“View from the bench”
7th April 2008


TIME TO CONGRATULATE

Well done Wales, winners of the 6 NATIONS. I’ll not mention my predictions for the tournament as England’s second place was the only thing I got right. So enough said about that and I’ll move on.

In our division, I must say Congratulations to Grosvenor. They are deserved winners of the league. (I do write this when Grosvenor still need to beat Cooke in their final league match to secure the title, but I don’t see that as being much of a problem as Cooke have failed to fulfil many fixtures in the last quarter of the season).

The quality of this division has impressed me. Grosvenor naturally has shone, but Lisburn, Academy along with ourselves have pushed them all the way. For only the second time in 6 seasons this division has produced more than one team that has accumulated 30+ points and by the time of its conclusion there maybe 3 teams which have accomplished this (no idea when that was last done). This surely is the result of the top 4 sides being capable of beating one of the other four on their given day.

Throw into the mix clubs like Coleraine who have talent in depth throughout their 5 senior sides, added with Clogher Valley, Enniskillen, and Holywood and Lurgan who all play a very hard, physical never say die brand of rugby, then Grosvenor’s achievement is even more impressive.

Look out qualifying 3. This Grosvenor team will be a thorn in the side for all of you, and with such a young squad, quality coaches and with their first class facilities they should be successful for years to come.

As for Inishowen, we must set our sights for the runners up spot in the league and try to finish strongly. We have 3 fixtures to play plus a cup final at Ravenhill. Victory in all 3 league games will guarantee second place, one point behind the champions, which in itself will be a great achievement considering our league standing of last season and the strength of the division, in this season. But it is important that we concentrate on one match at a time. Then and only then can we think about Ravenhill and our cup final with Academy.

Finally, may I once again say well done to Grosvenor, and that comes from all of us here in Inishowen.


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