CLUB CALL
INDOOR BOWLS
Kildare West Wicklow Indoor Bowling Association (KWWIBA)
Caragh Fail To Halt The Kildare Bandwagon - It was the turn of the Caragh team to travel to Kildare to take on Kildare Town in Rd.11 of the Division 1 bowling league in the wonderful building and setting of the Educate Together School at Melitta Road, Kildare, on Monday, February 5.
This was an eagerly awaited fixture by the bowling fraternity. Especially as these two teams are widely considered to be the ‘giants’ of the game for the last few years. Kildare who have been on song from the start of the season and are clear leaders in the table at the moment will not want to drop points in their own home town.
Caragh, after a slow start to the campaign, especially by their standards, have gradually clawed their back into second position.
But they still have some ground to make up to challenge the leaders, and would need some points out of this clash, otherwise the gap will widen more and will leave a huge mountain to climb if they are to retain the title they have won for the last two years.
Caragh, in their clash at home to this opposition in the first half of the league, managed to win three points out of the five on offer, but things won’t be easy in Kildare as the hosts are playing wonderful bowls and have taken maximum points in seven of their 10 matches and have won two points, three points and three points respectively in their other three games.
No Contest - Although the visitors started off very well on mat 1 and after four ends it seemed as if they would upset the odds by racing into a lead of 4-0, but once Kildare got into their stride the game took on a different complexion altogether. In fact Caragh failed to score again until the 10th end and this time it was only a score of one, which left the score 10-4 in favour of the home team.
Kildare remained the masters from there to the finish and again held the visitors to another single score and that didn’t come until the last end. Kildare finishing with a 16-6 win. It was obvious from a long ways out that this was really going to be no contest.
Kildare: Jimmy Rowan, Frank Connolly, Eddie Heffernan and Fintan Downey.
Caragh: Timmy Wright, John O’Toole, Martin Lynch and Denis Judge.
Lived Up To All Expectations - Mat 2 certainly lived up to all expectations as it produced an absolutely super game of bowls.
Kildare opened the scoring with a single score on the first end and followed it up with another score on the second. Caragh replied with a score of three on the third end to take the lead.
The home team took the initiative once again on the next end, and continued to keep their heads in front albeit by a small margin. Caragh were always nibbling at their tails therefore leaving no room for any complacency by Kildare.
On the 12th end the visitors brought the teams all square on a scoreline of 11-11. The game now was really in the ‘melting pot’ with only three ends remaining; any mistake by either side at this stage would give the advantage to the other.
Kildare who were slightly the better side throughout remained cool, calm and collective and added the necessary scores to pull away and win on a final scoreline of 16-11.
Kildare: Margaret Gorry, Jim Condron, Richie Baker and Mark Caldwell.
Caragh: Dom Kavanagh, Pat O’Dri- scoll, John Joe Byrne, John Murphy and sub Rita O’Rourke.
The Kildare bandwagon keeps rolling, and they are now twenty one points clear at the top and with six rounds remaining it is very hard to see them making any slip-up now.
Uncharacteristic of Caragh they decided to reshuffle their team for this clash and it seemed to have upset the rhythm and balance of the squad on both mats, whether it was a factor or not is anyone’s guess.
Next up for Caragh is a home game against Kildangan and they will need to take all five from that one, while Kildare have home advantage against lowly placed Brownstown.
Recent league results (home team first):
Division 1: Brownstown 5, Allen 0; Hollywood 5, Rathmore 0.
Division 2: Coill Dubh 5, Blessington 0; Athy 5, Prosperous 0; Rathcoffey 4, Balyna 1; Rathangan 3, St. Laurences 2.
Division 3: Naas 0, Caragh 5. Division 4: Allen 0, Balyna 5. Division 5: Kildare 3, Allenwood 2; Kildare 2, Balyna 3.
WICKLOW ROVERS
The senior men went down to a narrow 2-1 defeat away to St Francis in the firast round of the Kevin Nugent Cup last Thursday night.
These two sides met recently in the Polikoff Cup with Rovers coming out on top after a penalty shootout.
Unfortunately for the lads this time it wasn’t to be with the home side running out 2-1 victors. Alan Delaney scored the Rovers goal for his second of the season but hard that they tried they just couldn’t breach the St Francis defence for an equaliser.
The under-17As had a good 4-2 away win over Aughrim Rangers, Jack Colaluca hit a brace with Evan Doyle adding a single and the fourth coming in the shape of an own goal to give them three welcomed points.
Our under-17Bs also recorded a good 4-2 win over Arklow Town, Nathan Wynne fired home a brace to make it nine for the season with Charlie Williams and David McNabb both netting their first goals of the campaign to claim all three points.
In junior action on Saturday our 12As recorded their second win in as many games in the DDSL, this time defeating Phoenix FC in a very exciting game. The lads showed great spirit coming from a goal down to win 3-1.
Joshua Bishop nabbed his second of the season to level matters before the break and then in the second period they put the visitors under severe pressure, which told with two deflected goals to give them all three points.
Our under-12Cs took on St Patricks in their first league game and after losing 4-0 at home to the same opponents last week the lads knew a tough game was on the cards.
A goal apiece from Cian Doyle and Shea Boltt earned the lads all three points in a good 2-1 victory in what was a good all round team performance.
Our under-13Bs unfortunately saw no action for the second week running, following on from their walkover last week they received another one this week when Wicklow Town were unable to field a team.
Not ideal for the kids when all they want to do is play football.
The 14As were very much understrength when they took on neighbours Rathnew. Starting with eleven players at their disposal they lost Jack Ryan through injury after two minutes.
The lads battled through the remainder of the game with ten players but fatigue told in the end with the villagers scoring two goals in the last five minutes to run out 2-0 winners.
To the lads credit they battled right up to the final whistle. Everyone at the club would like to wish Jack Ryan a speedy recovery from his injury.
The under-15As progressed to round two of the DDSL Cox Cup when they won 2-0 away to Templeogue Utd. The lads put in a good shift to get past a tricky opponent with Noah Sheridan firing home both Rovers goals to make it four goals in three games.
Sunday’s action saw our under-12Bs go down 5-3 in an eight goal thriller away to Greystones Utd A at Woodlands, Ben Lyons brought his tally to twelve when he nabbed one with firsts of the season for both Eoin Kennedy and Ciaran Matthews.
The under-14 girls turned in a very impressive display when they defeated Terenure Rangers 6-0 away from home. Justine Cronin fired home an impressive four goals, the third time she has hit four in a game and her fourth hat-trick of the season.
Anna Dignam added a brace to bring her tally for the season to five as the girls turned in a very impressive all round performance from the whole squad.
The under-16s went down to a heavy 7-0 defeat to a very strong Wicklow Town side, much that our lads tried on the day they couldn’t make any inroads against our neighbours.
The club will be holding two more registration nights for the payment of outstanding club membership.
These nights will be held on Thursday, March 1, and Friday, March 2. They will be held in the clubhouse at Whitegates from 7.30pm to 9pm. Anyone with outstanding membership are encouraged to attend either night or alternatively you can contact any committee member to arrange payment of outstanding membership fees, thank you.
Our Last Man Standing competition is down to 64 players left standing after round 2, Leicester were the cause of 25 players going out while West Brom (5), Burnley (3), Bournemouth (1), Chelsea (1) and Everton (1) who all failed to win resulting in a further 11 players exiting the competition. Liverpool’s easy 4-1 win over West Ham saw 49 players progress with 14 players very lucky to make it through after Tottenham scored a very late winner against Crystal Palace.
Also making it through was the one brave soul who selected Huddersfield to win away to West Brom.
Anyone with information for the club notes or the club website can contact me at 087 9108706 or e-mail me at jimmy.nolan09@hotmail.com.
For all news regarding the club, check out the club website at www. wicklowrovers.com or the club Facebook page.
NEWTOWN JUNIORS
Five of our teams saw action last weekend and a couple of teams even played in bright sunshine despite the low temperatures.
Our under-14s game away to Arklow Celtic was postponed as the Celtic hadn’t dried out on time.
The under-8s travelled to carnew and enjoyed the best of a series of games. Among the players who played well and also scored into the bargain were David McCormack, Nathan Donohoe, Aaron Nolan, Colin Healy, Erik Lis, Kayla Hamilton, Alex Mackey and Bobby Spillane.
It was a similar outcome for the 9s as they travelled to play Arklow United Stripes. Among their scorers were Leighton Byrne, Ryan McDonald, Oisin Duffy, JV Kelly, John Turley, Nathan Donohoe and Aaron Nolan.
The under-10s who are sponsored by Real Debt Solutions travelled to Greystones and came home after a titanic battle with a deserved 4-0 win.
Max Roche helped himself to a hat-trick in the second half while Nikita Neaga scored the other goal. Aaron Roy was Newtown’s best player on the day.
The under-11s also had a good win in Greystones on a 4-1 scoreline. Two goals each from Jake Robertson and Cathal O’Toole gave the team the result and all this after going a goal behind.
On the day, best for Newtown were Scott McKenna and debutant Dayle Carthy.
There was no joy for our under-12s in Rathnew despite another battling performance in a 2-0 loss. Hannah Martin and Jack Coughlan were the pick of the Newtown players.
Only one player from the club is celebrating a birthday in the coming week and he is Leon O’Connor from the under-9s. Happy birthday Leon from everyone in Newtown Juniors F.C.
Well done to our under-9 Red team who have made it to the finals of the WDSL futsal which will be held in Arklow on Sunday, March 18. Well done everyone involved.
All our teams are back in training. There are also a couple of slots on all our teams at the moment so if there are any girls or boys who would like to join the club please contact our secretary, Hughie, at 087 6987653 and he will provide you with all the information you will need.
Also, in a new venture by the WDSL, they have started a Girls Academy for all girls playing in the league that will also cater for girls who may not be a member of a club or a team.
Training takes place for all age groups - U-10, U-12 and U-14 - at East Glendalough School from 4.30pm until 6pm every Sunday evening. For further information please contact our secretary, Hughie, at 087 6987653/ hughienolan@gmail.com.
We had 44 players still standing going into Week 4, but after the failure of Leicester City, Bournemouth and West Brom to win their games we have lost a further 10 Players. Week five fixtures will be for the weekend of Saturday 3rd -Monday 5th March 2018. Many thanks everyone for your continued support.
The WDSL fundraiser, The Kube, will take place in the Parkview Hotel on Saturday, April 7.
We have two participants, namely John Dunleavy and Stephen Nolan, who will both be raising funds for our club through this event. If you can sponsor either John or Stephen for any amount no matter how small please contact any committee member for further information.
On a sadder note the club wish to extend their sincere condolences to the family and friends of Bill O’Toole from Rathdrum who sadly passed away last week. His grandson Leighton plays on our under-9s team. May he rest in peace.
For further information on all matters Newtown Juniors F.C. please contact the secretary at 087 6987653 or by email to hughienolan@gmail. com and you can also follow the club on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
BRAY WANDERERS
Lotto draw - There was no jackpot winner on February 25. Numbers drawn were 19, 20, 25 and 28. €30 lucky dip winners were Tommy Kiely c/o Bray Lakers, Betty Coster c/o V. Walsh, Sarah Caulfield c/o Michael Caulfield, Stan Griffin c/o Lakers, Davie Fitchet c/o Bray Lakers.
Next jackpot is €8,500. Lotto tickets are on sale in the club shop at all home games and you can also play the Bray Wanderers lotto online through our website.
Lotto App - You can now play the club lotto through the MyClubFinances.com mobile app which is now available to download for iPhones and Android.
It’s free to download and use and stay in touch with Bray Wanderers news with mobile alerts.
So, you can now play the club lotto, receive club news updates all from the comfort of your mobile device.
Simply go to the App store and search for “MCF”. Once downloaded you can add Bray Wanderers as your favourite club.
Fixtures - Bray Wanderers are at home to Waterford FC on Friday, March 2. Kick-off at the Carlisle Grounds is 7.45pm.
Match Tickets - Supporters can now purchase Bray Wanderers match tickets in advance online at http:// braywanderersfc.ie/tickets-info/.
Simply print off your match ticket at home and avoid queues on match night.
Tickets can also be purchased online by using any mobile/tablet devices and can be presented directly at the turnstiles on your mobile/tablet device with no printing of tickets required.
Ticket prices for the 2018 season are adults €15, students/OAPS €10, children under 14 €5.
Students should note that proof of student ID will be requested upon entry at the stiles.
Season Tickets – Bray Wanderers 2018 season tickets are now on sale from our online store.
This season will see the introduction of excellent value family season tickets alongside regular season tickets.
Those under the age of 14 will now come under the child category. Prices for the 2018 season are: Adults €210, student/concession €130, family season tickets are one adult and two children €210, one senior citizen and two children €130, two adults and four children €420.
Season tickets are valid for all home league games. Tickets can be ordered online at www.braywanderersfc.ie/ tickets.
Seagulls Club - The next away bus trip is to Limerick FC on Friday, March 9. The Seagulls club will run a bus to this game. Seats can be booked by text to 087 9968969. Bus will depart at 3.00pm (sharp) from the Carlisle Grounds. Fares for Seagulls Club members are: adults €20, student (age 15-17) €15, schoolchild (under 15) €10. Non-club members €5 extra.
The ‘Golden Goal’ in our last home game against St. Patrick’s Athletic was scored in the second minute. The winner was Lenny Lennox. We will be running a ‘Golden Goal’ card game competition at every home game this season based on the time the first goal is scored we will use sseairtricityleague.com for the official time the goal is scored.
Winner will receive €60, cost of card is €2 and all proceeds go to running buses and club events. ‘Golden Goal’ tickets are on sale in the club shop.
Merchandise - A new range of items are now available from the club shop and our on line shop. Black training tops (€30), black rain jackets (€40) and crew tops (€40) are available in Adults sizes small, medium, large and extra large.
For all the latest club news visit our web site www.braywanderersfc.ie.
AVONMORE FC
Sporting Greystones under-12 v Avonmore under-12A: Avonmore under-12As started the new season with a win away to Sporting Greystones this morning.
With some positional changes and a sluggish start we made hard work of the first half, letting the opposition too much freedom on the ball.
Mark O’Reilly made it 1-0 just before half-time with an excellent shot and this seemed to settle the lads.
The second half was a different game however as we totally dominated play.
Kian Fluskey was on fire, putting two past the goalie, while Ethan Tarmey also found himself on the scoreboard.
Oscar Dowling worked tirelessly in the backline, frustrating his opponent while Joe Sinnott was solid and was unfortunate not to score a cracker himself. Great game, lads, thanks to Greystones for a very sporting game.