Balbriggan 38     Roscrea 22

Well, it was worth waiting for!  At last Balbriggan put on a display like they have been promising all season and on Sunday it came together for much of the time.   There will be some reviews of the tries conceded but overall great satisfaction can be taken from the tries scored.   The win puts Balbriggan in the driving seat for the play-off spot. At worst 2 points in two weeks time against Garda would secure it. Roscrea through their 4 try bonus point are still only 4 points behind so can still catch us.  Edenderry have already won the league but hopefully will want to win their final home game.  If we were to finish level they would have a better record against us!

Balbriggan had made a couple of tweaks to the team following the Portarlington debacle.   Andrew Brown came in at full-back.  Jack Scannell was restored to the wing with Rian Kavanagh going to nine and the backs all moving out one.  The combination of Walls at out half, Murphy at 12 and O’Connor at 13 gave the backs a much better look.  In the pack Conor Caldwell came in at 8.

Balbriggan won a penalty just after the kick-off and from the kick were able to secure good field position in the Roscrea half.   The ball was run across the line and it was Brian Mollahan who made the decisive break and then off-loaded well to Jack Scannell who had trailed across and finished the job.  Jack then added the two points.

Roscrea were certainly not here to make up the numbers and went all out to prove that they were worthy of second place.  Mike Walls was, yet again, charged down and this put Balbriggan under pressure, only a great tackle by Mollahan saved them from conceding.  The relief was only momentary as the Roscrea out-half noted that the Balbriggan defence was very narrow and sent a lovely cross kick which looked as it had beaten their winger but he somehow managed to gather and score in the corner.  The conversion was missed.  However, it was not long until Roscrea added a second try under the posts when they intercepted a Balbriggan move and their centre went the length of the pitch to leave it set up for an easy conversion.

Minutes later it was balbriggan’s turn for the intercept when Brain Mollahan got his hands on the ball and sent Cal O’Connor away.  15 Minutes gone and the score was tied at 12 all.   Roscrea were next to score when they broke through some weak defensive play by Balbriggan.

Balbriggan were on the attack but were pulled up for a forward pass but they won the ball when they blew Roscrea off the scrum.   Again, it was Mollahan who put balbriggan up to the line They kept the pressure up and won a five metre penalty when Roscrea came off side.  Balbriggan got over the line put the ref deemed the ball was held up even if it looked as Grambo had grounded.   The ref was on the wrong side and by the time he had got around a Roscrea player had inserted his arm under the ball!   That’s the rub of the green.

Eventually the pressure paid off and Cal O’Connor found the gap to equal the scores and Jack Scannell added two to put the home side marginally in front.

From the kick-off Conor Caldwell caught the ball and charged up field before unloading to Ian Murphy who put Mollahan away, as Brian was tackled he off-loaded to Andrew Brown who was steaming up the wing and his speed and power kept him going right into the corner, to stretch the Balbriggan lead just before half-time.

Balbriggan started the second half at pace and Caldwell was making good yards, he put a good pass put to Scannell who nearly got in but play was called back for a penalty as the Roscrea winger had attempted to trip Scannell and was rewarded with a yellow card. Balbriggan went to the corner but Roscrea defended well. Balbriggan lost Ian Murphy to an injury and he was replace by Tomas Murphy, fresh back from Holiday. At this stage it was all Balbriggan and Cal O’Connor got over yet again in front of the posts to give Scannell an easy conversion to bring the score to 31 – 17. Roscrea were by no means done and put the home side under a lot of pressure and the Balbriggan defence held up well but eventually the pressure told and a try was conceded wide out.  31 – 22. Balbriggan probably had the stronger bench and in particular were able to bring on Andrew Miller to replace Tuckey who had a very comfortable game at 2. Reynolds went to 2 from 7 and Miller replaced him on the flank. Great to be able to make a change like that in the final quarter. Balbriggan won a scrum 5 metres out and were driving Roscrea back and scrum-half Kavanagh was able to take the ball and fall over the line for the final try of the afternoon.

A pulsating game, credit to both teams for putting up such a good display.  The return of Caldwell made a big difference and gave a double carrying threat of Grambo and himself. Dan Sweeney also put in some good carries. Adam O’Connor was much more noticeable than the previous week gaining good yards in his carries. His front row colleagues Tuckey and O’Donoghue go about their work quietly but all season have been giving Balbriggan that edge in the scrum. Reynolds and Fay were making a nuisance of themselves all afternoon. The change in the backs seemed to deliver with Murphy having a good game at 12. This gave Cal O’Connor more space and his off loading was better, bringing the wingers more into the game. Andrew Browne was strong in both attack and defence but the man of the match has to be Brian Mollahan for a non-stop show.

It was great to see such a crowd at the game and it certainly helps the team.   It also shows the community culture that we are a Club want to generate.   There were people there from all across the different parts of the Club urging on the lads. Should just also give a shout out to the ladies who beat CYM Terenure on Saturday, a match they lost very closely at the start of the season so was great to get revenge.

Edenderry’s win means they have secured the league title, well done to them. A win against Garda in our final match would ensure the payoff spot against Newbridge. While Newbridge are in the playoff spot they have won 5 games in the year, including matches against Wexford, New Ross and Coolmine so nothing guaranteed there.

Next week is Cup Time and we travel to Tullow to take on the Carlow men on Saturday 3pm. Nothing easy going down there. Tullow are mid table in the II league level with Dundalk IIXV. All support will be appreciated. Make a day in County Carlow as our U18 girls have a final in Carlow IT that day – more on that final later.

Balbriggan RFC enjoyed a very hard-earned one point win at home to a very well-drilled Naas team. It was a tight game that left everyone on the sideline entertained.

The away side took the lead first with a very well-worked try by Jamie Garland but unfortunately pulled the conversion wide. Centre Megan McAuley evened up the score when she carried off the back of a strong Balbriggan attack; her carries gave Balbriggan an excellent platform throughout the game.

With the scores even, Balbriggan made good use of the wind with outhalf-for-the-day Laura Brown kicking deep and forcing Naas to play from their own half. Naas happily did so and made some very good inroads with their transition play, but Balbriggan’s defence did well to hold on, with the forwards working tirelessly; an appearance from Tracey McFadden helped keep the energy levels up. Balbriggan continued their attacking efforts and boxed clever, opting to kick the points from a penalty on the stroke of halftime to give them an 8-5 lead at the break.

The second half was almost a mirror image of the first, with clever kicking from Naas putting Balbriggan’s back three under pressure but Kate McFadden, Sarah McDonald, and Sorcha Murphy dealt with the pressure well, as did Nneka Uchegbu when she came on.

Against the wind it was a big effort for Balbriggan as they simply had to keep the ball and play, but Lorna McKenna’s carries helped in spades. At set pieces, Holly Keogh, Stephanie Campbell, and Caoimhe Colman scrummaged well and helped run a very clinical lineout. Laura McDonald ran very good lines against the grain and Giorgia Tanner organised her forward pack well.

Balbriggan continued to play and when a kick bounced favourably for Cliodhna Ní Chonchobhair, she collected it and almost ran in a try but for some excellent scramble defence from a Naas winger. She released the ball after being tackled, allowing her a second bite, but the Naas defence covered well. Captain Eadaoin Cannon discussed a later penalty with her vice captains and decided three points were the way to go; a decision that would ultimately prove valuable.

Naas stayed in the hunt and continued to attack well with Ali Miley getting in for a try to make it a one-point game. After restarting, with time running out, Balbriggan’s forwards continued to dominate possession before Laura Brown cleared it well into touch for the final whistle to sound. A huge team effort, with seven of the day’s team enjoying their first season with Balbriggan RFC.

FT Score Balbriggan 11 v 10 Naas

Having arrived late to the game, near the end of the first half, the consensus from the side line was that while we were 12-0 down we were very much in this game.  The wind was blowing strongly down the pitch and the sun was making it difficult to see any high ball.  Certainly, the last few minutes of the first half saw some great defensive work.  Unfortunately the team lost skipper Ian Murphy when carrying one of his usual tackles had a rather large Edenderry forward fall very hard on his shoulder and that was the end of Ian’s game.  Rian Kavanagh moved to scum half and Mike Wall went to the out half position.   The sideline commentators were correct about Balbriggan being well in it and the majority of he second half was played in the Edenderry half.  Balbriggan made many good breaks but there are still issues with handling and too often the ball was knocked on.  The other issue was either white line fever or not trusting those outside of you.  Too often the centres cut back in instead of letting the ball out, particularly when you have a speed merchant such as Dylo waiting on the wing.  A couple of times Balbriggan put themselves in great positions but came away with nothing.  Adam O’Connor as usual was having a strong carrying game as also was Graham Reynolds.  Between them they carried well to the line and from a distance it looked as if was Dylo who picked up and squeezed in for a try.  Despite a great effort Jack Scannell could not get enough draw on the kick to bring it back in.

Game on and the league leaders were struggling to get into the Balbriggan half.  Any time they crossed the halfway line Balbriggan ensured they hoofed the ball back into the opposition 22.  A lot of pressure from Balbriggan but no points, a penalty awarded just outside the 22 saw Tomas Murphy try his luck but the wind held the ball out.  While kicking with the wind may look easy it certainly isn’t in Balbriggan.  Tomas was also having a good game running the ball back at Edenderry. While Balbriggan had the upper hand time was running out and they were still letting Edenderry of the hook.  Fiachra Tuckey had to retire injured which brought Andrew Miller into the game.   Miller was really up for this and the fresh legs at that stage of the game gave Edenderry all sorts of problems.   Substitute Brian Mollahan looked as if he again was going to be the teams saviour but was just tackled on the line after a very strong break.  However, it took another substitute, Conor Colman, to eventually breach the line in front of the posts to give Scannell an easy conversion to tie the match.  The game was in stoppage time at this stage and I think all would have accepted a draw.  Edenderry got a penalty and kicked into the Balbriggan 22 for about the first time in the half.   However great work by the pack saw them steal the ball and then the backs worked it up to near the Edenderry 22.   A loud blast on the whistle but this time the penalty was in Balbriggan’s favour.  Having missed earlier from a similar position young Scannell still had the confidence to step up to have a shot.  The kick looked as if it was going to stay out to the left of the posts but Scannell had judged the wind nicely and it too the ball just inside the left hand upright.  At least one Offaly man, Shane Lowry would have been proud of that shot.  Balbriggan had beaten the league leaders, 15-12.  The joy on the faces of the Balbriggan team was a pleasure to behold.  This win should give them the confidence to go on to at least claim runners up spot.  Yes there is still work to be done but the coaches should now where the work is needed and it should not be difficult to fix.  At this stage there is a reliance on either Birr or Roscrea to do us a favour and defeat Edenderry and for us to win our remaining games.  Roscrea are now only four points behind after their bonus point win on Sunday.  Our next match is Portarlington away in three weeks time and then Roscrea visit us at the start of March.

Balbriggan 13 Birr 9

The match started well with Balbriggan on the offensive and quick ball being generated for the backs. A penalty was kicked to the corner and after a good maul and getting the ball across the field where Andrew Miller finished off for the opening score.
Unfortunately, Balbriggan gifted 3 points straight back when Balbriggan were adjudged offside when the kick off was, per the referee knocked forward by Balbriggan and then picked up by a Balbriggan player. On the side line it appeared to have been a Birr tap back and Balbriggan were ok, but such is life.
Balbriggan had the best of the play but continually were being penalised at the breakdown. This was also the fact last week, the team need to sort this out with referees as it is not very visible from the touchline what they were doing different to Birr. Birr were tackling well and seemed also top have a second man in to jackal and benefitted from that. It eventually led to Birr going 6-5 in to the lead at half time. Balbriggan had enough opportunity in the first half and again Tomas Murphy made some good breaks as did Dylan Staunton. Too often they were getting isolated. There appeared to be very little communication amongst the Balbriggan backs as to what they were going to do. Scrum half Wall kicked at times but the wingers were not expecting it and could not be up with it.
Balbriggan had the most of the possession in the second half but again too many mistakes and penalties meant they were not getting too the line. Eventually they put a play together and Graham Reynolds lurking on the wing and was able to power over to grab the lead again.
The match stayed at 10-6 of most of the half with little progress being made. Skipper Murphy again putting in a high number of tackles. Birr managed to pull back another penalty to get the score to 10-9. With 10 minutes to go, Jack Scannell stretched Balbriggan’s lead to 13-9 with a penalty kick. The tight score left Balbriggan with an edgy few minutes to the final whistle.
The plus point was the power of the Balbriggan scrum during the afternoon where they won a number of penalties. As noted, there was too much misfiring. Plenty to work on during the week. With such a talented set of backs there is a need to get them working in unison and to get the ball to them quickly. While the forwards are able to take on any pack in their Division up front it is time to let the backs shine.
Leaders Edenderry are now 11 points ahead though we have a game in hand. Even if we take a bonus point from Edenderry next week and get 5 points from our extra game we will still be behind by a point so we are need Edenderry to drop a point somewhere. Edenderry also made up the points difference with their 50 -26 win against Arklow on Sunday.  We are 6 points ahead of Roscrea so we should hopefully be in a position to stay ahead of them and at worst qualify for the playoffs, where it currently Newbridge are in the relegation play off place but New Ross and North Kildare are not out of trouble!

Notice is hereby given of the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) of Balbriggan RFC. The AGM will be held in the Clubhouse of Balbriggan RFC (unless otherwise specified due to Covid-19) on Wednesday 20^th July 2022 at 8pm. An e-mail will issue shortly to those “Voting Members” entitled to attend and vote at the AGM.

As per Article 10 of the Constitution of Balbriggan RFC “Voting Members” entitled to attend and vote at the AGM are those members who have paid their membership in full by 1^st November 2021. The Constitution of Balbriggan RFC can be accessed at the Club website at: http://balbrigganrfc.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/2014.10.21-Balbriggan-RFC-Club-Constitution.pdf

Due to the Covid-19 global pandemic and guided by Government of Ireland advice on health and safety, the AGM may be postponed or cancelled at short notice. In the alternative, the AGM may be switched to “virtual conference call” held by Zoom.

Nominations to the Executive Committee should be received by the Honorary Secretary no later than 8pm on Wednesday 13^th July 2022.

Attendees are asked to confirm in advance their intention to attend the AGM in order to ensure that a space is reserved and therefore must reply to the Hon Secretary at balbrigganrfcinfo@gmail.com confirming that they will attend.

David McFadden

Honorary Secretary

Balbriggan RFC

Applications are now open for match tickets for the Six Nations Championship Home Matches for 2022.

Below is the order matrix.  If you intend ordering tickets, please note that they will have to be paid for no later than 5^th January 2022. As in previous years those entitled to tickets are fully paid up adult members of the Club.  This includes the following Membership Categories;

• adult playing subscription
• Volunteer membership (Coaches, groundsmen, other volunteers)
• Adult family member, Non-Playing member (€100)

If demand exceeds supply, priority will be given to those who are active in the Club, as well as playing and carrying out volunteering activities. It will also include supporting fundraising activities – e.g. IRFU Draw.

Ticket Applications must be made no later than Monday 13th December on the form below and returned to the inttickets@balbrigganrfc.com mail box.

Please note there are no Schools tickets.  All tickets are full price for their Category.   While we will look to match Category requested to the tickets available, this will not be always possible.

Balbriggan RFC was successful in securing funding of €1,150 under the Community Enhancement Programme for 2021. This funding was used to purchase a towable sprayer for our pitches, plus a wet and dry vacuum cleaner, window & tile cleaner, and a sweeper. All items were very much needed and will be very useful in keeping our grounds and clubhouse maintained.

Thank you to Fingal County Council, the Local Community Development Committee and the Department of Rural and Community Development for their continued support of Balbriggan RFC.