Twomey the hero as Cashel snatch dramatic last-gasp victory over Dungannon

Energia All-Ireland League - Division 2A - Round 5

Cashel RFC 21

Dungannon RFC 20

Cashel produced a dramatic last-gasp victory at Spafield on Saturday, edging out an unbeaten Dungannon side by 21-20 thanks to a magnificent 84th-minute drop goal from Ben Twomey.

Dungannon arrived in Cashel with four wins from four and full of confidence, but they faced a strong Cashel side in what proved to be a hugely entertaining contest played in excellent rugby conditions.

Cashel got off to the perfect start. Just two minutes into the game, a well-worked lineout and powerful maul created the opportunity for Jason Theron to cross the line for the opening try. Ben Twomey’s conversion attempt drifted wide.

The game took a turn in the 17th minute when Dungannon number eight James McManus was shown a yellow card for a high tackle. Cashel kicked the resulting penalty to the corner, but unfortunately the lineout throw went over the top.

Dungannon worked their way through a number of phases and, despite being down to 14 players, found a way back into the game. In the 21st minute, Toby Gribbin crossed in the corner, with Canadian international Pete Nelson adding the conversion.

Dungannon continued to grow into the contest, and some defensive errors from Cashel allowed Nelson to get over for a second try, which he also converted.

With James McManus returning to the field, Cashel began to regain momentum. After a sustained spell of multi-phase rugby, captain Fearghaile O’Donoghue found himself out on the wing and produced an excellent finish, sprinting from around 35 yards to touch down. Ben Twomey added the conversion to bring Cashel back into the contest.

However, Cashel’s penalty count and defensive indiscipline gave Nelson another opportunity, and he made no mistake with a penalty in the 35th minute.

Cashel made two important changes at half-time, bringing on Matias Masetti at hooker and the in-form tighthead prop Brendan Ryan. Both made an immediate impact as Cashel looked to take control of the forward exchanges.

The home side put together several impressive phases and carries, but Dungannon’s defence, well marshalled by Pete Nelson, proved extremely difficult to break down.

Ben Twomey reduced the deficit with a penalty in the 43rd minute, bringing the score to 15-17. Cashel continued to press, and another Twomey penalty in the 64th minute brought the score to 18-20, setting up a tense final quarter.

As the clock approached 80 minutes, Cashel launched a sustained attack inside the Dungannon 22, putting the visitors under enormous pressure through a series of phases. Cashel were eventually awarded a penalty and Twomey stepped up for a long-range attempt, only to see his kick strike the post. Dungannon gathered the ball and cleared to touch.

It looked as though the opportunity had gone, but Cashel had one final chance.

With the clock moving into the 83rd minute, Cashel won a lineout. Matias Masetti delivered a perfect throw, finding Fearghal O’Donoghue at the front. Cashel elected to maul, driving deep into the Dungannon 22.

The Dungannon defence held firm, but Cashel refused to give in. The home side went through 12 phases of pick-and-go rugby, playing off nine and repeatedly attacking around the corner.

Then, in the 84th minute, Ben Twomey dropped back into the pocket and calmly struck a magnificent drop goal to send Spafield into celebration.

The scenes that followed were unforgettable, with players and supporters alike celebrating a remarkable victory. It was a true Roy of the Rovers finish and a testament to the character, determination and spirit within this Cashel team.

There were plenty of positives to take from the performance. Cashel’s attack and defence were exceptional at times, while the lineout and maul proved hugely effective against a very strong Dungannon outfit. To keep believing and fighting right to the final play speaks volumes about this group.

Dungannon will undoubtedly be disappointed to come away from Spafield empty-handed after such a close contest, and Cashel RFC wishes them the very best for the remainder of the season.

Cashel now turn their attention to next Saturday, 7 November, when they travel to Limerick to take on Shannon on the back pitch at Thomond Park. Kick-off is at 2.30pm, and all support for the team would be greatly appreciated.

Cashel RFC: Tim Townsend, Paudi Leamy, Alan Flannery, Jamie Ryan, Ben Twomey, John O'Sullivan, Sam Howarth; Cillian Butler, Philly Ryan, Adam Shirley, Jason Theron, Craig Hannon, Fearghail O'Donoghue, Joe Lawrence, Sam Quinlan.

Replacements: Matias Masetti, Brendan Ryan, Brendan Crosse, Hermann O'Donoghue, Marcello Frati, Conor Moloney Ryan.

Scorers: Tries: Jason Theron, Fearghal O’Donoghue; Conversion: Ben Twomey; Penalties: Ben Twomey (2); Drop goal: Ben Twomey.

Referee: Shane Tuohy