Five-Try Bective Outclass Malahide at Energia Park
29 November 2025, Energia Park, Donnybrook -Round 7, AIL D2C. A view from the sideline By OMAHD 🐕
BECTIVE RANGERS FC 33 – 07 Malahide RFC
Bective Rangers maintained their push at the top end of Division 2C with a convincing 33–7 victory over Malahide on Saturday afternoon, though the final scoreline does not entirely reflect the competitive edge shown by the visitors — particularly during a spirited first-half spell in which they notched their only try of the contest.
Bective wasted no time asserting themselves. With crisp handling and a dominant carry game, Bective struck through Oisín McCloskey after just seven minutes, the centre slicing through off a flat pass to open the scoring. Further tries from James Gallagher and Oscar Egan stretched the margin, each the product of sustained phase-play inside the Malahide 22.
Despite the early setbacks, Malahide rallied impressively. Their forwards tightened the contest, slowing Bective’s ruck ball and earning territory through clever kicking. Their reward came on 32 minutes when Oisín Power burrowed over following a well-managed series of close-range carries, with David O’Halloran converting to bring the score back to 21–7.
Bective responded swiftly, however. Just before the interval, Conor Kelly finished in the corner after a neat blind-side switch, handing the home side a 28–7 lead at the break and restoring momentum.
(Half-time: Bective 28 – 07 Malahide)
The second period was more attritional, with chances at a premium. Bective’s defensive structure absorbed prolonged Malahide pressure, while the visitors struggled to break the gainline.
But it was Bective who had the gainline breaks – not once, not twice, but on a impressive sixth occasion, saw the ‘unflappable, exceptional, Mr Consistent’, Bobby Holland intercept on the halfway line. This resulted in the only score of the half, and it came on 58 minutes when Ross MacGoey crossed after a sweeping movement that showcased Bective’s attacking sharpness.
From there, Bective closed out the match with maturity, controlling possession and denying Malahide any foothold for a late surge.
“We’re pleased with the performance, especially the defensive sets in the second half,” said Bective captain Matthew Gilsenan. “We left a couple of scores behind but overall, it was a strong day’s work.”
This win consolidates Bective Rangers’ status as title contenders. The bonus point — courtesy of five tries — could prove crucial come season’s end.
Coach Ben Manion was full of praise for the squad after the match:
“We’re building nicely. What impressed me most today was our composure in the second half. We defended intelligently and controlled the pace of the game. There’s still work to do, but this group is hungry.”
Next up, Bective are ‘on the road’ to Belfast Harlequins, in what promises to be another important fixture on Saturday 6th December @ 2.30pm, Deramore Park, Belfast.
Scorers:
Bective Rangers: Tries — Oisin McCloskey, James Gallagher, Oscar Egan, Conor Kelly, Ross MacGoey. Conversions — M. Gilsenan (4)
Malahide: Try — Oisin Power. Conversions — David O’Halloran.
Bective Rangers 1st XV: 15 Chris Rolland, 14 Tom McCarthy, 13 Bobby Holland, 12 Matthew Gilsenan (capt), 11 Craig Cantwell, 10 Oliver Foote, 9 Connor Halpenny; 1 Oscar Egan, 2 Chris Hennessy, 3 Conor Kelly, 4 Gavin Kelly, 5 Donagh Lawlor, 6 Oisin McCloskey, 7 Chris Poole, 8 James Gallagher.
Replacements: 16 Rory Mulvihill, 17 Luke Mion, 18 Niall Bowkett, 19 Ross MacGoey, 20 Dave Moran.
Referee: Andrew Munce Ballymena RFC, USR IRFU.
