Nenagh Ormond have fruitless trip North

Rainey Old Boys 24

Nenagh Ormond 12

Nenagh Ormond’s trip to Derry was a fruitless one on Saturday as Rainey Old Boys came from behind to claim the win in this round 5 clash of the All-Ireland League Division 2A.

In windy conditions, the opening exchanges were closely contested with both sides visiting each other’s ‘22. However, it was Rainey who came close to scoring the first try of the match with prop Deaglan McErlean being held up over the line by a strong Nenagh defensive effort.

The visitors responded by coming close to the line, however, a heroic defensive effort from Ben McCulloch and Fintan Quinn kept Nenagh at bay. However, Ormond scored the first points of the game with two penalty kicks in-front of the posts from Fionn McGibney to take a 6-0 lead.

As half time approached, Rainey made regular visits to the visitors’ half with threatening runs from Damien McMurray and Connor Fitzsimmons attempting to breach the Nenagh defence.

In the last play of the half, Rainey out-half Scott McLean opted to kick for the corner as Rainey targeted a try before the break. Strong carries by McCusker brothers, John & Michael, put Rainey in a favourable position as quick ball distribution from half backs Rory MacGinty and Scott McLean found winger Mickey O’Neill score in the corner. Scott McLean converted a difficult kick against the wind to gain the lead at half time 7-6.

The resumption of play saw Rainey prop Andrew Nevin making his presence felt immediately with a series of strong tackles. As Nenagh looked to regain the lead, Calvin Smyth and Josh McAuley lead the Rainey defensive line changing the momentum of the game in the home sides favour.

Out half McLean pinned Nenagh back with a clever kick to put the visitors pack under pressure five-metres out from their line. Quick reactions from Connor Smyth resulted in Rainey extending their lead as he gathered an overthrow by the visitors at the lineout with McLean converting for a 14-6 lead.

Rainey’s confidence grew as the game progressed, with Kane McIlroy and Lee Murphy exploiting gaps in the stretched defence. The hosts pack put Nenagh under pressure at scrum time with Deaglan McErlean and Fintan Quinn making the afternoon difficult for the Nenagh front row. The pressure at the scrum five metres out resulted in a yellow card for the Nenagh prop and a penalty try for Rainey.

As the game drew to a close, Rainey looked to gain their fourth try of the match with the man advantage; however, close to the line Nenagh regained possession as the ball was put into touch.

TEAMS – Rainey Old Boys: Martin Connolly; Mickey O’Neill, Damien McMurray, Connor Fitzsimmons, Kane McIlroy; Scott McLean, Rory MacGinty; Fintan Quinn, Ben McCulloch, Deaglan McErlean; John McCusker, Connor Smyth; Michael McCusker, Josh McAuley, Jack Bresland.

Reps: Michael Nevin, Andrew Nevin, Adam Bratton, Calvin Smith, Lee Murphy.

Nenagh Ormond: Derek Corcoran; David Gleeson, Conor McMahon, Willie Coffey, Peter Coman; Fionn McGibney, Nicky Irwin; Damien Dunne, Ben Armitage, Niall O’Gorman; Kevin O’Flaherty, Kevin O’Gorman; Evan Murphy, Rob Buckley, John O’Flaherty.

Reps: Brendan McAdams, Conor Muldoon, James Meagher, Colum Moylan, Ger O’Gorman.

Referee: Mark Patton