Senior/ U20.5 Rugby:The Energia League took a break this past weekend which would have been well earned by the Nenagh squad after an opening three rounds that saw them go unbeaten and sitting top of the pile. The next set of three however will truly test Nenagh’s credentials. An away tie in Old Crescent, a particularly fruitless venue for Nenagh in this competition, is followed by a long trek to Ballymena before finally returning to Nenagh for a home tie with Banbridge.
That being said the wider squad is in rude health currently. While the front line players had the chance to rest up for the last week the U20.5 squad got their first Donal Walsh Trophy win under their belt on Tuesday night with a home win over UL Bohs. Nenagh were good value for a 40-21 final score and it is a massive testament to the work that has been done by Rob Buckley and his management team to see this team performing so well in this tough competition.
Many of the players involved Tuesday night turned out again, along with a number of the extended senior squad for the second fixture of the Munster Senior Seconds League on Saturday vs Bruff RFC. Nenagh were very clinical on the day, winning on a 28-0 scoreline. All this ensures the senior squad are well placed to tackle the challenges ahead in the next three weeks. The Energia AIL game with Old Crescent kicks off at 2.30pm on Saturday in Takumi Park, Rosbrien. All travelling support would be greatly appreciated.
U15: Nenagh Ormond under 15s traveled to Ennis on Sunday last to take on Ennis in a challenge game. It was a lovely sunny morning and conditions were ideal for rugby. Nenagh came out of the blocks early with an excellent try from outside centre Liam Flynn.
Later two tries came from No 8 Darragh Gaynor and a further try from Liam Flynn before Ennis responded with a try of their own. Nenagh went in at half-time 24-5 ahead.
In the second half, Nenagh started where they left off, resulting in excellent tries worked through the hands of Darragh Corish, Oscar Griffin, Liam Flynn and Darragh Gaynor. Out-half Charlie Talbot converted four and replacement out-half Danny Powell converted one. Ennis responded with three tries in the second half but the game was almost over at that stage. The final score was Nenagh 50-Ennis 22.
Nenagh will play another challenge game on Sunday with details yet to be confirmed before taking on Ennis in a cup game in Nenagh Sunday week.
U14: Nenagh Ormond under 14s played Ballinasloe in Nenagh College on Monday last. Ballinasloe were quite a big side with all their backs looking down on ours in size. Nenagh started quite well and were unlucky not to put points on the board early. However Ballinasloe were first to score with the Nenagh defence quite slow to react to a quickly taken penalty. Nenagh reacted quite well to conceding this try and scored next. Cody read the play very well and intercepted the ball, he then passed to Kaden who found James O Dwyer on his shoulder. He stepped the last defender and scored under the posts. Kaden added the extras. Ballinasloe took control of the game in the tail end of the half and ran in a further 3 tries. Oisin Hohan made a brilliant try saving tackle when their winger had the try line at his mercy. The Nenagh defense was well organised for most of the time and put the opposition under pressure but unfortunately we fell off too many tackles which gave them momentum. Nenagh made a few substitutions in the second half and again took the game to Ballinasloe but with support players too slow getting to rucks there were too many turnovers. Nenagh scored twice in the second half. The first try was created from a brilliant turnover by Freddie, he tackled a player twice his size and dislodged the ball. After a few phases the ball was moved wide to Donagh who scored and then added the extras. Ballinasloe ran in 2 long range tries and only for Harry Walsh there would have been a third. Again he tackled a player twice his size and then Oisin was on hand to turn the ball over. Nenagh scored the last try of the game which was richly deserved. There were some good carries from Anluan, Scott and Joe, and after a few further phases the ball made its way to Luke who powered his way over the line. Overall Nenagh coped well overall given the sheer size of the opposition backs. However there are areas we can make plenty of improvements on. Next Sunday we have an important game against Newcastle West away. Training continues Wednesday evening. Thanks to Nenagh College for the use of their impressive facilities
Split the Bucket: Well done to all our recent winners. Our Split the Bucket fundraiser continues to hand out a minimum of €500 in prize money each and every week. Enter for as little as €2 per week at nenaghormondrfc.com/products or access the link on any of our social media pages.
Your Club Your Country Draw: The Your Club Your Country Draw is a nationwide fundraiser run by the IRFU where all money for tickets sold within a particular club goes directly to that club. It is the main fundraiser for our club’s juvenile section for the past number of years. Tickets are available for 10 euros through our club website. There are fantastic prizes on offer with the top prize of a Summer Tour to South Africa to follow Ireland’s test series there. Log on to nenaghormondrfc.com/products to find the purchasing link. All support would be greatly appreciated as it goes directly to the running of our juvenile club.
Other Results:
U13: Nenagh (34)- Thomond (7)
U16: Nenagh (37)- Old Crescent (9)
U18.5: Nenagh (30)- Kilrush (0)
Fixtures:
Senior: Nenagh vs Old Crescent RFC. Saturday @ 2.30pm. (Takumi Park)- Energia AIL
U20.5: Nenagh vs Shannon RFC. Wednesday @ 7.30pm (Coonagh)- Donal Walsh Trophy
U18.5: Nenagh vs Cashel RFC. Sunday @ 12.00pm (Lisatunny)- Pan Munster League
U16: Nenagh vs Thurles. Sunday @ 12.00pm (Nenagh College)- Pan Munster League
U14: Nenagh vs Newcastle West RFC. Sunday @ 11.00am (Newcastle West)
