Cashel RFC get off to a losing start after falling to a tough away loss to Banbridge

All Ireland League - Division 2A - Round 1

Cashel RFC 14

Banbridge 26

With all eyes on France over the past few weeks watching the heroics of the Irish Rugby team there was little focus on the All-Ireland League which kicked off last weekend without any fanfare. Cashel's first assignment was a trip to Banbridge County Down.

They were demoted from Division 1B last season and had a few seasons of experience playing at the higher level. Cashel have unfortunately been hit with injuries to a few crucial players. Fearghaill O'Donoghue broke his leg earlier in the season and Richard Moran and Mikey Wilson also have long-term injuries.

In spite of this Cashel put in a spirited performance and the game was in the balance right to the very end as Banbridge led 19 points to 14 in injury time. Unfortunately, a try in injury time secured a bonus point win for the home team and sent Cashel home empty-handed.

Banbridge struck early and it was clear from the kickoff that they had pace to burn in their backline. The ball went from wing to wing and within two minutes they were in for a converted try. The conversion was excellent from the left-hand touchline.

Cashel were playing against a stiff breeze in the first half and found it difficult to get field position. They were caught in possession on ten minutes but the Banbridge penalty sailed wide. Four minutes later Ed Kelly robbed a ball at the breakdown, Cashel kicked to the corner but lost the lineout and Banbridge were back on the attack again.

Cashel were defending manfully against a strong attacking team. The one area Cashel dominated was the scrum and midway through the half they pushed Banbridge off their own ball.

Throughout the game, they won a number of scrum penalties. From the 25th to the 27th minute Banbridge bombarded the Cashel line but heroic defending kept them out. Cashel cleared their lines when they won their third scrum penalty. The second blow came in the 31st minute when Cashel lost a lineout on halfway.

The ball was whipped to the wing and Banbridge were in again for their second converted try. This left the half-time score Banbridge 14 and Cashel 0.

The wind eased off in the second half when it should have been a help to Cashel. However, they continued to battle on. Seven minutes into the second half James Ryan made a blistering run deep into the Banbridge territory.

They were awarded a five-meter scrum but Banbridge were awarded a penalty in the scrum and cleared their lines. Cashel continued to press and on 52 minutes James Ryan barged over for a try which Ben Twomey converted and Cashel were back in the ball game. Cashel were well in the game halfway through the second half.

They continued to dominate the scrum but found it difficult to breach the home defence. With fifteen minutes left Cashel were under the pump. They were penalised and a player received a yellow card for going in at the side. Banbridge kicked to touch and from the lineout they mauled over to go 19 points to 7 ahead.

Back came Cashel with the pack taking the fight to Banbridge. With three minutes left, Hermann O'Donoghue barged over for a try which Ben Twomey converted. There were three minutes left which was enough time for either team to score.

Banbridge kicked a ball which hopped inside the Cashel 22. A poor clearance gave Banbridge a lineout fifteen meters out. Cashel were penalised in the lineout. Banbridge kicked to the five-meter line, won the lineout, and went over for their fourth try. This gave them a four-try bonus point and denied Cashel a losing bonus point which they deserved. Final score Banbridge 26 Cashel 14.

It is early days in the league and Cashel can take heart from a good second half performance. The scrum is a weapon they can gain traction from. In the pack Brendan and Ciaran Ryan, James Ryan, Ed Kelly and Niall Fitzgerald were outstanding. Young Hermann O'Donoghue came on at half-time and was outstanding and marked his All-Ireland League debut with a try. 

On Saturday next Cashel face another stiff test when Malone from Belfast visit Spafield. They were also demoted from 1B last season and will be determined to get back up.

Cashel RFC (1-20): C O'Donnell, N Fitzgerald, B Ryan, B O'Connor, E Kelly, L Shine, J Ryan, C Ryan, K O'Connor, J Everden, J O'Rourke, C Cashman, R O'Sullivan, R Kingston, B Twomey, D Foley, J Tierney, H O'Donoghue, J Pickering, H Fitzgerald.