Playoff route confirmed for Nenagh Ormond despite final game loss in New Ormond Park

Energia All Ireland League - Division 1B - Round 18

Trinity College  20  

Nenagh Ormond  7

By Mike McMahon

These two sides kicked off the regular AIL Season last September with a comfortable win for Nenagh but the students managed to turn the tables this time around to secure ninth place in Division 1B and a relegation play-off spot.

There was really only one imperative in this game and that fell to Trinity. They simply had to win their final game or face relegation for the second time in two seasons. 

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That could still happen, but they have given themselves a lifeline with a promotion/relegation semi-final against Greystones in two weeks.

As for Nenagh, they will have a semi-final of their own but at the opposite end of the table where they will be at home to Blackrock on Saturday 19th April.

As is often the case at the end of a long season, there was nervousness and apprehension in the air as the final league placings were up for decision in the last round of games. 

Cheered on by enthusiastic home support, Trinity just about deserved the win over an unusually subdued Nenagh Ormond.

Under bright sunshine in College Park, the home side went ahead at the end of a very scrappy opening quarter with a fine individual try from out-half Matt Lynch, who converted by himself for a 7-0 lead.

Nenagh were under pressure and had a couple of close scares before a Derek Corcoran break led to a penalty which was kicked to the corner on the half-hour mark. 

A well-worked maul was moved infield and good link play from Angus Blackmore and Ben Pope sent Derek Corcoran free to score under the posts.

Level at half-time, Nenagh moved early in the second period, bringing Joe Coffey, Brian O’Rourke, and Davy Gleeson into the fray. This brought a bit of fresh impetus, but the visitors failed to capitalise on a couple of gilt-edged try opportunities.

Trinity went back into the lead through two successful penalties from Lynch mid-way through the half, but the game remained in the balance with full-time approaching as impressive full-back Davy Colbert broke through only to be stopped just short of the Nenagh line.

From the ensuing ruck, the students appeared to be celebrating a second try but then there was confusion as referee Jenkinson went over to consult his linesman. After a short delay, he signalled the try much to the delight and relief of the home support.

Before the restart could be taken, another consultation between the officials was immediately followed by a card being issued to Nenagh’s Willie Coffey. 

With only seconds remaining, this brought a rather strange end to a game that was filled more with tension than free-flowing rugby.  A special mention for Ivan Struzia who made his AIL debut in the second half.

With the regular season now complete, both teams will have a two-week break before the promotion/relegation semi-finals.

Elsewhere in the division, Shannon’s relegation to 2A was confirmed despite putting over 60 points on Queens in their final game. 

Highfield catapulted themselves out of the relegation mix completely with a sensational last-gasp 43-42 win away to Naas.

Blackrock will meet Nenagh after defeating Old Wesley 40-28 at Stradbrook whilst UCC booked a semi-final tie away to City of Armagh by beating divisional champions Old Belvedere at The Mardyke.

Scorers: Nenagh Ormond: Try: Derek Corcoran; Con: Conor McMahon

Dublin University: Tries: Matty Lynch, James O’Sullivan; Cons: Matty Lynch (2); Pens: Matty Lynch (2).

Nenagh Ormond: Ben Pope; Conor O’Shaughnessy, Angus Blackmore, Willie Coffey, Conor McMahon; Derek Corcoran, Nicky Irwin; Sean Frawley, John Healy, Matthew Burke, Jake O’Kelly, Kevin O’Flaherty, Rob Buckley, Evan Murphy, John O’Flaherty.

Replacements: Jack Devanny, Ivan Struzia, Joe Coffey, John Brislane, Brian O’Rourke, Davey Gleeson.

Dublin University: Davy Colbert; James O’Sullivan, Louis McDonough, Mark Walsh, Callum O’Reilly; Matty Lynch, Oscar Cawley; Cole Kelly, Zach Baird, Arthur O’Rahilly, Stephen Woods, Tom Davidson, Max Dunne, Conall Henchy, David Walsh.

Replacements: Donie Grehan, Sami Sjoberg, Jack Kearney, Dylan Ryan, Zach Quirke, Harry Roche Nagle.

Referee: Robbie Jenkinson