Bective Rangers impress on AIL return with home win over Midleton
Bective Rangers 22 – Midleton 7
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Energia All-Ireland League, Division 2C, Energia Park, Saturday 4th October 2025
Bective Rangers began their All-Ireland League Division 2C, Round 2, home campaign with a convincing four-try victory over Midleton at Energia Park, a result that underlined the potential of the newly promoted side and gave their home support plenty to cheer.
Bective struck first when flanker Chris Poole capitalised on early pressure to drive over in the corner. It was a lively opening to the contest, with Midleton responding in kind. Hooker JB Du Toit forced his way across the line following a well-constructed maul, and with Seamus Lyne adding the extras, the visitors briefly held a 7-5 advantage.
The first half was tightly contested, with both sides looking to impose themselves physically. Bective, however, edged ahead once more before the interval, skipper Matthew Gilsenan finishing a sustained attacking move to make it 10-7 at the break.
If the opening period had been even, the second half tilted decisively in the home side’s favour. No 8, James Gallagher led from the front, powering over from close range to extend the lead. The pattern of the game shifted, with Bective dictating territory and tempo while Midleton struggled to relieve pressure.
The decisive moment came when winger Craig Cantwell crossed for Bective’s fourth try, ensuring the bonus point and effectively ending the contest. Scrum-half Conor Halpenny added a conversion to leave the final score at 22-7.
Midleton’s resistance faded as the match wore on. After their well-taken opening try, they found few attacking opportunities against a Bective defence that grew in confidence as the minutes ticked by. For the Cork club, it was a frustrating afternoon that highlighted the need for greater accuracy and discipline in possession.
Bective, by contrast, will take considerable encouragement from the result. Their set-piece was steady, their back row effective at the breakdown, and their ability to convert pressure into points proved decisive. While stiffer tests await, this was a promising home opening statement in front of a supportive Energia Park crowd.
Bective 1st XV:15 Tim Carroll; 14 Chris Rolland; 13 Bobby Holland; 12 Matthew Gilsenan; 11 Craig Cantwell; 10 Oliver Foote; 9 Connor Halpenny; 1 Luke Mion; 2 Christopher Hennessy; 3 Conor Kelly; 4 Donagh Lawler; 5 Mark O’Brien; 6 Tiarnan McCloskey; 7 Chris Poole; 8 James Gallagher
Bench: 16 Scott Barron, 17 Ronan Cregan, 18 Oisin McCloskey, 19 Eoin Joy, 20 David Moran
Referee: Chris Ellott Grosvenor RFC, USFRF IRFU
