Nenagh Ormond's John Hayes goes on the attack against Rainey Old Boys. PHOTO: ODHRAN DUCIE

Ormond off and running with come from behind win

Shane Brophy

Published: Wed 9 Oct 2019, 2:04 PM

Last updated: Wed 9 Oct 2019, 3:05 PM

Energia All Ireland League Division 2A Round 1

Nenagh Ormond 22

Rainey Old Boys 17

Report: Shane Brophy in Lisatunny

MATCH DIGEST

Man of the Match: John Healy (Nenagh Ormond)

SCORERS – Nenagh Ormond: Try: Healy Conv: O'Brien Pens: O'Brien (5)

Rainey Old Boys: Tries: Fitzsimons, McMurray Convs: McGrath (2) Pen: McGrath (1)

It may have been just the first game of a marathon 18 game campaign between now and April but Nenagh Ormond showed plenty of grit and desire to come from behind and get their All Ireland League campaign off to the best possible start on Saturday evening.

The first Saturday of October was greeted with autumal conditions with the driving rain in the first half ensuring a forward battle which Nenagh played second fiddle in but they turned things around in the second half, rattling off nineteen unanswered points to ensure Rainey left Lisatunny empty-handed once more.

This opening round league game marked fourteen years since Nenagh defeated the Derry side to join the senior ranks and the club took the opportunity to mark the occasion with a reunion of that squad. One playing link remains in Alan Long who returned to the club this year after a couple of years away. A rib injury forced the centre off just before half time but it turned out to be a blessing for Nenagh Ormond as it brought about the introduction of Willie Coffey who added greater power and directness to the midfield and helped swing momentum in Nenagh's favour either side of half time.

In the sloppy conditions, Nenagh's pack really upped a gear in the second half, with captain John Hayes and John Healy particularly effectively as they turned the screw as they started to pin the Magherafelt men in their own half and while they scored just one try, they had the monster boost of Conor O'Brien to contribute seventeen points, converting six of seven shots at goal from various distances and angles.

To read more, pick up a copy of this weeks Nenagh Guardian locally or subscribe to our e-paper to access it online each Wednesday.