In this episode, Stephen Byrne is joined by Tom Crotty from Carlow Rugby Club, James Blanchfield from Kilkenny RFC and Paddy Browne from Tullow RFC.
Tullow lost to Suttonians in their league game at the weekend, their fourth loss on the trot. Tullow conceded the second game. The women’s team had no game at the weekend. However, the second team was away to Clondalkin, making history in the process by being the first ladies’ second side in quite some time. They won 78-14. They’re in action against Ballincollig this weekend at home. It was a mixed bag with the youth teams.
Kilkenny lost to Wanderers, had a strong team out but can’t put their finger on why they lost. Performances are very disjointed says James Blanchfield, discipline was a factor again this weekend. James says the team just aren’t gelling well together, he did say there are a lot of positives too. The seconds won their game. The women’s team lost out as well. The youths had some cracking games. Kilkenny host Boyne this weekend, they tend to struggle against this side and James says it’s their bogey team. The women’s team are away to Greystones.
Carlow lost to Wicklow and suffered a few injuries during the game, Tom Crotty says he’s not too worried at this stage of the season he says, they need to regroup this week and figure out what they need to do. The Seconds beat Wicklow and got the breeze in the first half too which helped a lot. The Youths had a mixed bag.
Tullow hosts Carlow this weekend. It’s a huge derby game and a “different kettle of fish” says Tom. Paddy Browne says there are three games on in Tullow this weekend with the two derbies, and the Tullow ladies’ game is also a home game in the AIL.
The lads also discussed the development of players and how many stay on in their own club after the age of 18, and there’s a percentage of players that play senior rugby and didn’t come up through the youths in that club.
