Nenagh Ormond maintain good form with solid home win over Queen's University

Energia All Ireland League Division 1B – Round 6

Nenagh Ormond 22

Queen’s University  14

By Mike McMahon

Nenagh Ormond maintained their momentum in Division 1B of the All-Ireland League by overcoming a strong Queens University side at New Ormond Park last Saturday.

The northerners came fully loaded with a heavy contingent of Ulster Academy players in their line-up including last year’s Ireland under 20 out-half Jack Murphy. 

This was an extremely physical game in which defences dominated for the most part and a strong easterly breeze blowing directly down the pitch also had a major influence.

The home side had the advantage of the elements in the first half and they used them to good effect applying pressure from the off. Queens found it difficult to get out of their own 22 in the early stages but their defence was impressive as Nenagh pushed hard for the breakthrough.

The first score came on seven minutes when Queens were penalised for a neck roll at ruck time. Conor McMahon stepped up to convert the penalty and followed up with 2 more in the first quarter for Nenagh to lead 9-0. 

Very much dominant at this stage, Nenagh eventually crossed through an excellent rolling maul with the touch-down coming from prop Mikey Doran. McMahon converted and also added another penalty on the half-hour mark to put his side 19-0 up. 

They could have been further ahead only for a last-ditch tackle which foiled a brilliant break by full-back Josh Rowland.

Queens managed their first forays into Nenagh territory in the run-up to half time but inaccuracy cost them as they were held up over the line and then knocked on in a promising position.

With the breeze favouring the visitors in the second half, it was Nenagh’s turn to defend, which they did bravely. Nevertheless, the pressure finally told as Longstaff forced his way over in seven minutes and Queens set up camp in the Nenagh 22 for much of the half. 

A second try from James McKillop put his side to within a score with 15 minutes still left on the clock. 

Nenagh finished the game strongly however and showed good composure to retain the ball and get back into opposition territory. 

With less than 10 minutes remaining, they went eight points clear through a Charlie O’Doherty penalty and held out for a well-earned victory in a game that could easily have gone the other way.

Queens would have been bitterly disappointed to leave with nothing from the game but Nenagh will be satisfied with a fourth win from six, which leaves them in second place, three points behind leaders Old Belvedere and five points clear of third-placed UCC.

Scorers: Nenagh Ormond: Try: Mikey Doran; Con: Conor McMahon; Pens: Conor McMahon (4), Charlie O’Doherty.

Queen’s University: Tries: Flynn Longstaff, James McKillop; Cons: Jack Murphy (2).

Nenagh Ormond: Josh Rowland; Patrick Scully, Angus Blackmore, Willie Coffey, Conor McMahon; Ben Pope, Nicky Irwin; Mikey Doran, Dylan Murphy, Colm Skehan, Jake O’Kelly, Kevin O’Flaherty (capt), Rob Buckley, Evan Murphy, John O’Flaherty.

Replacements: Jack Devanny, Jack O’Keeffe, Craig Hannon, John Brislane, Derek Corcoran, Charlie O’Doherty.

Queens University: Dan Green; Rory Telfer, Wilhelm de Klerk, Callum Florence, Ryan Street; Jack Murphy, Michael McDonald; Jack Boal, Zac Solomon, Bryan O’Connor, Flynn Longstaff, James McKillop, Josh Stevens, Tom Brigg, Lorcan McLoughlin.

Replacements: Henry Walker, Tyrese Abolarin, Oliver Hughes, Will Cusack, Harvey Patterson, Lukas Kenny.

Referee: Andrew Fogarty