Bective Claim Valuable Away Win at Sydney Parade

07 March 2026, Sydney Parade, Sandymount -Round 15, AIL D2C. A view from the sideline By OMAHD

MONKSTOWN FC 21 – 28 BECTIVE RANGERS FC

Four-try haul keeps Rangers firmly in Division 2C title race

Bective strengthened their push near the top of the All-Ireland League Division 2C with a hard-earned 28–21 victory over Monkstown FC at Sydney Parade on Saturday.

Bective struck almost immediately when winger Chris Rolland crossed after just one minute, setting the tone for a lively opening period. Monkstown responded through an early penalty from Matt Stapleton, before Cian O’Donoghue went over for a try to briefly swing momentum toward the home side.

Bective, however, quickly regained control. Captain Matthew Gilsenan added a penalty before tries from Dave McPolin and Chris Hennessy pushed the Bective into a commanding position. Gilsenan converted one of the scores to leave Bective leading 20–13 at the break, despite a late Monkstown try from Conor Lohan.

(Half-time: Monkstown 13 – Bective Rangers 20)

The second half began much like the first, with Bective striking early. Lock Gavin Kelly powered over in the 42nd minute to extend the lead and secure the crucial fourth try that would ultimately deliver a valuable bonus point.

Monkstown refused to fade and narrowed the gap when Dave Cave crossed on 51 minutes. The home side continued to press but Bective’s defence held firm in the closing stages.

A Gilsenan penalty on 76 minutes gave the visitors breathing space before Stapleton kicked a late penalty for Monkstown on 80 minutes to secure a losing bonus point.

Speaking afterwards, Bective head coach Ben Mannion praised his side’s attacking intent but acknowledged the pressure applied by their hosts.

“We started quickly and the four tries were hugely important in a tight league like this,” Mannion said. “Monkstown made us work for everything in the second half, but the lads showed real composure to close the game out.”

The bonus-point win keeps Bective second in Division 2C, four points behind leaders Clonmel with three rounds of the campaign remaining.

Bective return to action in Round 16 when Bruff RFC visit Donnybrook on 21 March (2:30pm), with Bective looking to maintain pressure at the top of the table.

Scorers:
Bective Rangers: Tries: Chris Rolland, Dave McPolin, Chris Hennessy, Gavin Kelly; Con: Matthew Gilsenan; Pens: Matthew Gilsenan 2;
Monkstown: Tries: Cian O’Donoghue, Conor Lohan, Dave Cave; Pens: Matt Stapleton 2

BECTIVE RANGERS 1st XV: 15 Tim Carroll; 14 Chris Rolland, 13 Tom McCarthy, 12 Bobby Holland, 11 Dave McPolin; 10 Matthew Gilsenan (capt), 9 Connor Halpenny; 1 Rory Mulvihill, 2 Chris Hennessy, 3 Conor Kelly, 4 Gavin Kelly, 5 Donagh Lawler, 6 Tiarnan McCloskey, 7 Oisin McCloskey, 8 James Gallagher. 
Replacements: 16 Shane Ryan, 17 Scott Barron, 18 Ronan Cregan, 19 Charlie O’Reilly, 20 Ben Garrett.
Referee: Paul Haycock, ARLB IRFU.