Bective Rangers Fall Just Short in Thrilling Division 2C Final Battle
25 April 2026, Ard Gaoithe, Clonmel, AIL D2C – League Final. A view from the sideline By OMAHD 🐕
A fiercely contested final, full of momentum swings and standout individual performances, fittingly crowned Clonmel RFC as Division 2C champions after one of Bective Rangers most competitive seasons in recent memory.
CLONMEL FC 28 – 24 BECTIVE RANGERS FC
Bective Rangers returned to Ard Gaoithe for the second time this season to face Clonmel RFC in the Division 2C league final. The sides had already met twice during the regular campaign, producing a remarkable combined tally of 18 tries and 111 points, with Clonmel edging the overall points difference by just three. A decider always promised drama—and it delivered.
Bective were greeted by a vibrant and festive atmosphere. Under bright spring sunshine, the venue was decked out in Clonmel colours, with bunting, balloons, and a lively pre-match buzz. The Clonmel Male Voice Choir set the tone with a powerful rendition of Stand Up and Fight, creating a fitting backdrop for a final between the league’s top two sides. A light breeze towards the clubhouse end added another subtle element to the contest.
From the kickoff, Clonmel established early dominance. Holding possession through multiple phases, they pinned Bective back for long stretches. Their pressure finally told after 18 minutes when winger Freddie Davies finished a well-worked overlap, converted by Joey O’Connor. Clonmel struck again on 29 minutes through Luke Hogan, with O’Connor again adding the extras to make it 14–0.
Bective struggled to build momentum in the opening half, with frequent stoppages disrupting their rhythm. However, they found a breakthrough just before the interval. On 38 minutes,off a lineout and maul on the Bective 22, Conor Halpenny found space on the blindside on a run into the Clonmel half to release Chris Rolland to sprint clear and burst the cover for the touchdown. The conversion was missed, leaving the halftime score at 14–5 in Clonmel’s favour.
(Half-time: Clonmel 14 – 5 Bective Rangers)
Bective came out strongly after the break. Sustained pressure led to a try from Chris Hennessy on 44 minutes, converted by Matthew Gilsenan, narrowing the gap to just two points (14–12).
Clonmel responded through their standout performer Freddie Davies, who claimed his second try on 58 minutes. O’Connor’s conversion extended the lead to 21–12.
Bective refused to fade. Following an injury to Donagh Lawler, substitute Oisin McCloskey made an immediate impact, scoring on 71 minutes. Gilsenan converted to bring it back to 21–19, setting up a tense finale.
Clonmel struck decisively again on 77 minutes, with Davies completing his hat-trick. O’Connor maintained his perfect kicking record to stretch the lead to 28–19.
Still, Bective pushed to the end. In the 84th minute, Chris Poole crossed for a crucial try, though the missed conversion left them trailing by four. A late restart offered one final chance, but play broke down inside the Clonmel 22, sealing victory for the home side.
Speaking after the match, Bective head coach Ben Manion praised his side’s effort while acknowledging the frustration of coming away empty-handed:
“We’re hugely proud of the effort the lads put in—coming right to the wire in a final like that shows the character in this group. It’s a tough one to take, it’s obviously disappointing to come out on the wrong side of it, but I couldn’t fault the commitment. We showed real resilience to keep fighting back. This group has taken a big step forward this season, and a performance like that in a final will stand to them. The aim now is to build on it—keep that core together, add a bit more depth, and come back stronger next year. If we maintain this level and keep improving, there’s no reason we can’t be right back competing for silverware again next season.”
Scorers:
Bective Rangers:Tries:Chris Rolland, Chris Hennessy, Oisin McCloskey, Chris Poole; Cons: Matthew Gilsenan 2
Clonmel: Tries: Freddie Davies 3, Luke Hogan; Cons: Joey O’Connor 4
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 Donagh Lawler, 5 Gavin Kelly, 6 Tiarnan McCloskey, 7 Chris Poole, 8 James Gallagher.
Replacements: 16 Scott Barron, 17 Oscar Egan, 18 Scott O’Keeffe, 19 Mark O’Brien, 20 Oisin McCloskey, 21 Charlie O’Reilly, 22 Ben Garrett, 23 Craig Cantwell.
Referee: Stuart Gaffikin, Ballynahinch RFC, UARIRFU.
