Page 34 - DLS Spring Newsletter 2023

Senior Rugby

De La Salle College Churchtown Senior Cup Team

The Senior Cup Team started back after the Christmas break determined to improve and enjoy their
rugby for this term. We began training after Christmas, Mondays on the pitch and completing a Gym
session on Tuesdays after school. The Tuesday session welcomed some 2nd and 3rd years who
wanted to work on their conditioning, this will hopefully be a positive for the future of the Senior Cup
Team in a couple of years.

Unfortunately in January two matches were cancelled because of the weather and pitch availability.
Our 6th years then focused on their mocks in the first two weeks in February whilst the remainder of
the squad continued training.

The league competition then began against opposition including Clongowes , Wilson Hospital and
Terenure College. All games were competitive and allowed the squad to gain invaluable experience.
These games also allowed us to introduce new players to the Senior Team. A special mention to
Redoan Sane Khondaker who played all three games and is improving all the time, also a mention to
Josh Keenan who moved to a different position, embracing this change and taking on the challenge.

This term we were also very lucky to have a new student join us from Mexico, Nicholas Morales who
has played rugby before in Mexico but was more familiar with the 7s game, but he adapted to the 15
a side format very quickly and enjoyed his rugby experience in De La Salle College Churchtown.

Our final game of the year was against Benidilus College, in a very competitive fixture we just lost out
but the players' attitude on the day was excellent and the effort from everyone was a credit to
themselves and the whole school community.

With our 6th years playing their last match for De La Salle College Churchtown a special mention to
Elliot Looney [Captain] , Zuikomboreo Kufazviei [Vice Captain] , Attila Szalai, Niall Burke, Jack
Campbell and Henry Igbinomwanhia for all their hard work and dedication to Rugby in the College for
the last 6 years. Dean Fitzgerald and Ali Lebsir also played for the Senior Cup team at certain times
and over their time in the College.

Finally I want to acknowledge the
contribution of all the parents of the rugby
team over the last year. They are always
there to encourage the players and more
importantly wash their gear and pick them
up late from training and matches.
Many thanks, it is very much appreciated.

Yours in Rugby

Tom Leigh and David Broderick