BKRFC U12s visited Ennis RFC yesterday in very tricky conditions; wind, rain and 6 inches of mud underfoot!
No other teams came so we decided to play a full 15-a-side game and came out winners, 3 tries to two!
So proud of the boys in scoring some fantastic team tries, all 3 finished by Oisin Pepper, in what was an energy-sapping game with lots of scrums (from knocking on a very wet, muddy ball), lots of tackles, and slow- motion running through the mud (It was like running through quicksand!!). Well done boys, and thank you to their parents for bringing them & cheering them on from the sidelines!
Also a big thanks to Ennis RFC for being such fabulous hosts with a fine spread of sandwiches & cakes and lovely hot teas & coffees AND showers afterwards!
Finally, good luck to Rose and Sam in the laundryteam.com who get to wash the jerseys!

Team: Shane Geraghty, Oisin Pepper, Gordon Wood, Laurent Chateau, Ciarán Rodgers, Ben McCarthy, Ben Murnane, Cian Molloy, Aaron Leonard, Sean Crotty, Thomas O’Farrell, Cillian O’Connor, Conor Neill, Conal O’Murthuile, Éanna Coleman.

Ballina-Killaloe RFC U11’s traveled to Young Munster for a Mini’s blitz.

Fielding two teams who played 4 games each, with an impressive return of won 7 and drew 1. Well done to all!

The U13’s made the expedition out to Derryknockane and Young Munster’s pitches. In a morning where many senior games were cancelled, heavy downpours and strong winds welcomed the players, a pitch inspection and a discussion among the coaches, the decision was made to go ahead with the game as the gale eased slightly.

Playing with the strong winds, Young Munster were quicker off the mark, getting 2 early tries, before BKRFC managed to find their own groove, and through a couple of direct runs, an attacking scrum inside the YM 22, BKRFC played a smart switch of play to the blindside to dot down for their opening try.
The conditions were trying at times but all players played their part. Both sides showed a willingness to spread the ball out wide despite the greasy ball.
BKRFC started the second half strong, crossing for a couple of tries, but Young Munster showed good skill and speed managing a number of scores themselves. BKRFC refused to let their heads go down and in one play after making a strong surge down the middle, BKRFC were held up short, YM won the ball and broke up field, but refusing to give up BKRFC chased back, managed to secure the ball again and in an excellent example of counter attacking, ran the ball back, used the width of the pitch and scored what was to be the final try of the game.

Many thanks to all the parents and players who made, and found, their way out to Derryknockane and well done to Young Munster on their win and for what was an excellent game in adverse conditions for all.

Ballina-Killaloe U13’s took on a strong Thomond RFC in Clarisford Park. Thomond managed to open the scoring with an intelligent kick out to the wing from inside their 22, where their speedy winger managed to secure the ball and spint down the line, avoiding a couple of tackles to dot down for the first try. Ballina-Killaloe regrouped quickly and after a good break to go close, some close in driving saw BKRFC score. Immediately from the kick off, BKRFC ran the ball straight back to record another score. Thomond were not finshed yet and responded themselves with some good handling and quick pace to round the BKRFC defence and score under the posts, with the conversion added Thomond lead 12-10. Once again BKRFC regrouped and with a pick and drive from Evan Wood at a close-in scrum saw BKRFC regain the lead 17-12 at the break.

BKRFC started the second half strongly with some direct running from Kian Donnelly, Ruadhan Quinn and Evan Wood, with James Frahill at 10 and Ian Larkin at 12 and Keelan Hartigan at 13 directing the play, the lead was extended through some excellent team tries.
Credit must go to Thomond who never gave up and managed the final score of the game with a try of their own. The final score ending up 39-17 to BKRFC for their 2nd win of the League.
Well done to all the boys from both teams and to the parents and coaches on the sidelines on what was a lovely autumnal morning in Clarisford Park.