Cashel RFC carve open Malone to claim first win of new league season

All Ireland League - Division 2A - Round 2

Cashel RFC 40

Malone 5

For the second weekend in a row, Cashel took on Northern opposition as Malone from Belfast visited Spafield on Saturday last, in round 2 of the All Ireland League.

Like Banbridge, last week's opponents, Malone were relegated from Division 1B last season and Cashel expected a much sterner test.

Cashel however turned in a much better performance and ended up with a six-try bonus point win. Prior to the game, a heavy shower of rain made conditions difficult for ball handling.

From the beginning, Cashel showed confidence and determination and went through a number of phases to bring play inside the opposition's half. Out-half Jack Evenden gained possession on the ten-metre line and weaved his way through a number of tackles to dive over for a wonderful individual try in the corner.

It was just the start required to settle the nerves. Cashel continued to dominate and this was most evident in the scrum where they won a number of penalties. On fifteen minutes they pushed Malone off their own ball in the scrum.

The ball was swept through the hands to full-back Ben Twomey and he made no mistake to score Cashel's second try which he converted himself.

The next ten minutes were evenly matched with the Cashel defence handling all Malone threw at them. 25 minutes into the game Jack Evenden sent a clever kick deep into the visitor's territory.

It was bundled into touch five meters out giving Cashel an attacking lineout. The maul was set up and Brendan Crosse barged over for a try.

Ben Twomey converted to put Cashel 19 points ahead. Malone dominated possession for the last ten minutes but Cashel held firm to lead by 19 points to nil at half-time.

Jack Evenden caught the ball from the kick-off after half time and Cashel went on the rampage again but close to the line they were penalised for crossing. Seven minutes later Malone were penalised on halfway for a neck roll.

Ben Twomey sent the ball into touch at the corner, the maul was set up and Kevin O'Connor touched down for a try. Ben Twomey converted and the try bonus point had been secured. Cashel continued to dominate the scrums.

The powerful front row of Cormac O'Donnell, Niall Fitzgerald and Brendan Ryan backed up by second rows Ed Kelly and Brendan Crosse could not be moved. Ciaran Ryan, James Ryan and Brian O'Connor were dominant in the lineout and carried very well.

Malone were penalised again on 58 minutes for a high tackle. Again the ball went to the corner and the maul resulted in Brendan Ryan charging over for a try. Ben Twomey converted with an excellent kick into the wind.

Malone won the kick-off and as the Cashel defence was caught narrow Malone went over for a try. Cashel totally dominated the last ten minutes with Josh Pickering scoring Cashel's sixth try which Ben Twomey converted. Final score Cashel 40 Malone 5.

The pack set up the platform for this victory but the backs played a huge part also. Scrum-half Kevin O'Connor kept the ball moving, and out-half Jack Evenden had an excellent game and pulled all the strings. He has an excellent boot and gained Cashel field position with some excellent kicks. Centres Conor Cashman and Ryan O'Sullivan were prominent in defence as well as attack.

Wingers James O'Sullivan and Josh Pickering were always dangerous in attack. At full back Ben Twomey was peerless.
He was assured under the high ball, kicked long to touch and kicked five conversions- none of them easy. Overall this was a polished performance by Cashel and they were delighted to get five points on the league table.

Next week they travel to Greystones for round three.

Cashel RFC (1-20): C O'Donnell, N Fitzgerald, B Ryan B Crosse, E Kelly, B O'Connor, J Ryan, C Ryan, K O'Connor, J Evenden, J Pickering, R O'Sullivan, C Cashman, J O'Sullivan, B Twomey, J Evans, J Tierney, H O'Donoghue, J O'Rourke, H Fitzgerald.