Cashel batter UL Bohemians in Spafield to continue strong start to season

All Ireland League - Division 2A - Round 5

Cashel RFC 31

UL Bohemians 7

Second-placed Cashel took on third-placed UL Bohs in round 5 of the All Ireland League Division 2A on Saturday last at Spafield, Cashel.

Both clubs started the day on 14 points so a win for both sides was important to keep pace with leaders Nenagh.
Conditions were good and dry but bitterly cold, Cashel came out on the right side of the contest but the game was much closer than the scoreline suggests.

Cashel made the early running as the UL Bohs kick-off went directly into touch giving the home team a scrum on halfway. They won a penalty in the scrum but lost the lineout.

They kept the pressure on and with eight minutes on the clock they registered their first score. It came about when the visitors needed to clear their lines.

Cashel were awarded a five-metre scrum, they bashed up, UL Bohs infringed and the referee awarded a penalty try. UL Bohs dominated the rest of the first quarter and only stout defending by Cashel kept them out.

It was a free-flowing game with both sides willing to run the ball at every opportunity. The lineouts were evenly matched with both teams winning their own ball most of the time but also upsetting the opposition on occasions.

Cashel had the upper hand in the scrums where Front rows Cormac O’Donnell, Dylan Foley and Brendan Ryan, backed up by second rows Brendan Crosse and Ed Kelly had too much power.

On 30 minutes Cashel were awarded a penalty on the ten-metre line.

Ben Twomey stretched the lead with an excellent kick. UL Bohs came back hard but James Ryan relieved the pressure by winning a penalty at the breakdown.

Five minutes later UL Bohs were penalised for a high tackle and Ben Twomey once again added the points. Cashel kept the pressure on but the UL Bohs defence was good. Just before half time Ben Daly dropped a goal to leave Cashel ahead by 16 points to nil at half time.

The unlikely assist came from prop Cormac O’Donnell whose pass was spot on. They did have an opportunity to score a try after that from a five-metre lineout but they lost possession And UL Bohs cleared their lines.

Cashel faced a stiff breeze in the second half and the visitors were awarded two penalties early on which they kicked to the corner as they needed to put points on the board.

However, the home defence held out. Then up stepped the back row players. James Ryan, Kieran Ryan and Brian O’Connor were outstanding.

Josh Pickering put in some telling tackles as did centres Conor Cashman and Jamie Ryan. Jack Evenden was the conductor as he kept the visitors pinned back and also kept the back line moving. Wingers Tom Tobin and Ben Daly were always a threat and attacked at every opportunity.

Ben Twomey at full-back was assured under the high ball and with his excellent left foot. On 55 minutes Cashel won a penalty in the scrum and Ben Twomey added the points. From the kick-off, UL Bohs were almost in for a try but were bundled into touch close to the line.

As the third quarter drew to a close Cashel intercepted and were almost in for a try but were caught on the line. They were however awarded a scrum on the right which they won.

The ball went through the hands and James Ryan put Tom Tobin in for a try in the left corner. Ben Twomey converted from the left touchline with a super kick in tricky conditions. UL Bohs never gave up the fight and five minutes later they were in for a try by Joe Johnston which Harry Byrne converted.

As time ran out UL Bohs were attacking but a pass was intercepted by prop Cathal Ryan and he raced in for a try. A try bonus point was then possible but time ran out. Final score Cashel 31 UL Bohs 7.

It was a lively game to which both teams contributed. Cashel maintained their second place, UL Bohs slipped to fourth and Barnhall took their place in third.

Cashel travel to Barnhall next week for another second-place versus third-place contest. It is a competitive place to play but Cashel are capable of a win if they play like they did on Saturday last.

Cashel team (1-20): C O’Donnell, D Foley, B Ryan, B Crosse, E Kelly, B O’Connor, J Ryan, C Ryan, J Pickering, J Evenden, T Tobin, J Ryan, C Cashman, B Daly, B Twomey, C Ryan, A Shirley, H O’Donoghue, R Kingston, J O’Sullivan.