ENERGIA All-IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 1B

Naas 53 – Old Belvedere 7

A brilliant performance by Naas at home last Saturday saw them dismantle Old Belvedere, and in the process book a spot in the Division 1B play-offs of the Energia All-Ireland League. With such a big prize at stake a huge crowd turned up to see if Naas could obtain the victory they needed. They saw a Naas side that did not let the occasion get to them, and who ruthlessly and efficiently destroyed their opponents.

Naas got off to a dream start with a try within 90 seconds. Old Belvedere elected to run the ball from their own ten-yard line, but a pass from Tommy Whittle was gleefully intercepted by Gary Kavanagh who raced clear to score. Peter Osborne added the conversion and Naas were seven points in front. However this lead only lasted nine minutes. Old Belvedere enjoyed a period of possession and territory for the next few minutes and won a penalty when Naas were penalised for being in front of the kicker. The penalty was dispatched to touch and from the line-out Old Belvedere set up a driving maul which was stopped just short of the line.  The visitors recycled the ball and from the base of the ruck lock forward Connor Owende crashed over for a try. Peter O’Beirne added the conversion to level the scores.

But that was as good as it got for Old Belvedere as Naas then went up through the gears, and the game was effectively over as a contest by half-time. The home side regained the lead on 26 minutes. Tim Murphy took a quick tap penalty and offloaded to Bryan Croke who took play up to the visitors 22. After he was tackled Naas moved to ball out to the right, where Adam Coyle was waiting and with a lovely sidestep the prop forward left the visitors defence for dead and sprinted clear for a try. Peter Osborne added the conversion, before on 33 minutes Donal Conroy showed tremendous pace to race clear for a third Naas try. Although Osborne missed this conversion he made no mistake with a penalty attempt just before the half-time whistle, to leave the score at the break 22-7 in favour of Naas.

Osborne was again on target with another penalty attempt three minutes after the resumption to extend the lead to 25-7. The home side were rampant at this stage and although they spurned a couple of scoring opportunities they managed to score a fourth try on 54 minutes. Old Belvedere were scrambling in defence and although they managed to stop Peter Osborne inches short in the left corner, Naas quickly recycled the ball and moved it into the centre where Gary Kavanagh took it at great pace. From there was no stopping him as he powered over to score. From the restart a great run by Paul Monahan took play into the Old Belvedere half and forced the visitors to concede a penalty which was kicked to touch. David Benn won the subsequent line-out, Naas set up a driving maul which the visitors were powerless to contain, and saw Conor Johnson touchdown for another try. With Peter Osborne converting both tries Naas now led 39-7.

On 63 minutes some lovely handling by the Naas backs created space out wide for Sam Cahill to add a sixth try of the afternoon for the home side, before Gary Kavanagh finished off a tremendous individual performance by adding his third try of the day on 70 minutes. With Peter Osborne again converting both Naas were now 53-7 in front which was to be the final score.

Great credit must go to the Naas players and management as they produced their best performance of the season on the day that mattered most so far this season. On this display they will fear nobody and are certainly a match for any rival. As stated this win has gained Naas a place in the play-offs and means they travel to Energia Park to face Old Wesley on April 23rd. Kick-off is at 2.30pm and as always all support will be greatly appreciated.

Naas: Peter Osborne (capt), Donal Conroy, Gary Kavanagh, Matt Stapleton, Sam Cahill, Bryan Croke, Tim Murphy, Adam Coyle, John Sutton, Peter King, Paul Monahan, Patrick O’Flaherty, Cillian Dempsey, Will O’Brien, Ryan Casey. Replacements: Conor Johnson, Conor Doyle, David Benn, Paulie Tolofua, Conor Halpenny, Fionn Higgins.

Old Belvedere: Colm Hogan, Ariel Robles, David Butler, Jack Gilheaney, Joe White, Tommy Whittle, Peter O’Beirne, James Bollard, Joe Horan, Evan Tyndall, Deam Moore, Conor Owende (capt), Paddy Dowling, Jack Breen, Colin Mallon. Replacements: Conor Burns, Jack Egan, Eoghan Fitzgerald, Brian Leonord, Jamie McAleese, Tom Molony.

Referee: Andrew Cole.

Photos: Naas Rugby Photos (C)