Emotional victory as Highfield remember McDonnell

SATURDAY was an emotional day for Highfield rugby club.

Their opening AIL Division Three clash against Queens was the club’s first since their re-emergence from the junior ranks, but one key figurehead was missing.

Their popular chairman Joe McDonnell died suddenly earlier in the month, and his loss is still keenly felt around Woodleigh.

Said Highfield skipper Emmet O’Callaghan: “It was sad to lose Joe. He did so much for the club. He was a players’ man, and was always encouraging us”.

Wayne Jervis added: “He did a lot of work behind the scenes of the club.”

O’Callaghan said that the last season had been a big one for the club “because we wanted to get back into the AIL as soon as possible. I think that we now have our best team for a long time.”

Coach Steve Ford agreed: “We have a good squad who have got depth.”

Having kicked five penalties and converted Greg Holland’s try, Jervis said: “Although we went fourteen points behind early on, once we got the try we put them on the back foot. As the game progressed our confidence grew.”

He added: “I am delighted for our supporters who have not had a lot to cheer about in our recent times. This win will give the club a lift.”

Things don’t look so rosy for Wanderers. The famous Dublin club were relegated from Division Two last season and then hit by a home defeat (18-19) by Old Wesley on Saturday.

Naas scored four tries and picked up a bonus point on their way to a 33-9 victory over Skerries, never one of the easiest sides to subdue.

Corinthians, with high hopes of challenging for promotion, made a good start when they secured an 11 points to three win over Monkstown at Sydney Parade.

Clonakilty also made a winning start to the campaign by seeing off gritty Connemara side 17-12 at Shannonvale.