Cobh Pirates News W/E 10th January

Cobh Pirates would like to extend our good year wishes to all. We would also like to thank all those who have supported us in any way in 2015 and look forward to 2016.

In a weekend that was still effected by the aftermath of the recent poor weather we had a few cancellations across the grades.

U13 Friendly

Cobh Pirates v. Old Christians (scheduled for Sun. 10th) – Game Cancelled

Munster Clubs U14;

Highfield v. Cobh Pirates – Game Cancelled

Munster Clubs U16 Cup;

Killorglin (6) v. Cobh Pirates (3)

Munster Clubs U18 Plate;

Cobh Pirates (8) v. Clonmel (15)

Junior 2

Ballincollig v Cobh pirates Cancelled

Junior 1

Munster Junior Cup
Cobh Pirates (23) v  (7) Kinsale

Some match analysis:

Bank Of Ireland Under 16 Munster Clubs Cup Killorglin Vs Cobh Pirates Saturday 9th on January 2016

Cobh Pirates Under 16 team headed to Killorglin, in search of victory to continue their quest towards the latter stages of this seasons Bank of Ireland Under 16 Munster Clubs Cup.

Pre match preparations took place in the idyllic surroundings of Muckross House, where match tactics were discussed and players re-energised following the early morning start, much to the bemusement of a number of German tourists. While players were preparing themselves for their match, bus driver and tour guide extraordinaire , Mr Paul Costello, educated coaches and mentors on Queen Victoria’s visit to Muckross House in 1861. With everybody now looking forward to kick off, the bus headed west towards Cromane via, Killorglin, as match time approached. On the journey from Killarney to Cromane, Paul, continued to impress the adults on board with his tales of Monsignor Hugh O Flaherty and the height of Carrantuohill.

Pre match preparations could not have gone any better, and on arrival in Cromane the weather was perfect for running rugby, with no wind or rain and clear skies, what could possibly go wrong ?

Final Score : Killorglin 6 Cobh Pirates 3

As Lance-Corporal Jones used to proclaim “ Don’t Panic Mr. Mainwaring”

While Saturday’s defeat was a disappointment, Pirates chance of qualification to the quarter final stages of the competition remain in their own hands, and welcome Waterpark to the Paddock, on Saturday next 16th of January @ 12 O Clock.

Match Day Squad:Jim Kevany, Jack O Sullivan, Stewart Lynch, Luke Kelly, Aoran Whelan, Sam Baricaua, Liam Devlin Buckley, Conor Pasley, ,Callum King, Kevin Murphy, Pablo Betancroft, Cian Lynch, Mark Jones, Olan Farrell, Leo Daly, Cian Walker, Adam Delaney, Cathal O Dea, Bobby Kahn, Anthony O Regan, Sean Woods, Kevin O Reilly, Brandon Tait, Matthew Pender, Rhys Welhym.

Bank of Ireland Munster Junior Cup Cobh 23 Kinsale 7.

Cobh Pirates welcomed Kinsale to the Paddock for the Munster Junior Cup tie. The recent defeat in the league away to the same side was fresh in the mind of the players as kick off approached, and the pre-match preparation reflected so.

Pirates intent was evident from the off and after only 3 minutes a kick through by Kinsale was returned, on foot, by Shane Cullimore. The supporting play fed the ball to Eamon Ronan who put Pirates in the visitors corner for the first of many times. The defence was good, as was the clearance but the tone was set.

The play was even for the next period, until Jack Hickey on the 15th minute made a break toward the corner, offloading to Eoin McSweeney to crash over in the corner for the games, and Pirates, first try. The kick fell short, and the following 20 minutes was evenly contested between the 22s. After sustained pressure, on the 35th minute, from a series of pick and go’s from Pirates front 5 yielded a kickable penalty which Eamon slotted over, 8-0.

Pirates were now on the front foot and earned a throw in on the Kinsale 5 yard line, only to be penalised in the lineout. The resulting quick reaction from Kinsale saw the ball being hacked down the field, after a series of runs, to be touched down under posts for a 7 pointer.

The half time break came and went, and it was not until the 45th minute that Ronan was allowed another shot at the posts to put Pirates further ahead 11-7. Another series of runs by early replacement Arron OFlynn, and Martin Clifford got Pirates possession moving closer to the try line, and a rolling maul reaped the rewards with Noel ODonovan applying the downward pressure in the corner, Eamon added the 2 points from a very difficult angle to put PIrates 18-7 ahead. Another period of defence and attack on the half way line was endured, before Eoin McSweeney kicked through into space. Chasing his own kick and tackling the Kinsale gatherer allowed Pirates to regain possesion, resulting in a try be OFlynn. Cobh 23-7 Kinsale. For the last 10 minutes Kinsale threw every thing at the Cobh defence, with massive hits coming in from all over the park ,in particular man of the match Martin Clifford. The game ended on the same score line, and Cobh look forward to playing Bandon away in the next round of the Junior Cup.