Whilst you all had predicted a big win for Wales against Italy, Ireland’s 7 point advantage over Scotland did not come up to expectations, and the dazzling performance of the French under 22s against England upset practically all apple carts.
So next weekend will sort out whether Wales are real contenders, with them playing Ireland in Dublin, and whether England can shake off their World Cup hangover in Murrayfield to stage a comeback.
The French have a handy run out against Italy, and won’t be truly tested again until Cardiff in Weekend 3. You’d have to say they look very exciting though – what will they be like by RWC 2023? Interesting to note that Romain Ntamack in 3 World Cup’s time will still be 2 years younger than Johnny Sexton is now.

How did you do?
The Leaderboard is posted so go take a look, and see whether you are laughing or languishing. Eleven people scored over 40 points, quite an achievement give the French surprise, and Andrew Callaghan tops the poll with 50 points. “Amazing” said Callaghan, “I only threw in the entry after 5 hours of research so didn’t feel I’d done enough”.

Week 1 Leader Board

Name                     Total
1 Andrew Callaghan    50
2 Richard Fitzpatrick   48
3 Thomas Leacy         47
4 John Coroner           46
5 Mark Hitchen            45
6 Paul Carmody          45
7 Geraldine Kelly        43
8 Eoin Kelly                42
9 Lorenzo Rabbitte     42
10 Gerard Campbell   41
11 Sharon Shore        41

Richard Fitzpatrick leaps into second place on 48, nipping in ahead of fellow former Hospitaler Tom Leacy. “That’s brilliant” said Fitzpatrick, “its easier than it looks isn’t it?” from a restaurant somewhere in Rialto.
Leacy was sanguine about his third place “Could do better, but there’s plenty of time yet, I’ll save my run until the ground dries out and we’ve the sun on our backs”.

Points make prizes
Thanks to our generous sponsors we have prizes a plenty to give away, but will start with just two this weekend. Andrew Callaghan wins the Asset Recruitment Strongest in the Pack Award for top scoring, and can take his pick of job offers from Asset Recruitment, including Lion Tamer, Snake Charmer or Brexit Negotiator, to name but a few.
The Dornan Engineering Ladies Prize goes to Geraldine Kelly, top scoring lady of the week, who gets a day out for two at Ladies Day of the Clonmel International Hare Coursing festival.

You all were amazing
Now seriously, you were. Once again you all put your hands in your pockets for LauraLynn, a wonderful cause as we all know, but you really did them proud. So far between us we have raised over €15,000, and there is more to come from our very generous sponsors, who once again have been magnificent in their support.
We will work out the final total over the next week or two, but thanks so much to everyone for your generosity, and simply for entering, which is what keeps the whole thing going.
Enjoy the next few weeks.