Gilsenan Leads the Charge as Bective Overpower Thomond in Wind-Swept Donnybrook
05 April 2026, Energia Park, Donnybrook -Round 18, AIL D2C. A view from the sideline by OMAHD 🐕
BECTIVE RANGERS FC 30 – 12 THOMOND RFC
In a dramatic, wind-lashed finale to the regular season, Bective Rangers FC and Thomond RFC delivered an entertaining, high-scoring encounter at Energia Park.
Battling both each other and the unpredictable conditions brought by Storm Dave, high balls swirled unpredictably, kicks held up in the wind, and yet Bective embraced the chaos, producing a five-try performance full of energy, ambition and control.
Bective ultimately emerged victorious, powered by a commanding performance from captain Matthew Gilsenan, who crossed the line twice and contributed crucial points from the tee.
Playing into a strong gust from the Wesley end, Bective made a blistering start. Chris Hennessy opened the scoring just four minutes in, setting the tone early. The ever-energetic Scott Barron added a second on 18 minutes, before Gilsenan struck twice in quick succession around the half-hour mark.
Despite the difficult kicking conditions, Gilsenan managed to add a conversion, underlining his influence on the game.
Thomond responded just before the break, with Jake Connolly finishing off a well-worked try, converted by Evan Cusack.
(Half-time: Bective Rangers FC 22 – Thomond RFC 7))
With the elements now in their favour, Bective tightened their grip on the contest. Gilsenan extended the lead with a well-struck penalty on 63 minutes before a slick attacking move created space for Oisin McCloskey to finish a fine team try.
Thomond showed resilience, responding almost immediately through Jason Kiely, though Cusack was unable to convert in the swirling wind.
At 30–12, Bective had effectively put the game beyond reach, capping a dominant display that showcased both attacking flair and composure in difficult conditions.
Head Coach Ben Mannon praised his side’s resilience in tough conditions:
“There was a great edge to our play today. The conditions tested everyone, but the lads adapted brilliantly and stayed composed. We played with real intent, took our opportunities, and you could see the belief building right through the squad. It’s exactly the kind of performance we wanted heading into the playoffs.”
Next Up: With the regular season now complete, attention turns to the playoffs. Bective’s second-place finish secures them home advantage in the semi-final, where they will face Thomond once again in a highly anticipated rematch at Donnybrook on Saturday, 18 April (2:30pm) - and with a playoff rematch looming, this rivalry looks far from finished.
Scorers: Bective Rangers: Tries: Chris Hennessy, Matthew Gilsenan 2, Scott Barron, Oisin McCloskey; Con: Matthew Gilsenan; Pen: Matthew Gilsenan
Thomond: Tries: Jake Connolly, Jason Kiely; Con: Evan Cusack
HT: Bective Rangers 22 Thomond 7
BECTIVE RANGERS:15 Tim Carroll; 14 Chris Rolland, 13 Tom McCarthy, 12 Bobby Holland, 11 Charlie O’Reilly; 10 Matthew Gilsenan (capt), 9 Connor Halpenny; 1 Rory Mulvihill, 2 Scott Barron, 3 Chris Hennessy, 4 Mark O’Brien, 5 Gavin Kelly, 6 Tiarnan McCloskey, 7 Chris Poole, 8 James Gallagher.
Replacements: 16 Conor Kelly, 17 Scott O’Keeffe, 18 Oisin McCloskey, 19 David Moran, 20 Conor Murphy.
Referee: John Lillis, MAR IRFU.
