AIL league leaders Queens’ first half spurt proves unassailable in the end for Cashel

Queens University arrived in Cashel on Saturday last knowing they were going to have to fight hard for every yard against the home side, who knew they needed to win to keep pace with the Belfast club who have been leading the league since the start of the season, and are firm favourites to win the league and promotion to Division 1B.

Eventually, Queens prevailed in a pulsating game, the result of which was in the balance right to the final whistle, as Cashel tried valiantly to get one more try and rescue the situation. Alas, it wasn’t to be.

The conditions for the game were good, with the wind blowing across the field, not favouring either team.

Cashel wanted to make a statement early on and owned the ball in the early minutes, playing with confidence as they tried to punch holes in the Queens defence. They were awarded a penalty on nine minutes and Ryan O’Sullivan put them ahead with the kick.

Cashel’s failure to secure the kick-off gave possession back to Queens and they levelled the game with a penalty.

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This seemed to give the northerners confidence and they put the foot on the accelerator and began to move the ball at great speed. They certainly had pace to burn outside and were not shy about using it. On 17 minutes they went ahead with a penalty and then as we entered the second quarter at blistering pace they mesmerised the Cashel defence and were in for their first try.

It was this pace that was the difference between the teams, as Cashel matched them in the scrums and lineouts.

Two minutes later they were in for another try but the winger had a foot in touch and the score was disallowed.

Cashel had their moments after that but poor handling resulted in a lost opportunity.

As we approached half- time Queens ran again and were stopped by Freddy Bergada with a crunching tackle, but the ball was recycled and they were in under the posts for a converted try.
At half-time Queens led by 18 points to 3.

A different Cashel emerged for the second half and they began to ask questions of Queens. They won a penalty in the scrum after four minutes and kicked to touch. Queens were penalised again and Cashel kicked again to the corner. They won the lineout and mauled over for a try, which was touched down by Cormac O’Donnell. Ryan O’Sullivan added the points.

Eight minutes later Queens were on the move around halfway. Their progress was disrupted by Cashel and in one swift passing movement they ran in for the best try of the day, touched down by Brian O’Connor. Ryan O’Sullivan converted and now there was only one point between the teams.

The ball was going from end to end. James Ryan robbed a Queens lineout close to his own line.

Fearghail O’Donoghue robbed two. Ryan O’Sullivan took a heavy hit and had to leave the field with a shoulder injury.

With ten minutes remaining, James Ryan latched onto a Queens ball at the breakdown on his own 22. Expecting a penalty to relieve the pressure, the penalty went to Queens and they went four points ahead.
As time drifted on, Cashel pushed Queens off their own ball in a scrum. The penalty did not come and the scrum was reset.

In injury time, Cashel were awarded a scrum on the Queens 10 metre line. They won the lineout, set up the maul and drove for the line. The maul has been Cashel’s main weapon of attack all season but this one mysteriously collapsed, Queens got possession and the final whistle blew.

This was another high quality game and bitterly disappointing for Cashel, who knew they played well enough to win.

Queens have now moved seven points clear at the top of the table and the race is on for the next three play-off places, as only 10 points separate the next six teams. There are seven rounds left, teams will beat each other but it will take a very good team to beat Queens.

NEXT UP OLD CRESCENT
Cashel play Old Crescent in Limerick this Saturday at 2.30.

Cashel team (1-21): C O’Donnell, N Fitzgerald, B Ryan, B Crosse, F O’Donoghue, L Shine, C Ryan, J Ryan, M Hickey, R O’Sullivan, Conor Cashman (captain), A McDonald, B Murray, R Kingston, F Bergada, N Fitzgerald, A O’Connor, B O’Connor, C Ryan, S Ryan, J O’Rourke.