Senior XV Reports 09

In a week overshadowed by Nenagh Eire Ogs north final win and the great expectations for the county team in the upcoming final against arguably the greatest team of all time, indeed vying for that title, rugby’s head appeared above the parapet on Friday night in New Ormond Park with the visit of Garryowen for the first round Charity Cup game.

With a nice evening for a change and a decent crowd to boot, the fare served up was highly entertaining not to say competitive. A strong breeze aided the home team in the first half and they took full advantage to race into a 12-0 lead through tries from Kennedy and Harvey and a conversion by Kenneally. By the half though, Garryowen class and superior resources had cut that back to 15-8.

The second half was dominated by the visitors, yet, they ran out winners by a not emphatic 15-23 and Nenagh pressing hard for a score for the last ten minutes. That latter was a tribute to fitness levels and when the rest of the squad is in place both firsts and seconds will be strengthened.

Nenagh 24 – Portadown 5

This time last year Nenagh enjoyed one of their great days in their history when they defeated Lansdowne Rugby Football Club in the first round of this competition. It created a mirage that led to five straight defeats in the beginning of the league and tested the core of players, supporters and management as the season went on. Thankfully Nenagh went on to win seven of the last eight league games and defeated three of the top four divisional teams later in the season.

So the question was what awaits this season. A disappointing defeat against Cashel in the Munster Senior Cup would have raised eyebrows and while it is possible to discuss these things until the ends of time, nothing beats hard work and graft on behalf of players and management. This season will see somewhat of a change arising out of recent personnel changes on the playing point. Moses Volavola will no longer be part of the Nenagh horizon and this huge carrying number 8 will be missed as the season goes on. However, the arrival of Stephen Carey and David Delaney some what changes the power base and on that basis on what was seen on Saturday gives a better balance to the team for the forthcoming season.

As with Landsdowne last year nothing should be read too much into the result, however it was the manner of play that gives everybody that little bit more hope. In the absence of Moses the forwards will have to step up and there is a lot of good young talent there to do that. The forwards went at it vary hard and got their rewards on Saturday. There is an awful lot to work on and set pieces will have to be tighter. However, they provided great ball for the backs who when they moved it wide made large amounts of ground. Messrs Carey and Harvey add a little bit of pace and James Kingston provided the guile in using that pace. Eoin Gardiner was would have been un accustomed to his out half rule but performed admirably assisted by good service from scrum half Mike Fogarty. With Harmse, Connolly and Delaney to fit in somewhere the selectors will have a headache in picking the back line, but it is a good headache.

The forwards hunted together well and Anthony Grey, Brian Williams and Darren Gallagher had fine games. Nenagh always seem to be a little bit lighter than their opponents and so the forwards will meet many stern tests throughout the season. Saturday was a pleasing start and they more than provided good possession for the backs. They were very competitive at the breakdown and robbed a lot of ball at the contact area

For the record Nenagh scored four tries and all bar one were from open play. Nenagh could have had more tries but trying to beat the man rather than passing to a colleague meant that scores were left behind. The trys came from Stephen Harvey, Rory O’Brien, Mick Kennedy, and Stephen Carey with two conversions added by Stephen Harvey. Nenagh had opened scoring first, however Portadown were extremely sticky and were rewarded a try of their own. Thereafter Nenagh took control and further trys came the more the game seemed to open up the better it suited Nenagh. Nenagh dominated territorially. The Portadown defence wilted somewhat towards the end of the game and Nenagh were worthy winners. As a result of the victory Nenagh have an away game in the next round against guess who? Lansdowne - in three weeks time. Its that time of year again, hopefully lessons are learned.

TEAM: M. Kennedy (Captain), D. Horan, S. Brislane, D. Gallagher, B Williams, S O’Callaghan, E. Ryan, A. Grey, M. Fogarty, E. Gardiner, J Kingston, S. Carey, S Harvey, P. Breen, D. Corcoran

SUBS: D. Dunne, C. McMahon, J. Flynn, T. Connolly, R. White, R O’Brien

Nenagh 44 – Connemara 13

Nenagh got off to the best possible start in the All Ireland League division 3 on Saturday. There were seven trys with five coming from the backs. That tells a lot of the story. As was evident from the previous week’s game, Nenagh had a bit of pace out wide in this year’s game plan. It is a lot different when compared to last year. Something to highlight the point would be Eoin Gardiner who has been a valuable scrum half to Nenagh for the last number of years, starts at out half until the specialist out halves come back to training. However Eoin’s interlinking and quick passing is now providing space out wide for the full back and wingers. Suddenly it is hard to see a change as his interlinking fits the game plan extremely well.

Not to be giving all the plaudits to the backs, the forwards were very good and provided a lot of ball. Line outs worked and functioned very well with Connemara struggling to cope with Darren Gallagher. The forwards were ably led by the captain who was outstanding and seemed to be everywhere. Michael Kennedy is playing a Captains role and his team were following.

Saturday was a great start but there will be no one getting carried away. There are lots of fellas on the side line trying to get their place so standards will have to be maintained and kept. Nenagh owned the ball in the first half and were on the score board very early. Trys by Messrs Kingston, Carey x 2, and Delaney secured Nenagh a bonus point before half time. Nenagh put a lot of width when playing with the ball in hand and Connemara tended to struggle with the pace particularly out wide. It was difficult for Connemara when they were without the ball for long periods, however just before half time they were awarded with a try when their loose forward broke away from a ruck situation and suddenly for all Nenagh’s play they were only 15 points clear. There was a good breeze behind Connemara in the second half and they tagged on a penalty and missed a second one. These were anxious moments for Nenagh supporters, however Nenagh got back to basics and saw Darren Gallagher score from a maul. Further try’s came from Colm McMahon for his second and David Corcoran after a lovely sweeping movement over and back across the field.

The result was pretty comprehensive. Nenagh now travel to Portadown who themselves were beaten last weekend and will be stung. They will also have the advantaged of playing Nenagh already and knowing what to expect. Last Saturday was a great start but it will matter for nothing unless Nenagh continue to push forward.

10th Oct 09

Portadown 18 - Nenagh 12

The two previous weeks performances would have seen Nenagh travel to Portadown with a degree of optimism. They had played the same team two weeks ago in the league and had won well, so Nenagh looked to build on the first weeks performance. Portadown however had many changes to personnel and adopted a game plan that sought to contain Nenagh and counter attack thereafter. Nenagh in a lot of respects played in Portadown’s hands. Nenagh started brightly and looked to move the ball at all times. They were awarded with a penalty which was converted by David Delaney. However, they seemed to trigger trying to run the ball at all times from all places including our own 22. A good Portadown defence resulted in a turn over and Portadown ran back in a try. Nenagh responded to go 6/5 ahead, however Portadown were putting on a lot of pressure and the Nenagh set piece was beginning to creak a little. This resulted in a further Portadown try. Nenagh had a third penalty and turned 10/9 down at half time. Portadown cranked up the pressure again and Nenagh found it difficult to get good ball. A further penalty from David Delaney meant that Nenagh led 12/10. However, the concession of a further try meant that all the good work had been undone. At the last 20 minutes Nenagh more or less owned the ball and pounded the Portadown line, however knock on’s, small mistakes and problems with execution meant that Nenagh did not score any further. Portadown got a final penalty to win out the game.

Nenagh have a very young side and will look back on the game as a lost opportunity, As much down to their own naivety as Portadown’s good play. The set piece will have to be repaired. It was a good opportunity to put a lot of this to bear in the AIB cup against Landsdown in Dublin next weekend. Landsdowne have at lease eight contracted and former contracted players playing with them, so it will be a great opportunity for the Nenagh team.

TEAM: M. Kennedy. (Captain), D. Horan, D. Dunne, D. Gallagher, B. Williams,K. Quigley, A Grey, S O’Callaghan, M. Fogarty, E. Gardiner, T Connolly, J. Kingston, D. Corcoran, S Harvey, S.Carey.

SUBS: C. Whelan, J. Flynn, M. Slattery, C McMahon, P. Breen, G. Harmse

17th Oct 09

Lansdowne 43 - Nenagh 8

There was very little chance of Nenagh securing a repeat of the famous victory last year in the AIB cup. Landowne looked every part of a division two side and were bigger, stronger and quicker in most facets of play. That said, the score line shows a comprehensive victory and Landowne were valued for their score line.

Nenagh in the early stages seemed to be a little bit overawed and stood off Landowne a bit. The score at half time of 22 - 3 in favour of Lansdowe might have been a little more, the longer the game went on Nenagh were that bit better and showed a bit more of what they are capable of. Line outs continued to be a concern for us though. Nenagh had a better balanced side but primary position particularly from scum and line out is going to be vital going forward. Nenagh plays Sundays Well in the All Ireland League next week. Sundays Well have already won their first two games. Nenagh are now on the back of two straight defeats. Now would be an ideal time to arrest any further slide and the pressure will be on to ensure that the set pieces for scrum and line out will function properly. For the record Nenagh scores were a David Delaney penalty and a try from Stephen Carey. No doubt Nenagh will be itching to resume winning ways knowing that there will be a lot of work going on behind the scenes to ensure that this is the case.

TEAM: M. Kennedy (Captain), D. Horan, F. Brislane, M. Slattery, B Williams, K Quigley, R O’Brien, E. Ryan, M. Fogarty, D. Delaney, T. Connolly, J. Kingston, S. Carey, A. Jackson, G. Harmse

SUBS: S. O’Callaghan, D. Dunne, D. Corcoran

Nenagh 6 - Sundays Well 0

24th October 2009

In a game played in howling wind and rain for most of the first half Nenagh secured a very good win against strong opponents from Cork as stated in last weeks report. It was time for Nenagh to stand up having suffered two defeats at the hands of Portadown and Lansdown.

Nenagh played with the elements in the first half and absolutely owned the ball for 20 minutes. There was good Nenagh movement and a lot of pressure on Sundays Well’s Defence and they conceded two penalties which were duly converted by David Delaney. Nenagh were playing in a howling gale and to the objective eye would have needed more scores on the board turning on the second half. The second part of the first part though belonged to Sundays Well who kept possession mauled off the back at rucks and kept Nenagh frustrated for the most part. It was not a day for spinning the ball out wide and any attempt to do so invariably broke down as the wind was interfering with the flight of the ball at all times. This was a very worrying spell for Nenagh.

Six nil up and half time the whistle blew. There would have been grave concern on the lines of Nenagh supporters.

The second half started as the first had ended and Sundays Well owned the ball. They were definitely in the ascendancy against territory. The Nenagh line out had creaked during this period, however it was easier to have a throw in in the line out with the wind blowing against you than it was in the first half and Nenagh’s line out started to function a bit better.

In the last 20 minutes of the game Nenagh really upped the ante and the defence was absolutely outstanding. Man for man men were put to the ground, frequently balls were robbed at the ruck, the scrum got stronger and the line out functioned better. It was a difficult day to be a back as they saw little action, but what action they did see the defended manfully. You get the feeling that sometimes a performance can make or break a team. After the two previous defeats this was a major step forward but more in the heart and spirit that the Nenagh players showed for each other in that last 20 minutes. The crowd really got into the game as it wore on and that was directly attributable to the Nenagh players.

A deserved victory but again next week presents its own challenges. Nenagh will travel to Barnhall and maintaining momentum is what it is all about.

TEAM: M. Fogarty (Captain), D. Horan, F. Brislane, K Quigley, D. Walsh, S. O’Callaghan, B. Williams, E. Ryan, D. Delaney, J. Kingston, T. Connolly, D. Corcoran, P Breen, S. Carey

SUBS: M. Slattery, C McMahon, D. Dunne, T. Harmse

Barnhall 16 - Nenagh Ormond 16

Nenagh Ormond showed lots of heart and courage in the last quarter and secured a draw against Barnhall.

Indeed, Barnhall will be disappointed as they feel that they would probably have left two points behind them in this game.

What started as a fine Autumn day finished with rain for three quarters of the game, some of it torrential at times. Barnhall were much brighter at the start and went on the offensive immediately. They were rewarded with a penalty. Thereafter, Nenagh responded very strongly and were camped on the Barnhall line for ten minutes. This resulted in a Nenagh penalty to reply. The game was very open at this stage and both sides were attempting to run the ball where possible and an infringement of the breakdown resulted in a further penalty for Barnhall. Nenagh came right back into the game and were reward with a try from captain, Mike Kennedy who had an outstanding game. Conditions had deteriorated at this stage and close-in driving off the back of mauls was at a premium. Nenagh made lots of ground doing this and the captain was as effective as anybody in this type of play. Barnhall received another penalty to make it 10-9 and half time was just upon us.

However, Barnhall kicked a grubber kick just in behind the backs. The Barnhall player was first to meet the ball and kicked at it again which came directly off Stephen Carey and back into his hands and he ended up scoring between the posts. 16-10 seemed very harsh going in at half time but that’s what the scoreboard said.

The second half Barnhall attempted to press their advantage home. Conditions were very wet. Nenagh never let Barnhall near scoring a try, however Barnhall seemed to have lots of possession. Nenagh, for their part, tended to rush things and gave the ball away much too easily. Barnhall dominated the possession but didn’t ever look like scoring again. As the second half wore on, Nenagh came into the game more and very good driving off by the forwards in particular created space. They were rewarded with two penalties which were both converted by David Delaney and ultimately earned Nenagh the draw. The coaches will have been delighted with the commitment and courage shown in order to eek out a draw when it seemed unlikely. There still seems to be a certain naivety particularly given the wet conditions on Saturday. The territory and possession have to be at a premium given Saturdays conditions. The game was definitely progress and everybody is entitled to be very pleased. This result leaves Nenagh fifth in the table.

Team:

M. Kennedy (Capt.), D. Dunne, F. Brislane, D. Walsh, M. Slattery, B. Williams, K. Quigley, S. O’Callaghan, M. Fogarty, D. Delaney, T. Connolly, J. Kingston, P. Breen, D. Corcoran, S. Carey.

Subs:

C. McMahon, D. Gallagher, D. Horan, E. Gardiner, J. Lillis, G. Harmse

Nenagh Ormond 28 – Banbridge 22

Nenagh secured a winning bonus point on Saturday last in Lisatunny in a very keen contest between two well matched teams.

Nenagh got off to the brighter start and were in front with a David Delaney penalty. The visitors responded thereafter. Nenagh got their heads in front when a half break by Michael Fogarty offloaded to Keith Quigley and he crashed over. The conversion was missed but Nenagh looked to be the stronger. Banbridge refused to lie down and were gaining an edge on the set piece. Some slack Nenagh defence allowed a Banbridge maul headed towards the Nenagh line. From the resulting pressure, a cross field kick meant their winger went in at the corner. The resulting conversion was missed and it was 8 all.

This was a wake up call for Nenagh and they responded with some very good pressure and excellent movement along the backs left Ger Harmse with a bit of work to do. He did very well to score on the corner. Again, the conversion was missed. Nenagh were awarded with a further penalty and supporters would have been confident.

Shortly after half time, Banbridge had a man sin-binned and one felt you were going to wait for Nenagh to take over the game. Within four minutes, Nenagh had a man sin-binned and Banbridge had a penalty try. It was now 16-15 and Nenagh were playing against the breeze. Again, Nenagh stepped up a gear and from broken play, a strong burst off field, first by David Delaney. John Coffey was on his way and used his big frame to burly over the line. The conversion made it 23-15, again you expected Nenagh to push on. The reverse happened and Banbridge got another try and again there was a point in it. Nenagh put their heads down and responded again, this time with fabulously worked try where there was a three or four man overlap but Trevor Connolly was the name to pick up and dive over. This was to be the final score of the game leaving the score at 28-22.

Nenagh are now third in the table and there is no game for three weeks. The next game is against Middleton in Cork who are the league leaders and this will determine to a large extent what happens for the rest of the season. It is a great opportunity for the club and the team to push on to greater things. At times, Nenagh look very, very good and look like they are going to dominate games and win them well. Other times, you feel that things go lack and particularly on Saturday, we conceded scores too easily. The set piece got stronger as the game went on. Nenagh have a very good subs bench when changes are needed to be made. One feels that a small thing will lead to an exceptional performance and that some opposition team is going to suffer at some stage but we have yet to see that. Anyway, we are never totally happy are we? Well done lads.

Team:

M. Kennedy (Capt.), D. Horan, S. Brislane, M. Slattery, D. Walsh, S. O’Callaghan, K. Quigley, B. Williams, M. Fogarty, D. Delaney, J. Kingston, T. Connolly, G. Harmse, D. Corcoran, S. Carey

Subs:

P. Breen, D. Dunne, J. Coffey, C. McMahon, D. Gallagher, E. Gardiner, J. Lillis

Midleton 6 - Nenagh Ormond 3

In a game played in atrocious conditions on Saturday last, Nenagh came out second best in a very hard fought, tough and absorbing contest. Heavy underfoot conditions and driving rain did not deter both sides in any way. Indeed, Nenagh were far the brighter in the first twenty minutes. They narrowly shaved the post with a penalty from David Delaney and Keith Quigley was over the line but couldn’t actually ground the ball. As the game wore on, conditions got worse. Middleton had a very large back row and their ball carrying in particular caused Nenagh problems. The name of the game was territory and possession and both sides shared both in the first half, Nenagh in particular in the first part of the first half and Middleton more so in the second part. David Delaney converted a penalty after twenty minutes and it seemed to wake Middleton up. They came more into the game. They were short with a penalty themselves. Nenagh had to absorb alot of pressure and lost Brian Williams through injury during this period. Towels were frequently used not only to clean hands and dry a very wet ball but also to take muck out of players’ eyes.

By half time, the Referee was having a job try to distinguish who was playing with who as everybody was caked in muck. The second half started as the first half had finished with Middleton pressing to get back at Nenagh. They were rewarded with a penalty after about ten minutes. Thereafter, Nenagh had to continue to absorb pressure but did so quite comfortably. It could be said that at no stage did Middleton look like scoring a try. However, Middleton had more possession of the ball. Towards the middle of the second half, Nenagh started to drive off the bottom of rucks and made very good ground. Arising from one of these, a ball was driven upfield well into the middle of the Middleton 22. Their full back went back to gather it and prepared to launch a big kick downfield. A Nenagh player was adjudicated to late tackle the full back and as well as been sin binned, a penalty was awarded to Middleton from where the ball landed, approximately ten yards inside the half way line. It seemed a very unkickable given the underfoot conditions and when the Middleton Captain pointed to the posts, most Nenagh people would have felt it unlikely to be scored. However, the score board tells a different tale. Nenagh pressed hard for the remaining five minutes but conditions just didn’t allow for the ball to be handled in any away.

The final whistle was greeted with hoops of joy from the Middleton supporters. It was a tough defeat to take for Nenagh. A draw would have been easily merited and it just shows that Nenagh are not too far off the mark. Navan at home next Saturday provides a different test and Nenagh will need to bounce back now as quickly as possible to keep themselves on the hunt going forward. No doubt players and management will be well aware of this.

Team: M. Kennedy (Capt.), D. Horan, F. Brislane, M. Slattery, D. Walsh, S. O’Callaghan, K. Quigley, B. Williams, M. Fogarty, D. Delaney, K. Kingston, D. Connolly, G. Harmse, F. Carey, J. Lillis

Subs (used): A. Grey, C. McMahon, D. Gallagher, D. Dunne, D. Corcoran

Nenagh Ormond 18 - Navan 13

Nenagh Ormond 32 – 13 Naas

Nenagh advanced to third place in AIL Division 3 as a result of a comprehensive victory at New Ormond Park, Lisatunny on Saturday last in a game played in very good conditions. The scoreline would have been a little unjust to the visitors who were right in the game mid way through the second half. Nenagh started much the brighter and looked to run the ball in keeping with the conditions. When they did, they made large gains of ground. This pressure was rewarded with a fine try off the back of the scrum where dummy runners confused the defence and David Delaney went in under the post. As has been Nenagh’s Achilles heel this season, they conceded a penalty immediately thereafter. Nenagh added a penalty of their own to make it 10 – 3, then a further penalty extended that lead. However, Naas were doing a lot of their own pressing and had large ball carrying forwards who gave Nenagh plenty of difficulties. They were rewarded with a penalty of their own just before half time and the teams turned around to 13 - 6 to Nenagh and it was definitely ‘game on’.

Nenagh got off to a blistering start in the second half and we were rewarded with a try in the first play of the game where a fine break was finished off by the very impressive John Lillis, David Delaney added a fine sideline conversion. In fairness to Naas they continued to take the fight to Nenagh. However, the game effectively finished as a contest midway through the second half when Nenagh got two tries. The first came from a Naas clearance which was very well taken by Ger Harmse who offloaded to Shane O’Callaghan who made a great break and gave David Delaney space to score under the posts. Immediately from the kick off, Naas regained possession and passed the ball out the line only for James Kingston to intercept and run half the length of the field. Both conversions were added to make it 32 - 6. The game was effectively over, however in fairness to Naas, they were the only team to score thereafter getting a final consolation try to leave matters at 32 - 13 for a finish.

Team:D. Dunne, D. Horan, F. Brislane, D. Gallagher, D. Walsh, S. O’Callaghan, K. Quigley, B. Williams, M. Fogarty, D. Delaney, T. Connolly (Capt.), J. Kingston, G. Harmse, S. Carey, J. Lillis

Subs: C. Brislane, A. Grey, M. Slattery, D. Corcoran, E. Gardiner

Supporters Bus for Queens University Match

Nenagh play Queens University next Saturday in Belfast. Queens are one of the teams above Nenagh on the table currently and will be a very lively outfit. They have huge experience in former rugby international Johnny Bell to call upon. This will be a huge test for Nenagh and it is hoped that the good work done over Christmas and the excellent result on Saturday can be bought forward. This is one of our very popular Northern fixtures and our traveling supporters are always assured of a good time. If anybody is interested in traveling to this game with the club please contact Tony Gregan on 087 2452835 or any committee member to book your seat on the bus. All support is welcome and will be greatly appreciated.

Queens University 18 – 13 Nenagh Ormond

This was game of the highest quality and the performance by Nenagh was generally considered to have been the best of the season. Unfortunately, the scoreboard tells its own tale and Nenagh will be very disappointed and feel that a promotion position of top two will be out of their hands and left to others to decide. A top four position is definitely on the cards.

This was a build up to essentially one of the biggest games Nenagh Ormond have ever had and it showed in the intensity of the build up and the start to the game. Nenagh dominated the first forty minutes and produce the best quality rugby. The lineout was superb, the scrum was solid and the backs moved the ball freely. Nenagh received a penalty in the Queens’ half after ten minutes and kicked it to the corner which essentially showed their intent. The resulting lineout led to a scrum and in the same movement that bought the score against Naas with dummy runners sent David Delaney in under the posts. A conversion was added and Nenagh were 7 – 0 up. Nenagh went after the game again and although they missed one long range penalty, succeeded in another and led 10-0. Queens were rocked and it was only in the last five minutes of the first half that they established any sort of foothold, but given their quality, they pressed Nenagh hard and Nenagh were fortunate to hold out to half time.

Queens seized the initiative in the second half and owned the ball for long periods. They were rewarded with a try which went unconverted but added a penalty some minutes later. They scored a further try before Nenagh responded with a penalty of their own that left the game 13-13 heading into the final quarter. Sustained Queens pressure led to a further try which was ultimately the winning score of the game and left the final score at 18-13.

Just to give some indication, Queens University are coached by former Irish No.8 Brian Robinson. They had Ulster scrum half Ian Porter at No.9 and bought in former Irish International John Bell who seemed to create a lot of space and made a big impact when he came on. Nenagh can feel very proud of their performance and will be anxious to bounce against Instonians in Nenagh next Saturday. As stated earlier, the top four position is very realistic to qualify for the Cup competition and a repeat of last weekends performance would be very helpful in every way. Well done lads.

Team: D. Dunne, D. Horan, F. Brislane, D. Gallagher, D. Walsh, B. Williams, K. Quigley, S. O’Callaghan, M. Fogarty, D. Delaney, J. Kingston, T. Connolly, G. Harmse, S. Carey, J. Lillis

Subs: A. Grey, C. McMahon, C. Brislane, M. Slattery, E. Gardiner, D. Corcoran

Nenagh Ormond 30 – Instonians 21

Nenagh had a very good win at New Ormond Park on Saturday last in a game played in fine conditions before a large vocal crowd. Indeed all persons attending would have got great value for money, as a very good open and free flowing game was witnessed by all. This will securely placed Nenagh’s destiny in their own hands, in so far as a top four play off place is concerned, as Nenagh have played all the teams at the top end of the table. Prior to the game there existed a bit of trepidation as to whether Nenagh would be able to bounce back after the tough defeat against Queens the previous week. Indeed the first 10 minutes was all Instonians, as they pushed to break Nenagh down. They moved the ball very wide on occasions and only some strong Nenagh defense kept them out. Nenagh appeared to have weathered the storm when a kick through by the Instonians full back was not gathered properly and a kick and chase ensued, which the Instonians winger touched down to give them the lead. The resulting conversion from the sideline made it 7-0. Nenagh bounced back promptly and were rewarded with a penalty from David Delaney to make it 7-3. A further penalty made it 7-6 and Nenagh were getting into their stride. What was highlighted was the Nenagh back row, which were particularly competitive at the breakdown and Instonians were in all sorts of trouble. Nenagh benefited from a bit of mishandling by the Instonians full back, when the same individual failed to gather a kick through properly, James Kingston was on hand to gather the touch down. Nenagh were leading 11-7. However as has been their Achilles heel they took their eye off the ball almost immediately, Instonians made a break which was very well taken on by their hooker and off loaded to his team-mate who scored under the posts. For all their comeback Nenagh were 14-11 down at half time.

Nenagh got into their stride far quicker in the second half and were rewarded with a penalty immediately to level the game. However almost straight away a Nenagh player was blocked down and Instonians touched down under the posts, there were back in front at 21-14. Nenagh added a further penalty to narrow the gap and were rewarded after some free flowing movements saw Ger Harmse cross the line. Nenagh were now back in front by 24-21. Nenagh started to dominate the game territorially and put more pressure on the Instonians forwards. The Nenagh scrum was dominant although the lineout did not function as well at times. Nenagh added a further two penalties to secure the four points and joint third position in division three. This was a very strong performance by a Nenagh side who were gaining in confidence despite the recent disappointments. There is a break now to the 13^th February on which the postponed Carlow game was take place at 2.30 in Carlow.

(Team) D Dunne, T Horan, F Brislane, D Walsh, D Gallagher, S O’Callaghan, M Slattery, B Williams, M Fogarty, D Delaney, J Kingston, T Connolly (Capt), S Carey, G Harmse, J Lillis (Subs) A Grey, D Corcoran, C Brislane, E Gardiner

Co. Carlow 16 - Nenagh Ormond 25

Nenagh traveled to relegation threatened Carlow on Saturday last and came away with a victory. The result itself resembled the glass half full/half empty situation where Nenagh would have been very disappointed not to have earned a bonus point, but at various stages in the game Nenagh allowed Carlow back into the game when they should have been out of sight.

Carlow showed far more urgency at the beginning of the game and it was with a bit of good fortune that David Corcoran intercepted and ran the length of the field to open the scoring for Nenagh. The effect of this was to liven Nenagh up and they started to play some of their best rugby during this spell. A very good movement involving a number of phases resulted in a great David Walsh try under the posts, to which the conversion was added. Carlow replied with a penalty of their own which was no more than they deserved at this point. The remainder of the half saw both teams swap penalties, which left Nenagh 15-6 ahead at half time. During the second half Nenagh were by far the brighter team and played mostly attacking rugby. Ten minutes into the second half Nenagh were rewarded with a John Lillis try when he barged over from close quarters. The resulting conversion was added and Nenagh moved on to 25 points. Carlow responded with a penalty of their own to leave it at 25-9. Nenagh’s performance was a little bit ragged at this stage and Carlow were rewarded with a try of their own to make it 25-16 with 12 minutes left. In fairness Nenagh upped the anty for the last 10 minutes but squandered a lot of chances to obtain the bonus point. Needless to say 4 points were in the bag, but one would have felt that the fifth one went a begging.

The results elsewhere have assisted Nenagh in put them into a clear fourth place. Table toppers Middleton only managed a draw and now Nenagh stand only 8 points behind them with four games to go. Everything is to play for and it makes the home game against Suttonians in Nenagh next Saturday all the more important.

Team: D Dunne, D Horan, F Brislane, D Gallagher, D Walsh, S O’Callaghan, M Slattery, B Williams, L Fogarty, J Lillis, T Connolly, J Kingston, G Harmse, S Carey, D Corcoran, Subs all used, K Quigley, J Flynn, A Grey, E Gardiner, S Harvey

Nenagh Ormond 19 - Suttonians 7

Nenagh maintained impressive recent form with a comprehensive victory over Suttonians. Many observers will feel that despite the victory, Nenagh can play better and will need to push on in the final three games if they are to make inroads into the leaders of the division and maintain their position for a playoff place at the end of the season.

Conditions were perfect for good open rugby. Nenagh started a little tentatively attempting to kick for territory and Suttonians seemed to be inspired as they were easily able to defend Nenagh’s forays and indeed counter with some of their own.

Nenagh were in front after eight minutes with a penalty and seemed comfortable at that stage. Suttonians did some pressing of their own for the next ten minutes and we were rewarded with a soft try arising from a defensive lapse. This spurned Nenagh into life. Nenagh did a lot of their pressing indeed spurning penalties in order to kick for the corner and take scrums. Eventually, it was decided to take one of those penalties and that narrowed the score to 7-6. Nenagh did all the pressing to half time but failed to get over the line. It was 7-6 at half time and there was a sense of frustration about Nenagh.

In the second half, Nenagh started much as they finished the first half and were on the front foot. It wasn’t long before they had taken the advantage and were seeking to press on. Suttonians although being brave and a big and solid team, weren’t causing Nenagh too much difficulty at any of the pieces. Some very good individual work saw David Delaney cross under the post to make the score 16-9. This was effectively the game end from a contest point of view. The game was littered with penalties conceded mostly by the away team and it was difficult to believe that only one yellow card was issued in the whole game. Nenagh huffed and puffed to get over the line in the final fifteen minutes with some staunch Suttonian defence held out.

The glass is still half full, half empty with Nenagh and they will need to up their game for the final three games which are all tough games in themselves. Although Nenagh have kept in the leaders, Sundays Well have narrowed the gap behind them to three points with difficult fixtures away, Nenagh will have to be more clinical in relation to their finish. That said, winning is a habit and Nenagh have it at the moment. The last three games are away to Ards and Wanderers and home to Rainey.

Team: D. Corcoran, G. Harmse, S. Carey, J. Kingston, G. Connolly, D. Delaney, M. Fogarty, D. Dunne, D. Horan, F. Brislane, D. Gallagher, D. Walsh, A. Grey, B. Williams, K. Quigley

Subs: C. McMahon, E. Gardiner, M. Slattery, C. Brislane, S. Harty, S. O’Callaghan

Ards 17 – Nenagh Ormond 16

Nenagh suffered a rare reverse last Saturday which threatened to derail the season. Other results conspired to keep Nenagh in the play-offs but the general feeling was that this was an opportunity lost. Nenagh led 7 – nil, 10 – 3 and 16 – 10 at various times during the game but didn’t manage to see it out.

Ards had the breeze in the first half but Nenagh were quicker off the blocks and were 7 – nil ahead after 10 minutes through an excellent David Corcoran try. Ards came more into the game and the exchange of penalties left the score 10 – 3 after 15 minutes. Ards were rewarded with a try to level up the scores. Nenagh added to their tally to leave the score at 13 – 10 at half time. Nenagh had everything to look forward to at the break.

Nenagh tried to use the wind and extended their lead to 16 – 10 after 15 minutes of the second half. The Ards full back and wings defended excellently against the Nenagh kicking game and they were gaining in confidence. Ards try came from a quick tap and go and Nenagh were suddenly behind for the first time in the game. Nenagh seemed to rush things and as a result the remainder of the game was full or errors when some composure and time management could have led to a very different result. Ards merited the result and we now have a big job on our hands for the last 2 games to ensure we stay in the play-off places.

Team: D Dunne, D Horan, F Brislane, D Walsh, D Gallaghere, S O’ Callaghan, B Williams, K Quigley, M Fogarty, D Delaney, D Corcoran, T Connolly, J Kingston, G Hermse, S Carey

Subs: M Slattery, S Harvey, E Gardiner, C Brislane, C McMahon, J Quigley.

Nenagh Ormond 11 – Rainey Old Boys – 3

Nenagh climbed to third place in Division 3 of the AIL with what was in the end quite a comprehensive victory by 11 points to 3. However in a lot of respects Nenagh’s performance would be short of what was required as there were a huge amount of errors, particularly in handling, which could have seen Nenagh moved on to a better score line. Rainey had the aid of a strong breeze in the first half. Nenagh dominated in both possession and territory but could not make it count. Final passes were knocked on, excellent mauls were driven, but everything seemed to come up short when a try was required. To their credit Rainey Old Boys were tough opponents and did not give up the fight at any stage. The Nenagh back three defended well in countering any kicks and thus Rainey were not able to avail of the strong breeze as much as they would have liked. They were rewarded with a penalty after about 12 minutes which turned out to be the only score of the first half. The second half was a little bit brighter and Nenagh were on level terms within a few minutes. However frustration crept into Nenaghs play and Rainey seemed to capitalise on this. Territorial advantage was much more even at this time. The Nenagh try came from a break down of a Rainey attack. A ball spilled loose which Stephen Harvey grabbed and ran half the length of the field to score. The conversion was narrowly missed. Rainey came pressing again but some stout Nenagh defence kept them out. Nenagh were awarded with a further penalty to put score beyond a converted try. In fairness to Rainey they pressed right to the finish and narrowly missed with a penalty of their own to collect a bonus point. Nenagh were deserving victors, however they will have to play better if they are to have any further say or have any potential for silver wear at the end of the season. Nenagh travel to Wanderers in Dublin on Saturday week to conclude their league campaign and there will be pressure right to the end to ensure they get into the play off places.

Team: D Dunne, D Horan, F Brislane, D Galagher, M Slattery, C McMahon, K Quigley, S O’Callaghan, E Gardiner, D Delaney, T Connolly, J Kingston, G Harmse, S Carey, S Harvey. Sub: D Corcoran, C Brislane, J Quigley, J Flynn

Wanderers 23 – 21 Nenagh

Nenagh secured third place in Division 3 on Saturday last with what can only be described as a historic victory in Merrion Road against one of Irelands aristocratic Dublin Clubs. Indeed visible on the touchline were many former Wanderers Internationals, including Robbie McGrath, Niall Kearney, Emmett O’Rafferty and Roley Meats. There had been a feeling up to this point in a season that Nenagh would threaten with a very good performance and thankfully it arrived Saturday last. It was probably one of the most complete performances from a Nenagh team in recent years. The day was bathed in sunshine with a slight breeze and conditions were perfect for running rugby.

Wanderers were the much brighter to start and it took some eight minutes before Nenagh got on the ball. Wanderers moved the ball at every opportunity. In fairness, Nenagh defence was excellent throughout the day. However, Wanderers were rewarded with a penalty which they duly converted to give themselves a 3 Nil lead. Nenagh eventually got their hands on possession and starting working the ball through the forwards. One particular maul put Gerhard Harmse in for a great try and a conversion was duly added by David Delaney. Back came Wanderers with more pressure. They had some very strong runners that took a lot of taking down and after moving the ball wide on approximately three occasions, they were rewarded with a try out wide but the subsequent conversion was missed, 8-7 to Wanderers.

It would appear that the sensible game plan was to keep the ball in the forwards where possible. However, Nenagh mixed the adventure stuff with controlled forward play and made inroads of their own. The back three of Harvey, Harmse and Carey were outstanding and caused Wanderers all sorts of problems. Wanderers had a breeze in the first half but any ball that was kicked was run back with interest. Nenagh were rewarded with a further penalty from David Delaney to inch ahead 10 - 8, however Wanderers finished the half very strongly and were rewarded with a try of their own to make the score 15 - 10 to Wanderers at half time.

The second half was much the same. Nenagh suffered a big set back though in conceding an early penalty and were now 18 10 down. Nenagh started to pile on the pressure and a David Delaney penalty made it 18 - 13. Thereafter, some fabulous movement out right with David Delaney dictating the tempo of the game saw Trevor Connolly go in for a great try. This made it 20 points to 18 and the last twenty minutes was fabulous to watch with both sides going at it as strong as they could. Wanderers kicked a penalty to take the lead again 21-20 with some fifteen minutes left on the clock. From then on the Nenagh forwards started to get the edge and game management by David Delaney was excellent. Nenagh ran the ball at various times without error and made big inroads. Nenagh were rewarded with a penalty in front of the post which ultimately took care of the final score, 23-21. Victory was met with loud cheers from the large travelling Nenagh support and now the hope would be that the team have hit top gear and that they might bring this to Middleton next Saturday in their semi final with the hosts. What was striking about last Saturday was the standard of rugby. It was excellent and there were very few handling errors in contrast with a number of the previous matches and anybody present was well entertained.

It is thirty years now since Fergal Healy scored a try in Midleton that should have seen Nenagh through to the final of Munster Junior Cup. Nenagh and Midleton have crossed paths at various periods. We met in Munster Junior Cup semi-finals, finals and Munster Junior Challenge Cup Finals. Indeed, we met more recently in the AIL with Nenagh winning two of the games and Middleton winning the crucial game this season. Middleton are coached and led by Munster Backs coach, Jason Holland and will be anxious to show that their promotion was merited and will not like the thought of losing out on the Third Division championship to a Nenagh side who finished behind them. All roads lead to Townspark, Middleton at 2.30 next Saturday where the winners will take on the winners of Queens University and Banbridge in the All Ireland League Division 3 final.

Team: D. Dunne, D. Horan, F. Brislane, D. Gallagher, S. O’Callaghan, K. Quigley, B. Williams, D. Corcoran, D. Delaney, T. Connolly, K. Kingston, S. Harvey, S. Carey, G. Harmse

Subs: C. Brislane, M. Slattery, C. McMahon, M. Fogarty, J. Flynn