Cashel lose out in high-scoring encounter in Limerick

Shannon RFC 41 Cashel RFC 35

Cashel produced a hugely spirited and courageous performance in a thrilling, high-scoring encounter against Shannon on the back pitch of Thomond Park on Saturday in Division 2A of the Energia All-Ireland League, narrowly losing out 41–35 in what was an intensely physical contest between two determined sides.

Despite the disappointment of defeat, Cashel can take enormous pride in their performance, showing tremendous character, physicality and attacking quality throughout a hugely entertaining afternoon of rugby.

Once again, Cashel’s forward pack was a major force, with their scrum proving dominant throughout the contest. The lineout was another outstanding weapon, providing the platform for some excellent attacking rugby, particularly through Cashel’s powerful driving maul.

Hooker Matias Masetti was in outstanding form, crossing for a superb hat-trick of tries, all coming from Cashel’s powerful driving maul. His three tries were a testament to the tremendous work of the entire forward pack, who repeatedly put Shannon under pressure in the set-piece.

Cashel’s five tries came through Matias Masetti (3), Tim Townsend (1) and Cillian Butler (1), while Ben Toomey was flawless from the kicking tee, successfully converting all five tries to bring Cashel’s tally to 35 points.

While there were plenty of positives to take from the performance, Cashel will undoubtedly be disappointed with their discipline. A high penalty count, coupled with two yellow cards, proved costly in such a closely contested encounter. Against quality opposition like Shannon, these are areas that can ultimately make the difference between winning and losing.

Nevertheless, Cashel continued to battle right to the final whistle, demonstrating tremendous fighting spirit and determination.

To come away from Thomond Park having scored five tries and secured two valuable bonus points is a significant achievement, even if the players and management will feel that this was a game they were capable of winning.

There is no doubt that Cashel will be disappointed not to have taken more from the contest, but there is also plenty of encouragement to be drawn from the quality of their rugby, particularly the dominance of their forwards and the attacking threat they posed throughout.

Cashel now have a break from league action before travelling to take on table-toppers Corinthians on Saturday November 28 in another hugely important Energia All-Ireland League Division 2A fixture.

With plenty of positives to build on and areas to improve, Cashel will look to regroup and put in another strong performance against the league leaders.

Cashel: Cillian Butler, Matias Masetti, Adam Shirley, Jason Theron, Craig Hannon, Fearghal O’Donoghue, Joe Lawrence, Sam Quinlan, Sam Howarth, John O’Sullivan, Ben Toomey, Jamie Ryan, Alan Flannery, Padraig Leamy, Tim Townsend.

Replacements: Ignacio Gonzalez, Cathal Ryan, Brendan Crosse, Philly Ryan, Conor Moloney Ryan.

Cashel J1s come out on top in eight-try thriller

Cashel RFC J1s 48 UL Bohs 40

Cashel J1s produced a fantastic attacking display to come out on top in a hugely entertaining and fiercely contested encounter against UL Bohs,, winning 48–40 in a game packed with tries and excitement.

In a thrilling contest, Cashel crossed the whitewash on eight occasions, showing tremendous attacking ability, determination and teamwork throughout.

Seanie O’Connell led the way with a superb hat-trick, while Jarrod Townsend crossed for two tries. Cian Murphy, Mikey Wilson and Jack O’Dwyer also got on the scoresheet.

It was a hugely positive performance from the J1s, who showed great character and fighting spirit to secure a well-deserved victory in a high-scoring encounter.

The result was a great reward for the effort and commitment shown by the entire squad and management, with eight tries highlighting the attacking quality within the side.

Well done to all the players and management on a fantastic victory.