Nenagh Ormond under 18.5s played Birr in a friendly game last Sunday. Conditions were perfect on arrival and a real tight tussle unfolded with both teams looking to move the ball in a fast flowing game. Nenagh started the better and really took the game to Birr. Nenagh pounded the Birr try line but their defence held firm with Nenagh held up on two occasions. Nenagh finally got the break through after 15s mins, Cody O Connor with a left chip over the defence which was collected by Aidan Steed who made good yards while in contact. At the ensuing ruck the ball was moved to the right to Cody O Connor who spotted a gap in the defence and dotted down. Charlie Talbot added the extras. Nenagh kept the momentum going and from the drop off Anluan White made a break from his own 10 metre line and was hauled down on the 22. Luke Slattery made a good carry and had the defence on the back foot. The ball made its way to Cody O Conor who fed Aidan Steed who then broke the line and had the composure to draw the last defender and pass to Dara Corish who scored under the posts. Charlie Talbot added the extras. Nenagh really had the wind in their sails at this stage and Jack Gleeson followed up with an opportunistic try. A loose kick from the opposition was gathered by Jack and on doing that beat the last defender and ran 50 yards to score under the posts. Charlie again added the conversion. Birr scored next after a clever kick was regathered.

Nenagh got another score soon after. We found ourselves in opposition 22 and after a penalty was awarded Charlie Talbot took the decision to take a quick tap and on doing scored a try. He then added the conversion. Birr scored again just before half time. Half time score 28-14. Nenagh kicked off the second half and like the first half it was a real competitive physical game with neither team willing to give an inch. Most of the first 15 mins was played between both 22s. Nenagh had the ball just inside the Birr half when Hugo Healy made a break up the right, he offloaded to Anluan White who then on being tackled off loaded to Shaun Murphy who galloped from inside the 22 to score close to the posts. Charlie added the extras. Birr came back at us and scored 2 tries of their own to leave the score 35-24. Nenagh got once last score just at the end. Cian Murphy made a break up the left wing to bring play inside the 22. Jack Tierney carried with real intent and then Anluan White was fed and powered his way over the line. Charlie kicked the conversion and final whistle was blown. Overall it was a very entertaining game with some very good facets of Nenagh play with some bits that need fine tuning. Training continues Tuesday and Thursday