Two well earned bonus points for Cashel in defeat away to Queens University

All Ireland Rugby League - Division 2A - Round 8

Cashel RFC 31

Queens University 38

Conditions for rugby were perfect on Saturday last at Dubh Lane, Belfast when Cashel took on Queens University in round 8 of the All Ireland League. The playing surface is top quality and ideal for running rugby relished by the students.

Contests between these two teams have always been close as both like to run the ball. However twenty three minutes into the game Cashel had endured an onslaught of running rugby as the students led by 21 points to nil. It appeared at that stage that Cashel were still mentally on the bus and that a hiding was on the way.

But these Cashel players are made of stern stuff and while they did not win the game they turned in a great second half performance, ended up sharing ten tries and came away with a try bonus point and a losing bonus point, an achievement that did not seem possible twenty three minutes into the game.

Queens commenced the game like a whirlwind running the ball from all positions. Cashel weathered the early storm and brought play close to the Queens line where they were bundled into touch. The home side won the lineout, worked the ball to the twenty two from where they ran the ball to score an excellent try at the other end.

The signs were ominous three minutes later as Queens came running again. Brendan Crosse won a penalty at the breakdown to end the move. On fifteen minutes Queens won a Cashel lineout, broke through the first up tackle to score another converted try. Ben Murray had to leave the field with an injury. Queens continued to mesmerise with their attacking play with backs and forwards very comfortable on the ball.

Matters deteriorated further for Cashel on twenty three minutes when Queens were awarded a penalty twenty two metres out. The Queens hooker took a quick tap, a tackle was missed and Cashel were twenty one points down.

Gradually Cashel began to work their way into the game with the forwards working hard to gain field position. Queens were penalised on half way, Josh Pickering took a quick penalty and made ground to the twenty two. Excellent interplay between backs and forwards resulted in Fearghail O'Donoghue crashing over for a try.

It was not all bad news for Cashel. They more than held their own in the scrums and Fearghail O'Donoghue was majestic in the lineouts. Back came Queens keeping the pressure on the visitors. Seven minutes before half time they dispossessed Cashel thirty metres out, their number eight broke a tackle and he scored a fine try in the corner.

The try was converted with an excellent kick. Queens at this stage had a try bonus point and Cashel were twenty three points down. Brendan Crosse and Ciaran Ryan came on to the team and both played a huge part in the Cashel revival. Cashel won a number of penalties before half time.

One was kicked dead but one reached touch fifteen metres out. Josh Pickering brought play to the five metre line, the forwards went through the phases and Brendan Ryan crashed over for a try which Josh O'Dyer converted. This left Queens leading by 28 points to 12 at half time. It was a big mountain to climb but not the Mount Everest of a few minutes earlier.

Cashel started the second half well with the pack getting on top. Ten minutes in they were awraded a penalty, set up a lineout maul and worked their way to the line. Queens were penalised and when they repeated the same infringement the referee lost patience and awarded Cashel a penalty try and a yellow card to Queens.

Richard Moran had to leave the field with an injury but with twenty minutes left Cashel set up another lineout maul, worked the ball to the line from where Ciaran Ryan crashed over for a try. The conversion hit the post and stayed out. At this stage Cashel had worked their way back into the game but from the kickoff Queens were awarded a penalty on half way.

They kicked for touch on the twenty two , set up a maul which drove to the five metre line from where their hooker peeled and scored.
The try was converted. There was still time for Cashel to rescue something from the game. They opted for a scrum on the twenty two and drove Queens back to their own line from where Ciaran Ryan crashed over for his second try and Cashel's fifth.
Ryan O'Sullivan converted.

Queens had the last word with a penalty which pushed them seven points clear but it was not enough to deny Cashel a losing bonus point to add the the try bonus-a much deserved return for their efforts.

This was another excellent game of rugby with ten tries, some excellent running rugby and it must be said an heroic effort by Cashel. They will regret the early lapses but can be extremely proud that they fought their way back into the game to secure two valuable points.

There were many positives, particularly the scrum, lineout and lineout maul. Next Saturday a crucial game takes place in Cashel when league leaders Blackrock come to town. They are five points ahead of Cashel and three ahead of Queens and are certainly the team to beat. It is important that Cashel narrow the gap next weekend with a win.

Cashel team (1-20): C O'Donnell, N Fitzgerald, B Ryan, B O'Connor, F O'Donoghue, L Shine, A O'Connor, R Moran, J Pickering, J O'Dwyer, A McDonald, C Cashman, B Murray, R Kingston, F Bergada, K Murphy, J Evans, B Crosse, C Ryan, R O'Sullivan.