All Ireland Round Robin Series

Nenagh Ormond continued their winning streak with a 16-13 win over Naas in the All Ireland Round Robin Series

Saturday 23rd April 2005

ALL IRELAND ROUND ROBIN SERIES

Nenagh Ormond 16 Naas 13

Nenagh Ormond s chances of promotion to the AIL League were boosted again as they continued their winning ways with a home win against Naas in the All Ireland Round Robin series on Saturday.

In their second game of the series, Nenagh didn t have the ideal start, with the visitors going 7-0 ahead five minutes into the game. Naas played with the wind in the opening half, and dominated throughout, with Nenagh struggling to gain possession. The ever reliable Liam Delaney at full back narrowed the deficit with a penalty, but Naas continued to exert considerable pressure on Nenagh. Against the run of play, Nenagh s winger Paudie Breen caught a fantastic cross kick and touched down shortly before the break, giving Nenagh an 8-7 lead.

In the second half, Nenagh displayed the resilience and determination that has characterised their season and upped their game significantly. Liam Delaney added another penalty, only to have Naas reply with an on target penalty. Nenagh s second row Johnny Moylan rumbled over the line after some great forward play to stretch the lead to 16-10. Naas continued to claw back, with another penalty. The final minutes of the game were frantic and tense, but the home side held out for a 16-13 win.

Nenagh Ormond now host Rainey Old Boys next Saturday and go into the game leading the series on 9 points. Rainey Old Boys and Naas are both on 5 points, with Monivea yet to pick up points.

Nenagh Ormond made a spectacular debut in the All Ireland Round Robin series with a 40-27 drubbing of Connaught champions Monivea. Although losing 27-3 at half time, they came back to score 37 points in the second half to win to win the game. 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.

Nenagh Ormond Squad: 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