There was a real sense of optimism around when Naas hosted Highfield in the Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B last Saturday afternoon that a first victory of the season was imminent for the home side. This optimism was based on the fact that this young side had been improving and gelling together at a rapid rate, particularly so on their last outing against Dublin University, when they were somewhat unlucky to come away from the capital narrowly defeated. Thankfully this optimism was not misplaced, as Naas gained that elusive first victory of the season after a mighty battle.

When these sides last played each other back in April, Highfield emerged victorious by one point after a classic game in which no less than 85 points were scored. Some heavy showers last Saturday meant that this game was never going to see a repeat of that volume of scoring, but this contest was no less enthralling.

The Corkmen have started the season well, but in the early exchanges here they had no answer to a fired up Naas side, who quickly exerted their dominance and were in front after just five minutes. After big carries by Oisin Halpin and Adam Deay, scrum-half Tadhg Brophy spotted space down the blind side which he exploited, he then passed to Paddy Taylor who chipped over the head of the covering defender Jamie Shanahan, before gathering his kick and scoring. Tom Bohan had the misfortune to see his conversion attempt hit the post, but Naas led by five points.

Highfield almost responded immediately when Jamie Shanahan gathered a clearance kick by Tadhg Brophy before kicking ahead, and he was only denied by Tom Monaghan who did exceptionally well to get back and win the race for the touchdown. But the Naas pack were dominating the set piece, the scrum were driving the famed Highfield eight back at a rate of knots, and giving the home backs great ball to work with.

Therefore it was no surprise when they went further in front after 21 minutes. Donal Conroy did well to field a box kick by Tadhg Brophy and from this Naas attacked with purpose. A long pass by Tom Bohan into midfield was gathered by Paddy Taylor, who in turn fed Charlie Sheridan. The latter stepped inside a tackle before passing on to his brother Jack out on the left wing. The latter left his immediate opponent Nicky Greene for dead and raced away for a superb score. It was a great return to the side for Jack who was playing for his first game in the AIL since last March due to injury, and with Bohan adding the conversion Naas were 12 points in front.

Conditions worsened for the remainder of the half, and chances were few and far between, which meant there was no further scoring before referee Shane Gaughan blew the half-time whistle.

In a repeat of the first-half, the home side came out fired up for the second period and it only took them three minutes to increase their lead. The Naas pack charged at their opponents and were held up just short of the line, before the ball was spun wide out to Charlie Sheridan on the right wing and he scored unopposed. Tom Bohan added the conversion and Naas led by 19 points to nil.

It appeared that Naas were heading for a comfortable win and afternoon, but credit to Highfield, they responded in style and incredibly almost snatched victory from this uncompromising position. They began to get their hands on more possession and after 59 minutes they were awarded a penalty under the posts. They declined the shot at goal, and elected to tap, and after multiple phases their player coach and former Irish international James Cronin crashed over from close range. Shane O’Riordan added the conversion to make it 19-7 in favour of Naas.

Highfield were growing in confidence and they made further inroads into the lead after 69 minutes. Again they were awarded a kickable penalty and this time chose to go to touch. From the line-out they set up a driving maul, which the referee deemed was collapsed illegally by Naas, he awarded a penalty try and also showed a yellow card to Cillian Dempsey. Amazingly after being in total control Naas had been drawn into a real dogfight, and were just five points ahead as the game entered its last ten minutes.

The home side had the chance to settle their nerves after 75 minutes when following a high tackle by Dave O’Halloran on Paulie Tolofua they were awarded a penalty. However Tom Bohan was narrowly off the mark with his shot at goal, although the Highfield player was awarded a yellow card for the incident.

The visitors threw everything at Naas in the final stages in a desperate attempt to secure victory. However the home side defended as if their lives depended on it, while special mention must go to James O’Loughlin. The visitors had at least three line-outs to set up their driving maul which would have been extremely difficult to stop, but the Naas player soared highest and managed to deprive them of the ball. After what seemed an eternity the referee finally blew the full-time whistle, and the home players and supporters could celebrate a great victory.

This win will give this young Naas side great confidence and could be the springboard for a march up the table. They showed real grit and heart in securing the victory and there are a lot of positives to be taken from it. Next up for them is an away fixture against Queen's University next Saturday afternoon. Kick-off is at 2.30pm kick-off, and as always all support will be greatly appreciated.

Naas: Charlie Sheridan, Donal Conroy, Paddy Taylor, Tom Monaghan, Jack Sheridan, Tom Bohan, Tadhg Brophy, Stephen Lackey, Brad Clements, Adam Deay, James O’Loughlin, James Stockwood, Oisin Halpin, Will O’Brien (capt), Paulie Tolofua. Replacements: Fintan O’Malley, Tom Adams, Cillian Dempsey, Darragh Murphy, Cormac King, David O’Sullivan.

Highfield: Jamie Shanahan (capt), Nicky Greene, Dave McCarthy, Dave O’Sullivan, Noah Patterson, Shane Buckley, James Brugger, James Cronin, Niall Downing, Daragh Fitzgerald, Dave O’Halloran, Dave O’Connell, Aidan Keane, Conor Galvin, Ryan Gordon. Replacements: Mitchell Connolly, Cillian Buckley, Con Butler, Chris Bannon, Shane O’Riordan, Colm O’Neill.

Referee: Shane Gaughan.