Naas fall to defeat away at UCC but bonus point sends them into second place

Naas may have slumped to defeat away to UCC today, but a losing bonus point has lifted them to their highest ever position in the Ulster Bank AIL.

The Kildare club looked to be coming away empty handed from Cork before Peter Osborne crossed over for a try 15 minutes from time levelled matters, but a late penalty from the hosts ensured that they took four points from the tie.

A first half try and successful penalty had UCC ahead 8-6 at the break, with Osborne knocking over two penalties to keep Naas in touch. A low-scoring second half ensued but it was the home side that struck first with a try, before Osborne dotted down for Naas' only five-pointer of the game and he added the two points to even things up at 13-13 once again. They couldn't find another score however, and a late penalty from UCC ensured a home win.

Having lost by less than seven points, Naas now move into second place following their trip to the Mardyke, leapfrogging UL Bohemians after the Limerick club lost at home to table-toppers Buccaneers.

Photo by Yazz Coyle