Rugby

Castletroy College 15-5 PBC Juniors 3/12/11

In what was probably their most disappointing display of the season thus far, PBC Juniors went down to a well drilled Castletroy side in Limerick on Saturday. These teams had met four weeks before in Cork with Pres earning the spoils, but here Castletroy dominated for a win that was fully deserved. Pres, though, had begun the game well, establishing early field position in the Castletroy half, and took the lead in the 5th minute. Scrum half John Poland went blind from a ruck and some good hands from Conor Barrett and Paddy Hogan sent captain Paul Kiernan in at the right corner for an unconverted try.
That should have been the catalyst for Pres to kick on but Castletroy had other ideas. They proceeded to dominate the rest of the half, missing a couple of kickable penalties and disrupting Pres’ flow with an uncompromising defensive line. They narrowed the gap just before half time with a close range penalty, awarded when Pres strayed offside. HT Score, Castletroy 3-5 PBC.
The second half began with Castletroy on the attack again and only some last ditch tackling from Pres kept the Limerick men out. They did however, manage to get over in the 42nd minute, their outhalf powering over under the posts after a close in scrum, which he also converted. Pres were now only too aware that they were in a real game, but time and again movements broke down due to silly errors and turnovers. Castletroy proceeded to extend their lead in the 51st minute, pouncing on a spilled Pres lineout, their hooker hacking through for their left wing to beat the covering John Poland to the touchdown. Try as they might in the final nine minutes, Pres could not reduce the deficit, leaving the final score, Castletroy 15-5 PBC.
Scorers: Try: Paul Kiernan
Team: 15. Paddy Hogan,14. Conor Barrett 13. Paul Kiernan(C), 12. Kevin O’Leary, 11. Darragh Dennehy, 10. Dave O’Sullivan, 9. John Poland, 8. Eddie Ryan, 7. William Buckley, 6. Caolan O’Flynn, 5. Eddie Ryan, 4. Andrew Ring, 3. Jake O’Donovan, 2. Jack Linehan, 1.Joe Ring. Subs: Conor O’Flynn, Niall O’Brien, Sam Deane, Graham Smith, Charlie Nolan ,Paul Tobin.

Castletroy College 2nd XV 5-26 PBC Juniors 2nd XV - 3/12/11

The Junior 2nd XV had an excellent away win over a game Castletroy side in Limerick on Saturday. Helped by a man of the match performance from captain and No.8, Dave Fitzgerald, the Pres pack dominated throughout with Gearoid O’Mahony, Michael Whooley, Dylan Desmond and substitute Niall O’Brien very prominent. First half tries from the excellent Jerry Clifford and wing Matt Peters, one converted by Barry McGrory, had Pres in front by half time, 12-5.
Both sides rang the changes in the second half but Pres retained a good sense of purpose, hard running centre Conor Murphy and wing Cathal Murphy a constant threat to the Castletroy defence. Dave Fitzgerald had a try as reward for his overall performance, converted by McGrory, while Conor Murphy weighed in with the final try, this time converted by substitute, Paul Tobin.  Final Score: Castletroy 2nd XV 5-26 PBC 2nd XV Scorers: Tries: Jerry Clifford, Matt Peters, Dave Fitzgerald, Conor Murphy. Cons: Barry McGrory (2), Paul Tobin.
Team: 15. Colin O’Neill , 14. Cathal Murphy , 13.Jerry Clifford, 12. Conor Murphy, 11.Matt Peters, 10. Barry McGrory, 9. Brian Clifford , 8. Dave Fitzgerald (C), 7. Sam Hudson, 6. Michael Whooley, 5. John Maxwell, 4. Max Skuse, 3. Gearoid O’Mahony, 2. Dylan Desmond, 1. Tim Clifford. Subs: Conor O’Flynn, Sam Deane, Niall O’Brien, Timmy Healy, Shane Daly, Paul Tobin.

PBC Juniors 6-18 Ard Scoil Ris - 30/11/11
 

Played in very difficult conditions in Wilton yesterday, Pres went down to ASR in a competitive Junior friendly. The home side made a large number of changes from the previous Saturday’s win over Crescent, and this was reflected in the opening exchanges, which were dominated by the large and physical ASR pack, playing a perfect tactical game with the strong wind behind them. Ard Scoil took the lead after 12 minutes, a 26m penalty against Pres for not releasing at a ruck. ASR’s big and mobile ball carriers were causing huge concern for the Pres defence and their bullocking loose head prop took advantage of some weak tackling in Pres’ midfield, surging 35 metres for an excellently taken try in the 22nd minute, a score that was converted by the ASR outhalf. This scoreline was further increased in the 29th minute with Pres going off their feet at a ruck on their own 22m line, the resultant penalty converted to leave the half time score, PBC 0-13 ASR.
Pres began the second half well with outhalf Barry McGrory playing territory with his big left boot, and ASR having to run the ball out of their own danger area. The pressure Pres were now exerting paid dividend in the 36th minute, courtesy of a McGrory penalty from 40m. Pres were soon back on the attack with the ASR defence repulsing phase after phase of attacks and coming really close in the 44th minute, when full back Paddy Hogan got to within inches of the Ard Scoil line before being held up . Pres’ only reward for their period of dominance came from a further McGrory penalty, given for hands in the ruck in the 51st minute, and cutting the gap to 6-13 for the visitors. However any hopes that Pres had of salvaging the game disappeared from the resulting kick off, the reception being knocked on, giving ASR excellent field position in the Pres 22. Some accurate phase play then saw ASR get some serious momentum and they were rewarded with an unconverted try in the 54th minute, their excellent second row picking up a lovely pass from the scrum half on the blind side of a ruck and crashing over for 6-18. Pres were unable to reply, play for the remaining minutes staying between both 10m lines, and ending with ASR getting a deserved away win, 6-18.
Scorers: Pens: Barry McGrory (2) Team: 15. Paddy Hogan, 14. Paul Tobin, 13.Jerry Clifford, 12. Conor Murphy, 11.Seafra Guilfoyle, 10. Barry McGrory, 9. Charlie Nolan, 8. Michael Fitzgibbon (C), 7. Rob Coffey, 6. Michael Whooley, 5. Killian Condon, 4. Max Skuse, 3. Gearoid O’Mahony, 2. Ciaran Cremin, 1. Emmet McCarthy.
Subs: Dylan Desmond, Tim Clifford, Dave Fitzgerald, Brian Clifford, Cathal Murphy, Colin O’Neill.

PBC Juniors 24 - 3 Crescent College, Wilton, 26/11/11.

Pres Juniors maintained their recent winning run with a relatively comfortable win over a game Crescent side in Wilton last Saturday. Crescent, Junior Cup winners for the past two years, won the toss and elected to play with the strong breeze into the dressing room end. Pres, however, made light of the elements electing to keep the ball in hand in their own 22. A fine individual break from John Poland, beating numerous tacklers, saw the ball flash through almost 12 pairs of hands before hooker Conor O’Flynn got on the end of the final pass to score as fine a team try as you are likely to see. Crescent’s reply was instantaneous, with their dangerous full back fielding a loose Pres kick and powering deep into the Pres 22. Some good rucking resulted in quick ball and Pres straying offside. The resultant penalty saw the Crescent outhalf narrow the margin to two points.
Pres were soon back on the attack and some wonderful continuity saw play move to the Crescent 10 metre line and when John Poland went blind, he fed the unmarked Paul Kiernan who raced 35 metres for a superbly created try. Outhalf Dave O’Sullivan added the subsequent conversion. Pres remained in the ascendancy for the rest of the half and another blind side break saw full back Paddy Hogan break clear only to have his try scoring pass to Paul Kiernan intercepted fortuitously by the Crescent full back and the danger cleared. HT Score PBC 12-3 Crescent.
Crescent began the second half with real intent with their pick and go game around the fringes causing Pres real concern. The Pres defence were able to scramble well though and most of the play was now happening between the 10 metre lines. In the 42nd minute a lovely half break by John Poland saw him offload to the supporting William Buckley, who came within 4 metres of the Crescent line. No. 8 Eddie Ryan was in close attendance however, and picked up the offload to crash over, a score converted by Dave O’Sullivan. This was followed 8 minutes later by another superb Pres try. Again some accurate phase play saw replacement outhalf, Barry McGrory, hit full back, Paddy Hogan with a long pass. Hogan linked with fellow replacement, wing Seofra Guilfoyle, who beat the first man and then provided an excellent final pass to Conor Barrett, backing up from the opposite wing. Barrett showed real acceleration to power home from just outside the 22 metre line. Dave O’Sullivan narrowly missed the difficult conversion attempt to leave the Final Score, PBC 24-3 Crescent.
Scorers: Tries: Conor O’Flynn, Paul Kiernan, Eddie Ryan, Conor Barrett. Cons: Dave O’Sullivan(2)
Team: 15. Paddy Hogan,14. Conor Barrett 13. Paul Kiernan(C), 12. Kevin O’Leary, 11. Darragh Dennehy, 10. Dave O’Sullivan, 9. John Poland, 8. Eddie Ryan, 7. William Buckley, 6. Caolan O’Flynn, 5. Dave Fitzgerald, 4. Andrew Ring, 3. Jake O’Donovan, 2. Conor O’Flynn, 1. Emmet McCarthy. Subs: Jack Linehan, Gearoid O’Mahony, Sam Deane, Killian Condon, Max Skuse, Callum Pittorino, Charlie Nolan, Billy Pope, Seofra Guilfoyle, Paul Tobin.

PBC Juniors 47-7 St. Munchins, Wilton,  19/11/11.

Pres Juniors had a resounding win over an understrength St. Munchins side in Wilton last Saturday. Played in almost perfect conditions, the match was essentially over by half time with Pres 26 points to the good. Hard running team captain Paul Kiernan caused untold problems for the St. Munchins defence, scoring three first half 5 pointers, while right wing Paul Tobin also added a fine try, three of which were converted by substitute outhalf, David O’Sullivan.
Any lingering hopes Munchins had of salvaging the game were dashed within 8 minutes of the resumption. Firstly a fine piece of continuity between backs and forwards resulted in flanker Caolan O’Flynn supplying the scoring pass for Paul Tobin to dot down in the corner, David O’Sullivan kicking a superb conversion from the right touchline. Almost immediately from the restart, Pres attacked blind and a lovely chip kick from Dave O’Sullivan was hacked on by Paul Tobin and Paddy Hogan won the race to touch down in the corner, Dave O’Sullivan providing the extras.
Both sides made a lot of changes at this stage, Pres giving debuts to 2nd row Cillian Condon and U-15 forwards, Niall O’Brien, Conor O’Flynn and Sam Deane. Munchins finally managed to establish a foothold in the Pres half and poor discipline allied to some ineffectual Pres tackling led to a converted Munchins try 9 minutes from time. The final score of the game came courtesy of substitute Daragh Dennehy 2 minutes later, finishing off an excellent move to score near the posts, with O’Sullivan duly converting.
Final Score: PBC 47-7 St. Munchins
Scorers:  Tries: Paul Kiernan(3), Paul Tobin(2), Paddy Hogan, Daragh Dennehy Cons: Dave O’Sullivan (6)
Team: 15.Paddy Hogan, 14. Paul Tobin, 13. Paul Kiernan(C), 12. Luke Clarke, 11. Seofra Guilfoyle, 10. Robin Reidy, 9. Charlie Nolan, 8. Eddie Ryan, 7. William Buckley, 6. Caolan O’Flynn, 5. Andrew Ring, 4. Dave Fitzgerald, 3. Jake O’Donovan, 2. Jack Linehan, 1. Emmet McCarthy. Subs: Conor O’Flynn, Niall O’Brien, Sam Deane, Max Skuse, Cillian Condon, Callum Pittorino, Graham Smith, John Poland, Kevin O’Leary, Daragh Dennehy, David O’Sullivan.
 

PBC vs Castletroy, Wilton, 12/11/2011

PBC 34-13 Castletroy
In what was their first home game of the season, Pres turned in a powerful first half performance to maintain their recent winning run. Pres started well with both John Poland and Dave O'Sullivan putting in excellent kicks that gave good field position. Some very accurate phase play in the 5th minute saw Pres create a massive overlap for Conor Barrett to score out wide. Dave O'Sullivan kicked a superb conversion from the touchline to provide the extras.
Backchat from the Castletroy outhalf immediately after the try saw Pres get a penalty from the half way line, which was duly despatched to touch just outside the 22. A solid lineout saw a subsequent powerful surge by Eddie Ryan and the ball was recycled, then put across the line to allow Jack Linehan to finish an excellent team try.
Castletroy were now having real trouble hanging onto ball and were kept under pressure by an aggressive Pres defence. In the 22nd min Caolan O'Flynn capitalised on a poor lineout throw close to the Castletroy line to dive over and O'Sullivan again added a good conversion.
At this point, Castletroy had a brief period of dominance and some poor Pres discipline at the breakdown saw the Limerick men kick two penalties in quick succession. Pres' reply was instantaneous however and after good phase play, John Poland scored under the posts. Incredibly, Dave O'Sullivan missed the close in conversion to leave the half time score, PBC 24-6 Castletroy.
Probably stung by the scoreline, Castletroy upped their performance levels on the resumption, but without really threatening the Pres 22. Pres, however, increased their lead in the 45th minute when Paul Kiernan beat some ineffectual Castletroy tackling to score under the posts with Dave O'Sullivan kicking the subsequent conversion.
At this stage, both sides made a number of changes and this had a marked effect on the continuity of the play. Castletroy made Pres pay for some slack defence in the 52nd minute, with a try for their No. 8, duly converted by their outhalf. The final score came two minutes from the end when the referee reversed a penalty in the Castletroy 22, again for backchat. Dave O'Sullivan had no problem with the easy kick to leave the final score, PBC 34-13 Castletroy.
Scorers: Tries: Conor Barrett, Jack Linehan, Caolan O'Flynn, John Poland, Paul Kiernan Cons: Dave O’Sullivan (2)
Pens: Dave O’Sullivan Team: 15.Dave O’Sullivan, 14. Conor Barrett, 13. Paul Kiernan(C), 12. Luke Clarke, 11. Darragh Dennehy, 10. Robin Reidy, 9. John Poland, 8. Michael Fitzgibbon, 7. William Buckley, 6. Caolan O’Flynn, 5. Eddie Ryan, 4. Andrew Ring, 3. Jake O’Donovan, 2. Jack Linehan, 1. Joe Ring.  Subs: Emmett McCarthy, Max Skuse, Dave Fitzgerald, Callum Pittorino, Graham Smith, Charlie Nolan, Paul Tobin, Paddy Hogan, Conor Murphy.

Matches vs St. Mary's , Dublin, 22/10/2011

1st XV 25-0 St. Mary’s
A powerful 1st half performance provided the perfect launch pad for Pres Junior’s fourth away victory in a row, against a young St. Mary’s side in Dublin on Saturday last. Pres started well with scrum half John Poland a constant threat to the Mary’s defence, and took the lead in the 9th minute when Poland went blind, feeding captain Paul Kiernan, who sprinted 40 metres for a great try. Dave O’Sullivan was just wide with the touchline conversion. Solid set piece work gave Pres some great attacking positions in the Mary’s half, and this pressure was rewarded in the 24th minute when William Buckley blocked down an attempted clearance, and followed up to score under the posts. Dave O’Sullivan provided the extras to leave the half time score, PBC 12-0 St. Mary’s.
Mary’s defensive effort improved considerably on the resumption and their rush defence, allied to some unforced errors from Pres, led to a stop start 15 minute scoreless period. Dave O’Sullivan did pop over two close range penalties on 16 and 19 minutes, while also providing a terrific pass for Paul Kiernan in the 24th minute, who cut through the Mary’s defence to score a marvellous try from near halfway. O’Sullivan again converted to leave the final score, Pres 25-0 St. Mary’s.
Scorers: Tries: Paul Kiernan (2), William Buckley Cons: Dave O’Sullivan (2) Pens: Dave O’Sullivan (2)
Team: 15.Dave O’Sullivan, 14. Paddy Hogan, 13. Paul Kiernan(C), 12. Luke Clarke, 11. Darragh Dennehy, 10. Robin Reidy, 9. John Poland, 8. Michael Fitzgibbon, 7. William Buckley, 6. Caolan O’Flynn, 5. Eddie Ryan, 4. Emmet McCarthy, 3. Jake O’Donovan, 2. Jack Linehan, 1. Joe Ring. Subs: Gearoid O’Mahony, Charlie Nolan, Paul Tobin, Seofra Guilfoyle.

2nd XV 17-0 St. Mary’s
Pres Junior 2nd XV had an excellent victory over a game St. Mary’s side last Saturday. The Pres pack were excellent throughout with Gearoid O’Mahony, Max Skuse and Dave Fitzgerald very prominent. Barry McGrory opened the scoring with a penalty after 11 minutes. Soon afterwards the match was delayed for a considerable time because of a bad injury to one of the St. Mary’s players. On the resumption, Pres extended their lead with a good try from Gearoid O’Mahony, converted by McGrory. HT Score PBC 10-0.
Pres continued where they left off and dominated the second half but strong Mary’s defence ensured that Pres’ only reward for their 2nd half endeavours was a try by Jerry Clifford, converted by Barry McGrory. FT Score PBC 17-0 St.Mary’s.
Scorers: Tries: Gearoid O’Mahony, Jerry Clifford Cons: Barry McGrory (2) Pen: Barry McGrory
Team: 15. Conor Gallagher, 14. Cathal Murphy, 13. Daniel Morrissey, 12.Jerry Clifford, 11.Jack Walsh, 10. Barry McGrory, 9. Brian Clifford, 8. Callum Pittorino, 7. Rob Coffey, 6. Dave Fitzgerald, 5. Sam Hudson, 4. Max Skuse, 3. Gearoid O’Mahony, 2. Ciaran Cremin, 1. Tim Clifford. Subs: Dylan Desmond, John Maxwell, Jamie Mulcahy, Daire O’Herlihy, Timmy Healy, Michael Carey, Conor Kiernan.
 

PBC Junior V Blackrock College - 15/10/11
Blackrock College 8-13 PBC

Pres Junior XV produced another fine away performance in Dublin last Saturday, beating Leinster Junior Cup holders, Blackrock College on a 13-8 scoreline. Blackrock took an early 3-0 lead with an 8th minute penalty while some excellent continuity throughout the first half saw Pres come close to scoring on a number of occasions.
Pres were now controlling the game up front with Eddie Ryan, Michael Fitzgibbon, Luke Clarke and Jack Linehan very prominent, and scrum half John Poland constantly dangerous at the base. Pres took a deserved lead in the 18th minute through Conor Barrett. A series of concerted forward drives punched deep into the Blackrock 22 and John Poland went blind to send Barrett in at the corner. Dave O’Sullivan hit the post with the conversion from far out.
Having won the subsequent kick off, Pres went back on the attack, hanging onto the ball for long periods in the Blackrock half. That pressure paid dividends after 24 minutes when William Buckley blocked down an attempted clearance from the ‘Rock outhalf and the alert Jake O’Donovan popped up to score an unconverted try. HT Blackrock 3-10 PBC.
Blackrock enjoyed a good start to the 2nd half, producing some skilful backline moves that had the Pres defence under all sorts of pressure. This was rewarded with an unconverted try far out from their No.8 in the 43rd minute. Pres’ reply was instantaneous however, the pack rumbling into the ‘Rock 22 and earning a deserved penalty which O’Sullivan duly slotted for 13-8. The remainder of the match was played out between both 10 metre lines, with Pres’ defensive line superbly marshalled by team captain, Paul Kiernan, and rarely breached.
Final Score: Blackrock 8-13 PBC
Scorers: Tries: Conor Barrett, Jake O’Donovan. Pen: Dave O’Sullivan.
Team: 15.Dave O’Sullivan, 14. Conor Barrett, 13. Paul Kiernan (C), 12. Luke Clarke, 11. Darragh Dennehy, 10. Robin Reidy, 9. John Poland, 8. Michael Fitzgibbon, 7. William Buckley, 6. Caolan O’Flynn, 5. Eddie Ryan, 4. Dave Fitzgerald, 3. Jake O’Donovan, 2. Jack Linehan, 1. Joe Ring.
Subs: Emmet McCarthy, Gearoid O’Mahony, Ciaran Cremin, Max Skuse, Callum Pittorino, Charlie Nolan, Daniel Morrissey, Paddy Hogan.

PBC Junior Rugby
Matches vs. Clongowes, 8/10/2011
 

1st XV 17-0 Clongowes
Pres Junior 1st XV scored an excellent away win over a physical Clongowes side in Kildare on Saturday last. Good set pieces and a powerful defensive line were the hallmarks of this win with Paul Kiernan, Luke Clarke, Eddie Ryan, Joe Ring and Michael Fitzgibbon very prominent throughout.
Pres took the lead through a close range Robin Reidy penalty, and this was followed by a Paul Kiernan intercept try from the half way line, converted by Reidy to leave the half time score, 10-0 in Pres’ favour. Clongowes came more into the game on the resumption but Pres missed two penalty chances to increase their lead. The win was secured two minutes from time with a Daniel Morrissey try, the winger catching a short Clongowes 22 drop out and running in from 30 metres to dot down. Substitute full back Dave O’Sullivan kicked a fine conversion to leave the final score, Pres 17-0 Clongowes.

Tries: Paul Kiernan, Daniel Morrissey  Cons: Robin Reidy, Dave O'Sullivan  Pen: Robin Reidy
Team:15. John Poland, 14. Conor Barrett, 13. Paul Kiernan (C), 12. Luke Clarke, 11. Daragh Dennehy, 10. Robin Reidy, 9. Charlie Nolan, 8. Michael Fitzgibbon, 7. Andrew Ring, 6. Caolan O'Flynn, 5. Eddie Ryan, 4. Dave Fitzgerald, 3. Jake O'Donovan, 2. Jack Lenihan, 1. Joe Ring. Subs: William Buckley, Daniel Morrissey, David O'Sullivan.

 2nd XV 12-15 Clongowes

There was heartbreak for the Pres Junior 2nd XV as they just came up short against a very big and physical Clongowes side. Clongowes took an early lead with an unconverted try but Pres replied quickly with a try from Gearoid O’Mahony. The same player was instrumental in the second try scored in the 2nd half, running through powerfully from 35 metres, only to be hauled down just short by some desperate last ditch Clongowes tackling. Callum Pittorino though was on hand to pick up and dive over, with the extras provided by Barry McGrory.

Pres managed to preserve their lead until the final play of the match when a powerful surge from the Clongowes pack saw their second row crash over far out. Huge disappointment then for Pres, who did have outstanding performers in Emmet McCarthy ,Conor Murphy, Gearoid O’Mahony, Callum Pittorino and Barry McGrory, and also the consolation of a very committed and spirited team performance.

Tries: Gearoid O'Mahony, Callum Pittorino  Con: Barry McGrory
Team: 15. Paddy Hogan, 14. Conor Gallagher, 13. Jerry Clifford, 12. Conor Murphy, 11. Cathal Murphy, 10. Barry McGrory, 9. Brian Clifford, 8. Callum Pittorino, 7. Michael Whooley, 6. Rob Coffey, 5. Sam Hudson, 4. Max Skuse, 3. Gearoid O'Mahony, 2. Ciaran Cremin, 1. Emmet McCarthy .
Subs: Dylan Desmond, Tim Clifford, Michael Carey, Jack Walsh, Patrick Geary.