ENERGIA All-IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 1B

St. Mary’s College 27 – Naas 17

An unbeaten run of four games came to an end for Naas when they faced St. Mary’s College at Templeville Road last Saturday. Dublin sides can be pigeon-holed as flashy, flair sides, but on this occasion St. Mary’s – seeking revenge for a defeat by Naas only last month - brought a raw aggression and ferocious hunger that led to them running out deserved victors.

One of the biggest attendances for quite a long time was present, and they witnessed a bright start by Naas, who showed their intentions in the ninth minute by turning down an easy shot at goal and kicking to touch. From the line-out they worked the play into midfield, before quickly moving the ball out wide left, where Gary Kavanagh finished in style. Peter Osborne was unlucky to see his conversion attempt rebound off the post but Naas were five points to the good.

However this was to be as good as it got for the visitors in the first-half, as St Mary’s began to exert their dominance on proceedings, with their out-half Conor Dean dictating the play. They responded immediately when Dean kicked a penalty on 12 minutes, and three minutes later they hit the front for the first time when Dean was again on target, after Naas conceded a penalty for collapsing a maul.

This set the tone for the remainder of the half, Mary’s on top and Dean taking his opportunities when the inevitable penalties came. He was on target again after 29 and 37 minutes leaving his side 12-5 in front at the interval.

Within two minutes of the restart this lead was increased when referee Glenn Sheridan penalised Naas for not rolling away, and Dean kept his 100% record for the day by slotting the penalty. Naas needed to score next but it was the home side who went further in front on 50 minutes. A well worked move at the front of a line-out brought play up to the Naas 22, and with the visitors scrambling in defence Mary’s quickly moved the ball wide to Craig Kennedy who scored in the corner. Dean kicked the conversion and Marys led by 20 points to five.

Photo: Naas Rugby Photos - "3 Cousins line out for Naas RFC Senior 1sts" - Left to Right: Cillian Dempsey, Jamie Osborne and Captain Peter Osborne

The game was ended as a contest on 66 minutes. A powerful driving maul by Mary’s had Naas going backwards and when the ball was released Craig Kennedy chipped over the Naas defence. Myles Carey won the race for the touchdown under the posts, the conversion was a formality, and the lead was extended to 27-5.

To their credit Naas never gave up and finished strongly. On 71 minutes Craig Ronaldson powered over from close range with Peter Osborne adding the conversion and just three minutes later they added another try. Indeed this was to be the score of the day. A delightfully timed pass by Bryan Croke on half-way put Adam Coyle away, and the prop showed tremendous speed to take play almost up to the 22 before he was tackled. He off-loaded to Craig Ronaldson who in turn passed to Jamie Osborne who sprinted clear to score. A great way for Osborne to make his All Ireland League debut for the club. Peter Osborne was narrowly wide with the conversion to leave the score 27-17 in favour of Mary’s.

Naas now had a sniff of a losing bonus point but alas there was to be no further scoring in the remaining minutes. So victory for St. Mary’s College and on this occasion deservedly so. This defeat sees Naas drop to fifth in the league table, with Shannon leapfrogging them. As it so happens the next fixture for Naas is against none other than Shannon which now takes on added significance. This is at home next Saturday afternoon with a 2.30pm kick-off and promises to be a cracker. As always all support will be greatly appreciated for this crucial tie.

St. Mary’s College: Dave Fanagan, Tim McMahon, Myles Carey, Mick O’Gara, Craig Kennedy, Conor Dean, AdamMcEvoy, Daniel Lyons, Richard Halpin (capt), Michael McCormack, Peter Starrett, Liam Corcoran, David Aspil, Niall Hurley, Ronan Watters. Replacements: Niall McEniff, Padraig Dundon, Daniel Leane, Joe Nolan, Mark Fogarty, Matt Timmons, Jamie Coolican.

Naas: Peter Osborne (capt), Donal Conroy, Jamie Osborne, Craig Ronaldson, Gary Kavanagh, Bryan Croke, Tim Murphy, Jack Barry, John Sutton, Adam Coyle, Paul Monahan, David Benn, Cillian Dempsey, Will O’Brien, Ryan Casey. Replacements: Conor Johnson, Jack Coyle, Philip Jordan, Conor Halpenny, Matt Stapleton, Sam Cahill, Patrick Corrigan.

Referee: Glenn Sheridan.