CLUB CALL
INDOOR BOWLS
- Abbey Bowls who draw their players from the Abbeyleix and Ballacolla area in Co. Laois and play their matches in a little village called Clough (pronounced cluck by the locals) a few miles away from Ballacolla, sought admission to the Kildare West Wicklow competitions last year due to a lack of any structured competitions in their own area. The clubs in the KWWIBA accepted this application wholeheartedly.
They certainly proved to be a very formidable side in the Division 5 bowling league as they were always holding first or second position throughout the campaign.
This being their last game of the current league against Allenwood would be the deciding factor for promotion.
Having home advantage would certainly give them a slight edge, but they would be foolish to take anything for granted.
I am sure in the back of their minds the thought of the bitter memory away to the same opposition before Christmas where they were utterly and completely destroyed by an almost perfect performance from Allenwood would guard against overconfidence.
Allenwood on the otherhand would be rated as the surprise packet to be in with a shout for promotion. They have very much proved their worth with some outstanding performances and results to date.
If Allenwood were to take all five points on offer in this match it would give them a great chance of promotion as they would still have a game in hand, and possibly overtake and surpass their opponents, who then would be on tender hooks awaiting results from other games.
To the game itself especially on one mat the home side were in devastating form from the start.
Although the visitors were very much holding their own for the first six ends or so, but that was as good as it got, because for the remainder of the game it was all one-way traffic as the home team cantered to a very convincing victory of 28/6.
On the second mat things were very much different as Abbey Bowls had to withstand a very stiff challenge from their opponents. At one stage it seemed as if the home team had weathered the storm as they commanded a lead on a scoreline of 12/6. But it was far from over as Allenwood recovered and closed the gap to two scores with two ends to play. The visitors failed to keep up the momentum and a relieved Abbey Bowls saw out the game to win on a scoreline of 17/11
The five points sees Abbey Bowls crowned league champions in their first year of competition and can look forward to competing in Division 4 next season. Allenwood with their remaining game and depending on results elsewhere may still make second place and gain promotion.
(Mat1) Abbey Bowls: Lolly Kavanagh, Eddie Hayes, John McDonald, Seamus Lalor and sub Sean Delaney.
Allenwood: Ann Dunne, Patricia Fanning, James Kenna, Henry Farrell and sub Maura Doyle.
(Mat2) Abbey Bowls: Pat Fitzpatrick, Mary McDonald, Mary O’Keeffe, Richie Lyons and sub Linda Byrne.
Allenwood: Bríd Scully, Peggie Ryan, Bella Aungier, Betty Cunningham and sub Mary Jacob.
Recent League Results (home team first)
Division 1: Brownstown 3, Kildangan 2: Castlemitchell 5, Brownstown 0.
Division 2: Rathmore 3, Coill Dubh 2; Baltinglass/Kiltegan 4, Athy 1. Division 3: Caragh 5, Ballymore 0. Division 4: Kill 3, Ardclough 2; Rathcoffey 5, Balyna 0.
Division 5: Kildare 3, Clane/Staplestown 2.
BRAY BOWLS
Last week was a tremendous week for Bray B.C. with the unfurling of the IWBA Flag in Bray in the presence of our own Fran Neilson who is IWBA President for 2018.
Thanks to all who attended and made the day so special for Fran and her family, some of whom travelled from the UK for the occasion.
The club is hosting over 40 bowlers from Knock B.C Belfast this Tuesday so here is hoping for favourable weather.
This week sees the shadow boxing finish and the season begin.
Our Ladies Division 1 team are first in action on Wednesday, April 18, with a home fixture against Kenilworth.Saturday 21st sees our Ladies Saturday team then take centre stage at home against Kenilworth at 11.00am. This is followed by our Men’s Division 1 team at home to CYM at 2.30pm.
Our Men’s Division 2 team are away to CYM at 11.00am on Saturday. Monday, April 23, sees our Division 4 team at home to Sportslink at 6pm.
We would like to wish all bowlers all the best for the season ahead. Particular thanks goes to those members who have put themselves forward as Captain’s of the various teams and also to those members who are selectors for the various teams. Remember God gave you all the shoulders! Finally this week’s lucky lotto winner is Pamela O’Leary.
WICKLOW ROVERS
The seniors recorded an excellent 3-1 home win over Enniskerry last Friday to maintain their challenge for promotion.
In an even first period to the game it was Rovers who took the lead when Gareth Murphy headed home his 17th of the season, Enniskerry levelled to send the teams in at the break at 1-1.
Rovers came out all guns blazing in the second half and took total control of the game.
Four minutes into the half a third of the season from Alan Delaney edged the lads in front.
The lads had numerous chances to wrap the game but didn’t take them which also included a missed penalty.
Maurice Dunne sealed the points with a beautiful struck free kick from 30 yards with seven minutes left.
This was a good all round team performance from the lads and if they can produce their second half performance on a regular basis they will definitely be there or there abouts at the business end of things.
The under-18s lost 1-0 at home to Ballyoulster Utd in a tight encounter at Whitegates, both defences proved hard to crack with the Rovers defence been breached on the one occasion which proved to be the vital score to inflict the first defeat of the season for the lads.
Our under-17Bs started their youth shield campaign with an excellent 6-0 away win over Arklow Town, Luke Durac fired home a brace with Nathan Wynne, Jonah Sweeney, Conor Collier and David McNabb all hitting singles.
In midweek junior action what a night the under-15Bs had on Tuesday, after seasons of heavy defeats and been pitted against A and B teams when they were the original C team in the club they eventually had their night of glory.
They defeated Arklow Town 5-1 in their interim final and if ever a team deserved success it was this bunch of young men and their manager Fred Boxall. Keevan Doyle netted a fantastic hat-trick with Adam Shepherd notching two.
Every player in the squad played their part in this success. Long winter nights and a persistence from the players and their manager Fred earned this reward. Congratulations to all the players and their manager Fred. On Wednesday the 13Bs went down narrowly 1-0 to Ashford Rovers A in what was an exciting close tussle that could have went either way.
Saturday’s junior action saw the 12As bounce back with a 2-0 win over Kilnamanagh, Brian McCaul and Liam Burke hit the goals to get the lads back on the winning trail.
The 12Cs played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Sporting Greystones, the lads came back from 2-0 down with goals from Shea Bolt and Cian Doyle.
The 13As won 1-0 against Collinstown in their first home game of the DDSL season, Louis Malcolmson scored the all important goal in a very tight affair.
Another tight game saw the 15As play out a scoreless draw with Templeogue United, this was the lads first dropped points in their league campaign and considering they were missing a couple of key players they were more than happy with a share of the spoils.
Sunday’s action saw the 12Bs go down 7-2 to Coolboy Rgrs, Ben Lyons and Ciaran Matthews were the marksmen on the day.
The 14As recorded a good win away to Greystones United winning 3-1, a brace of goals from Jordan Younger brought his tally to twenty for the season with Conor Hunter completing the scoring.
The 15Bs came out on top of a ten goal thriller with Coolboy winning 6-4, Keevan Doyle and Tom Flood both fired in a brace with Javier Perez Dirube and Evan Dwyer netting one a piece.
The under-16s drew 3-3 in a six goal thriller with Coolboy Rangers, after taking the lead they fell 3-1 behind but showed great character to battle back to earn a share of the spoils. Mathew Quinn, Ben Algera and an own goal accounted for the Rovers goals.
Our small sided games in the Hockey Pitch scheduled for Saturday were cancelled when upon arrival our members found the goalposts had been robbed.
This was very disheartening for the kids as their the ones who suffer after such a despicable act.
But at a time of need people always come to the fore.
Brendan Porter with help from Franny Copeland and Johnny Dunne transported goalposts from Whitegates to the Rocky Road and set them up so Sunday’s small sided games could go ahead.
This just proves that no matter what small minded people do there’s always good people around in time of need. Once again a big thanks to Brendan, Franny and Johnny.
The executive committee of Wicklow Rovers AFC, the senior ladies and everyone at the club would like to congratulate Brigid O’Reilly and Colin Reynolds on the arrival of baby Alfie.
We would like to wish you all a future of good health, joy, luck and happiness.
We wish all the best for the future. Once again congratulations from us all.
AVONMORE FC
St. Pat’s under-12 v Avonmore under-12A: With the team down to the bare nine players, Avonmore under-12A team travelled to St. Pat’s in Avoca for a mid afternoon kickoff.
Not having met each other over the previous seasons, both teams started off cautiously.
With some positional changes for some of our lads it took a while for them to find their feet, but Kian Fluksey took control of midfield and from then on we piled on the pressure.
Some great goalkeeping from the St Pat’s goalie saw the teams level at half-time.
Ethan Tarmey and Mark O’Reilly worked tirelessly and soon we found ourselves one up with a rocket strike from Mark.
He soon found the net again a few minutes later to make it 2-0. Joe Sin- nott, Kyle Kenny and Oscar Dowling were solid in our back line frustrating the Pat’s forwards.
Our third and final goal was scored by Conor Hayes who connected with an excellent cross to tap one in. A great team display lads, and a well deserved win.
Huge congratulations to our youths team, winning the league today, what a great bunch of lads
BRAY WANDERERS
Lotto draw - There was no jackpot winner on April 15. Numbers drawn were 9, 10, 15 and 17. €30 lucky dip winners were Esther Vickers c/o V. Walsh, Breda Mulhall c/o Hibo, Sydney Marney c/o V. Walsh, Samantha Brophy c/o D. Crinion, Stephen McDonnell c/o Bray Wanderers.
Next jackpot is €9,025. 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.
Fixtures - Bray Wanderers are away to Waterford FC on Friday, April 20, kick off at the Regional Sports Centre is 7.45pm.
Golden Goal - The golden goal in our last home game against Dundalk was scored in the 26th minute.
Match Tickets - To beat the queues on match night 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. 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.
Underage teams - The SJ.B under-19s are away to Cork City on Saturday, April 21. Kick off in Bishopstown is 2pm.
The SJ.B under-17s were defeated 5-0 away to Shamrock Rovers last Saturday.
The under-17s are at home to Limerick FC on Saturday, April 21. Kick off at the Academy Grounds in Carrickmines is 2pm.
The SJ.B under-15s defeated Athlone Town 3-0 away last Saturday. Goalscorers were David Power, Cian McCracken and Eoin Doyle.
The under-15s are at home to the Mayo League on Sunday, April 22. Kick off at the Academy Grounds in Carrickmines is 2pm.
Supporters bus to Waterford – The next away game is on Friday, April 20, to Waterford. The supporters bus will depart from the Carlisle Grounds at 3.30pm. Prices are €15 adults, €10 students. Child (under 16) free. To book a seat please call or text 087 9968969.
All the latest club news is on our website www.braywanderersfc.ie.
NEWTOWN JUNIORS
All our teams bar the under-14s saw action last weekend as the weather continues to cause havoc with fixtures.
The under-8s travelled to Ashford and played some impressive football. Among the players who starred were Bobby Spillane, Colin Healy, Nathan Donohoe and David McCormack. Our under-9s had a brilliant game away to Rathnew where Oisin Duffy, Leon O’Connor, Nathan McMahon and Alex Ryan were among the players who starred.
The under-10s had a great game at home to Greystones Red where they edged in front on half time thanks to a goal from Mikey Synnott whose shot took a big deflection.
Early in the second half, Nikita Neaga made it 2-0 through his perseverance in chasing a seemingly lost cause.
We added two further goals near the end through Synnott and a deflected Aidan Heffernan effort.
On the day Aaron Roy and Ryan Collins were among the players to star. The players and coaches of the 10s would like to send their best wishes to Max Roche who will be out of action for a spell due to injury.
The under-11s were out in action away to Avonmore and with a depleted team they lost narrowly on a 5-3 scoreline.
PJ Duffy scored a cracking goal while the goals from Naoise Lowe and Hannah Martin weren’t too shabby either. On the day Dylan Dunleavy and Nikita Neaga played well.
That old saying “you wait all day for a bus and then two come along together” and that certainly applies to the under-12s who followed up their recent win with a narrow 1-0 win at home to Greystones C. Aaron Cawley scored the goal midway through the second half with a fine individual goal.
Newtown did have their chances to increase their lead but the Greystones keeper pulled off some fine saves. It would be unfair to single out one single player as all the players played to a very high standard. It is only a small step but fair play to the group as they all have been working very hard at training.
We have three players from the club celebrating a birthday in the coming week and they are David Mackey from the under-10s, Padraig Gammell from the under-12s and Adam White from the under-14s. Happy birthday guys from everyone in Newtown Juniors F.C.
All our teams are back in training now for the past couple of weeks.
There are also a couple of slots on all our teams at the moment so if there are any girl’s 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.
Four players were left standing going into Week 9 and all four players had chosen a different team each. Thank you everyone for your continued support. You can follow the progress of the competition on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
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.