West Offaly Lions News

Gort 17 - West Offaly Lions 27

Connacht J1 League 08-09
Venue: Gort RFC

Seniors  - Connaught J1b league
Gort 17 - W.O.L. 27

       Newly promoted West Offaly Lions won their inaugural game in this league when they travelled to Gort R.F.C. on Sunday. This was a massive win against a side which won the junior cup two years ago. This was a tribute to the Lions pre-season training which though still is somewhat undercooked was a big step up from last year. West Offaly Lions began well but didn't have it all there own way as Gort proved very strong in the forwards causing problems in the line out and scrums. If it was not for a last ditch tackle from Stephen Rourke, the side's would have went in at half time a lot closer but as it was after 40 mins the lions went in with a 10 point to nil advantage over there opponents. This was achieved by a trademark Donal Corbett run which he converted and a Matt Boland drop goal. Gort however proved doughty opponents and came back into the game with tries to level the scores and with this added pressure it lead to a tense and nail biting second half, with both sides unwilling to concede the slightest hint of forward movement.
The lions pressured hard and two further scores by Anthony Quinn, Richard Clancy  and another Corbett penalty left the Lions worthy winners despite a late Gort score.

It was a good overall team effort with captain Ronnie Guinan leading the way, W.O.L. will need to get to grips with the ELVs and work on their scrummaging before the next match.

Training as usual at 7 in the nun's field on Tuesday evening.

West Offaly Lions got their season off with a tough gruelling match against the Leinster j1 side Athy. Despite being without several of last seasons regulars the Lions acquitted themselves well in the warm humid conditions. Such was the appetite to do well by both side's that every ruck, maul and break was contested full blooded and whole hearted. Both side's fought hard to gain the yards and find the breaks, and although the pre-season has been going well for the lions the four previous matches which Athy had under their belts really stood out as they seemed just that little bit sharper match wise, but it give the lions something to think about for training Tuesday night. Newcomers Roger Quinn, Cathal Scott, Julian Walshe and Stephen Rourke made fine contributions. Next week we will travel to Gort for a league game at 3pm on Sunday. It's the first league match of the season and we hope to make it a good one with a win to start the season off.

Also best wishes to Ian bracken for a speedy recovery from injury.

Congratulations to all those involved in Tag Rugby in aid of cancer on a well organised and successful day.

U.14 training starts on Saturday at 11.30 in the nun's field and Padraig Flaherty and his helpers Collie Malone and George Mooney welcome all new members.

The W.O.L. Senior team play their first game this Sunday at 2pm in the school field against Athy R.F.C. After a good pre season W.O.L are now in full swing and training continues on every Monday and Friday nights at 7pm in the nuns field, with some new faces training is as intense as last year if not more so and competition for positions is strong, all new players are welcome .Our first league game is on the horizon with an away trip to Gort R.F.C. fixed for Sunday the 28^th of September.

MINS Our mini teams started last Sunday in horrendous conditions and training continues every Sunday in the school field in Ferbane
at 11.30am with squads at u7.u8.u9.u10.u11. And u12. New boys and girls are especially welcome.

Training commences for the u-14's this Saturday the 27^th in the nuns field at 11.30am sharp all are welcome.

Six of our coaches recently attained the IRFU mini coaching certificate .Congratulations to Connor Wynne, Padraig Flaherty, Steven Auret, Tommy Rickard, Brian O Carroll and Connor Galvin.
YOUR support is needed this Sunday for a charity tag rugby game at 12.30 in the school field Ferbane in aid of cancer awareness.

The West Offaly Lions will be represented this Friday the 5^th of September by the U-8 team who along with the Midland Warriors will give an exhibition match in the Connaught Sportsground at the half time interval in the Connaught Vs Osprey match K.O. at 6.30pm.

West Offaly Lions RFC would like to wish the Connaught team the best of luck in their upcoming campaign.