Rugby season end beckons for youths

The end of the season beckons and with our mini teams having all finished training. The only mini team in action this weekend were the Under 12s who were playing in the Leinster finals on Saturday. They put up a great performance and should be proud of themselves.The only other squad in action were the Under 13s who were at home on Sunday morning to Dublin club, Seapoint in the quarter final of the Under 13s Plate competition. This turned out to be one of the most competitive game sthat we have seen all year, with the lead changing on six separate occasions. However, it was Mullingar who led when it matters, at the final whistle. The game was a credit to both teams and they kept both sets of supporters on tenterhooks throughout the game. They now play the semi-final against Suttonians on Tuesday evening at 7pm in Barnhall Rugby Club, Leixlip.The side have had a great season and are the only squad now left in competition and we wish them well in their final week. The future of our club very much depends on the youths and how they progress to the senior teams of the club. At the club AGM on Friday last it was great to see that Ray Murphy and Niall Smyth were chosen as club coach and 1st team captain respectively. Both Ray and Niall have come up through the youths teams and we wish them all the best in their year ahead.We have the annual Golf Classic next Friday in Mullingar Golf Club and entries can still be taken. Enquiries re golf to Donal Coade at 0862679007.Mullingar Under 13s edge out Seapoint in thrillingquarter-final encounterOn Sunday last we faced Seapoint, at home, in the quarter-final of the Leinster Under 13s Plate.Just back from the season tour to Castlebar and Westport, the panel seem to have enjoyed and bonded well from the experience. Sincere thanks to Westport RFC for the hospitality shown and for going ahead with a challenge match in what was a difficult time for the club. The barbeque on the beach in mid-April, whilst being able to see the church on top of Croagh Patrick, was one of the highlights of the tour and the year.This was a cracking match from start to finish with the lead changing hands no less than six times during the game, a real cup tie ding-dong battle and atmosphere. The quality of rugby skills and battling qualities of both teams was a delight to both sets of supporters on a beautiful Sunday morning in Cullion.Seapoint raced into a ten point lead with two tries. It took a while for Mullingar to get into the game but back they came with two tries of their own. Niall Hannon powered over the line and then Jack Gorman created a try which was comfortably converted by Matthew Coade. Mullingar"s lead was short-lived as Seapoint came back rather quickly to score another try to leave it fifteen points to twelve at halftime.On the restart the try of the match was scored by Mullingar winger Shane Raleigh. Great interplay among the forwards and quick ball from Ryan to Shane just provided enough space for Shane to use his pace and strength to score a crucial try. Out near the touchline and a full forty meters from goal, Niall Hannon struck over an inspirational conversion. Mullingar now led nineteen points to fifteen. However, back came Seapoint again to score another try and take the lead again. The fitness, determination and fighting spirit of the Mullingar forwards is what made the difference in the last fifteen minutes. Niall Corcoran, Ross Kiernan, Alex Gilmore, Davy O"Reilly, Conor Glennon and Conor Craig and the dynamic flanking duo of Daire Conway and Padraig Moran put in a huge collective effort. It was the determination of Conor Glennon that helped Mullingar regain the lead with five minutes to go with a try resulting from a drive from the base of a ruck, ably assisted initially by Niall Hannon and then the whole forward pack. Mullingar led now by twenty-four points to twenty.With a nail-biting finish, the last try of the game was scored by Niall Hannon to seal the win leaving the final score at twenty-nine points to twenty. The panel was completed by Conor Gilhooley, Robert Shaw, Lee Duggan, Mikey Heslin and Dermot O"Toole.The semi-final is against Suttonians on Tuesday evening, kick-off scheduled at neutral venue at Barnhall for 7pm. Bus leaves club at 5.15pm.Mullingar Under12 exit Leinster Finals at Semi-Final stageIn their final outing at minis rugby level Mullingar Under 12s competed in the Leinster O"Daly Cup held at Ashbourne RFC last Saturday.A squad of 16 players was selected to travel and the words of encouragement from those not selected were greatly appreciated by all. Mullingar were in placed in group D along with Coolmine, Newbridge and our hosts Ashbourne.First up were Coolmine, a re-match of the Armagh blitz final which we had lost. Mullingar started well, scored a well deserved try and after, Coolmine responded, scored the winning try.Next we faced Ashbourne in what turned out to be a real battle. Adam and Eoin led from the front with Sean and Paul playing well alongside Liam in the backline. This was a very tight match and after a super try Mullingar held on to win their second match.Last up in the group stages were Newbridge. This was a cracking game of rugby to decide the group winners. The teams could not be divided. This meant that Mullingar won the group and moved into the Cup quarter-finals.Mullingar faced Boyne in the quarterfinals. This was a cracking match from start to finish. Knock out matches are usually won by 1 score and so it proved.Boyne got the decisive score to win. Mullingar tried hard to get into the game, Aidan, Edward and Kevin tackled themselves to a standstill in the forwards and James, Bill and Hugh broke at every chance, but Mullingar didn"t manage to score. At the final whistle we were out of the cup competition and in the semi-final of the plate competition.We faced North Kildare in the semi-final of the Plate competition. This match was closely contested but proved to be a match too far for the Mullingar lads. North Kildare ran out winners and advanced.The tackle count for the Mullingar lads was huge, with great pride and determination shown by all, even when behind.The 2009 O"Daly Cup squad: Bobby Gonoud, William Hayes, Sean Kennedy, Donal Liddy, Edward Nally, Kevin Smith, Colm Hogan, James Butler, Liam Cassidy, Bill McNamara, Hugh Broderick, Adam Brennan, Paul Byrne, Aidan Leahy (Captain), Eoin Hayden and Andrew Corbett.The players that travelled and helped with the warm up and helped the coaches were Fionn Daly, Patrick Phipps, Cian Humphries, Michael Clinton, David Raleigh, Barry Higgins and Jacob Powles.