RGU Notes

Senior men had a decent performance at PTR on Friday evening. In a game that could have gone either way the Hoops eventually had to settle for a draw. Considering the fact that the team has been so badly depleted, this was not a bad result. Their next fixture will be away to Warrenpoint on Friday night. RGU U-12’s travelled to Moy on Saturday 28th May to take part in their annual U-12 tournament. An unusually indifferent performance in the group stages meant the boys narrowly missed out in the cup competition and had to settle for the shield. The real damage was done in a poor performance against a very beatable Portadown team, when the boys played nowhere near their true potential. In their match against Tyrone team Cappagh, they came up against a team blessed with a number of superb kickers. Every free and sideline ball conceded by the RGU was unerringly punished in a wonderful display of point taking. In their other two matches the boys recorded victories against Madden and Coalisland. In the quarter finals, RGU recorded a hard won victory against Omagh to set up a rematch from last year, against home team Moy. Again history repeated itself, as the boys were on the receiving end of some truly outrageous refereeing decisions. The B team lost their match by 6 points, leaving the A team to make up the difference in their encounter. A truly wonderful display left the boys 5pts up with seconds remaining when a nailed on free was denied to them which would have brought extra time. Despite losing the match overall by a point the boys can be proud of their display, which was easily the best of the day. The U-12 Firsts team were in action again this weekend when they played their opening match in the East Down League proper on Sunday against Carryduff at PTR. In wet conditions Carryduff started the brighter, scoring the opening 4 points. A point from Daniel Kelly got the Hoops off the mark, but this was only spurred Carryduff on. A further 3 pts for the Belfast side put them 6 pts clear, before a late rally before half-time with points from Tim Prenter and Paul Smyth kept RGU within touching distance. A much improved second half display followed. Great defensive displays from Caolin Bentham and Liam McCarron allied to some smart kickouts from Micéal Galbraith restricted the number of chances for Carryduff. A typical hard working display from midfielder Ronan Murphy aided by Sean McCrissican allowed the RGU to slowly gain the upper hand. Paul Smyth kicked some great points from frees as the gap started to close, but a poor second goal conceded meant the boys had to start again. Nathan McAuley continued to dominate his man and set up new waves of Downpatrick attack. Conor Breen made some great runs from half back before going off injured. Further points from Ronan, Tim and Daniel and a goal borne out of great pressure work by Ryan McKinney meant the Hoops were now level entering the last minute. A late missed chance by RGU allowed Carryduff to race up the pitch and finally secure the match with a last gasp free. The boys can be disappointed with the final result after all the hard work against the league favourites. It was a strong performance with good support from the subs, Ryan Wynn, Drew Barnes and Colin Lecky who were continually rotated to great effect. Final score RGU 1-11, Carryduff 2-09.  Next up is a tasty encounter away to Castlewellan. The U-12 B team went down by a narrow margin against a much bigger Dundrum side, on a wet afternoon. The exertions of the “ friendly” first half took its toll as the referee decided only to count the scores for the third & fourth quarters. By this stage the young Hoops had run their socks off . Only a momentary lapse late on let the Dundrum boys in for the decisive goal which proved decisive. Overall this was a very spirited display by RGU with the defensive quartet of Eoin Rooney, Eoin McMullan, Eoin Watterson and Ryan Cassidy outstanding. Up front Tom Smyth, Dermot McNabb and Luka Walsh were the pick of the attackers. Next up is a home game against Ardglass on Sunday at 1pm Training continues on Tue night at 7pm and a further session for the summer starts on Thur at 7pm. U-10’s players: 26 youngsters headed off to Liatroim on Saturday as the Hoops were able to field 2 teams against the host club and Darragh Cross. This was a marvellous mornings entertainment for the large crowd present in the glorious sunshine. Outstanding for the RGU on the day were Patrick Ferris, Ryan Cassidy, Matthew Rooney, Caolin Quinn Cormac Starkey, Oran Cunningham & Eoin Rooney. Training continues on Thursday evening and on Saturday as normal. On Saturday 18th we will be going to An Riocht with two teams for their Annual Blitz. Cardiac Risk in the Young. The RGU is targeting players from the U-14 and U16 age groups to attend the CRY clinic in Newry on Sunday 17th July. The fee is £35 and MUST accompany the application form which will be distributed to all teams in the next few weeks. We would urge all players (male and female aged 14 or over) to avail of the opportunity to undergo this cardiac screening, and therefore participation isn’t restricted to the above age groups. The Club will provide transport free of charge. To secure your place please complete and return the form to Michael Starkey or Peter McCartan ASAP. If you wish to find out more you can visit the CRY website: http://www.c-r-y.org.uk There are no U-16 fixtures planned for the next few weeks but everyone is encouraged to attend the Thursday evening training session at 7pm. All children in the U-8 age group are welcome to come and join in on Saturday mornings 10:30 -11:30 am. Under 8’s/10’s 12’s are reminded that bookings are now being taken for Cúl Camps at RGU in August. More details from Ciaran Cunningham. Gaeltacht grants are available to all Club juveniles who study Irish at post primary level. For more information contact Maria on 07912029095 or Roisin on 07871744103. Lotto numbers for this week were 15,17,26, and 27. Jackpot not won, 2 share £100. Next week’s jackpot £1900. Set dancing continues on Tuesday nights at 7.30. Anyone interested just turn up or ring Johnny on 07710369509. For party bookings ring Brian on 07745496213. If you have any club information/ announcements or match reports which you would like to have included in next week’s Club Notes, please send the details via email to rgu1@hotmail.co.uk Our web site is updated on a regular basis. For all the latest news go to www.rgudownpatrick.com]]>