RGU Notes

However, despite being eight down at the break against a much bigger and physically stronger side, there was something about the first half performance that made you think there was no way these guys were throwing the towel in. [caption id="attachment_25048" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="The U-14 RGU team who were Gerry Curran Memorial Shield runners up in the tournament held at Ardglass GAC at Ardtole."][/caption] Bit by bit they ate into the lead and with minutes left stole ahead and then cancelled the game out to win by four. Indeed this was as good a performance by any Downpatrick team for many’s a day and will instil a great deal of confidence in a side who make up for their lack of size and height with great heart and great skill. Final score: RGU U-14’s 6-05  Bredagh 5-05 U-12’s:  The U-12-s got their season back on track with a very disciplined but polished display against Bredagh on Sunday. Despite playing into a slight breeze they took command of the game from the off with some powerful plays but did not always get the scores the play deserved. Paul Smyth and Ronan Murphy were having a great game in midfield but it was the teak tough defence of Caolan Bentham, Liam McCarron, Nathan McAuley and Conor Breen who mopped up everything thrown at them and behind them Colin Leckey was very solid. In the second period they really came good and with Tim Prenter on fire in the scoring stakes, but he was well aided by Daniel Kelly, Ruairi Quinn, Sean McCrissican and Tom Smyth. Next up is a trip to Bryansford whilst the B team go to Kilclief on Sunday. U-10s: The young Hoops took two teams to An Riocht on Saturday for the Annula Blitz in Dunavil After what was marathon stint the team just came up short against Magherafelt in the shield final. It was just a bridge too far for a side who had at that stage played 9 games, but in the end it was avery capable Derry outfit who carried off the silverware. Group games were played against Kilcoo, St Brides, Attiacl and Mayobride before moving on to the knockout series where they accounted for Drumaness, Dundrum, Magheraflet B + The Moy before falling at the final hurdle. It was a great team effort for the guys just as it was for the B team who went through a very tough group before going down to a very lively Fingallians side from Co Dublin. On Sunday afternoon the U-16’s played their first match in the summer league against Loughinisland, and came home with a comfortable victory. The final score of  2-14 to 2-7 didn’t reflect the superiority that the Hoops enjoyed in every department. There were many good individual performances in a team which largely worked well as a unit. Johnny Bell was the man of the match, catching everything that came near him in the midfield, while Conor McGrady stood out up front kicking several points from play. The forwards will need to sharpen up, and take better advantage of any possession they have, when they host Kilcoo at PTR on Thursday evening. The RGU will be holding its Annual Open Golf tournament in Downpatrick Golf Club on Friday 8th July. The course has been booked from 13.00 to 17.30, and the time-sheet is currently on display downstairs in the Clubrooms .If you wish to book a time slot you can either do it yourself or get in touch with any member of the executive. The time-sheet will also be available upstairs in the Clubrooms from next week, and after that it will be sent on to the Golf Club. We would recommend that everyone who is interested should book their spot before the sheet is forwarded to the Golf Club, so don’t delay or you could end up disappointed. T he 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 places 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 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 12s are reminded that bookings are now being taken for Cúl Camps at RGU in August. More details from Ciaran Cunningham. The Club would like to thank Alan Telford who generously donated two O’Neills footballs to us. Lotto numbers for this week were 2,16,20 and 23. Jackpot not won, 9 share £100. Next week’s jackpot £2100. 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]]>