Junior 1

Ashbourne Advance to 2nd Round of All Ireland Junior Cup

Ashbourne Advance to the 2^nd round of the Ulster Bank All Ireland Junior cup

Ashbourne ran out comfortable winners by a score of 28 points to 10 under the shadow of Croagh Patrick on in Westport on Saturday. In fact it was a bit of déjà vu as this this last year Ashbourne went to the same venue, against the same opposition, on the same weekend, with the same referee, the same total points scored and the only difference was the score line (9 -29). In advance to the second round the similarities end as Ashbourne have drawn a home tie against Munster side Bandon on the 12^th of November. Halloween came early – spooky!

This is the 3^rd win on the bounce and certainly re-enforces the fact that Ashbourne start the season slowly. But in this game they were quick out of the blocks and were seven points to the good after 2 minutes. Martin kicked off for Ashbourne and went deep. Westport tried to work the ball out and when they put in through the hands in their own 22 Spooner’s pressure caused the ball to be dropped and he hacked it on. Jake Wall gathered and set up the ruck. Kennedy recycled to Keegan who was stopped and Kennedy recycled again to Spooner who put Connolly through to round the backline and score near the post. Kennedy added the 2 points.

Westport settled down and start to take the ball on through their big pack but matters were not helped when their 8 was sent to the bin for a bit of over exuberance at the tackle. Ashbourne made little use of this advantage as the home side dug deep. Westport showed good touches while Ashbourne through Martin, Connolly, O’Brien and Spooner moved the ball well. The pack held their own with Deevy playing his usually game but Wall and Kent were more than capable of making major contributions. But all was even-steven throughout the half. On the stroke of halftime Westport missed a penalty, which was their best chance of the half and we went into the break with Ashbourne 7 nil ahead.

The second half stated the same way with an Ashbourne try within 5 minutes. From a line out on Westport 10 meter line on the left Norton found Hurley and Kennedy set the backline in motion with a quick long pass to Martin. He found Spooner and passed on to Deevy on his right shoulder. He made his way deep into the 22 and when stopped Kennedy was on hand to receive a pop pass from Deevy and he put Martin into space. He was stopped short of the line with O’Brien rucking over him. Wall picked and drove over the line for the try. Kennedy added the conversion and Ashbourne were a bit more comfortable at 14 point to nil ahead.

Within 10 minutes Des Spooner added the third try. In fairness all the game was being played in the Westport half. Connolly, Spooner, Kennedy and Wall were all involved in the build up and finally pass out left to Spooner to score was the result of constant pressure. Kennedy made it 3 out 3 with the conversion. Ashbourne started unloading the bench with McCaghy and Keith Kennedy coming on for Behan and Norton while Wall made way for Mahon.

The fourth try arrived soon after. Westport had a line out in their 22 but Hurley got up to disrupted the ball as it went back on their side. As they attempted to kick clear McCaghy and Keith Kennedy combined to deflect the ball back to Deevy who drove, spun and weaved his way over the line. Captain Gavin Kennedy made a 100% day from the boot with the conversion and Ashbourne led 28 points to nil.

Ashbourne introduced Martin Gallagher and Paul O’Neill, both getting their first run out with 1^st team and in fairness to home side they never gave up. They were rewarded with two late consolation tries but the game was well and truly over as a contest. The final score was a win to Ashbourne by 28 points to 10 and now move onto the 2^nd round on the 12^th of November against Bandon.

Team: Adam Sherrard, Stephen O’Neill, Jack O’Brien, Des Spooner, Matt Connolly, Adam Martin, Gavin Kennedy (Capt.) Simon Deevy, Jake Wall, Sean Kent, Conor Hurley, Ciaran Roche, Mark Behan, Dan Norton, Frank Keegan

Subs: James McCaghy, Keith Kennedy, Jeff Mahon, Martin Gallagher, and Paul O’Neill

Scorers: Tries – Matt Connolly x 1, Jake Wall x 1, Des Spooner, Simon Deevy x 1

Conversions: Gavin Kennedy X 3

by Bill Duggan

Ashbourne Record a Double in Monkstown

Ashbourne Get Back to Winning Ways

It has taken till round 4 of the Leinster League Division 1A for Ashbourne clock up their first league win but on Saturday at Sydney Parade the took the spoils in hard fought but well deserved win. You don’t become a bad side overnight and the core of this team have been around for a few seasons so it is no surprise that they have broken the duck for the season.

The pack is still match winners with McCaghy, Behan, Deevy, Roche and Jake and Alan Wall there from last season. On Saturday Kent, Keegan Keith Kennedy and Hurley all brought a lot to the table with an impressive performance. Augmented by a backline where captain Gavin Kennedy is the senior, starting shown what they can do, and the performance was the best of the season.

Monkstown introduced James Downey, former Munster, Northampton and Wasps player into their backline for his debut and this was seen as a big boost for the home side. But from the off Ashbourne were setting the pace and had the momentum. From the first scrum it could be seen that this was going to be a big weapon for Ashbourne with Monkstown going backwards in set piece. Lineouts were 50:50 but Ashbourne were holding their own.

Much of the early game was played between the 22’s and it was no surprise that when Ashbourne broke through it came of the back of the Ashbourne scrum. The visitors had been turning p the heat and a long kick in the 16^th minute saw wing O’Neill in pursuit only to beaten to the touch down by the covering fullback. From the restart, Simon Deevy fielded in midfield and ran back at the up rushing defense. He was brought to ground but recycled the ball. Kennedy cleared the ball to McCaghy whose pass found Jake Wall. Monkstown knocked on his grubber kick, and Ashbourne had a scrum deep in the left corner and were defending their line. From put in Ashbourne drove forward and Deevy kept the ball his feet as they inched forward, but he pick the ball when the scrum was stopped illegally. Playing advantage he got the ball to Kennedy who broke right and found Martin coming at a great angle to break the covering tackle and score. Kennedy was just off with the conversion.

Monkstown tried to respond but Ashbourne were defending really well. Des Spooner, making his first start for the club, put in some great tackles and showed some great touches. He also helped marshal the young backline particularly Jack O’Brien who showed some great touches in both defense and attack. A Kennedy penalty 5 minutes later stretch the lead to 8 nil and it was not long again until Ashbourne added their second try.

Following a great break that involved O’Brien and O’Neill the Ashbourne were awarded a penalty in the same bottom left corner, also resulting in a home side yellow card. The rain was pouring down but it was not having an effect on the game. Ashbourne set up the line out and from the drive forward they were awarded another penalty but took the scrum. From the put in the power went on with Behan, McCaghy and Keegan leading the way in the front row, and the pack drove over the line for Deevy to touch the ball down. Kennedy added the two points and Ashbourne took the 15 points to nil lead into the break. Ciaran Roche who was having a great game went off with a knock to be replaced by Keith Kennedy with Kent moving into the second row.

It was Monkstown, as expected, put on the pressure from the restart and within 5 minutes and scored an unconverted try. A good break from on of their backs and some missed tackles saw him score a great try, but as much as they huff and puffed they made no real serious inroads to a resolute Ashbourne team. Players like Jake Wall, Conor Hurley and Adam Martin were having exceptional games while Keith Kennedy did his job really well when he came on. Mitchel O’Meara and Matt Connolly add a lot of pace to the backline and their covering along with O’Neill was excellent. There were two cards in the half with Sean Kent seeing yellow in the 29 minute while a home player followed him off 5 minutes later.

Gavin Kennedy had two misses from the tie in the half but did get one to stretch the lead to 18 to 5 and Ashbourne saw out the game to their delight. A well deserved win and hopefully this will kick start the season.

That said it is local neighbours Dundalk next Saturday and that will be a very big ask.

Team: Mitchell O’Meara, Stephen O’Neill, Jack O’Brien, Des Spooner, Matt Connolly, Adam Martin, Gavin Kennedy (Capt.) Simon Deevy, Jake Wall, Sean Kent, Conor Hurley, Ciaran Roche, Mark Behan, James McCaghy, Frank Keegan

Subs: Dan Norton, Alan Wall, Keith Kennedy, Eddie Conaty, and Dan Cahill

Scorers: Tries – Simon Deevy x 1; Adam Martin X 1;

Penalties: Gavin Kennedy X 2

Conversions: Gavin Kennedy X 1

Ashbourne 2^nd XV also had a great win against Monkstown as the curtain raiser running out winners by a score of 17 points to 6. Tries from Shane McNulty and Eugene Gallagher while 2 conversions and a penalty were added by Eddie Conaty.

by Bill Duggan

Ashbourne Finish League campaign on a High

Ashbourne Finish League campaign on a High

Ashbourne finished up another doubleheader win at Milltown on Saturday. This week it was Suttonians who offered opposition but Ashbourne was well up to the challenge in both 1^st and 2^nd games. The significance of the wins is that the first team had their highest ever placing in the Leinster League finishing 3^rd in the province. The second team also secured second place in their league and again the highest ever finish. Great season long performances from both sides.

Suttonians came visiting, already relegated, but set about making a game of it and put the home side under pressure. They tackled hard and were making a decent game of it, but they fell behind early on when prop Alan Wall touched down in the left corner. Jeff Mahon, captain on the day, had a made a charge into the 22 on the right side. McNally recycled to Cramer and his long cut out pass was collected by Wall on the opposite side and touched down. Dunne was unlucky with the kick.

10 minutes later Matt Connolly scored his first league try for the first team when a Kennedy turnover put Connolly down the right side and outpaced the cover to score a lovely try. Though reduced to 14 men when Jake Wall was sent to the bin, unfortunately for the visitors Ashbourne had an appetite for more and Simon Deevy was at his elusive self for the first of his two tries. From a lineout on the right in their own half Ashbourne hooker Norton found James Rooney and his ball from the top went straight to McNally. Kennedy received the ball and reversed the ball to Deevy coming at a angle on the halfway line. He broke the cover and weaved his way through the cover to score under the post and Dunne converted.

The bonus point try was achieved before half time when runs by Deevy and Kennedy set up O’Neill score for another converted try. Ashbourne turned at the break leading by 24 points to nil.

The second saw Ashbourne score three more tries with Suttonians responding with one of their own. First up was another run by Deevy 8 minutes into the second half. Another Norton Rooney line out again found Jake Wall who set up the maul. Alan Wall broke right and when stopped it was recycled to Deevy who first tried the left side but reversed and went right to score to the left of the post. Dunne converted.

Ashbourne emptied the bench and all 5 subs were introduced. Toolan came on at 10, with Kennedy moving to scrum half and McNally reverting to 15. A ball from the base of a scrum from Kennedy found Toolan breaking left into the Sutton defense and when he passed left he found McNally who raced over the line for a try. Toolan converted the try and Ashbourne now lead by 38 points to nil.

Suttonians broke back with a well-taken try covering the length of the field but failed with the conversion. Mark Rooney replied quickly when he broke from the halfway line. He was stopped and when the ball was recycled through a number of phases it back right and McCaghy put Rooney over to finish off the move he started. The final score came from Gavin Kennedy when he followed up his own kick to touch down for a final score of 48 points to 5 and nice way to finish the league campaign.

Team:

Ciaran Roche, Daniel Norton, Alan Wall, Jake Wall, Jeff Mahon, James Rooney, Mark Rooney, Simon Deevy, Conor McNally, Gavin Kennedy, Matt Connolly, Tristan Cramer, Charles Coyle, Casey Dunne, Stephen O’Neill

Subs:

James McCaghy, Frank Keegan, Eugene Gallagher, Kelan Toolan, Adam Sherrard

Ashbourne 2nd XV ran out easy winners as well. Having got a fright at the start and going down to an early unconverted try but soon settled down to run in 8 tries and 5 conversions to run out winners by 50 points to 5. The try scorers were Kelan Toolan x 2 tries, and Jack O'Brien,  Dan Cahill, Mark Norton, Shane Keogh, Shane McNulty and Connor Meehan all added one try each. Toolan added 5 conversions.

Team: Ciaran Boylan, Shane Boland, Frank Keegan, Shane McNulty, Stephen Murphy, Martin Gallagher, Eugene Gallagher, Shane Keogh, Edward Conaty, Kelan Toolan, Conor Brennan, Daniel Cahill, Jack O’Brien, Chris Scanlon,

Subs:

Stephen Magee, Conor Meehan, Sebastian Bulrada, Mark Norton

by Bill Duggan

Ashbourne Do the Double in Clondalkin

Ashbourne returned home with two victories from our visit to Monastery Road with victories in both league games today

Ashbourne 1st XV also had to withstand great pressure from the home side that needed a win to avoid being the league play-off position. Ashbourne won by 25 points to 19, but they had withstand serious [pressure at the end.

Ashbourne were in trouble early on when Sean Kent took a knock in the first play and had to be replaced by Murray. Keegan was also making his first league start in the front row this season while Matt Connolly was getting a deserved run on the wing. Ashbourne took a while to settle and the home side was trying to put the ball wide on every occasion. Ashbourne defended well though in the 12^th minute a reverse pass and a missed tackled allowed Clondalkin in for a soft try, which was converted.

It took a Gavin Kennedy try in the 27^th minute, converted by Casey Dunne to level things up. From a Clondalkin line out on the right 10 meters out from their own line, their hooker overthrew and James McCaghy gathered the ball in and set up the ruck. McNally cleared the ball out to Kennedy who broke left. The cover split and Kennedy sped into the gap and to touch down under the posts. Dunne converted.

It was nip and tuck as the half went on and a missed penalty by Clondalkin was the only scoring opportunity until the past play. Deep in injury time Ashbourne chose to take a quick penalty on the halfway and work their way down the field. Clondalkin were drawn offside and Dunne nudged Ashbourne into a 10 point to 7 lead at the break.

A Cramer try converted by Dunne, stretched Ashbourne's lead. 5 minutes after the restart Ashbourne worked the ball down the fields. Eventually a fine carry by Keegan set up a ruck and McNally put Cramer into space. He was able to gather his own chip ahead and scored under the post. Dunne converted and Ashbourne no lead by 17 points to 7. This was followed by a Dunne penalty in the 30 minute put Ashbourne ahead by 20 points to 7. But Clondalkin was not finished and came back hard. An unconverted try by Clondalkin narrowed the score 5 minutes later.

Kennedy struck again with an uncovered try in the left corner. Ashbourne won a scrum in the middle of the field. McNally found Kennedy going right. Cramer came at a great angle with a dummy run and Kennedy put Coyle into space. He took the ball around the cover and he found Kennedy supporting him on his right shoulder and he found the try line.

Ashbourne were an the back foot straight away when Clondalkin came back with a try and a grandstand finish followed but Ashbourne held out and celebrated their win and let out a sight of relief.

Ashbourne have also consolidated their 3rd place in the league but like their colleagues on the second team, they too will finish in their highest league position in the history of the league so well done lads.

Team:

Ciaran Roche, James McCaghy, Frank Keegan, Jake Wall, Sean Kent, James Rooney, Mark Rooney, Simon Deevy, Conor McNally, Gavin Kennedy, Matt Connolly, Tristan Cramer, Charles Coyle, Casey Dunne, Stephen O’Neill

Subs:

Daniel Norton, Alan Wall, Stephen Murray, Kelan Toolan, Zybnek Schutz,

Ashbourne 2nd XV kicked off at 12.30pm with a hard fought win with a depleted side, but manfully the 20 players that turned out today out up a great performance. With the first minute Under 20 player Jack O'Brien crossed in the left corner to get he visitors off to a great start. After that Kelan Toolan used his boot to kick the rest of the points. He scored 2-drop goals and 5 penalties. Ashbourne had to withstand a strong comeback from Clondalkin to win by 26 points to 22.

It should also be noted the performance two other 20’s players who came off the bench with Meehan and Burlacu not looking out of place at all. The future is with the 20’s

Ashbourne 2nds XV consolidated their position in second place in the league and would to hope to end up with a win next week to ensure their best ever league result.

Team: Ciaran Boylan, Shane Boland, Alan Wall, Stephen Murphy, Sebastian Bularda, Daniel Norton, Stephen Murray, Shane Keogh, Zbynek Schutz, Kelan Toolan, Conor Brennan, Daniel Cahill, Jack O’Brien. Mark Heavy, Edward Conaty

Subs:

Eoin Hanratty, Stephen Magee, Conor Meehan, Chris Scanlon, Dragos Valentin Burlacu

Our last game is next weekend when we host Suttonians and lets end the league campaign with a another double in Ashbourne on Saturday next.

by Bill Duggan