevin McCloy (Derry), Martin McGrath (Fermanagh).

Managerial appointments in Longford, Dublin, Limerick and Derry

Former Kildare defender Glen Ryan has been named as the new manager of the Longford senior football team. Ryan takes over from Luke Dempsey who held the post for the previous four years.

Dublin County Board announced on Friday that Paul Gilroy is to be the new football manager. The former St Vincent’s and All Ireland winner will be working alongside Mickey Whelan who, of course, was county manager until 1999.

On Tuesday Limerick appointed former Waterford manager Justin McCarthy as their new Hurling supremo. McCarthy, who stepped down from the Waterford post midway through the season, will have an initial two year spell to turn around the fortunes of Limerick.

Meanwhile Derry announced that Damien Cassidy has been appointed the county's new football manager.

Derry deals with violent incidents

Two Derry clubs, Slaughtneil and Ballinderry have been hit with heavy sanctions following a number of incidents at the County Final last weekend. Slaughtneil have been banned from all adult competition for six months while players Raymond McCluskey and Danny McMullan have been hit with 96 week bans. Five other Slaughtneil players have been handed 48 week bans and the club has been fined £5k and will have to play all their adult games next year away from home. Ballinderry have had selector Paul Devlin banned for two years but investigations are on going and further punishment is likely.

The punishment came about after press photographers were the victims of verbal and physical abuse after the game ended in acrimony. Back to Top

IRISH SOCCER

World Cup Qualifiers

Group Three

Sat: Slovenia 2 N Ireland 0

Poland 2 Czech Rep 1

San Marino 1 Slovakia 3

P W D L F A Pts

Poland 3 2 1 0 5 2 7

Slovenia 3 2 1 0 5 2 7

Slovakia 3 2 0 1 6 4 6

Czech Rep 2 0 1 1 1 2 1

N Ireland 3 0 1 2 1 4 1

San Marino 2 0 0 2 1 5 0

Group Eight

Sat: Bulgaria 0 Italy 0

Georgia 1 Cyprus 1

P W D L F A Pts

Italy 3 2 1 0 4 1 7

Rep Ireland 2 1 1 0 2 1 4

Bulgaria 2 0 0 2 2 2 2

Montenegro 2 0 2 0 2 2 2

Cyprus 2 0 1 1 2 3 1

Georgia 3 0 1 2 2 5 1

Setanta Sports Cup

Mon: Derry City 3 Linfield 0

Glentoran 1 St Pat’s Ath. 0

P W D L F A Pts

Derry City 6 4 1 1 10 4 13

Glentoran 6 2 2 2 10 10 8

Linfield 6 2 1 3 8 12 7

St Patrick’s A 6 1 2 3 6 8 5

Eircom League:

Eircom League Premier Division

Tue: Shamrock Rov. 2 Bray Wand. 2

Fri: Bray Wand. 2 Derry City 1

Cork City 1 Finn Harps 1

Drogheda Utd 1 Bohemians 2

St Pat’s Ath. 0 Cobh Ramb. 3

Shamrock Rov. 1 UCD 1

Sat: Sligo Rovers 1 Galway Utd 1

Eircom First Division

Mon: Wexford Yths P Limerick 37 P

Tue: Athlone Town P Sp. Fingal P

Fri: Sp. Fingal 3 Waterford Utd 1

Monaghan Utd P Kildare Co P

Wexford Yths 3 Dundalk 0

Sat: Athlone Town 0 Shelbourne 1

Longford T. 1 Limerick 37 2

Eircom Premier Division

P W D L F A Pts

Bohemians 29 24 4 1 49 11 76

St Pat’s Ath. 27 16 6 5 39 20 54

Derry City 28 13 9 6 37 20 48

Drogheda Utd 29 12 8 9 34 24 44

Cork City 29 14 9 6 43 25 41*

Sligo Rovers 29 9 11 9 35 27 38

Shamrock Rov. 29 8 12 9 30 27 36

Bray Wand. 29 9 6 14 21 41 33

Finn Harps 29 7 4 18 22 47 25

Cobh Ramb. 29 5 8 16 21 46 23

UCD 29 4 9 16 19 40 21

Galway Utd 28 4 8 16 25 47 20

* Cork City deducted ten points

Eircom First Division

P W D L F A Pts

Dundalk 31 17 8 6 52 27 59

Waterford Utd 31 17 10 4 49 25 58

Shelbourne 30 16 8 6 49 23 56

Sporting Fingal 30 15 9 6 47 27 54

Limerick 37 29 12 5 12 39 37 41

Monaghan Utd 30 9 7 14 24 45 34

Longford Town 30 8 7 15 29 42 31

Wexford Youths 29 7 6 16 24 40 27

Athlone Town 29 4 13 12 21 39 25

Kildare County 30 5 7 18 27 57 22

JJB Sports Premier Division

Tue: Bangor 1 Newry 1

Coleraine P Cliftonville P

Crusaders P Dungannon S P

Sat: Ballymena Utd 2 Linfield 0

Cliftonville 3 Bangor 2

Dungannon S 1 Glenavon 0

Glentoran 1 Institute 0

Lisburn D 1 Coleraine 2

JJB Sports Premier Division

P W D L F A Pts

Glentoran 9 6 3 0 14 6 21

Crusaders 9 6 2 1 18 6 20

Linfield 8 6 1 1 18 4 19

Coleraine 10 5 1 4 16 12 16

Bangor 11 5 1 5 13 21 16

Lisburn D 11 4 3 4 18 15 15

Newry 10 2 6 2 10 12 12

Institute 11 3 3 5 12 21 12

Cliftonville 9 3 1 5 14 15 10

Dungannon S 10 2 3 5 10 13 9

Glenavon 9 2 1 6 9 12 7

Ballymena Utd 11 1 3 7 10 25 6 Back to Top

North's World Cup dreams fading fast

By Mark Stokes

The North’s World Cup hopes were left hanging by a thread following a loss to Slovenia in Maribor on Saturday night. Nigel Worthington’s side suffered their second defeat in three World Cup qualifiers after crumbling late in a Group Three contest which might have yielded them at least a point.

Goals in the 84th and 85th minute did the damage and a miserable night was capped in injury-time when influential defender Jonny Evans picked up a booking - the province's fifth of the night - which means he will be suspended for Wednesday's home match against San Marino.

It was a heartbreaking end to the match for the North, who had shown good discipline until the last six minutes. The visitors were rocked back on their heels in the space of a minute when Slovenia scored twice to seal the points. Milivoje Novakovic made the breakthrough in the 84th minute and then substitute Zlatan Ljubijankic added a second to ensure Slovenia topped the group with Poland; both on seven points after three games. The North has just the one, keeping it above San Marino at the bottom. Back to Top

Eircom League Reports

By Dónal Ferrie

Bohemians crowned champions

Bohemians were finally crowned champions on Friday night after leading the Eircom Premier Division for the majority of the campaign. They struggled though to break down a stubborn Drogheda side and had to wait until near the end of the game to secure the title. It was Drogheda who, despite their off field problems, started the brightest and had two good chances in the first 13 minutes, when Adam Hughes headed straight into the arms of a grateful Brian Murphy and Éamon Zayed met a Fahrudin Kuduzovic cross but managed to send the ball over from six yards.

Ten minutes later Bohemians were ahead against the run of play, as Owen Heary intercepted a Graham Gartland pass and back heeled to Anto Murphy who in turn passed to Jason Byrne. Byrne noticed that Jamie Ewings was slightly off his line and chipped him from 20 yards. Drogheda were back on level terms seven minutes before the break when Kuduzovic saw the ball bounce kindly for him and fired home from 15 yards. Bohemians thought they had taken the lead again right on half time but the assistant had already flagged for an infringement.

The second half was much the same as the first with most of the play in the middle of the field. With news coming through that St Pat’s were being beaten the away support were in full voice. This seemed to lift Bohemians and they nearly took the lead again with 17 minutes remaining as firstly Jason Byrne had his shot blocked, then Gary Deegan’s effort from the rebound was saved by Ewings, this was followed by Byrne again as he fired against the post and finally JP Kelly’s effort was deflected away from goal.

It seemed as though the game would end in stalemate but deep in injury time Bohs showed the true nature of champions as Jason Byrne rounded Ewings and fired into an empty net.

Cobh chances given shot in the arm

On a night when Bohemians had to win to take the title and hope that St Pat’s failed to win, the Richmond Park club saw strugglers Cobh travel to Dublin and record a convincing 3-0 victory to give themselves every chance of avoiding the drop. In horrendous conditions, with torrential rain making playing decent football difficult, the home side started the brightest. Early on James McCarthy spilled a Keith Fahey drive inside the six-yard box and Ryan Guy should have done better with the opportunity presented to him.

The opening goal came after 15 minutes when, from a Barry Ryan clearance, the ball fell to Alan Carey who set up Davin O’Neil to curl the ball into the bottom corner of the net and give his team an unlikely lead. St Pats had chances after this, with Ryan Guy again the culprit for missing a glorious opportunity when he failed to connect to a Fahey free kick.

In the second half Cobh pressed to consolidate their position and with Barry Ryan being replaced by Freisz in the Pat’s goal at half time they felt the opportunity was there. Cobh added a second goal just after the hour mark with Ross Gaynor heading home. Cobh made sure of the points with five minutes remaining when O’Neill scored his second of the night.

Bray survive for another year

Bray Wanderers made sure of their Premier Division status for another year with a 2-1 victory over Derry City at the Carlisle Grounds on Friday night. It was Derry, however, who got the dream start as they scored within the first 90 seconds. Bray had tried to play the ball out of their area but a back pass by Gavin Whelan to Alan Gough was intercepted by the man in form at the moment, Mark Farren. He rounded the ‘keeper to score his 11th goal of the campaign and his fourth of the week. It took Bray 18 minutes to get back on level terms. Alan Cawley floated in a free kick and Colm Tresson rose highest to score from all of four yards. Half way through the half they home side found themselves in front walso hen Ger Rowe got to the ball ahead of Eddie McCallion and his shot went in off the post to give the home side an unlikely lead.

The second half began in controversial circumstances as Derry were awarded a penalty three minutes in. The referee judged that Derek Pender handled a Niall McGinn cross but Sammy Morrow blasted his shot over the crossbar. Derry hit the woodwork with 20 minutes remaining with Kevin Deery seeing his free kick come back off the bar. Try as they might Derry were unable to fashion the equaliser and Bray recorded a double over Derry as they beat them in April at the Brandywell.

Cork and Harps in stalemate

At Turner’s Cross on Friday night Finn Harps earned what could well prove to be a crucial point in their fight for survival. They had to fight for their point as Cork took the lead after 18 minutes. Joe Gamble was the architect of the goal as it was his break that led to Lawrie Dudfield shooting past James Gallagher in the Harps goal.

It was nearly 2-0 ten minutes before the break but although the shot from Darragh Ryan beat the ‘keeper it came crashing back off the woodwork. In the second half Finn Harps got back into the match and came close to equalising when a shot from Mark Mukendi, after a lung bursting 50-yard run, saw Mark McNulty make a fine save. The equaliser came from the spot with 24 minutes remaining. Cork’s Darragh Ryan handled the ball in the area and Neil McCafferty made no mistake from the spot.

It's tight at the bottom

UCD travelled across town on Friday to take on Shamrock Rovers. They were hoping to earn a victory which would have helped them hugely in their bid to beat the drop. Rovers felt they should have gone ahead in the first minute as Padraig Amond headed over from close range. A few minutes later Amond was through on goal again from a pass by Joseph Ndo but this time he was covered by Alan Mahon. Amazingly Amond had another chance midway through the half after receiving another pass from Ndo but Matt Gregg stayed on his feet and saved well. The breakthrough when it came was in the second half as Eoin Doyle fired home to give his side the lead they deserved. However they were unable to hold on to their advantage and UCD managed to get a point from the game. The equaliser came with nine minutes remaining when Brian Shorthall bundled the ball home after some hesitancy in the Rovers defence.

Western stalemate

At the Showgrounds on Saturday night Sligo and Galway played out a 1-1 draw an outcome that was of little good to either team. Galway, barring a miracle, are surely relegated at his juncture even with a game in hand over their rivals. Sligo were the better of the two teams and it showed just after half time as Rafael Cretaro ran at the Galway defence and let fly and saw the ball nestle into the back of Gary Rogers goal. Jeff Kenna reacted to this setback and sent on a triumvirate of substitutes. One of these, Derek Glynn was fouled in the area by Danny Ventre and Jay O’Shea stepped up to earn a vital point for the Galway outfit.

Shamrock Rovers and Bray in 2-2 draw

Bray battled back to earn a draw against Shamrock Rovers at Tolka Park on Tuesday night having been losing 2-0. Rovers will be wondering how they let this lead slip as they seemed to have the points in the bag after Padraig Amond scored twice. The first half wasn’t much to write home about but the second half produced all the action. It didn’t take long for Amond to net his first as goal as he scored four minutes into the second half. The goal came about when Joseph Ndo beat two players and squared Amond who then fired past Alan Gough from 14 yards. Bray very nearly got back into it immediately but Robert Duggan was alert to the shot from Gavin Whelan.

Amond made it two with 25 minutes remaining as he headed home a cross from Simon Madden. Just as Bray looked out of it they struck back from the kick off when Gareth Coughlan fired past Duggan in the Rovers goal. Then with eight minutes remaining Bray were awarded a free kick which the Rovers’ players protested against. Their protests fell on deaf ears, however, and Alan Cawley stepped up to curl the ball beautifully to the back of the net. Back to Top

Setanta Sports Cup Reports

By Donal Ferrie

Derry ease through to semis

On Monday night Derry City eased past Linfield at the Brandywell to book a place in the last four of the Setanta Sports Cup. Mark Farren was the hero of the hour as he scored a hat-trick. Derry had most of the play with Linfield rarely troubling Gerard Doherty in the Derry goal. The first chance of the game, however, did fall to Linfield but Damien Curran saw his shot brilliantly saved by Doherty. Derry opened the scoring midway through the first half as Farren back heeled the ball to the back of the net from a Kevin Deery cross. Derry should have gone in at the break 2-0 to the good but Alan Mannus in the Linfield goal was equal to the shot from Billy Dennehy.

Going into the second half it was all Derry and they were unlucky not to be further ahead just after the break as Sammy Morrow and Deenehy had great opportunities to finish the game off. Clive Delaney was the next to have a go as his header came back off the crossbar and to safety. Derry finally added a second goal on 63 minutes as Sammy Morrow crossed for Farren to volley home at the back post. With six minutes remaining Farren and Morrow combined again for Farren to fire to the back of the net and seal the victory. Derry now face Cork at home in the semi finals.

Glentoran advance

At the Oval on the same night Glentoran defeated St Patrick’s Athletic 1-0 to progress to the last four where they will meet Drogheda Utd at United Park. St Pats knew that a victory was needed in order for them to advance but they were unable to get the required result. The only goal of the game came about from an error by Barry Ryan in the Pat’s goal. He failed to connect properly with a corner and the ball fell to Darryl Fordyce who bundled it over the line. St Pat’s best chance came when Glen Fitzpatrick saw his shot hit the side netting. Back to Top

Irish Soccer News

Drogheda United announced on Thursday that they will be going part time for the remainder of the season. The club said that they could no longer afford to pay the players wages and that the only money to pay bills from now on was from gate receipts.

How The Irish Fared

By Mark Stokes

Results on Saturday conspired to leave Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland team in a very healthy position indeed in Group 8. Should the Boys in Green take all three points from their contest against Cyprus on Wednesday, it is fair to assume the Mediterranean Islanders will not have it in themselves to overcome that deficit over the ensuing eleven months. Should one or both results go our way in the other group fixtures on the same day (Georgia v Bulgaria and Italy v Montenegro) Irish fans might just be warmed this winter by thoughts of summer holidays in South Africa in 2010.

Everything hinges on an Irish victory against the Cypriots and to be honest, even without the services of Steven Reid and Steve Finnan, three points are well within the home team’s grasp. The old cliché “win your home games and take points away and you’ll qualify” applies more than ever to next week’s contest. The reward for victory will be a healthy haul of seven points from their opening three games, significant daylight between ourselves and danger men, Bulgaria and Montenegro, and the prospect of three more points from our next outing – a home tie with Georgia in February.

Caleb Folan made a good impression on Republic of Ireland senior manager Giovanni Trapattoni as his first-half goal sent an Ireland B team on their way to a 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest at Dalymount Park on Thursday last.

Ireland were dominant at times and could have breached the Forest goal on more than the two occasions. Trapattoni used all eight substitutes, ensuring that each of the 19 squad members got at least 20 minutes on the pitch to showcase their talent.

Sunderland fringe pair, Anthony Stokes, manufactured the first real chance of note on 17 minutes but Forest goalkeeper Paul Smith got down brilliantly to block the youngster’s shot with his legs. The opener arrived on 24 minutes after an intricate passing move. Wes Hoolahan was involved, finding Stokes with a neat pass and from the former Arsenal striker’s through ball, the debuting Folan snuck in behind his marker, took one touch before netting from six yards.

Kieran Westwood, Keith Treacy and Shane Long were brought on at half-time and the Reading player had a key role in the second goal after 62 minutes. Andy Keogh was involved in the build-up and the ball made it’s way to the right wing where Long sent in a first-time cross. Keogh timed his run perfectly to meet with the delivery and tuck his close-range effort wide of Smith.

As a result of the fine performance on the night Trapattoni added Folan, Stokes, Manchester United young gun Darron Gibson, Wolves defender Kevin Foley and Blackburn new boy Keith Andrews to his party which convened in Dublin at the weekend.

Republic of Ireland teenage star James McCarthy has reiterated his commitment to the Boys in Green in the face of approaches from his native Scotland over the past couple of weeks. Born in Glasgow, and playing with Hamilton, McCarthy qualifies for Ireland through his grandfather Paddy Coyle, who hailed from Donegal. Having made a bright start to his first season in the Scottish Premier League following the Accies’ promotion, he has been courted by the Scots in a bid to avoid a repeat of the Aiden McGeady affair.

However, the 17-year-old - who has already represented Ireland at U-21 level - is firmly committed to the Irish cause, with his club Hamilton releasing a statement to that effect on Wednesday night.

It read: “James is flattered by the genuine interest shown in him by Billy Stark and George Burley in recent weeks with a view to him being selected by Scotland.

“However, he is now in his third season with the Irish set-up, having already represented them at 17s, 18s, 19s and 21s, despite still being a month short of his 18th birthday. James feels he would be letting too many people down by switching from the Irish at this stage.

“He is content to end the speculation and now just wishes to concentrate on his club commitments with Accies.”

Anthony Pilkington has been added to the Irish U-21 squad for next week’s international friendly against Lithuania. The Stockport midfielder is a replacement for James McCarthy, who has been withdrawn due to overall fatigue and a minor injury picked up against Celtic last weekend. The 20-year-old Lancashire lad has made more than 70 first-team appearances for County, helping them to promotion from League Two last season. Back to Top

RUGBY

European Rugby

Heineken Cup Pool One

Munster 19 Montauban 17

Clermont A 15 Sale Sharks 32

Heineken Cup Pool Two

Edinburgh 16 Leinster 27

Wasps 25 Castres 11

Heineken Cup Pool Four

Ulster 10 Stade Français 26

Scarlets 22 Harlequins 29

European Challenge Cup Pool One

Dax 12 Connacht 30

London Irish 78 Rovigo 3

AIB League

AIB League Division One

Galwegians 27 Dungannon 21

Garryowen 26 Blackrock C 30

Shannon 25 Buccaneers 21

St Mary’s C 31 Ballymena 20

Terenure C 16 Clontarf 19

UCD 7 Cork Con 9

Young Munster 9 Old Belvedere 13

Dolphin 35 UL Bohemians 33

AIB League Division One

P W D L F A BP Pts

St Mary’s 2 2 0 0 58 30 2 10

Cork Con 2 2 0 0 52 26 1 9

Old Belvedere 2 2 0 0 43 23 1 9

Blackrock 2 2 0 0 71 53 1 9

Clontarf 2 2 0 0 33 29 0 8

Buccaneers 2 1 0 1 50 44 2 6

UL Bohemians 2 1 0 1 47 41 2 6

Galwegians 2 1 0 1 33 35 1 5

Dolphins 2 1 0 1 54 52 1 5

Ballymena 2 1 0 1 41 41 0 4

Shannon 2 1 0 1 52 62 0 4

Garryowen 2 0 0 2 39 44 2 2

Y Munster 2 0 0 2 19 34 1 1

UCD 2 0 0 2 21 39 1 1

Dungannon 2 0 0 2 31 54 1 1

Terenure 2 0 0 2 35 62 1 1

AIB League Division Two

Sat: Belfast ‘Quins 13 Ballynahinch 16

Bruff 18 Thomond 16

Clonakilty 13 Greystones 14

Lansdowne 37 Instonians 6

Old Crescent 19 Dublin Uni 13

UCC 26 Highfield 6

Wanderers 6 Malone 17

Sun: Bective Rgs 36 DLSP 23

AIB League Division Three

Sat: Ards 13 Corinthians 21

Barnhall 5 Connemara 26

Nenagh Ormond 3 Co Carlow 14

Old Wesley 34 Banbridge 17

Rainey OB 10 Midleton 57

Sunday’s Well 11 Portadown 22

Suttonians 23 Queens Uni 19

Waterpark 19 Naas 28 Back to Top

European Rugby Reports

By Donal Ferrie

Munster stumble to win

Defending champions Munster had trouble overcoming French minnows Montauban in their opening game of this year's Heineken Cup. Munster had hoped to claim all five points on offer but it was clear from early on that this was not going to happen. Munster went behind in the sixth minute when Romanian scrum half Petre Mitu kicked a penalty. Munster pressured the Montauban defence and were rewarded with a penalty through Ronan O’Gara. Barry Murphy then popped up with a try just before half time. Murphy stepped inside two defenders and went over, however he had to rely on TMO Graham Hughes for confirmation. O’Gara slotted over the conversion to leave the score 10-3 to Munster.

In the second half Montauban stayed in touch and were 13-9 down with 20 minutes remaining. Munster were rocked soon afterwards Montauban scored a try. Alan Quinlan saw his pass on the halfway line bounce off the head of Rida Jahouer with Sylvain Jonnet racing towards the line and beating David Wallace to the ball to touch down. Mitu missed the conversion and when O’Gara saw a penalty come back off the post it was ominous for the European Champions. However O’Gara came up trumps with two penalties late on to give his side a two point victory in an unconvincing start to the defence of their crown. They will have to play far better than this when they face Clermont Auvergne and Sale Sharks.

Leinster win in Edinburgh

After losing their last two matches in the Magners League Leinster were under a bit of pressure to get back to winning ways when they travelled to Murrayfield at the weekend. Edinburgh likewise were looking to get back to winning ways and they did beat Leinster four times in the last two seasons in both the Heineken Cup and the Magners League. However in the first half Edinburgh failed to turn up as Leinster ran in four first-half tries which was enough to secure the victory.

Edinburgh did start strongly and were camped in Leinster’s half of the field. The Gunners went 3-0 in front after Phil Godman scored a 45-metre penalty. However Leinster got right back into the game with a gift of a try. Rocky Elsom ran through three half-hearted tackles and touched down. Felipe Contepomi added the extras and Leinster were off and running. On 24 minutes it was Brian O’Driscoll’s turn to touch down as he was fed by Contepomi who converted the try. Edinburgh were given a chance to get themselves back into the game when they were awarded a penalty. The normally reliable Chris Paterson sent the ball wide of the posts from 35 metres.

There was soon a third try for Leinster and O’Driscoll showed his brilliance as he shimmied before bursting clear and off loaded to Contepomi who had the simplest of tasks to touch down. Edinburgh were still recovering from that try when they leaked a fourth. This time it was Shane Horgan who was awarded the touchdown after consultation with the TMO. Paterson added a penalty and this left the half time score at 24-6 and surely no way back for the home side.

Edinburgh fought back in the second half but it was down to a moment of madness from Felipe Contepomi as he was sin binned and a penalty try was awarded. Jim Hamilton raced towards the Leinster line but was tackled just before he touched down, the ball was recycled and Contepomi intercepted it from an offside position. Paterson converted the try and that left 11 points between the sides. Leinster had a chance to score when they were awarded a penalty, Rob Kearney taking the place of Contepomi missed the chance. Paterson then kicked a penalty to leave eight points between the sides. Leinster though with Contepomi back on the field scored a penalty to leave the score 27-16 and that was how it finished.

Ulster defeated at home

Ulster were completely outclassed by Stade Francais at Ravenhill on Saturday. Stade were going for a big score from the off and in under a minute Juan Martin Hernandez shot towards goal with a drop effort but it seemed to go under the bar instead of over it. Lionel Beauxis was the next to have a chance but he sent his penalty wide. Hernandez finally got on the score sheet with a drop goal to open the scoring and Beauxis added a penalty to make it 6-0.

Stade went further ahead when Sergio Parisse ran a quick penalty which caught Ulster off guard. The ball made its way to Guillaume Bousses who went over. Beauxis added the conversion and Stade were well in the control at 13-0. Hernandez was at it again as he sent over a drop goal from just short of 40 metres. Despite being 16-0 down Ulster tried to get back into the game with efforts from Isaac Boss, Darren Cove and Bryn Cunningham coming closest of all as he was held up in the corner.

In the second half Ulster managed to get on the score sheet as Niall O’Connor sent over a penalty. This only served to anger Stade and they added another try when Mathieu Bastareaud was stopped just short of the line, Dimitri Szarzewski was on hand to wriggle over the line but had to wait for the TMO to award the try. Beauxis converted and this left the score 26-3. Ulster did get a try of there own but it was in the 80th minute and only a consolation for Wallace and Ulster.

Connacht start well

Connacht travelled to France full of confidence after defeating Leinster last week. They were made to work for their win even though they took the lead with a John Muldoon try. However the French went in front with tries from Laurent Diaz and Bruno Hiriart. Connacht applied pressure in the second half and were rewarded with tries from Johnny O’Connor and Daniel Riordan to close out an impressive 30-12 victory. Back to Top

Rugby News

Following on from last week's 18-week ban handed to Neil Best for a gouging incident in a match against Wasps, he had his appeal turned down on Tuesday. This means that he will be out of action until January 27.

It was announced on Tuesday that Paul Pook is to join Ireland’s coaching staff. The Welsh native is to be the new fitness and conditioning coach and he will be in the post until after the World Cup in 2011.

Shannon have lost one of their most influential players as Mossy Lawlor has signed a three month contract with Guinness Premiership side Wasps. The former Munster player could see his stay extended if he impresses. Back to Top

OTHER SPORT

GOLF

At the Madrid Masters Damien McGrane was the best of the Irish, finishing on ten-under, nine shots behind winner Charl Schwartzel. The only other Irish competitor who made the cut was Gary Murphy who finished on one-over.

CRICKET

Ireland are in command in their Intercontinental Trophy match in Nairobi. In their first Innings against Kenya they declared on 578-4 with Kevin O’Brien top scoring on 171 not out. In reply Kenya are 62-3. If Ireland win they will play Namibia in the final in South Africa next month. Back to Top

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