Crosshaven RFC J1 Squad start the 23-24 Season with Try-Ing Colours

By Tara Maher

Crosshaven RFC Junior Squad brought home their first trophy to the club in 6 years following their 8-3 victory over Old Christians in the O’Neill Cup on Sunday the 1st of October in Musgrave Park.

In what was a very low scoring game, both teams battled hard to score the first try but no matter their best efforts always seemed to fall short. Old Christians eventually took the lead through a penalty in the first half, soon after they had a chance to double their score but the penalty was kicked wide. Crosshaven trailed going into the break.

Chris Mee: Founder of EHS International & Sponsor of Crosshaven Rugby Football Club, donating a transportable field Defibrillator & a First Aid Kit to the club. Pictured are James Burke: Scrum Half; Jack Scully: Club member; Darren O'Keeffe: J1 Coach; Dominic Lecane: J1 Team Manager & Richard McCarthy: Fixtures Secretary, 10th October 2023. Photo Siobhán Russell

The second half started similarly to the first but Crosshaven eventually broke through and scored the first and only try of the game thanks to veteran Ian Smith and was converted by . shortly after Crosshaven were reduced to 14 men when James Burke received a red card. Anthony Sheehan received a yellow and was sin-binned for ten minutes forcing Crosshaven to play with 13 players.

Old Christians tried to take advantage of the two man deficit but to no avail, Crosshaven forwards proved too strong and brought the trophy back to Myrtleville Cross.

Momentum was still going following the Cup win as Crosshaven travelled to Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick in the League opener. In what was a very entertaining game Crosshaven came as winners on a score line on 40-14 thanks to points from Mikey Collins, Kealan Daly, Graham Smith, Jason Brady and Jack O’Connell and youngster Niall Deane. Deane scored an impressive three tries and earned himself the title of top scorer in the league that Sunday.

They continued their winning run last Saturday as they beat Waterpark of Waterford 57 points to nil in Myrtleville Cross. Crosshaven scored an astonishing nine tries. In what was a great team effort by all involved but it was Mikey Collins, Kealan Daly, Graham Smith, Jack O’Connell, Darcy Ryan, Harry O’Connell and Patrick Cotter who ran the nine tries. Jack O’Connell kicked four conversions and Ian Smith two.

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