Monivea were up for the Cup

Skerries - 8 Monivea - 9 ANOTHER year, another adventure In Monivea's proud history as against the odds on Saturday last, Monivea came away from Holmpatrick with a great victory. [private] In windy conditions the home side won the toss and elected to play against the wind in the first half. This was real Cup rugby as neither side gave an inch. Monivea used the wind to their advantage and ended the half 6-0 with two Ger O'Connor penalties. With the wind at their backs and a large home support Skerries started the second half with intent and owned the ball for the third quarter. After intense pressure they finally breached the Monivea line with a try by full-back Conal Keane who failed to convert. But if this year's Monivea bunch are one thing it's resilient and the display in the final quarter was as good as last year's semi-final win over Cooke. Every man fronted up to the challenge and after some great forward play their efforts were rewarded with a penalty. Coolness personified, O'Connor pinned his kick to leave the score at 9-5. But the home challenge hadn't finished and they responded with a penalty to leave the score 9-8 with a few minutes remaining. Heroic defence saw the visitors hold out. A special mention of the Monivea front row who were outstanding. The team management and all involved would like to thank the large numbers who travelled to support in Skerries. Mini Rugby: we held our first home Blitz of the season on Saturday, a morning that started off dry followed by torrential rain. This did not dampen the spirits of the young boys and girls who turned out in great numbers. Muddy and slippery conditions we had but that didn't stop some fantastic rugby being played. Great credit to our host clubs Loughrea and Ballinasloe, disciplined, enthusiastic and clearly enjoying playing rugby. To all the wonderful coaches who helped organise, coach and referee the games, thank you. Many thanks to all the parents who brought sandwiches and cakes and to Rosaleen and Valerie who kept the kettle boiling and fed everyone. No training next Saturday morning as we are having a Hallowe'en party instead, sponsored by Don Ruane, our U-11s' coach, in McGann's. Monivea RFC would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Abbeyknockmoy Minor hurlers on winning the County final last Saturday, especially to all of our rugby players on the panel. Well done lads. Monivea RFC extends its sympathy to Dermot Fahy and family of Tuam RFC on the death of his wife Annette last week. May she rest in peace [private]