Bective Edged Out After Spirited Display in Tipperary
10 January 2026, Ard Gaoithe, Clonmel -Round 10, AIL D2C. A view from the sideline By OMAHD
CLONMEL FC 24 – 20 BECTIVE RANGERS FC
Bective Rangers left Ard Gaoithe with mixed emotions following a narrow 24–20 defeat to Clonmel FC in Round 10 of the AIL Division 2C, after delivering a spirited performance on their first-ever visit to the Tipperary venue.
Clonmel opened the scoring early through a Joey O’Connor penalty to take a 3–0 lead. Sustained pressure close to the Bective line then resulted in a penalty try, which was quickly followed by a second penalty try to extend the home side’s advantage to 17–0.
Reduced to 13 men, Bective responded impressively, growing into the contest and showing real attacking intent. Chris Poole finished strongly for the visitors’ opening try, before Chris Hennessy crossed for the first of his two scores to keep Bective firmly in contention heading into the break.
(Half-time: Clonmel 17 – 10 Bective Rangers)
Clonmel emerged strongly after half-time, and further sustained pressure saw Tom Ross cross for a try, converted by O’Connor, to stretch the lead to 24–10.
Bective, however, raised their intensity and quickly swung the momentum in their favour. Chris Hennessy claimed his second try of the afternoon following prolonged pressure, and Tim Carroll added another well-worked score shortly afterwards to bring Bective right back into the contest.
Despite a strong second-half performance from the visitors, Clonmel held their defensive line resolutely. Bective pushed hard for a late score in the closing stages, but Clonmel managed the final minutes effectively to edge the result.
Speaking after the match, Bective head coach Ben Manion praised his side’s effort while acknowledging the frustration of coming away empty-handed:
“There’s obvious disappointment in the dressing room because we felt we had the game there for us, particularly in the second half. But I’m very proud of the effort, the character and the way the lads played. To come down here, on a tough pitch, and put in that kind of performance says a lot about this group. We’ll take the positives, learn from it, and move on.”
With four tries scored, Bective Rangers secured two valuable bonus points and will take encouragement from a display that showcased resilience, attacking quality and strong belief away from home.
Up next: Round 11 sees Bective welcome Belfast Harlequins to Donnybrook on Saturday, 24 January (2.30pm). The sides last crossed paths in Donnybrook in October 2009, with Bective claiming a dramatic 24–23 victory.
Scorers:
Bective Rangers: Tries — Chris Hennessy (2), Chris Poole, Tim Carroll.
Clonmel: Tries - Penalty Try (2), Tom Ross. Conversions — Joey O’Connor. Penalty Goal – Joey O’Connor.
Bective Rangers 1st XV: 15 Tim Carroll, 14 Chris Rolland, 13 Ben Garret, 12 Bobby Holland, 11 Dave McPolin, 10 Matthew Gilsenan (capt), 9 Connor Halpenny; 1 Oscar Egan, 2 Chris Hennessy, 3 Conor Kelly, 4 Gavin Kelly, 5 Donagh Lawlor, 6 Mark Dennis, 7 Chris Poole, 8 Tiarnan McCloskey.
Replacements: 16 Luke Mion, 17 Mark O’Brien, 18 Oisin McCloskey, 19 Tom McCarthy, 20 Conor Murphy.
Referee: Brían Bennett, MAR IRFU.
