Cashel rugby edge their way past Banbridge to secure promotion play-off

All-Ireland League - Division 2A - Round 18

Cashel RFC 12

Banbridge 7

Banbridge came to Cashel on Saturday last for round 18 and the final game of the league which had a lot at stake for both teams. Storm Kathleen blew in before them and stayed for the duration of the game.

She made life difficult for both teams as she blew across the field favouring Cashel slightly in the first half. A win for Cashel was essential to ensure a home semi-final in the playoffs.

Banbridge needed a win to stay in fourth position and also secure a playoff position. At the end of the day, both teams achieved their objectives.

The game was extremely competitive and ended in a narrow win for Cashel. Before the game, Cashel had to make changes as Ryan O'Sullivan and Brendan Ryan were unable to play due to injury.

Banbridge had the upper hand in the scrum in the early part of the game and won two penalties in this area before Cashel regrouped and got one of their own.

The first half was played for the most part in the Banbridge half but the penalty count was going against Cashel. The Banbridge defence was excellent and their line speed put huge pressure on the Cashel attack.

James Ryan and Brendan Crosse were particularly prominent for Cashel. Jack Evenden twice put Cashel into the five-metre zone with kicks from the halfway line.

However, the Banbridge defence stayed solid. After much effort from both sides, the game was still level at half-time with no score on the board. A feature of the first half was the difficulty players had kicking to touch against the strong wind.

Cashel had to face the wind in the second half. They brought Mikey Wilson, Ed Kelly and Cathal Ryan on for the second half and they steadied the ship.

Cathal Ryan proved his versatility by going into the tighthead side of the scrum. He can play in all three positions in the front row which is exceptional. Banbridge kicked a penalty to the corner but Mikey Wilson soared to win the ball back for Cashel.
Ten minutes into the second half Cashel were awarded a penalty 30 metres out. They kicked to touch, won the lineout and went through several phases before releasing the backs.

Jamie Ryan got possession fifteen metres out and drove through the Banbridge defence using some fancy footwork to score a try under the posts. Jack Evenden converted and Cashel had broken the deadlock.

For long periods it looked like a nil all draw was on the cards. The tempo of the game increased. Banbridge were using the wind to good effect and got good lineout possession from a few 50/22s.

On 65 minutes Josh O'Dwyer got possession on his ten-metre line and carried for thirty metres where he was tackled high.

The penalty went to the corner from where Cashel set up a maul. As they drove infield and to the line the ball was switched back out to Jamie Ryan and he went over for his second try of the day. Once again his sidestep caught the defenders.

As time moved on slowly and ten minutes on the clock a long Banbridge clearance was fumbled on the Cashel five-metre line giving Banbridge a strong attacking position. They attacked from the scrum and got in for a try which was converted with a top-class kick.

The lead of 12-7 left Cashel in a very vulnerable position against the strong wind. They were penalised at the breakdown but when Banbridge opted for a lineout Mikey Wilson once again disrupted the throw and the danger was cleared.

Jack Evenden put in some excellent clearances in the second half. With six minutes left, Cashel won a penalty in the scrum but did not find touch and Banbridge hit back with another 50/22 but once again were foiled in the lineout.

Late in the game Cashel conceded two penalties, and received a yellow card. They weathered the storm and it must be said there was a sigh of relief at the end when the final whistle went.

Both teams must be complimented on the standard of play in such difficult conditions. The Cashel lineout was excellent and Philip Ryan must be complimented on his throwing.

It was good to see international referee Joy Neville refereeing in Cashel on Saturday. She is world class and it proved how important the game was when a referee of that calibre got the job.

When the game was over attention turned to Limerick where Barnhall were playing Old Crescent. The win guaranteed Cashel a home semi-final in the playoffs. Barnhall beat Old Crescent with a bonus point but it was not enough to leapfrog Cashel.
The defeat denied Old Crescent a playoff place and allowed Banbridge to hold on to the fourth spot.

On April 20th Cashel will play Barnhall in Spafield and Banbridge will make the short journey to Belfast to take on Queens in the other semi-final. There are exciting times ahead as we head into knockout rugby.

There was a very special event in the clubhouse after the game when a surprise party was held for club stalwart Denis Moran to celebrate a special birthday. He is a very popular team manager and spends countless hours at his job. He has been a member of the club for many years and is an example of what true volunteerism is. It was wonderful to have him celebrate his special day with his family and friends.

Cashel team (1-20): C O'Donnell, P Ryan, J Evans, B Crosse, B O'Connor, A Butler, J Ryan, C Ryan, J Armshaw, J Evenden, T Tobin, J Ryan, R Kingston, J O'Sullivan, J O'Dwyer, C Ryan, A Shirley, E Kelly, M Wilson, M Hickey.