Naas avenge early season defeat to claim impressive win over Old Belvo

Naas 27

Ulster Bank AIL Division 1B

To date this season has been a mixed bag for Naas. There have been some great victories like the ones over Shannon and Old Wesley. However, there has been a few below par performances, and when thinking about them the one that led to defeat by Old Belvedere last November immediately springs to mind. Naas had the opportunity to atone for that loss when hosting the same opposition last Friday, and in front of a large, vocal crowd they eagerly took that chance.

The home side emerged fired up, and within seven minutes had taken the lead. Old Belvedere were penalised for not rolling away at a ruck and Peter Osborne struck over the resultant penalty.

Although Tim Foley levelled matters just three minutes later with a Belvedere penalty, the signs were looking good for Naas. Their pack showing disregard for their opponent’s lofty reputation were dominating the physical exchanges, while with some superb handling the backs looked dangerous every time they received the ball.

On 18 minutes Naas struck for the first try of the game. Under pressure a hurried Belvedere clearance was blocked down by David Benn. The ball fell kindly for Peter Osborne who gathered it and then showed great pace to sprint clear and score. Although the conversion was missed Naas now led by 8-3.

That was increased on 28 minutes when Naas scored a try that was right out of the top drawer. Strong carries by James Cherrington and Paulie Tolofua took play into the Belvedere half, before a deft chip into space by Johne Murphy turned the opponent’s defence. Naas regathered the ball which was quickly moved along the backline and led to Niall Delahunt scoring in the corner. Although the conversion was missed - and indeed a further penalty opportunity on 36 minutes was also off target - Naas took a 13-3 lead into the interval.

Within five minutes Naas struck again for a score which appeared to have ended the game as a contest.

Again, it came from a strong carry by Paulie Tolofua, which created space for the backs, and saw Niall Delahunt cross over for his second try. Cillian Dempsey added the conversion, and a 20-3 deficit looked far too much for Belvedere to overcome.

To their credit they made a fair fist of it and there were some anxious moments before the finish for the home supporters. The pendulum of the game swung and Belvedere suddenly became the dominant side. They were narrowly denied a try when their driving maul drove Naas back over their line, but the referee could not see the grounding of the ball, and therefore could not award the try.

However, there was no doubt that they scored on 58 minutes. A series of pick and go’s around the fringes of the ruck finally led to Karl Miller scoring. Foley added the conversion, and six minutes later they were right back in the game. Will O'Brien was deemed to have deliberately knocked on the ball which led to him receiving a yellow card, and with Foley scoring the penalty the Naas lead had been cut to 20-13.

All of a sudden the momentum was with the visitors, they had got the last two scores and had an extra player for the next ten minutes. But Naas had put too much into this game to be denied. They comfortably saw out the period of O'Briens sin bin without the concession of any further scores, and they struck for the all important fourth try that sealed victory.

Yet again it came from the pacy backs, who pounced on a turnover in midfield to set up a chance for Fionn Higgins who finished it emphatically. A sublime conversion by Cillian Dempsey from right out on the touchline finished off the scoring, with Naas well deserving 27-13 victors.

Another stern test awaits Naas this coming Saturday when they host Ballynahinch. The Ulstermen currently sit second in the table, and it will take a similar or indeed superior performance from Naas to lower their colours. Kick-off is at 2.30pm and all support will be greatly appreciated.

Naas

Fionn Higgins, Fionn Carr, Johne Murphy, James Cherrington, Niall Delahunt, Michael Skelton, Peter Osborne, Graham Reynolds, Cathal Duff, Conor Doyle, Colm Gorry, David Benn, Cillian Dempsey, Will O'Brien, Paulie Tolofua.

Replacements: Stephen Lackey, Charlie Kings, Paul Monahan, Andrew Kearney, Max Whittingham.

Old Belvedere

Danny Riordan, Aaron Sheehan, David Butler, Tom Molony, Chris Carey, Tim Foley, Ian Vance, Adam Howard, Eddie Rossiter, Omar Dahir, Karl Miller, Conor Owende, Diarmuid Kennedy, Pearce Dargan, David Sherry.

Replacements: Andy McGrath, Roman Salmonoa, Max Ludwig, Shane McDonald, Philip O'Dwyer.