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U21s vs Naas match report |
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Sunday, January 17th 2010
Naas 12 - Bective Rangers 31 After a long lay off due to bad weather, the u21s we keen to get their league campaign back on track. And they did just that - recording a bonus point away to Naas. The incline of the pitch was augmented with a stiff wind and strong winter sun - which made for a game of two halves and that is how it turned out. Bective won the toss and elected to play with the elements in the first half. And right from the start the elements told, when Nass knocked on the the kick-off - giving Bective field position in the Naas 22. Following a series of scrums, the Bective drove at the Naas line and Oisin Lennon plunged over for the try converted by Michael Connolly.
Shortly afterwards on 7 minutes, Naas were still coming to grips with the elements when Bective struck again. This time, the pack released quick ball to the backs who flashed it along the line for wing Brian McEvoy to get in for the try. Bective maintained the pressure, pinning Naas into their own half but could not break through the improved defences. The pressure eventually told just before half time however, when prop Colin Murray burst straight through a ruck on the Naas 22 and sailed through the stretched Naas lines for a try under the posts, which was converted by Michael Connolly. Then straight from the kick-off the Bective pack again surged into the Naas half and released the backs and left wing David Nutty finished in fine style in the corner - riding some wild tackles on the way. This left the half-time score at 0 - 31. Bective looked to keep the ball in hand against the wind in the second half and they made this pay when disciplined rucking brought play into the Naas 22 and Dylan McDonald lunged for the try under the posts - converted by Michael Connolly. At this point, Naas found their kicking game and put some big boots back into the Bective 22. Bective were determined to run their way out of trouble; however an ambitious pass was intercepted in the centre to give Naas a try under the posts and a platform for a resurgence. They were given a further boost when uncontested scrums were called due to injuries in the Naas pack and Bective lost focus. A Naas scrum on the Bective 10 yard line released their No.8 who powered his way all the way to the Bective line for the try. Naas continued to apply pressure using the elements for the remainder of the match, but Bective denied them any further scores. All told Bective were happy with the win and bonus point, but certainly feel they have a lot of improving to do.. Naas were gracious in defeat and treated the lads to sandwiches in the bar afterwards. Also, Sadbh Hilliard - new daughted of coach Barry and Louise attended her first match and she seemed pretty impressed!! The proud parents were however unwilling to allow the little bundle among the players, having seen so many dropped balls earlier in the day....
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