Tipperary Rugby: Hard-fought win over Old Crescent keeps Cashel on Nenagh’s heels

All-Ireland League Division 2A

CASHEL 19 OLD CRESCENT 13

Round 11 of the All Ireland League brought Old Crescent to Cashel on Saturday last to take on the home team. Both clubs were coming off the back of good wins the previous week. Cashel had beaten Nenagh and Old Crescent had a bonus point win over UL/Bohemians.

The pitch was solid under foot but the strong wind blowing across the field and the driving rain made it very difficult for the players and very unpleasant for the hardy supporters who turned up.

After early Old Crescent pressure Cashel gained field position and drove inside the opposition twenty two. Close to the line they were penalised at the breakdown. They kept the pressure on and recorded their first score on 11 minutes when Ben Twomey put them ahead with a penalty. They had to work very hard for this score.

It was clear at this stage that whatever team won this contest would have to earn it. Two penalties brought Old Crescent to the Cashel 22 and they kicked the second one to level the game at 3-3.

Cashel were strong in the scrum but were not getting the reward for their efforts and the penalty count was going against them. From a lineout maul they were over the line and were confident that the ball was touched down. The score was not given.

Another lineout maul edged to the line. The ball was flashed to Tom Tobin on the wing. As he headed for the line he was tracked by two defenders who caught him a yard out. Old Crescent subsequently cleared their lines.

On 34 minutes Old Crescent got possession from broken play just inside the Cashel half. They launched a high kick towards the Cashel goal. They ball swirled in the wind and was not secured by the defenders. Old Crescent player Jed O’Dwyer pounced and touched down under the posts for a seven pointer which put Old Crescent 10-3 ahead.

They used the same tactic shortly after but Cashel defended well and brought play to the Old Crescent 22. The visitors’ attempted clearance was blocked down and as Cashel attacked they were awarded a penalty which Ben Twomey converted to reduce the deficit to 10-6.

Old Crescent made one last effort before the break as they attacked from a lineout down the left wing. However Cashel’s Jamie Ryan turned them over at the breakdown and the danger evaporated.

The half time whistle went with Old Crescent leading by 10-6. Cashel had enjoyed more possession during the opening 40 minutes but still found themselves in arrears.

As the second half commenced the rain got heavier but it did not impact on the quality of the play. Two minutes in Cashel had an opportunity when Old Crescent knocked on inside their 22. From the scrum the hosts went through the phases. A high tackle gave them a penalty which was kicked to the corner. They set up the maul and drove over the line again. Cathal Ryan touched down to put Cashel a point ahead at 11-10.

James Ryan made a telling run into Old Crescent territory. As the game progressed ball handling became more difficult. Ben Twomey put Cashel on the front foot with a grubber kick. Cashel robbed the visitors lineout but then lost the ball in the maul.
On 60 minutes Cashel won a penalty at the breakdown and Ben Twomey put them 14-10 up.

The game was still in the balance and Old Crescent were capable of a breakaway score at any time. The mistakes were also increasing as the difficult conditions made handling very difficult.

As time ticked away Old Crescent attacked but Mikey Wilson broke up play and Cashel breathed again. With five minutes remaining James Ryan broke from a ruck, he fed Ed Kelly who made ground and passed to Tom Tobin on the wing. Tom had work to do but he broke the tackle and scored in the corner. This put Cashel nine points ahead leading 19-10.

However Old Crescent had the last word when they were awarded a penalty in a scrum just inside the Cashel half. With a wonderful kick the ball sailed over the bar and earned them a losing bonus point which they richly deserved.
Final score Cashel 19 Old Crescent 13.

This was a very hard fought win for Cashel. Both teams deserve great credit for providing such wonderful entertainment in such poor conditions.

The Cashel players who caught the eye were Brendan Ryan, Ciaran Ryan, James Ryan and Mikey Wilson. Jack Armshaw, in for the injured Kevin O'Connor, had an excellent game at scrum half.

FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH
Jed O’Dwyer who scored the Old Crescent try is a great grandson of the famous Major Ged O’Dwyer who was part of the army equation school back in the 1930s. The team won five Aga Khan Cups in a row for Ireland from 1935 to 1939. His favourite horse was Limerick lace (a little bit of history provided by an Old Crescent supporter).

Cashel team (1-20) C O’Donnell, C Ryan, B Ryan, B Crosse, E Kelly, M Wilson, J Ryan, C Ryan, J Armshaw, J Evenden, T Tobin, J Ryan, R Kingston, P Leamy, B Twomey, P Ryan, A Shirley, B O’Connor, J O’Sullivan, A Barron.

CASHEL ARE OFF TO NAVAN ON SATURDAY NEXT
Next Saturday Cashel travel to Navan for round 12. The game in Cashel in December was tough and next Saturday’s will be no different.