Cashel still in the hunt for promotion in All-Ireland Rugby League after thriller

Cashel 39 Barnhall 33

It was a pity this fixture between fifth-placed Cashel and third-placed Barnhall in Division 2A of the All-Ireland Rugby League clashed with the Ireland/Wales game on Saturday last, as it was a humdinger of a game.

It had been postponed a few weeks earlier due to the snow and the less committed stayed at home to watch the Six Nations international, resulting in a small crowd at Spafield. The people who turned up certainly got their money’s worth.

There is no doubt that social media has a lot to answer for. This had an impact on the Welsh team on Saturday, when stupid comments inspired them to produce a top class performance.

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It also had an impact on the Cashel team, as a Barnhall post declared “We are coming with one mission-to raise the MU Barnhall flag high over the Rock of Cashel”.

Who will ever forget the immortal words “donkeys don’t win derbies”.

The message is, do not write the team talk for the opposition. The Barnhall flag was securely deposited in the back of the bus as they made their journey back to Leixlip. They did take back two bonus points but Cashel took five to move into third place. This result also reversed the Barnhill win earlier in the season.

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The game was played in perfect conditions, with a slight breeze favouring the visitors in the first half.

Cashel got off to a flier. Two early penalties earned them a lineout five metres out. A well-executed maul powered over the line and Richard Moran touched down for a try. Ben Twomey converted.

Things got better five minutes later. As Barnhall passed from side to side Alan Flannery intercepted on half way and sailed in under the posts. Ben Twomey converted and Cashel were 14 points ahead.

It was clear from the start that the Barnhall tactics were based on a running game and their backs are very good with ball in hand. It took them thirteen minutes to respond with a try after Cashel missed touch with a clearance and subsequently one tackle.

Ten minutes later Cashel missed touch again with a penalty and Barnhall counterattacked with devastating pace and scored a converted try in the corner to level the game.

At this stage Barnhall were dominating the second quarter and went ahead on 25 minutes with a penalty.

Cashel had to work hard to keep their line intact but they put their collective shoulder to the wheel and kept their line intact.
Cashel were beginning to get on top up front and eventually got the upper hand in the scrums. Barnhall went six points ahead on 33 minutes with another penalty but Cashel then reduced the deficit to three with a Ben Twomey penalty three minutes later.

Then a brilliant run by Joe Callery brought play to the ten metre line. Barnhall were penalised and Ben Twomey nailed the penalty with a wonderful kick to level the game again.

It was full steam ahead for both teams from then until half-time. Barnhall were awarded two penalties, one of which they scored to lead at half-time, Cashel 20 Barnhall 23.

The first half was competitive but the pace of the contest went up a notch in the second half.

From the kick off Ben Twomey put Cashel in a good attacking position with a 50-22.

The lineout was lost and Barnhall worked their way back up field, but Cashel cleared their lines and went back on the attack.
At this stage they were on top in the scrum and won a number of penalties. On 53 minutes Joe Callery charged over for a try, which Ben Twomey converted to put Cashel 27-23 ahead.

Back came Barnhall with multiple phases. A long pass to the winger caught a narrow Cashel defence and Barnhall went ahead by a point.

Cashel piled on the pressure but the stubborn Barnhall defence held out. Eventually the pressure told and Ben Twomey raced in for a try, which he converted, to leave the score Cashel 34 Barnhall 28.

With eight minutes left Cashel went about putting the result beyond doubt. Once again the forwards kept the pressure on and went through the phases. Diarmuid Rowe added his name to the scoresheet with a try.
Cashel were now eleven points ahead but Barnhall were not finished.

In a sweeping movement they moved the ball to the winger, who beat two tackles and scored in the corner.
The try was not converted but with only six points between the teams there was always the danger of a Barnhall counter attack.

Cashel ensured they held onto the ball for the last few nervous minutes and closed out a wonderful contest. The final score was Cashel 39 Barnhall 33.

This was another important win for Cashel in their quest for promotion. There were many fine performances but credit must go to the forwards, who created the platform for the win.

Ben Twomey and his wonderful boot kept Cashel on the front foot. After fourteen rounds completed and four remaining, Instonians are clear favourites to be promoted with 62 points. Greystones are in second place with 50 points.

Cashel, in third place, also have 50 points but an inferior points difference. Corinthians and Barnhall have 49 points each.
The latter four will fight it out for three play-off places.

Cashel team (1-20): C O’Donnell, D Upton, A Shirley, D Rowe, E Kelly, M Wilson, R Moran, J Callery, M Strydom, B Twomey, T Tobin, J Ryan, A Flannery, P Leamy, R O’Sullivan, S O’Connell, N Roche, B Crosse, M Frati, R Kingston.