Rugby Club Issue 52 | Page 23

Skerries Skerries RFC F irst established in 1926, Skerries RFC currently competes in Division 2A of the Ulster Bank All Ireland League. Led by the team of President Nicky McDonough and Chairman Jim Glennon their grounds and clubhouse are located at Holmpatrick. This season, their first team has been in fine form, putting together a record of 7 wins and just 3 defeats from their first 10 matches. This has left them sitting in 3rd place in the league with 34 points on the board. This should provide them with the perfect platform from which to build as they look ahead towards the 2nd half of the campaign. As long as they are able to retain their current group of players and keep up their recent level of performance they may have an outside chance of mounting a title challenge. One of the standout features of the team’s performances have been the strong defensive record that they have compiled. Up to now they have conceded just 149 points at a rate of less than 15 per game, proving that they are one of the toughest sides to breach in the league. This is thanks in part to the fact that they have some superb individual defenders but credit should also go to their coaching team for the work they’ve done on the training ground. Having a tight defence gives Skerries the ability to win games even if they are not playing at their best which can be particularly important during the winter months when conditions are not always conducive to running rugby. As a club that plays a vital role in their local community, Skerries RFC are able to rely on some terrific support. Speaking of this to the club’s official website, Captain Ross McAuley said, “The support we have received over the last number of years has been second to none, both home and away. It is one of the major strengths of this club, and I hope we can rely on this support again this season. I have no doubt that we will receive it. I would also urge all supporters to introduce friends and family to the club. I am sure they will enjoy the atmosphere and all that Holmpatrick has to offer.” Another outstanding feature of their set up is the superb youth section that they have in place. This part of the club looks to provide youngsters from the local area with an opportunity to play the game in a safe and enjoyable environment whilst helping them to reach their full potential. It is important for any club that is looking to be successful over a sustained period of time to produce their own talent and this is an area that they appear to have covered. With a strong set up behind the scenes running through Skerries RFC they appear to have everything in place for a bright future. Everyone at Rugby Club Magazine would like to take this opportunity to wish them the best of luck for the future. www.skerriesrfc.ie - Twitter : @skerriesrugby www.sportip.biz 23