Men's 1sts v Nenagh Promotion Playoff SF Match Report

Blackrock College’s Jack Ringrose prepares to feed the ball into a scrum during their semi-final against Nenagh Ormond ©Ger Ryan

The Rock faithful descended upon Nenagh for the second time in a month. Rock looking to atone for the back to back defeats in the league whilst the hosts were still looking to right the wrongs of their own playoff heartbreak in Stradbrook two years previous. Easter Saturday, gloomy weather and a bank holiday weekend didn't deter the crowd from attending and the Brass Band ensured the players warmed up to a Gallic like atmosphere.

The game started at a frantic pace, the referee awarding Blackrock a penalty from the very first kick-off due to a high tackle. The pace never relented, both teams not giving the other an inch. Nenagh struck first, opting for the posts from an easy penalty. Then Rock hit back, a scrum 15m out from the Nenagh line, Rock came blind, O'Shaugnessy spotted a gap and found his centre Dave McCarthy who couldn't be stopped. 7-3 to the visitors.

The middle of the park battle continued for the next 15 minutes until Nenagh made inroads into the defence. Their pressure told and after a lovely cross kick, their winger dotted down. The conversion hit the upright and Nenagh led 8 -7. 

Rock then took a hold of the game, firstly young out-half O'Shaugnessy showed maturity beyond his years to kick a penalty into the wind from the centre circle spot to level the game. Then two minutes before half-time Rock struck what seemed to be a killer blow. The same two from the first try linked up again before McCarthy found his centre partner Dwan to go through virtually untouched. Rock lead by 9. Unfortunately, there was just enough time for the restart and despite a great exit and contestable kick, Nenagh managed to eek out a penalty. Back to the corner and the Nenagh maul got rumbling. When their prop touched down Rock had the most slender of leads to take into the half-time oranges. 15-17.

Rock flew out of the blocks in the second half. Full-back Colclough gathering the restart and his chip and chase prompted a footrace, however, the ball beat everyone to the dead ball line. The most pivotal blow in the second half came on 50th minute mark, like Rock in the first half Nenagh came blind from a scrum and like Rock their centres combined to give them a 5-point lead. Rock huffed and puffed, great breaks by Ringrose, Moloney and Mangan all went unrewarded due to great scramble defence and when the referee awarded a penalty to the hosts with 6 minutes to go it felt like the inevitable was close. Like in Stradbrook and New Ormond Park three weeks ago, it was the left boot of Nenagh's winger which ultimately put an end to an enthralling contest. Bodies on the floor from both sides in jubilation and heartbreak highlighted the ups and downs of modern Sport. The reward for Nenagh a home final versus Munster rivals UCC, we wish both sides the best of luck next Saturday and know that whoever loses will give us another two stern tests next year.  

For Rock, a Summer off to prepare for another crack at 1B.

41 players donned the Blue and White jersey in the AIL this year, 23 different try scorers, 10 players under the age of 20 and remarkably 7 straight from school. As skipper Whelan said post match, "This is not the end of the journey for this group, only the beginning".

To the fans and supporters, thank you very much. Your support is always greatly appreciated. Saturday was not to be, but we will go again.

Over and Out, See you August for Leinster League Division 1.

 FT: Nenagh Ormond 25 - 17 Blackrock College RFC