Nenagh Inch Towards All Ireland League Status

Tries from Paudie Breen and John Moylan helped Nenagh Ormond’s to a 16-13 win over Naas on Saturday to leave the Tipperary side just 80 minutes away from clinching a place in the All Ireland League

Tries from Paudie Breen and John Moylan helped Nenagh Ormond’s to a 16-13 win over Naas on Saturday to leave the Tipperary side just 80 minutes away from clinching a place in the All Ireland League.

Naas had already accounted for Ulster side Rainey and they took the lead when Joey Moran converted Stuart Pringle’s early try.

Breen reduced the deficit and a penalty from Liam Delaney saw the home side take a narrow 8-7 lead into the interval.

Delaney and Moran swopped penalties before Moylan struck for what proved a precious try with Moran landing a penalty to ensure a nail-biting finish.

Elsewhere, there was disappointment for Clonakilty and UCC who both failed in their respective play-off bids for promotion.

Clonakilty came closest, losing 25-15 to Barnhall in Parsonstown but UCC were comprehensively beaten on the cabbage-patch back pitch at Lansdowne Road where the home side emerged 29-6 winners.

The students opened brightly and were six points up thanks to two Jeremy Manning long-range penalties.

Felipe Contepomi opened Lansdowne’s account with a penalty and the advantage then swung his side’s way when referee Alastair McKay awarded a very harsh penalty try. A second try just before the half time whistle effectively sealed UCC’s fate.