Rugby: Naas move to top of Ulster Bank League 2A

Ulster Bank League

Naas - 16

Cashel -  6

Naas senior squad hosted Cashel at Forenaughts for their round 14 Ulster Bank League encounter on Saturday last.

The game kicked off in wet and overcast conditions and was watched by a large crowd of enthusiastic home and visiting supporters.

Naas dominated the first period and had a commanding 10 points lead at the interval following an outstanding early try scored by centre, Johnny Delaney together with a conversion and penalty by Peter Osborne whilst Cashel remained scoreless. However Naas conceded repeated early penalties in the second period to allow Cashel reduce the margin to a single score which made for a thrilling contest right to the final whistle.

Naas got off to a perfect start with an opening try scored by their influential centre Johnny Delaney. This came from a ruck in mid-field with possession secured by Ben Swindlehurst. He swiftly offloaded to Rob O’Connor who made a 30m break on the right flank and beat the defensive cover with an accurate inside pass on the 22 to Johnny Delaney who crossed under the posts in the 6th minute. The conversion by Peter Osborne was routine to give Naas a 7 point advantage.

Naas captain David Aherne kicked brilliantly in the opening quarter from open play to give Naas a significant territorial advantage. This proved crucial as Naas were conceding repeated penalties at the scrum which might otherwise have presented Cashel with scoring opportunities.

In the 12th minute, Naas were awarded an offside ruck penalty on the Cashel 10m line. Following the lineout on the 22 which was expertly secured by David Benn. Naas pressed forward with Jason Harney, Will O’Brien, Ryan Casey and Paul Tolofoa all involved but they subsequently knocked and allowed Cashel to relieve the pressure.

In the 20th minute, Naas were again in possession and pressed forward to the Cashel 22 with a penalty advantage. However they continued to advance and knocked on just as their advantage had expired. At the subsequent scrum they were penalised and allowed Cashel to clear to touch. This pattern of play was repeated numerous time throughout the game and created significant challenges for Naas.

Minutes later, Naas attacked on the left flank involving Johne Murphy, John Sutton and Johnny Delaney. At the subsequent ruck Naas we awarded a penalty on the Cashel 22. Peter Osborne kicked brilliantly to extend the Naas lead to 10 points in the 24th minute.

From the restart Naas flanker, Ryan Casey gathered on the 22 and carried forward to the 10m line. He again secured at a ruck and combined with wing Rob O Connor to take play inside of the Cashel 22. Naas continued to press forward and threaten the Cashel goal with Johnny Delaney, Ben Swindlehurst, Johne Murphy, David Aherne, Fionn Higgins and Peter Osborne all involved but the play eventually broke down following a knock-on.

In the 38th minute, Naas were penalised for not releasing in a tackle just inside of their territory. The Cashel centre, Pat O’ Connor opted for a long range goal kick but the attempt dropped narrowly short to leave the score 10-0 at the interval.

Naas conceded two penalties in the opening minutes of the second period. The second of these presented Cashel with a short range goal kick which was well executed by Pat O’ Connor to open their account. This brief advantage, however, was cancelled out 5 minutes later when Cashel went over the top at a ruck and Peter Osborne kicked confidently to restore the 10 point advantage for Naas (score 13-3).

Cashel centre, Pat O’ Connor had a further successful penalty kick in the 53rd minute when Naas went offside at a ruck. This brought them within a score of Naas and made for a thrilling match finale. Whilst Naas had a further scoring opportunity minutes later from a short range penalty the attempt drifted narrowly wide from the right flank.

Naas experienced a further set-back in the 62nd minute after their second row was sent to the bin for conceding one too many penalties. However Naas then deployed clever tactical kicking, and did so very effectively, in the final quarter to maintain their advantage.

Naas further extended their lead in the 77th minute following another successful short range penalty by Peter Osborne. This opportunity came from an initial attack from deep by Fionn Higgins and David Aherne which was followed up by Rob O’Connor, David Barron, Shane Reilly, Johnny Holmes, David Benn, Jason Harney, Charles Kings, Ryan Casey and Johne Murphy. Cashel were eventually penalised on their 22 for going offside at a ruck and Naas stretched their lead to two scores.

Cashel worked hard to the end but in the final analysis it was an all round team effort by Naas which proved the difference and the game finished with a score of 16-6 in favour of Naas.

Naas senior squad next travel to Cork on Saturday 5th March for their round 16 UBL game against University College Cork which kicks off at 2.30pm at The Mardyke. With only three games remaining to the end of season (including the last home game v Skerries on 2nd April) and considering Naas are currently top of the league, this is an important fixture and all travelling support is both encouraged and most welcome.

Scores / Scorers:

Naas: 16 ( Peter Osborne 1 con, 3 pens, Johnny Delaney 1 try)

Cashel 6: (Pat O’ Connor 2 pens)

 Naas Team:

15. Fionn Higgins 14. Rob O’Connor 13. Johnny Delaney 12. Ben Swindlehurst (Henry Bryce, 45’) 11. Johne Murphy 10. David Aherne (Capt.) (Ben Swindlehurst, 75’) 9. Peter Osborne 1. Bob Bryan (Shane Reilly, 50’) 2. John Sutton (Charles Kings, 70’) 3. Jason Harney 4. Stephen Kinneavey 5. David Benn 6. Ryan Casey 7. William O’Brien (Johnny Holmes 60’) 8. Paul Tolofua. Replacements: 16. Charles Kings 17. Shane Reilly 18. Johnny Holmes 19. David Barron 20. Henry Bryce

Cashel Team:

15. Tom McHale 14. Eamonn Connolly 13. Brian Silke 12. Pat O’ Connor 11. Andrew Wallace 10. Conor Holland 9. Aidan Barron 1. James Maxwell 2. Niall Fitzgerald 3. David Lambe 4. Sean O’ Connor 5. Sean Walsh 6. Michael Croose 7. Aaron Sweeney 8. Edward Leamy. Replacements: 16. Robert Coates 17. Michael Kelly 18. Kieran Gleeson 19. Kevin Leamy 20. Gavin Ryan.