Clinical Bective Performance Undone by Late Drama
28 March 2026, Towns Park, Midleton -Round 17, AIL D2C. A view from the sideline By OMAHD 🐕
MIDLETON RFC 34 – 33 BECTIVE RANGERS FC
Bective Rangers will feel a deep sense of frustration after letting a commanding position slip in the dying moments against Midleton RFC in Towns Park, as the hosts snatched a dramatic one-point victory with the final play of the game.
Returning to Midleton for the first time since 2018, Bective produced long spells of high-quality rugby and looked in control for much of the contest, only to be undone by late indiscipline in a game that could prove pivotal in the AIL D2C title race.
Played in bright spring sunshine with a slight breeze towards the clubhouse end, the game opened at a lively tempo. Midleton struck first on 8 minutes through Seamus Lyne, who converted his own try to give the home side an early 7–0 lead.
Bective responded immediately and impressively. Forward pressure and quick recycling created the platform for Tiarnan McCloskey to crash over just two minutes later, with Matthew Gilsenan adding the extras to level the game.
Midleton regained the lead on 19 minutes through Kyle Read, again converted by Lyne, but Bective’s attacking shape and composure began to tell as the half wore on.
Bective struck twice in quick succession. First, centre Ben Garrett finished off a well-worked move on 26 minutes, showing pace and strength to get over the line. Then, on 30 minutes, full-back Tim Carroll added Bective’s third try after sharp handling exposed space out wide. Gilsenan’s reliable boot added a crucial conversion.
Bective’s ability to turn pressure into points proved decisive in the half, and they went into the break deservedly ahead.
(Half-time: Midleton 14 – Bective Rangers 19)
Midleton came out strongly after the restart and drew level on 44 minutes through Ted Coleman, but Bective responded in exactly the manner expected of league champion contenders.
Their pack reasserted dominance, and territory began to swing in their favour. On 54 minutes, Bobby Holland crossed for Bective’s fourth try following sustained pressure, with Gilsenan again converting to restore the lead.
As the game entered the final quarter, Bective looked to have done enough. A fifth try on 70 minutes from winger Tom McCarthy, again converted by Gilsenan, pushed the score out to 33–19. At that stage, Bective appeared in full control, combining physicality up front with clinical finishing out wide.
However, the closing stages turned into some late drama for Bective.
Midleton refused to fold and capitalised on a drop in Bective’s discipline and game management. A try from Cillian Lynch on 78 minutes gave the home side renewed belief, and a subsequent penalty reduced the gap to six points entering stoppage time.
Crucially, Bective failed to manage the restart, conceding another penalty that handed momentum firmly to Midleton. Opting for territory, Midleton kicked to the corner and set up one final attacking platform.
From the resulting lineout in the 85th minute, Midleton executed effectively, with Alejandro Martinez Jimenez forcing his way over in the corner. With the pressure at its peak, Seamus Lyne held his composure to convert and snatch victory from Bective’s grasp.
Final Score: Midleton 34 – Bective Rangers 33
Disappointment for Bective and their traveling supporters but scoring five tries away from home and building a 14-point lead with just 10 minutes remaining should have been enough to secure the win.
There were many positives—attacking cohesion, strong individual performances, and a reliable kicking display from Matthew Gilsenan—but ultimately discipline and game management in the final minutes proved costly.
Despite the disappointment, Bective remain firmly in the hunt at the top end of Division 2C. Attention now turns to a decisive final-round clash against Thomond RFC at Donnybrook on Saturday, 4 April (2:30pm).
With Thomond sitting just three points behind and Bective still within touching distance of leaders Clonmel, there is everything to play for. However, if this game is anything to go by, closing out matches will be a key focus in the week ahead.
Scorers:
Bective Rangers:Tries: Tiarnan McCloskey, Ben Garrett, Tim Carroll, Bobby Holland, Tom McCarthy; Cons: Matthew Gilsenan 4
Midleton: Tries: Seamus Lyne, Kyle Read, Ted Coleman, Cillian Lynch, Alejandro Martinez Jimenez; Cons: Seamus Lyne 3; Pen: Seamus Lyne
BECTIVE RANGERS 1st XV: 15 Tim Carroll; 14 Chris Rolland, 13 Ben Garrett, 12 Bobby Holland, 11 Tom McCarthy; 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 Oisin McCloskey, 8 James Gallagher.
Replacements: 16 Scott Barron, 17 Scott O’Keeffe, 18 Chris Poole, 19 Charlie O’Reilly, 20 David Moran.
Referee: Sean Kearns, MRA IRFU.
