After their tremendous victory over Queens University in the previous round of the Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B, the challenge for Naas last Saturday was to back up that performance when travelling to face Highfield. It was certainly not going to be easy for them – their Cork rivals lay fourth in the league table and the game was being played at a venue that Naas had never tasted success at before. Not only did Naas match their Queens performance, they surpassed it, with a display of sheer grit and heart that saw them head home with a priceless victory.

The foundations for this win were laid by a quick start that saw Highfield playing catch up throughout the contest. Naas were in front after just three minutes.  A clearance kick inside his own 22 by Jack Sheridan was touched by a Highfield player, meaning that all the Naas players upfield were onside. Charlie Sheridan reacted quickest and collected the ball near half-way, before quickly passing to Tadgh Brophy who sprinted away to score under the posts. Paddy Taylor tapped over the conversion. Then after 11 minutes following sustained Naas pressure, they attacked to the left and a lovely offload by Adam Deay put Dylan O’Keeffe through and he held off an attempted tackle to score. Paddy Taylor again converted and Naas led by 14 points.

Highfield to their credit responded within four minutes. They were awarded a penalty deep in the Naas 22 which was taken quickly by Chris Bannon. He was immediately met by a fierce tackle by Stephen Lackey, but the referee Rob McGreer deemed that the Naas player was not back 10 yards and brandished a yellow card to him. This subsequent penalty was tapped by Travis Coomey and when he was hauled down just short of the line, James Cronin was on hand to pick up the recycled ball and dot down for the try. Shane Buckley added the conversion and the lead was reduced to 14-7.

The home side then enjoyed a long period of possession and territory, but were unable to break down a stubborn Naas defence, and they were made to pay for this inability to add to their score as they fell further behind after 37 minutes. After a line-out take by Oisin Halpin, Naas moved the ball into midfield where Charlie Sheridan was the recipient of a high tackle by Dave McCarthy. The referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty to Naas which was successfully kicked by Paddy Taylor. This made it Highfield 7 – Naas 17 – which proved to be the interval score.

The story of the second half is easily told. Highfield again enjoyed the bulk of the possession but struggled against a resolute Naas defence, who defended as if their lives depended on it. The home side will rue a missed opportunity to level the scores after 53 minutes. The referee - to the dismay of the travelling supporters - penalised Naas for wheeling a scrum, but Shane Buckley from in front of the posts pulled his penalty attempt right of the posts. Within four minutes the visitors went further in front. Following some powerful carries by their pack Naas enjoyed a rare visit into the Highfield 22. They then moved the ball along their back line, a great line taken by Dylan O’Keeffe split apart the home defence, and the Naas player then powered through the attempted tackle of Jamie Shanahan to score beside the posts. Paddy Taylor added the conversion.

After this score the game went back into its familiar phase with attack after attack by Highfield being knocked back by a no nonsense Naas defence. However the home side did reduce the margin after 69 minutes. Again they were a series of big carries by their forwards and this eventually led to James Cronin powering over from close range. Shane Buckley added the conversion to make it 24-21 in favour of Naas.

It was all to play for with ten minutes left, which must have felt like an eternity for all involved with Naas.  The home side tried everything they knew to get the match winning score, but Naas would not yield and after a few heart stopping moments they hung on for a famous victory. At the end Naas were battered and bruised but contented that they had given their all, and it was sufficient to claim a marvellous victory.

After such an effort they deserve a little break and they get this as they now have a fortnight off before they host Dublin University on Saturday, March 21st. This game has a 2.30pm kick-off, and as always all support will be greatly appreciated.

Highfield: Jamie Shanahan (capt), Eoin Dorgan, Dave McCarthy, Mark Dorgan, Noah Patterson, Shane Buckley, Chris Banon, James Cronin, Travis Coomey, Daragh Fitzgerald, Eoin Keating, Conor Kennelly, Dave O’Connell, Conor Galvin, Ryan Gordon. Replacements: Rob Murphy, Corey Hanlon, Mark Fitzgerald, Con Butler, James Brugger, Liam McCarthy.

Naas: Jack Sheridan, Donal Conroy, Charlie Sheridan, Dylan O’Keeffe, David O’Sullivan, Paddy Taylor, Tadhg Brophy, Stephen Lackey, Graham Reynolds, Adam Deay, James O’Loughlin, Oisin Halpin, Darragh Murphy, Will O’Brien (capt), Paulie Tolofua. Replacements: Tadgh Dooley, Callum Coyne, Eoin Walsh, Muiris Cleary, Cormac King, Tom Bohan.

Referee: Rob McGreer.