By Tommy Butler Longford RFC PRO

Senior Men

Longford’s J1 Senior Men were back in CPL Park on Sunday looking to bounce back from a defeat the previous Sunday versus Clondalkin.  The challenge was not going to be easy as Tullow are always a difficult side to put away and one which Longford needed to front up to, to have a chance of winning.  Our J2 men were looking to keep their winning start to the season going against the same opposition and maintain their seven point lead at the top against one of the better J2 sides in Leinster.  They maintained their lead courtesy of a disappointing walkover given by Tullow.  A full match report from last week’s win versus Clondalkin is included instead.  Unfortunately, although Longford J1s should have secured the win they went down to their second loss in a row.

Longford J1s attentions now turn to their final league of 2019 away to DLSP in Kilternan.  The season has not gone well for DLSP so far, where they lye bottom of the league.  Longford accounted for DLSP 25-3 earlier on in the season with a bonus point win.  Longford will know that they cannot take their eye off the ball if they are to come out on top in this match and maintain their challenge for promotion.  Unfortunately, DLSP withdrew their J2 side from the league so there will be no J2 match.  Training continues Tuesday and Friday at 7.30 PM with new and returning players particularly welcome.    

Upcoming Fixtures

Sunday December 8^th Leinster League DLSP v Longford KO 14:00 J1

Sunday December 29^th Midland League Final v Mullingar (in Roscrea) KO TBC

Sunday January 12th Leinster League Carlow v Longford KO 13:00/14:30 J1&J2

The full season calendar can be downloaded at: https://bit.ly/2KAwsrr

League Table Leinster League - Division 1B

 League Table Seconds League (J2) - Division 1B

 Longford Women (Warriors)

Longford Women welcomed Wanderers to CPL Park on Sunday looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season last Sunday and maintain their place at the top of the league.  They secured a 10-03 victory and close out 2019 with a home match versus New Ross next Sunday.

Longford Women welcome new players throughout the season with all fitness levels, shapes and sizes are welcome.  The Warriors really are on an upward curve and are making an assault on the Division 4 Title and want you to be a part.  Training is on Tuesdays and Fridays and 7.30.  Drop in to training for a chat or alternatively give Head Coach Nuala McGoey a ring on 0862482005.

Upcoming Fixtures

Sunday December 8^th Leinster League Longford v New Ross KO 13:00

Sunday January 12th Leinster League Blackrock v Longford KO 13:00

Leinster League Women’s Division 4

Longford Mini/Youths

The Longford Mini/Youth Season is now in full swing.  All teams are now back training and playing.  

Training.

Remember new players are welcome at all levels with no prior experience required.  It could be you lining out for Ireland in a coming World Cup!

Minis U6-U12 

Training on Sundays at 10.30 am in CPL Park for both girls and boys.  A full season planner can be downloaded at https://bit.ly/2NxGL1j 

U13 Male

U13s training every Thursday at 6.30 PM.

U14 Male

U14s training every Thursday 7-8.30 PM.

U15 Male

U15s train every Wednesday at 7.30 PM.

U16 Male

U16s train every Wednesday at 7.30 PM.

U17s&18s Male

U17/U18s train every Thursday at 7.30 PM.

U14 Female

U14s train every Sunday morning with an extra day per week TBC.

U16&U18 Female

U16s&U18s train every Tuesday and Friday at 7.30 PM.

Fixtures

U18FM v Terenure (Home)

U16FM v Terenure (Home)

U14M v Naas (Home)

U9/U10 v Tullamore (Away)

U7/U8 v Birr (Away)

Please check our website for fixtures; http://www.longfordrugby.com/clubFixtures/14013/f_i_x_t_u_r_e_s

Match Reports

U13M

The U13s match away to Roscrea was cancelled.  They face Naas at home next Sunday.  New members are welcome, call Padraig on 0862526741 for more information.

U14M

The U14s played Tullamore in the Midland League and came out second best.  The important thing was that everyone gave 100%.  New players are also welcome, contact Freddie Forde on 08625267541.

U14FM

The U14 Girls travelled to Portlaoise and although they played well could not get the better of the home side.

U16M

Longford U16s took on Mullingar and lost out due to a very slow start which saw them give the away side a 12 point lead.  Longford battled back with tries from Josh Osabuehien and Jamie Brady to cut the loss to two points.  Longford then turned over the ball when camped on the Mullingar line, which Mullingar ran the length of the with and took the match away from Longford.  The final score was 10-16.  However, it was a worthwhile match with all the players getting a run out and showed up plenty of workon’s after a winning run.  Thanks to all the parents/guardians than helped with sandwiches.

U16FM

The U16 Girls played Edenderry and came out the wrong side of 21-12 loss.

U18M

Longford U18s played Tullamore at home and recorded an impressive 24-19 victory.

Leinster Youths screening

Two of this year’s U18.5 squad, Sam Burgess and Kevin McDonagh, have been selected for Leinster Youths screening. The process began in Maynooth University on Monday last, with an on pitch positional clinic/training session for the players from the Midlands area along with other nominated 2003 born players from the other areas. The process continues in Edenderry RFC with a normal area training (Pitch & Gym) on Monday December 2^nd followed on December 9^th with an S&C testing evening.

There will be two Youths trial/screening matches (against 2 school sides) held before Christmas, these games will take place on Monday December 16^th (Carlow IT) and Wednesday December 18^th (Ashbourne RFC). Each player will only play in one of these matches. These two matches will bring the squad up to the Christmas break, post these matches a number of players will be invited to take part in a further trial/screening match in Donnybrook (Energia Park) on December 30^th.

Longford RFC back in the RDS

How about a Club trip to the Heineken Cup match Leinster v Lyon game January 12th as a Christmas present?  Kick off 13.00pm Jan 12th at the RDS. (Great family friendly time for children!).  Our own Longford U12 team will also play the half time minis game so we will have two teams to support!  Meet the players, Leo the Lion, Try skills in the fun zone and enjoy the Champions Cup match with an early afternoon kick off. As per previous trips
Adults Match €25, Children Match €5 & Bus €10 per seat. Tickets limited so book early.
Bus is on first come first served basis. If we don’t have enough numbers for the last bus I will confirm if it’s on or not.   All children must be accompanied by parent or guardian.  If you wish to join us on this trip please WhatsApp 086 2526741 with Name and number of

(A) Total Adult match tickets (€25/each), (B) Total Children match tickets (€5/each) and
(C) Total bus seats required (€10 per seat).

Bag Pack in Dunnes Stores

Thanks to everyone who supported the bag pack fundraiser by the girls from our Youth Section on Friday.

Great Food/Events at Longford RFC

The Sin Bin at Longford RFC serves great quality and value food on Friday from 12-3 and 12-7 on Saturday and Sunday.  Booking for events such as birthdays, christening, confirmations, communions, weddings and funerals are also available.  For bookings and information phone Kris on 0872872357.

4G All Weather Pitch Rental

Our state of the art floodlight Mel Diffley 4G pitch is available for rental.  It contains shock absorption so that players can play contact sports/fall over without hurting themselves.  It is also perfect for 5 a side soccer.  If you would like to book it phone Damian on 0862757103.