U16’s score late try to win the North Munster Cup

Newcastle West 26 - Nenagh 27

Nenagh secured a dramatic late victory to stun their old rivals Newcastle West in a highly entertaining U16 North Munster Cup Final played in Fitzgerald Park, Limerick last Sunday. 

These two sides have met many times over the past few years and there has never been more than a score between the teams. A large Nenagh crowd travelled expecting a close contest and were not disappointed. Nenagh played with the aid of a strong breeze in the first half and dominated the opening 20 minutes. Through strong carries by Ronan Devlin, Dara Boland and Dara Gaynor they enjoyed superiority at the breakdown and pressurized Newcastle West into conceding penalties.  Nenagh kicked to the corners where Dara Meehan, Dara Corish and Danny Powell ensured Nenagh won 100% of their lineouts. The pressure finally told when Oisin Gleeson powered over for the game’s opening score. Nenagh attacked again from the restart and some great handling threatened to breach the Newcastle West defense on a number of occasions and eventually Jack Tierney powered over to score Nenagh’s second try and take a 10-0 lead. However, their hard-fought lead was quickly erased as Newcastle West dominated the last 10 minutes of the half, they exerted their superior physicality and following a series of pick and drives they scored two tries just before half time and went into the break leading 12-10.  So, despite enjoying the lion’s share of possession and territory Nenagh trailed at half time and were facing a strong wind in the second half. There was no need to panic at half time as Nenagh still had high hopes of winning if they played the same as for the first 20 minutes. 

In the second half, with the aid of the strong breeze Newcastle West managed to keep Nenagh at bay through kicking long and forcing them to attack from deep. Nenagh still took the game to their opponents and attacked wide at every opportunity. They worked their way up to their own 10m line and Hugo Healy picked a great line to cut through the Newcastle West defense. There was still plenty of work to do but he sidestepped through several defenders to score a stunning try. Charlie Talbot added the extras from a difficult angle and Nenagh led again 17-12. Newcastle West continued to work their way into the game and from a scrum on the halfway line they kicked a brilliant 50-22, won the lineout, and mauled over to score their third try and retake the lead 19-17.   

There was no let up and Nenagh came again, some great play by Senan O’Farrell, Michael Kennedy and Liam Flynn brought play into the Newcastle West 22 where Nenagh won a penalty. Charlie Talbot slotted the kick and Nenagh led again 20-19 with 15 minutes remaining. Nenagh continued to apply pressure, but the game swung again when a loose pass allowed Newcastle West to hack the ball up field and in the ensuing footrace Newcastle West were awarded a penalty try and retook the lead 26-20 when the Nenagh defender was adjudged to have tackled him without the ball. With 10 minutes remaining, Nenagh attacked in search of a winning score and threw everything at their rivals.  Then with 2 minutes remaining James Heffernan fielded a clearance kick on his own 10m line. There didn’t appear to be any space but he showed blistering pace to bamboozle the Newcastle West defense and score a sensational try from 60 meters under the posts to send the Nenagh supporters and bench into raptures. Charlie Talbot kept his cool to add the extras and put Nenagh back into the lead 27-26. There was still time for one final twist. Nenagh won the restart and attacked again down the left-hand side only for the referee to adjudge the ball went forward and Newcastle West were awarded a scrum. The supporters’ nerves were shredded as if Nenagh were penalised it was likely that Newcastle West would slot the kick. Nenagh held firm and the referee blew the whistle to bring a memorable game to a finish.

Thanks to Newcastle West and the match officials for a great game. Thanks to all players, parents, coaches and the club for their commitment and support through the past nine months. 

Nenagh Ormond: Ronan Devlin, Dara Boland, Jack Tierney, Daragh Meehan, Danny Powell, Dara Corish, Oisin Gleeson, Dara Gaynor, Seanie Quinlan, Charlie Talbot, Aron Walsh, Hugh Healy, Oscar Griffin, Alex Dillon, John Carmody, Michael Kennedy, Liam Flynn, Senan O’Farrell, James Heffernan, Tomas McKenzie.