ENERGIA All-IRELAND LEAGUE DIVISION 1B

Old Wesley 37 – Naas 7

On April 23rd last, Naas secured a dramatic victory over Old Wesley in the semi-final of the Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B play-off. Exactly 23 weeks later they returned to Energia Park, Donnybrook to renew rivalry with their old foes. A lot has changed since that game last April, meaning that Naas were only able to field nine players from the starting line-up that day as they started this new campaign.

It was obvious that Old Wesley would be gunning for revenge, but nobody expected that it would only take 48 seconds for them to register their opening score. Straight from the kick-off they put great width on their play, moving the ball across the backline over to the right wing, and then back to the left wing where David Poff found himself in space, and he finished off the move to score in the corner. Ian Cassidy added the conversion and Naas were seven points behind before they had even touched the ball.

To their credit Naas settled down after this shuddering blow and worked themselves into the game both in terms of territory and possession. Craig Ronaldson went close for them with a long-range penalty after 13 minutes, before they levelled the game just five minutes later. Ronaldson made a fine break from inside the Wesley half and when he was hauled down just outside the 22 Naas stayed patient, going through the phases before Old Wesley were penalised for hands in a ruck. Surprisingly Naas opted not to take the points on offer and took a scrum. When Old Wesley collapsed this Naas were awarded another penalty and they again went with the scrum. From this Ryan Casey picked up at the base and powered over for a try which Craig Ronaldson converted.

However, on 26 minutes the home side went back in front, when a reserve pass by Keith Kavanagh put Alex Molloy away and the full-back raced clear to score. Cassidy tapped over the conversion to give Wesley a 14-7 lead. The pass by Kavanagh looked forward and the referee Keane Davison again incurred the wrath of the Naas supporters on 37 minutes when he brandished a yellow card to Andrew Osborne for what he deemed to be a deliberate knock-on. As the Naas player used both hands in attempting to catch the ball it was a strange decision by the official. Old Wesley kicked the penalty awarded for this into the 22, the line-out was taken by Iain McGann and the home side set up a driving maul which Naas were powerless to stop, leading to Howard Noonan touching down for the try. The conversion attempt by Ian Cassidy was again on target, putting Wesley 21-7 in front which turned out to be the interval score.

Cassidy missed with a penalty attempt on 46 minutes for Wesley, but they got their fourth try which earned them a bonus point after 58 minutes. Naas were penalised for holding on at a ruck, and scrum-half Keith Kavanagh took a quick tap which caught the visitors knapping. The ball was quickly moved out wide to Reuben Pim who got in at the corner. Cassidy missed the resulting conversion, but the home side now led by 26-7.

The game was now effectively over as a contest, but to their credit Naas never stopped trying and they were almost rewarded with another try after 63 minutes. Good carries by Ryan Casey and Cillian Dempsey took play right up to the Wesley line, before Henry Smith charged over. However, he was not able to ground the ball and the home side were awarded a goal-line drop-out.

Wesley were relentless in their pursuit of further scores and penalties by Cassidy on 65 and 76 minutes were followed by a Thomas O’Callaghan try after 78 minutes of play, after Naas failed to deal with a loose ball that was hacked downfield. Cassidy failed to convert this score, which was the last of the game, and at the full-time whistle the home side were comfortable and deserving winners on a 37-7 scoreline.

Not the start that Naas were seeking, but it will take a little time for the new players to gel together.

Certainly, one bright spot for Naas was the power of their scrum, which may prove to be a potent weapon throughout the campaign as it certainly caused problems for Wesley, added to the fact that seven players received their first taste of AIL action here. Next up for Naas is a home fixture against Highfield next Saturday afternoon. Kick-off is at 2.30pm and all support will be greatly appreciated.

PHOTOS (C) With thanks to Naas Rugby Photographs

Old Wesley: Alex Molloy, Thomas O’Callaghan, Eoin Deegan, James O’Donovan, David Poff, Ian Cassidy, Keith Kavanagh, Harry Noonan, Howard Noonan, Sam Kenny, Will Fay, Iain McGann (capt), Sam Pim, Josh O’Hare, Reuben Pim.

Replacements: Finn Tierney, Michael Kearney, Brian Short, Dom McClean, John Miller, Ben Daly.

Naas: Donal Conroy, Andrew Osborne, Matt Stapleton, Craig Ronaldson, Sam Cahill, Bryan Croke, Oscar Cawley, Jack Barry, Conor Doyle, Adam Coyle,Paul Monahan (capt),Patrick O'Flaherty, Muiris Cleary, Will O'Brien, Ryan Casey.

Replacements: Tadgh Dooley, Dylan Casey, Cillian Dempsey, Henry Smith, Mark McDermott, Conor Halpenny.

Referee: Keane Davison.