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23 May 2004

Scotland U21 26 Ireland U21 27

A strong finish by Scotland, with two tries in the last six minutes, was not enough to snatch victory in the under-21 international against Ireland at Murrayfield this afternoon. Robert Dewey’s second try allowed the Scots to sense the chance of winning, and Fergus Thomson’s score took them almost there.

But the Scots paid the penalty of conceding 27 points in 20 minutes bracketing the interval. In that time the Irish scored four tries, and they looked like running away with the game.

At that stage, with the score at 27-9, it seemed that the Irish would take far more out the match in preparation for the IRB Under-21 World Championship being held in Scotland next month. But Dewey’s first try sparked the Scottish fightback, though the fire did not ignite until it was too late.

Jonno Phillips, the Scots’ coach, was pleased with his team’s improvement since the six nations’ competition in February and March. “We’ve now got a group of players who are prepared to do battle for us,” he commented. “You’ve got to play rugby on the front foot!”

Scotland’s start was as positive as their finale. For 18 minutes they tied together several phases of continuity, with Alasdair Strokosch and David Callam much involved. All they could take from it were two penalty goals by Brian Archibald, though between them Brendan McKerchar excited the support with a strong run up the left touchline almost to the corner.

After 29 minutes, however, Ireland responded with a slicing run by Tommy Bowe for Glen Telford and Andrew Finn to create a short-range try for Declan Fitzpatrick. Almost immediately, the Irish countered from deep for David Gannon to score. Gareth Steenson converted the second as well as kicking a penalty goal, and turn-over ball on the visitors’ 22-metre was the catalyst for a Telford try. Steenson converted for 22-6.

A third penalty goal by Archibald, following Ross Ford’s break into the 22, cut the Irish lead to 13 points at the interval, but the visitors stretched away with Shane O’Connor’s drive-over try eight minutes into the second half.

At 27-9 the Irish seemed to be coasting, but Callam showed the way for the Scots to fight back. Twice the captain was denied inches short, the second time from a Strokosch surge, and the Scots at last broke the green defensive line when Dewey stormed over on the narrow side of a goal-line ruck.

Scotland persevered, and eventually they had their reward when Fergus Thomson sent Dewey away from fully 40 metres out. The centre still had much to do on his way, breaking tackles and eluding opponents before scoring a well deserved try.

Neil Hunter failed to convert either try, both from well out. But suddenly, the Scots were back in the game, and when Strokosch sent Thomson in for Hunter to convert the difference was down to just one point. But too little time was left for the Scots.

Scotland Under-21 – Brian Archibald (Stirling County); Steve Gordon (Glasgow Hawks), Robert Dewey (Kirkcaldy), Douglas Brown (Boroughmuir), John Houston (Hawick); Stephen Jones (Newcastle Falcons), Brendan McKerchar (Durham University); Alasdair Dickinson (Heriot's and Scottish Institute of Sport), Ross Ford (The Borders and Scottish Institute of Sport), Craig McGrath (Bristol Shoguns), Ian Dryburgh (Watsonians), Sean Tomes (Newcastle Falcons), Alasdair Strokosch (Boroughmuir and Scottish Institute of Sport), David Callam (Hawick and Scottish Institute of Sport) captain, Grant Strang (Aberdeen GSFP). Substitutes – Stuart Corsar (Aberdeen GSFP) for McGrath (half-time), Fergus Thomson (Glasgow Hawks and Scottish Institute of Sport) for Ford (45 minutes), Neil Hunter (Gloucester) for Archibald (47), Colin Shaw (Glasgow Hawks) for Gordon (61), Colin White (Stirling County) for Tomes (65), Neil Cochrane (Watsonians) for Strang (66), Alasdhair McFarlane (Hillhead/Jordanhill) for McKerchar (79).
Tries, Dewey (2), Thomson; conversion, Hunter; penalty goals, Archibald (3).

Ireland Under-21 – Andrew Finn (Dolphin); Tommy Bowe (Queen’s University), John Hearty (Blackrock College), Glen Telford (Dungannon), Paul McKenzie (Loughborough University); Gareth Steenson (Queen’s University), Robbie Shaw (London Wasps); John Wickham (Clontarf), Denis Fogarty (Cork Constitution), Declan Fitzpatrick (Belfast Harlequins), David Gannon (Blackrock College) captain, Shane O’Connor (Cork Constitution), Brendan O’Connor (Cork Constitution), Jamie Heaslip (Dublin University), David O’Brien (Old Belvedere). Substitutes – Tomas O’Leary (Cork Constitution) for Shaw (48), Connor Geoghegan (UCD) for Fogarty (61), Oisim Hennessy (Dungannon) for O’Brien (61), Breffne O’Donnell (UL Bohemians) for Telford (61), Michael Glancy (Loughborough University) for Steenson (66), Keith O’Doyle (UCD) for Fitzpatrick (66), Neil McComb (Dundee HSFP) for Shane O’Connor (66), O’Brien for Brendan O’Connor (66), Telford for Finn (77), Shaw for McKenzie (79).
Tries, Fitzpatrick, Telford, Gannon, Shane O’Connor; conversions, Steenson (2); penalty goal, Steenson.

21 May 2004

Guinness Ulster Rugby Awards 2004

Over 460 guests attended the annual Guinness Ulster Rugby Awards Ceremony which was held on Thursday evening at the Ramada Hotel.

The ceremony aims to celebrate achievement and development in the game of rugby at all levels in Ulster and the award categories cover areas of school, youth, club and professional rugby.

The coveted top award of the evening, the Guinness Ulster Rugby Personality of the Year went to outgoing Ulster coach Alan Solomons, for the sterling work he has done with the Ulster side during his three seasons in charge. As he prepares to take up a new coaching position with the Northampton Saints he has left Ulster with a group of young players established as Ulster regulars and involved in Irish training squads, a home grown coach who he has helped develop, the Celtic Cup in the Trophy cabinet and one of the top home records in European rugby.

The Award Winners in full are as follows:

Calor Gas Ulster Youth Player of the Year – Neville Farr

Another product of the Banbridge Youth Section, Neville has worked extremely hard and been deservedly rewarded at both Ulster and Ireland levels. His combined scrum half and kicking skills make him an asset to any team.

Belfast Telegraph Club Team of the Year – Belfast Harlequins 2nd XV

Belfast Harlequins 2nd XV: WInners of the Millar, McCall and Wylie Junior Cup, the McCrea Cup and undefeated winners of the 2nd XV League - this young development team had a truly outstanding season.

Dorrington B. Faulkner Award sponsored by Perennials RFC – Brian Banks

The announcement that Brian is to be the incoming Vice President of the Referees Society will be accepted as by all who know him as justified recognition of his sterling service to rugby as a referee. His obvious enthusiasm for the game is as evident today as it was when he first commenced refereeing.

Bank of Ireland Ulster Player of the Year – Roger Wilson

Part of the young and dynamic back row trio that has breathed new life into Ulster Rugby this year. Roger’s ball carrying has been a joy to watch and for a man of such tender years he’s added a hard edge to the Ulster pack.

Downtown Radio Club PRO of the Year – John Dickson (Ballynahinch)

John goes out of his way to help the media in terms of supplying both team information and photographs. He has a superb work ethic for his club, maintaining their excellent and informative website with both written content and photos, and is proactive regarding both Junior and the Senior sides.

Renault Schools Player of the Year – John McCall (Royal School Armagh)

Captain of his schools cup winning team, Captain of Ulster, two years on the Ulster squad, and a member of the Irish .19 squad in South Africa during the Junior World Cup, John led from the front and was always prepared to meet the opposition on the front foot. His tackle count was high, but so to was all the unseen hard ground work that was his trade mark on the blind-side of the scrum. He was a popular player with his Ulster team-mates who followed his capacity for hard work both on the training field and on the playing field.

Botanic Inns Merit Award – Bob Montgomery and Brian Elliot

There have been 17 professional matches played on the Ravenhill pitch this season, 25 club matches and over 100 training sessions. With all this pressure, both the playing surface, and indeed the grounds themselves, continue to receive plaudits from our many visitors. There are two men responsible for ensuring that the ground is maintained to the highest level and that constant improvements are made within financial constraints.

Club Ulster Player of the Year – Andy Ward

This naturalized Ulster Man goes from strength to strength despite having the tag “veteran” attached to him. In Ulster’s first full time season Wardy’s leadership and his play came to the fore.

Northern Bank Coach of the Year – Kenny Hooks

In his inaugural season as Head Coach of Ulster Schools, Kenny’s charges defeated both Cheshire and Lancashire Schools away in a pre - Interprovincial Tour. In the Interpro series, they defeated a strong Leinster XV convincingly at home before succumbing to Munster in Limerick. With Royal School Armagh, the school achieved the ultimate in winning the Renault Schools Cup; defeating Methody., Belfast Inst., Ballymena Academy and Campbell College along the way.

First Trust Bank Club of the Year – Belfast Harlequins

1st XV - Winners of the Ulster Senior League, 3rd in All Ireland League, 2nd XV – Winners of 2nd XV League, The Millar, McCall and Wylie Junior Cup and the McCrea Cup, 3rd XV – Winners of Junior League Section 1, 4th XV - Winners of The Crawford Cup, Under 20’s – Winners of U20 League, The Roland Barr Trophy and finalists in the All Ireland Millennium Cup, 7th XV - Finalists in The Butler Shield, quite a season.

Guinness Ulster Rugby Personality of the Year – Alan Solomons

As he prepares to take up a new coaching position with the Northampton Saints Alan has left Ulster with a group of young players established as Ulster regulars and involved in Irish training squads, a home grown coach who he has helped develop, the Celtic Cup in the Trophy cabinet and one of the top home records in European rugby.

14 May 2004
Ireland U21 Squad
The Ireland U21 squad from which the team and replacements to play an international against Scotland U21’s prior to the Scotland Barbarians game on Saturday May 22nd at Murrayfield Scotland kick off 12.45hrs is as follows;

Forwards (12): Declan Fitzpatrick (Belfast Harlequins), Denis Fogarty (Cork Constitution), David Gannon (Blackrock College), Conor Geoghegan (UCD), Jamie Heaslip (DU), Oisin Hennessy (Dungannon), Neil McComb (Dundee HSFP), David O’Brien (Old Belvedere), Brendan O’Connor (Cork Constitution), Shane O’Connor (Cork Constitution), John Wickham (Clontarf), Keith Doyle (UCD).

Backs (10): Tommy Bowe (QUB), Andrew Finn (Dolphin), Michael Glancy (Loughborough University), John Hearty (Blackrock College), Richard Lane (UCC), Breiffne O’Donnell (UL Bohemians), Tomas O’Leary (Cork Constitution), Robbie Shaw (London Wasps), Gareth Steenson (QUB), Glen Telford (Dungannon

12 May 2004

Ireland drawn with France in RWC 2007

Eddie O'Sullivan's Ireland have a chance for revenge in the 2007 World Cup as they have been drawn against France in the group stages of the tournament.

France beat Ireland convincingly 43-21 in the quarter-final of last year's Rugby World Cup, a game in which O'Sullivan's charges disappointed.

The draw made in Dublin today is:

Ireland drawn against France, Americas 1, Europe 3, Africa 1, in Pool D for the 2007 Rugby World Cup

Scotland drawn against New Zealand, Europe 1, Europe 2, Repecharge 1 in Pool C for the 2007 Rugby World Cup

Wales drawn against Australia, Oceania 2, Americas 2, Asia 1, in Pool B for the 2007 Rugby World Cup

England drawn against South Africa, Oceania 1, Americas 3, Repecharge 2 in Pool A for the 2007 Rugby World Cup

11 May 2004

Next seasons Cup opponents.

McCrea Cup

2s as holders defend the cup (away) in 2nd round meeting the winners of first round game.
Instonians 2 -v- Queens 2

Crawford Cup

3s away to Bangor 2
4s as holders defend the cup with a home start against Larne 2

Foster Cup

5s get a bye in first round.
Play Randalstown 2 away in 2nd round

McCambley Cup

6s and 7s both start with a home draw.
6s -v- Carrick 4
7s -v- Ards 4

9 May 2004

AIB League titles for Shannon, Dublin University & Greystones

A 75th minute try from replacement Stephen Keogh, converted by Tommy Cregan gave Shannon a 22-16 win over Cork Constitution in the Division One final.

Shannon led 12-7 at half-time but went behind 15-16 after replacement Brian O'Meara kicked three second half penalties.

When Shannon worked their way into the Con 22 in the moments leading up to the crucial try it was only the second time in the course of the second half that they manged to gain a foothold in that part of the field. However, they made the most of their visit with the try coming from Keogh who had made such a good impression since being introduced to the action in the 65th minute.

Shannon were quick out of the blocks with two Tommy Cregan penalties in the first and sixth minutes giving them a six point lead.

Conrad O'Sullivan missed a relatively easy penalty before Cronon Healy's 19th minute try under the posts made the conversion a formality.

That lead lasted all of four minutes until Cregan landed a sweet drop goal and he extended Shannon's lead still further with another penalty in the 38th minute. However the normally reliable Cregan was wide with an injury time effort to bring his total to three from six to leave just five points (12-7) separating the sides at the break.

Cork Constitution. A Horgan; D Dillon, R O'Donovan, J V Igarza, C Healy; C O'Sullivan (B O'Meara 41 mins), T O'Leary; G Murray, D Murray D Fogarty 59 min), M Ross; K Coughlan (C O'Keeffe 59 mins), S O'Connor; D Pusey, J Murray, B O'Connor (P Twomey 83 mins).

Shannon: J Lacey, T Cregan, B Touhy, E Cahill, M Lawlor (I Dowling 79 mins); A Thompson, F O'Loughlin; F Roche, J Flannery, G McNamara (T Buckley); T Hayes, T Hogan; C McMahon, J O'Connor (S Keogh 65 mins), E Halvey.

Referee - A Lewis (replaced by D Courtney half-time).

In the Division Two final, a penalty try, conversion and injury time drop-goal from replacement out-half, Pierre Lazies secured the trophy for Dublin University after a highly entertaining match.

UL Bohemians made the most of their first half dominance to carve out a 15-3 interval lead. It really should have been closer however because when Trinity mounted an attack in the closing moments of the half they really should have scored a try. Bohs were quite happy to give away the penalty which Keelan McGowan converted.

Earlier, tries from Barry Murphy and Phillip Treacy had the Limerick side in a commanding lead but the gap was narrowed at the start of the second half when wing Phil Howard made headway down the right wing, chipped over the defence and easily outstripped the cover to win the race for the touchdown. McGowan struck a sweet conversion to leave five points separating the sides (15-10). The deficit was reduced further when McGowan landed a 50th minute penalty but Bohs stretched their lead when Breffni O’Donnell scored a well taken try under the posts from the restart. That try converted by Cathal Garvey looked good enough to secure victory for the Limerick side until Trinity staged their late rally to snatch the spoils.

The Division Three decider was won by Greystones 18-11 after they had led 6-5 at half time.

4 May 2004

RBS 6 Natios Match Schedule 2005

The schedule of matches for the 2005 RBS 6 Nations, published today, reveals that next year's Championship will begin at the Stade de France on February 5 th , with the Tournament Champions, France, playing host to Scotland, and will conclude on 19 th March, when all six nations will compete in another ‘ Super Saturday' .

Immediately after the curtain-raiser in Paris, World Champions, England, will travel to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff to meet Wales, and the following day Italy will play host to Ireland. The final match of the tournament will be played out at Twickenham between England and Scotland.

Jacques Laurans, 6 Nations Chairman, said, “We recently concluded yet another fine RBS 6 Nations tournament. Contrary to all the predictions beforehand, this was not a Championship which was decided by the final whistle of the first match. In reality, it hung in the balance until the very last moment. I hope that 2005 will prove to be even half as exciting”.

2005 RBS 6 Nations fixtures: (all times GMT)

Saturday 5 February:
France v Scotland 1400 (1500 local)
Wales v England 1730
Sunday 6 February:
Italy v Ireland 1430 (1530 local)

Saturday 12 February:
Italy v Wales 1330 (1430 local)
Scotland v Ireland 1600
Sunday 13 February:
England v France 1500

Saturday 26 February:
Scotland v Italy 1400
France v Wales 1600 (1700 local)
Sunday 27 February:
Ireland v England 1500

Saturday 12 March:
Ireland v France 1330
England v Italy 1600
Sunday 13 March:
Scotland v Wales 1500

Saturday 19 March
Italy v France 1300 (1400 local)
Wales v Ireland 1530
England v Scotland 1800