Nenagh Ormond secure home playoff place with impressive home win against promotion rivals

Energia All-Ireland League - Division 1B - Round 17

Nenagh Ormond 21 

Blackrock College 17

Another gritty performance from Nenagh Ormond saw them edge out nearest rivals Blackrock to claim second place in division 1B of the All-Ireland league and home advantage in the promotion play-off semi-finals, which will be played in April.

These two sides have had many close tussles in recent years, and this match was hugely competitive throughout. Nenagh fought back from a half-time deficit to hold out for a four-point win. 

READ NEXT: Referee for the Tipperary hurlers league final clash against Cork confirmed

Nenagh played with the benefit of a stiff breeze in the first half and took the lead on 10 minutes with a try and conversion from left winger Conor McMahon. 

It did not take the Dubliners long to level matters however as a powerful maul 20 minutes in was finished by hooker Liam McMahon and converted by Peter Quirke.

With both defences magnificent, chances were hard to come by but Nenagh managed to edge ahead again and keep the scoreboard ticking through a brace of penalties from McMahon.

With half-time approaching, Blackrock managed to gain a foothold in Nenagh territory and although they were repelled several times by heroic Nenagh defending, they eventually forced their way over through prop Andrew Savage. The conversion by Quirke gave them a slender lead going to the break.

Playing into the breeze in the second period, the home side started the half well and created several early chances that ultimately led to centre Angus Blackmore burrowing his way over to give his side the lead once again.

A Quirke penalty cut the deficit back to a point shortly afterwards as Blackrock once again took the game to Nenagh and looked the more likely to score. 

The visitors were camped on the home 22 for much of the last quarter but the Nenagh defence was absolutely outstanding, particularly wing forwards Joe Coffey and John Healy.

A third successful penalty from McMahon stretched the lead back to four, forcing Blackrock to seek a winning try. 

As has been the case in recent matches however, Nenagh’s strong impact from the bench saw out the victory and the game ended with the home pack pushing Blackrock off their own ball in a completely dominant scrum performance. 

Depending on what happens in the final round of matches, Nenagh could end up playing Blackrock once again in a semi-final repeat. Other possible opponents are Old Wesley or UCC. That game will take place in New Ormond Park on Saturday, April 19.

Scorers: Nenagh Ormond: Tries: Conor McMahon, Angus Blackmore; Con: Conor McMahon; Pens: Conor McMahon (3).Blackrock College: Tries: Liam McMahon, Andrew Savage; Cons: Peter Quirke (2); Pen: Peter Quirke.

Nenagh Ormond: Josh Rowland, Davey Gleeson, Angus Blackmore, Willie Coffey, Conor McMahon; Ben Pope, Nicky Irwin; Mikey Doran, Dylan Murphy, Matthew Burke, Jake O’Kelly, Kevin O’Flaherty, Joe Coffey, John Healy, John O’Flaherty.

Replacements: Sean Frawley, Colm Skehan, Fionn O’Meara, Rob Buckley, Charlie O’Doherty, Derek Corcoran.

BLACKROCK COLLEGE: Brian Colclough, Chris Rolland, Matthew Dwan, Dave McCarthy, Barry Galvin; Peter Quirke, Jack Ringrose; Andrew Savage, Liam McMahon, Joe Byrne, Roy Whelan, Kaylam Tytherleigh, Tommy Butler, Dave Fortune, James Burke.

Replacements: Jack Angulo, Paddy Moore, Alex Mullan, Naoise Golden, Odhran Ring, Matthew McCarthy.

Referee: George Clancy