Perfect UBL start for Naas at Holmpatrick
Naas senior squad opened their Ulster Bank League (UBL) season on Friday last, away to Skerries at Holmpatrick. In spite of extremely challenging playing conditions, the game was well attended by a large contingent of supporters from both clubs.
Naas had a significant wind advantage in the first period and their out-half, David Aherne and full-back, Peter Osborne made the most of this through superb tactical kicking to afford Naas a substantial early territorial advantage. This advantage was further aided by a very robust all-round defensive effort from the Naas side.
At the interval Naas, had notched up an impressive 16 point lead, all of which points were scored by the talented full-back Peter Osborne, whilst also managing to hold Skerries scoreless.
The half-time score remained unchanged throughout the second period in spite of a significant wind advantage for Skerries. This was largely due to the continued defensive effort from Naas which Skerries failed to exploit or penetrate.
The opening score for Naas came in the sixth minute following a kick ahead by David Aherne to inside of the Skerries 22. Chased up by Rob OConnor who forced the Skerries full-back to concede a penalty for holding on, Osborne confidently slotted over to open their account.
In the tenth minute, Peter Osborne struck with a brilliant try which he also converted. This followed a Skerries scrum on their 22 which was turned over by a powerful and determined Naas pack. Scrum-half Rob Campbell quickly gathered and combined with Peter Osborne who attacked through the centre and touched down under the posts.
During the second quarter, Skerries ramped up the pressure and attacked Naas with their out-half, Paul O Loughlen and back rows Ross McCauley and Thomas OHare proving especially influential. Repeatedly, they threatened the Naas 5m line but were thwarted by robust tackling especially from Andrew Kearney, Darragh Kiely, Ryan Casey, David Aherne, Ben Swindlehurst and David Benn together with skilled turnovers by flanker Will O Brien.
Peter Osborne then confidently kicked a further penalty after Skerries went offside at a ruck on their 22 and minutes later he struck again to give Naas a 16-0 lead at the interval after Johne Murphy had broken through the Skerries defensive line and was illegally tackled on the 22 resulting in a yellow card to the Skerries second row. Naas had also earned a second row yellow card for repeated infringements at the breakdown.
In the 3rd quarter Naas had to defend deep as Skerries pinned them back using their significant wind advantage and tactical kicking but Naas did so confidently thanks largely to the efforts of their front rows Bob Bryan, Charles Kings and Shane Reilly together with Paul Tolofua, Eoghan Conran and David Barron. Also very influential in this period was Johne Murphy, Peter Osborne, Fionn Higgins and Rob O Connor who carried and repeatedly attacked from deep within Naas territory.
In the closing quarter Naas used their driving maul to excellent effect and went close to touching down on two occasions but for a determined Skerries defence.
Naas senior squad returns to Forenaughts next weekend, Saturday 19th September, for their first home UBL game against Malone which kicks off at the later time of 4:30 pm, directly following the opening Ireland v Canada World Cup match.
Naas RFC hosts World Cup Family Day the same day, commencing at 1.30pm. Admission to families, visitors and supporters – all welcome.
Scores / Scorers: Naas 16 (Peter Osborne 1 try, 1 con, 3 pens) Skerries 0.
Naas: Peter Osborne, Rob OConnor, Johne Murphy, Ben Swindlehurst, Fionn Higgins, David Aherne (Eoghan Conran, 55) 9, Rob Campbell (David Barron, 55) 1, Bob Bryan, Charles Kings (John Sutton, 65), Shane Reilly (Richie Bond, 70) ,David Benn, Darragh Kiely, Ryan Casey (Andrew Kearney, 70), William Obrien, Andrew Kearney (Capt.) (Paul Tolofua, 55). Replacements: John Sutton, Richie Bond, Paul Tolofua, Eoghan Conran and David Barron.