RUGBY: Thrilling 'Friday night lights' in Cashel as Nenagh Ormond become the new kings of Tipperary

Howling wind and driving rain greeted the rugby supporters in Spafield for the Friday night showdown under lights between derby rivals Cashel and Nenagh Ormond in the AIL Division 2A, but for all the tough conditions it just added to the drama of an intense rugby test that was in the balance until the last kick. 

"Unbelievable yea, for conditions and for the two teams out there that battled through. Unbelievable," was how Nenagh boss Eoin O'Callaghan summed it up at full time. "Derby games really do come down to one score." he added as the back slaps and clapping rang out from the winning Nenagh dressing room. Six years since the northerners got the better of the westerners, six years of being second best but the tide turned late on in this absorbing encounter.

Cashel were in the driving seat in the second half and though never comfortable, were pushing for another try when Nenagh won a penalty, went down the field and scored a try full of honesty and grit, forcing over from a metre out with a strong heave. The Cashel resistance was down and soon another try followed and the points were secured that left Nenagh top of the table in the AIL Division 2A on Friday night. 

It was a game that was in the balance throughout and ebbed and flowed much like the downpours all the night. With little to separate the teams, it came down to pivotal moments and while Richard Kingston raised the roars for Cashel, it was Nenagh who led by two at the break with Willie Coffey, who was always to the fore for Nenagh, showing real leadership and never shying away from the challenge. 

The former Rockwell College schools star popped up for a crucial try in the first half with Conor McMahon adding the conversion to much applause from the shivering travelling supporters who were doing their best to stay warm.  Both sides attacked and ran into walls when they gained any ground of note. Both sides kicked and the ball returned soon after. Play after play was intense and mud infested but the scoreline remained the same. The excellent McMahon, who had a tough job kicking in the conditions, held his concentration when needed. 7 - 5 then at the break as Cashel immediately went into a huddle in the middle of the field and hatched a plan to change the game while the supporters headed to the bar for a hot coffee or whiskey to resist the perishing cold and rain.

The game plan worked on resumption for Cashel. They attacked down the left flank towards Minogues and pushed across, getting the touchdown to rapturous applause before the conversion was added. Conor Cashman played a captain's role all night and got the touch down to put Cashel in the driving seat.  Within ten minutes James Ryan then got in on the scoring approaching the fifteen minute mark leaving the home side 17 - 7 up and cruising. They kept the pressure on but Nenagh never wilted.

The home crowd felt a harsh penalty went against them as they attacked and Nenagh capitalised on it. A confidence can flow sometimes through a team and Nenagh had the confidence to just weather the storm and wait for a chance to turn the tide. As soon as the rain stopped 14 minutes after the Cashel try, Nenagh found themselves attacking inside the Cashel 22 and pushing for the try line by the clubhouse. Cashel tried their best to keep it out but the momentum in the game had changed completely after that penalty and Nenagh muscle got them over the line with a final push through Kevin O'Flaherty who gleefully touched down. 

The conversion was added and Cashel looked vulnerable all of a sudden. Nenagh pressed and sensed a tiredness after O'Flahertys try. Not to be outdone by his brother, John O Flaherty added another try very soon after. Nenagh Ormond were back in control, and the conversion was nailed as well. 21 - 17 then and try as they might there was no way back for Cashel as the clock ticked on but they tried till the last ball.

A thrilling game despite the conditions for everyone there, the road back to Nenagh was a short one as they are now guaranteed a promotion play off and still hoping for more. The final word goes to the Nenagh boss Eoin O Callaghan who summed the night up well to 'Tipperary Live' afterwards. He said there was no way back for Cashel after Kevin O'Flahertys try: "That was the lift. It just meant Cashel were chasing a game into that strong breeze up the hill. We were able to play at our own speed and our own game at that stage then. It just worked very well for us at that time."

That time was the right time in the game and Nenagh headed back from Cashel of the Kings with their first win over their rivals in six years.