As we see out October 2022, our rugby continues in a strong way. Here is an update on Senior and Junior Rugby to date.
1st Team:
Having secured the Leinster League after beating Lansdowne in the final in Templeville Road (and in turn qualifying for our first ever Bateman Cup semi-final v. Young Munster), the 1st XV continued their strong start to the season, playing an exciting brand of rugby which has delivered 4 bonus-point wins from their first 4 games. This has put us top of the AIL on 20 pts, closely followed by Trinity and Clontarf who are both on 19 pts. Cork Con make up the early season Top 4 on 14 pts. Next up is Lansdowne, this coming Friday night under lights on the back pitch of the Aviva Stadium.
Last match – 58-5 win v. UCD at home.
Next match v. Lansdowne (away) Friday 4th November, ko 7.30pm.
2nd Team:
Playing in a very competitive Metro League Division 1 this side are currently in second position (based on more wins) with 17pts after 5 games, thanks to a vital 1 point victory v. UCD in their last outing. Lansdowne sit at the top of the table on 20 pts, with UCD and Wesley making up the Top 4 on 17pts and 16pts respectively. This team have a reputation for providing entertaining fixtures and there is rarely a dull moment. The Top 2 in this league, as is the case in all Metro Leagues, play in the League final, with the team in 1st place in the league securing home advantage.
Last match – 21-20 win v. UCD at home.
Next match v. Barnhall (away) Sunday 6th November, ko 2.30pm.
3rd Team / The Collegians:
Our development side are in their second season and have picked up where they left off, having very much created their own identity and providing a player pathway to Senior rugby. The team play in Metro League Division 3 and after 3 matches are in second position, on 11 pts, with a game in hand on leaders Skerries, who have played 4 matches and are on 19 pts. This highly organised and exciting team are well worth a watch with some future stars on show.
Last match – 14-24 win v. St Marys (Away).
Next match v. Clontarf (home) Saturday 5th November, ko 1pm.
4th Team:
Again a team known for playing an attractive brand of Rugby, the 4’s are the highest scoring team so far in Metro League Division 5. They are currently in second place in this league with 11 pts after 3 matches, with Lansdowne in 1st position on 14 pts. So it’s all to play for in this extremely tight division and the team are looking forward to welcoming Wanderers to Lakelands Park for Friday night lights in their next fixture.
Last match – 12-57 win v. Monkstown Dogos (away).
Next match v. Wanderers (home) Friday 4
th November, ko 8pm.
5th Team:
Playing in Metro League Division 9, this team are starting to build momentum following a slow start. After 4 matches we are in 6th place on 4 pts but are still very much in striking distance of the Top 2 playoff spots, with Portarlington occupying 2nd place as it stands on 9 pts and Tullamore in 1st on 16 pts. Next up is a big game v. Newbridge where the lads will be targeting a win to maintain their upwards trajectory.
Last match – win v. Malahide (home).
Next match v. Newbridge (away) Saturday 5th November, ko 2.30pm (subject to change).
Under 20’s:
There is real excitement about what this team can achieve together this season. Playing in Prem 2 of the JP Fanagan League their expansive style of Rugby has been clear to see in their first 2 league matches. This was best exemplified in their recent high scoring draw against Wanderers where they had an early contender for Try of the Season. After 2 matches we are in 3rd position on 7 pts (level with Wanderers who are in 2nd based on points difference). Galway Corinthians are the early pace setters in 1st place on 10 pts after 2 wins from 2. With 2 Connacht teams playing in this league we look forward to our encounters with both themselves and Buccaneers.
Last match – 46 – 26 win v. Trinity (home).
Next match v. Naas (home) Sunday 6th November, ko 2.30pm.
Women’s Touch Rugby:
• When / Where is it on? – Every Friday in the Club from 7pm – 8pm, last session before Christmas is on Fri Dec 2nd.
• What is it? A friendly and informal social rugby team, playing Touch Rugby (so no tackling) and open to all levels. Often reffed by Moggy, or a special guest referee.
• Who plays? – Regular squad of 15-20 players, we are always looking to expand and recruit new members. Currently lots of the squad playing have kids in mini-Rugby.
• What does the future hold? – As our adult women’s membership grows, alongside our girls minis & youths section, we are also looking to develop an adult women’s rugby team (in addition to Touch Rugby).
For more information, or to get involved, please contact Aoife O’Grady on +353 (85) 831 3502.
A big thank you to all the Players, Coaches, Managers and Volunteers for their incredible work and commitment to the cause so far this season. We would encourage all members to keep an eye on the weekly fixture and show their support to all our teams when they can. If anyone would like to get involved in Rugby (on or off the pitch) please contact Ian “Moggy” Morgan: moggy@tcrfc.ie / 0863857561.