Tipperary Rugby: Cashel win well in Belfast to tee up home play-off game with Barnhall

All Ireland League Division 2C

MALONE 19 CASHEL 33

At the outset let us pass on our huge congratulations to our fellow Tipperary club Nenagh on winning the All- Ireland League Division 2A title and automatic promotion to Division 1B next season. They have been the most consistent team all season and are the first Tipperary team to qualify for Division 1B. They did so in style on Saturday last by defeating second-placed Barnhall in Nenagh and needless to say the celebrations are probably still going on.

Cashel’s objective is to follow them up in the play-offs and after last Saturday’s win in Belfast against Malone they are still in with a good chance.

Cashel had their own mission last weekend as they travelled to Belfast to take on Malone. Malone, in last place, had given themselves a lifeline with a good win the previous week and were determined not to go down without a fight. A win for both county Tipperary sides on Saturday would propel Cashel into second position and improve their chances of securing a home semi-final in the play-offs. Both teams delivered - Cashel with an excellent five-try bonus point win which sees them leapfrog Barnhall into second place. Nenagh’s win did their fellow county side a big favour.

Conditions in Belfast were dry but a strong wind blew straight across the field. Malone started well. Their backs were swift and their passing early on caused Cashel some concern. A penalty after two minutes brought Malone to the five metre line. James Ryan won the ball at the breakdown and Jack Evenden cleared to half way.

Malone had the upper hand in the first ten minutes. Their lineout was good and it was good throughout the game, even though they only had one jumper. He was their key man in this area. They drew first blood after ten minutes when a swift backs movement earned them a converted try in the left corner, which was converted with an excellent kick from the touchline.
Five minutes later two penalties to Cashel saw them almost over for a try but the ball was knocked on.

Cashel definitely had more power in the scrum and made it difficult for Malone to get clean ball in this area. It took Cashel 27 minutes to get their first score but it was well worth the wait and the journey to Belfast to see it. It would not be wise to reveal the detail here, as the move may be used again before the season is over. It is sufficient to say the Ciaran Ryan scored the try and Ryan O’Sullivan converted - 7 -7.

This game was extremely competitive and Malone kept the pressure on. Cashel had to defend for long periods and in fairness they worked their socks off to keep the northerners out. Cashel progressed back up the field and as half-time approached the big men in the pack got to work. Brendan Crosse was very prominent in this first half, making a nuisance of himself at the breakdown and carrying well. Ed Kelly, James Ryan, Brendan and Ciaran Ryan and captain Mikey Wilson worked extremely hard. Wilson was also masterful in the lineout. Cormac O’Donnell, Philly Ryan and Brendan Ryan anchored a very solid scrum.

The second try arrived just before half-time and was a result of all the hard graft, with backs and forwards combining before James Ryan crashed over to put the visitors ahead. Ryan O’Sullivan added the extras and Cashel led 14-7 at the break.
Cashel upped their game early in the second half. Ryan O’Sullivan broke from half way but was caught just short of the line. He had a very good game at No. 10 and had a good swift supply from Jack Armshaw, who had an excellent game at scrum half. He is all-action, brave and an excellent passer of the ball.

Ten minutes into the second half the Cashel pressure paid off. The ball went from left to right and back again before Jamie Ryan crashed over for Cashel’s third try. Ryan O’Sullivan converted to put Cashel 21-7 ahead.

Malone were not giving up but were pushed off their own ball in the scrum when in a promising position. They also missed an easy penalty in front of the posts a few minutes later.

Jamie Ryan and Richard Kingston were as solid as a rock in the centre and carried hard all day. At full back Jack Evenden has slotted in extremely well for the injured Ben Twomey and his long clearances kept Cashel on the front foot. His usual position is No. 10 but he has proven his versatility since moving to full back.

On the wings the efforts of Tom Tobin and Josh O’Dwyer was mostly in defence and they never put a foot wrong.

On 65 minutes Josh O’Dwyer made a knifing run deep into Malone territory. The team went through the phases and Brendan Ryan forced his way over for a try, which Ryan O’Sullivan converted. Cashel now had a try bonus point in the bag.
Malone hit back with a try with ten minutes to go.

We then witnessed the Cashel try of the year that had their supporters on their feet. From the kick-off the ball was passed to Josh O’Dwyer on the wing. He got possession on his own 10 metre line and took off at speed, beating his own marker on the outside. He still had three defenders ahead of him but he mesmerised them with footwork and speed and dived over for a wonderful try. He is just back after a long lay-off and is improving every week.

Malone had the last word with a converted try late in the game but it was too little too late, as Cashel closed it out. The final score was Malone 19 Cashel 33.

This was a sad day for Malone as they were relegated to Division 2B. They are a fine club with a long history, excellent facilities and they will bounce back.

A BATTLE FOR HOME ADVANTAGE IS FIRST UP
For Cashel the show goes on. This was an excellent victory on the road. To go to Belfast and come home with a try bonus point win is no mean achievement and puts them back into second position, three points ahead of Barnhall who they will face in the play-off semi final. It is now a battle for home advantage.

With one game left a home win for Cashel this weekend, when they take on Banbridge at Spafield, would guarantee a home semi-final. Banbridge are in fourth position but are not guaranteed that place so will be very determined when they come to town. It is all going down to the wire and it’s all to play for in Spafield on Saturday at 2.30 pm.
Cashel supporters should be out in force.

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