U-17s and U-19s defeated by Navan in Leinster League

Youths' Section - The Leinster leagues started last Saturday with both the U17s and U19s away to Navan. Unfortunately both sides were defeated in what was always going to be difficult opening games.Both sides were missing a number of players due to various reasons and hopefully the U17s will be a bit stronger for their home game against Tullamore next Saturday.The U19s have no league game due to the withdrawal of Tullamore from the U19s league.The U15s got off to a good start in the Midland league beating Tullamore 20-0 and now go to Birr next Saturday. The mini sections were all training last Saturday as well as the U13s and 14s.There is a blitz in Longford next Saturday for all players from U7s to U12s. It is hoped that as many parents as possible will travel to Longford to support the players and in doing so help reduce transport costs. Departure from the rugby club at 10.00 Saturday morning.Reminder to all players who received tickets to sell for our fundraising Night at the Dogs on Saturday October 17th to return tickets next Saturday. Tickets can be bought from any of the coaches.Next week's fixtures are:U 7s, 8s, 9s, 10s, 11s and 12s away for Blitz in Longford.U 14s Training at 11.30.U 13s and U 15s away to Birr KO 12.15 Depart club at 10.30.U 17s Leinster league game home to Tullamore KO 1.00.Bag Pack. The youths have a bag pack this weekend in Dunnes and all help in organizing this would be greatly appreciated. Please contact any of the coaches if you can help.Mullingar Old BullsThe M.O.B. ........................19The Old Virgins ...............19Inspired by the 1st team's victory against Clane, the M.O.B. were in determined mood to put on a show for the Mullingar Old Bulls supporters that had gathered for the game. The seriousness of this fixture cannot be questioned when players will go to great lengths to play, Andy (the Duracell man, always ever-ready!) Yeoman played for the 2nd team, then benched / played for the 1st team, then made an appearance for the M.O.B. The game had some "vintage" flowing phases with Mick Lambe, Peter Faulkner, Joe Lalor and Robbie Gunne setting up the phases and Rab Berry releasing good ball for the backs to cause havoc in the Old Virgins' defence. The game swung back and forth with both sides scoring some good tries.Jools Pringle crossed the line for the M.O.B. with a strong run and was duly converted by Paul Callanan. Paul "Gibbo" Gibney scored a fine try from a quickly taken penalty, and a great team effort saw Barry Coade edge over the try line. Not to be out done, Denis Larkin showed great kicking prowess with a well taken conversion. Club Vice President Donal Coade and Sé Purcell both came close to scoring, only to be stopped a yard or two short of the try line.The final score 19-19 was a fair result to a highly competitive game.Many thanks to Virginia R.F.C's Old Virgins for travelling down for the fixture I'm sure we can accommodate another game this season, possibly under the floodlights on a Saturday night! The players "missing in action" will have to train hard to regain their places in the "MOB" team that is still recruiting "quality" players!Mullingar U19sNavan 43Mullingar 5Mullingar's first venture of the season was a trip to Navan. With a few last minute call offs from key players, it left the team with a much depleted side.In the first half Mullingar played well to contain Navan to a respectable score of only 12-5 down, mainly due to the spirit of the side and Captain Stuart Flynn and pack leader Colin McCormack urging the team on and putting in the big hits and winning turnover ball.In second half it was a different matter, Navan scored 3 tries in quick succession to kill off any chance of Mullingar trying to get back into the game. Great defensive play was shown by Niall O'Doherty, Aaron Clarke, and Scott Hogan. Paddy Layde as ever cleaned up well and was always willing to counter attack when the chance arose. Jonathan Cribbin posted his first appearance of the season with a good solid performance, and on his shoulder was Sean Gunne, who was always looking to take the next phase ball.Injuries to Leigh O'Farrell and Eoghan McCormack restricted the team's structure, but not the commitment, on the day, it was unquestionable.