Ormond head into playoffs on losing note
RUGBY: Energia ALL-Ireland League Division 1B Round 18
Dublin University 20
Nenagh Ormond 7
Report: Mike McMahon At College Park, Dublin
MATCH DIGEST
Player of the Match: Matt Lynch (Dublin University)
SCORERS – Dublin University: Tries - Lynch, O’Sullivan; Convs - Lynch (2); Pens - Lynch (2)
Nenagh Ormond: Try - Corcoran; Con - McMahon
These two sides kicked off the regular AIL season last September with a comfortable win for Nenagh Ormond but on Saturday, the students of Dublin University (Trinity College) managed to turn the tables this time around but wasn’t enough to avoid taking part in the relegation playoffs from Division 1B.
There was really only one imperative in this game and that fell to Trinity; they simply had to win or face relegation for the second time in as many seasons. That could still happen, but they have given themselves a lifeline with a promotion/relegation semi-final against Greystones in two weeks’ time.
As for Nenagh, they will have a semi-final of their own but at the opposite end of the table where they will be at home to Blackrock College on Saturday 19th April.
As is often the case at the end of a long season, there was a nervousness and apprehension in the air as the final league placings were up for decision in the last round of games. Cheered on by an enthusiastic home support, Trinity just about deserved the win over an unusually subdued Nenagh Ormond.
Under bright sunshine in College Park, the home side went ahead at the end of a very scrappy opening quarter with a fine individual try from out-half Matt Lynch, converted by himself for a 7-0 lead.
Nenagh were under pressure and had a couple of close scares before a Derek Corcoran break led to a penalty which was kicked to the corner on the half-hour mark. A well worked maul was moved infield and good link play from Angus Blackmore and Ben Pope sent Derek Corcoran free to score under the posts.
Level at half-time, Nenagh moved early in the second period, bringing Joe Coffey, Brian O’Rourke, and Davy Gleeson into the fray. This brought a bit of fresh impetus, but the visitors failed to capitalise on a couple of gilt-edged try opportunities.
Trinity went back into the lead through two successful penalties from Lynch mid-way through the half, but the game remained in the balance with full time approaching as impressive full back Davy Colbert broke through only to be stopped just short of the Nenagh line. From the ensuing ruck, the students appeared to be celebrating a second try but then there was confusion as referee Robbie Jenkinson went to consult his linesman. After a short delay, he signalled the try much to the delight and relief of the home support.
Before the restart could be taken, another consultation between the officials was immediately followed by a yellow card being issued to Nenagh’s Willie Coffey.
With only seconds remaining, brought a rather strange end to a game which was filled more with tension than free-flowing rugby.
A special mention for Ivan Struzia who made his AIL debut in the second half.
With the regular season now complete, both teams will have a two week break before the promotion/relegation semi-finals. Elsewhere, Shannon’s relegation to 2A was confirmed despite putting over 60 points on Queens in their final game. Highfield catapulted themselves out of the relegation mix completely with a sensational last-gasp 43-42 win away to Naas.
Blackrock will meet Nenagh after defeating Old Wesley 40-28 at Stradbrook whilst UCC booked a semi-final tie away to City of Armagh by beating divisional champions Old Belvedere at The Mardyke.
TEAMS – Dublin University: Davy Colbert; James O’Sullivan, Louis McDonough, Mark Walsh, Callum O’Reilly; Matt Lynch, Oscar Cawley; Cole Kelly, Zach Baird, Arthur O’Rahilly; Steve Woods, Tom Davidson; Max Dunne, Connal Henchy, Dave Walsh.
Reps: Donie Grehan, Sammi Sjoberg, Jack Kearney, Dylan Ryan, Zach Quirke, Harry Nagle Roche.
Nenagh Ormond: Ben Pope; Conor O’Shaughnessy, Angus Blackmore, Willie Coffey, Conor McMahon; Derek Corcoran, Nicky Irwin; Sean Frawley, John Healy, Matthew Burke; Jake O’Kelly, Kevin O’Flaherty; Rob Buckley, Evan Murphy, John O’Flaherty.
Reps: Jack Devanney, Ivan Struzia, Joe Coffey, John Brislane, Brian O’Rourke, Davy Gleeson.
Referee: Robbie Jenkinson.