Munster Senior Challenge Cup (Group 1)

Friday 22nd November, Coonagh

Report by Mike McMahon

Player of the Match: Charlie O’Doherty

Nenagh Ormond booked a place in the last four of the Munster Senior Cup with a facile win over Shannon in the final game of group 1. They finish top of the group on maximum points having previously secured bonus point wins away to Highfield and at home to Cork Constitution. Shannon finish bottom of the group after three straight defeats.

These two teams had played the previous Saturday in division 1B of the AIL, a game which was played under lights on the stadium pitch at Thomond Park. Nenagh won that game comfortably by a scoreline of 42-15 to continue a run of good form, whilst Shannon have struggled of late and will need to show improvement if they are to avoid a relegation battle.

Both teams made wholesale changes for this repeat fixture, giving game-time to other squad players including a number from their respective under 20 panels.

With storm Bert brewing, this was a cold and damp night but nevertheless, the teams served up an entertaining game of rugby which was closer than the scoreline might suggest. Carrying on where they left off last week, Nenagh were very much on top in the early stages, but uncharacteristic handling errors kept them scoreless until the 18th minute, when prop Mathew Burke broke the deadlock with his first try in the Ormond red and white.

Shortly after the restart, Nenagh scrum half Charlie O’Doherty linked with centre Willie Coffey to carve open the Shannon defence and break up field. Although he was caught just before the line, he managed to offload to the supporting John O’Flaherty who touched down close to the posts. O’Doherty converted to give his side a 12-0 lead.

Shannon had their moments in the second quarter, but Nenagh’s defence held solid, including a couple of vital lineout steals close to their own line. Gaining the upper hand at scrum time, Nenagh re-asserted their advantage as half time approached and added another brace of tries from winger Brian O’Rourke and centre Angus Blackmore to leave the score 24-0 at the break.

The Tipperary side increased their lead 12 minutes into the second period when Willie Coffey scored in the corner as Shannon ran out of numbers after defending a series of attacks. With the scoreline now at 31-0, Nenagh emptied their bench and for a period the home side enjoyed a good share of possession and territory which culminated in their only score of the night mid-way through the half.

With 5 minutes remaining, Charlie O’Doherty capped off a fine individual performance when he darted through a gap in the Shannon defence to score under the posts. Willie Coffey completed the scoring with his second try just before the final whistle, which at that stage, couldn’t come soon enough for the home team.

A tough day at the office for Shannon, who will now focus on retaining their status in division 1B of the AIL. Nenagh however can look forward to a cup semi-final in the new year, with the semi-final fixed for the weekend of February where we will play away to Young Munster in Tom Clifford Park.  The other semi-final sees Old Crescent facing Clonmel in Takumi Park.

 

Shannon

Shane Carew, Alex Long, Michael Donnelly, Jack Brady, Christian Storey, Conor Ryan, Adam Kennedy, Scott Gleeson, Conall Gill, John Osullivan, Matthew Te Pou, Jack O'Donnell, Luke Doyle, David Smith, Sean Nolan Replacements: Gus Harrington, Oskars Vitolins, Callum Black, Ciaran Vaughan, Evin Crowe, Kieran-Noel Kennedy, Sam Brown

Nenagh Ormond 

Jack O'Keeffe, Jack Devanny, Matthew Burke, Craig Hannon, Fionn O'Meara, John O'Flaherty, Joseph Coffey, John Brislane, Charlie O'Doherty, Derek Corcoran, Brian O'Rourke, Angus Blackmore, Willie Coffey, Patrick Scully, Evan Fitzpatrick Replacements: Shane Malone, Sean Frawley, Niall O'Gorman, Kevin O'Flaherty, Robbie Tynan, Nicky Irwin, Conor McMahon