Edenderry aim for top pool in Leinster League

Edenderry 1st 10, Rathdrum 21 Edenderry Firsts travelled to Rathdrum on Sunday last for their fourth Leinster League tie of the the pool, knowing that a win would see them finish second in the group and qualify for the top pool for the second half of the season. The home team were also in need of a win to secure qualification and it was Rathdrum who started the game the stronger, putting a lot of pressure on the away side with a very aggressive scrum and a pack hungry for a win. Edenderry did very well to weather the storm and as the half wore on 'Derry started to get into the game and were first to touch down with a try from Tom Fawcett on the wing putting the away side five points ahead with a chip and chase which he collected himself and touched down. The conversion was missed however. At half time it was 5-0 to Edenderry. The home side came out very strong again at the start of the second half as they did in the first but this time around they did manage to put points on the board and within fifteen minute they were leading the game 21-5. The home pack were to credit for most of this as they really upped their game for the second half and put the 'Derry scrum under a lot of pressure, as well as rucking well and dominating proceedings in general play for the first 25 minutes of the half. Edenderry did fight back later and the away side's efforts did pay off as they added another try from Ethan Cooney at first centre to leave the score at 21-10. Edenderry still sit third in the table with a game to play, at home next week against North Meath and as other results went their way the top half of the table looks like a certainty at this stage, as does qualification for the top pool for the second half of the season. The team will undoubtedly want to finish on a high and perhaps the three-week break without a game didn't do them any favours this week. The home match on Sunday next against North Meath will hopefully see the 'Derry side return to winning ways and help them push on to compete for promotion this year. As mentioned the game is at 2.30 on Saturday, November 14, next, and the Men's Night Club Fundraiser is that night in the club. More details below. Team: Stephen Potterton (Capt.), Richis Smyth, Brian Rushe, David Keenan, Frank Kennedy, Sod O'Donnell, Nix McEvoy, Tom Mulligan, Rob Conlan, Shane Bisto Kelly, Ethan Cooney, Brian O'Carroll, Tom Facwett, Jason Moore, Killian Farrell. Subs used: Conleth Daniels, Gavin Doyle. Edenderry 2nd XV 30, Athy 12 Edenderry travelled to Athy on Saturday last for their fifth Leinster League game of the season and they knew a win was of vital importance against an Athy side who sat just behind them in the league table. This was a great performance all round from Edenderry with the entire team panel performing and all stating a claim for a starting positions. Hard to single out any individuals in such a team performance, however Shane Melia, Colm Carter, Ross Sullivan and Chris Furey were pick of the forwards with Pauric Foy, Tom Fawcett, Willie Crampton and man of the match Colm Dunne with three trys the pick of the backs. The seconds now sit third in the league and play Carlow away, who now sit second, on Saturday next at 2.30. Team: Shane Rushe, Shane Melia, Wayne Quirke, Chris Furey, Darragh Hickey, Ross Sullivan, Conleth Daniels, Colm Carter, Pauric Foy, Tom Facwett, David Hurst, Wilie Crampton, Gavin Doyle, Colm Dunne (Capt.), Ziggy Killaly. Subs: Liam Morley, Brian Walsh, Mark Conroy, Stephen Cummins, Alan Donlan, Pat Gill, Keith O'Neill. Under 17 Leinster League Edenderry 8, Ashbourne 8 Man of the match went to John McCormack and most improved player of the week was Peter Connolly. Next up is Longford at home on Saturday morning. Training continues on Tuesdays and Thursday nights from 7pm to 8:30pm and all are welcome. For further information contact PJ on 087/0520842. Edenderry 16, Longford 21 Saturday morning and the wind and rain pelted the players from Edenderry and Longford in freezing conditions as they played out an enthralling game on the well manicured Derry front pitch. Edenderry took the lead late on against a very strong Longford side, but the visitors added a converted try deep into injury time to finish the game Longford 21, Edenderry 16. Edenderry Rugby Club Big Night Out! Edenderry RFC has a "Men at Dinner Night" in the clubhouse next, Saturday, November 14 night starting at 7pm. Guest MC on the night is the Rugby TV pundit George Hook. There is also a renowned comedian Eric Lalor, T-Bone steaks, and a free bar along with other entertainment to bring a great night's crack together! Earlier in the day Edenderry 1st XV entertain North Meath in their final game of the league qualifiers. Kick-off is at 2.30pm. All support welcome.