All Ireland Round Robin Series

ALL IRELAND ROUND ROBIN SERIES

Monivea 27 Nenagh Ormond 40

Nenagh Ormond made a spectacular debut in the All Ireland Round Robin series on Saturday with a 40-27 drubbing of Connaught champions Monivea. The win is made more outstanding given the fact that the home team were winning 27-3 at half time, with Nenagh Ormond scoring 37 points in the second half and keeping Monivea scoreless.

We were wiped in the first half admitted Honorary Secretary Raymond O Meara. In fact, the only score Nenagh could muster in the first half was a penalty from full back Liam Delaney. At half time, Monivea must have felt comfortable with a 24 point cushion; however, they could never have envisioned the onslaught from the visitors after the restart. The second half was certainly a completely different affair, with Nenagh Ormond showing just why they are the Munster champions with a veritable feast of scores. Liam Delaney showed pure class in the game, notching up a try, four conversions, two penalties and a drop goal. Centre Trevor Pole claimed two tries, and added a drop goal to his tally. Outhalf John Keehan added another try, with Denis O Meara at second row also touching down. It was certainly a day for the old heads to step up to the mark, with the senior players on the team displaying a wealth of experience and leading the comeback. Along with the try scorers, the experience of forwards Denis Farrell and John Moylan ensured that Nenagh Ormond packed plenty of punch.

Having claimed the Munster Junior League Division One title in a 14-9 victory over Cobh Pirates, Nenagh Ormond were unable to go on and defend their Munster Junior Cup title after being knocked out by UCC on a score line of 28-21 in a thrilling Munster Junior Cup semi final. However, full focus is now on becoming the 16th Munster club competing in the AIL. With a very much home grown squad, and a mixture of experienced players and a clutch of younger players brought on from the 2000 All Ireland U.18 team, the side has a successful blend that they will hope will carry them through to the AIL. With two home fixtures remaining against Rainey Home Boys and Naas, Nenagh Ormond are in a terrific position to realise their dream.

Nenagh Ormond: Liam Delaney, Fergus Austin, Trevor Pole, Trevor Connolly, Denis Slattery, John Keehan, Michael Fogarty, Donnacha Ryan, Denis Farrell, Michael Slattery, Johnny Moylan, Denis O Meara, Damien Glavin, Alan Feymour, Robbie Powell (captain), Ian Ryan, Richard Pole, Paudie Breen