Nicky Irwin was one of Nenagh's leading performers

Ormond sent packing from Munster Cup

Highfield 34

Nenagh Ormond 10

 

Nenagh's involvement in this year's Bank of Ireland Senior Cup ended on Saturday when they were defeated in the first round by Highfield at Woodleigh Park in Cork

The Bishopstown side were deserving winners, outscoring the visitors by six tries to two in an entertaining match for early season.

Despite the windy and squally conditions with frequent showers, both sides served up an entertaining game. Nenagh started promisingly and played most of the early part of the match in their opponent's half. However, the home side gradually got into their rhythm and began to dominate.

Following a series of penalties inside the Nenagh 22, Highfield's centre went over for their first try. A second try for Highfield followed shortly afterwards, neither of which they converted.

It looked like Nenagh would reach the interval without troubling the scoreboard. In additional time of the first half, following a period of pressure on the Highfield line, Nenagh tight-head John Coffey went over for a well-taken try. Nicky Irwin's conversion attempt fell short and Nenagh went to the break with the score at 10-5

A Highfield try on 55 minutes and another converted try on 63 minutes left the score at 22-5,  pushing the game further from Nenagh's grasp. Highfield added another try on 70 minutes which was converted to leave the score at 29-10 and Highfield's place in the next round was beyond doubt.

In added time, both teams added a try each, Nicky Irwin darting over for Nenagh's consolation score.

Nenagh are back in action this Saturday, 15th September when they make the short trip to Limerick to take on Young Munster in the semi-finals of the Limerick Charity Cup, with the start of the Ulster Bank League now just over two weeks away.

Nenagh Ormond: Steven Carey; Patrick Scully, Ger McNamara, Darren Wrenn, Ger O'Gorman; Peter Coman, Nicky Irwin; Fergal Brislane, Aidan Doyle, John Coffey; Kevin O'Gorman, Kevin O'Flaherty, John O'Flaherty, Roy. Stanley, John Healy