Naas up to seventh after big win in Cork
Naas scrum half Tafhg Brophy scored his side's opening try. Photo: Martin Rowe
After their tremendous victory over Queens University in the previous round of the Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B, the challenge for Naas on Saturday was to back up that performance when travelling to face Highfield. It was certainly not going to be easy – their Cork rivals lay fourth in the table and the game was being played at a venue where Naas had never won. Not only did Naas match their Queens performance, they surpassed it; with a display of sheer grit and heart that saw them head home with a priceless victory.
The foundations were laid by a quick start that saw Highfield playing catch-up throughout. Naas were in front after just three minutes when Charlie Sheridan reacted quickest and collected a loose ball before quickly passing to Tadgh Brophy who sprinted away to score under the posts. Paddy Taylor tapped over the conversion.
Then, after 11, minutes following sustained Naas pressure, the visitors attacked to the left and a lovely offload by Adam Deay put Dylan O’Keeffe through to score. Taylor added the extras.
Highfield responded within four minutes when they were awarded a penalty deep in the Naas 22. Chris Bannon went quick and was met by a fierce tackle by Stephen Lackey, but the referee Rob McGreer deemed that the Naas player was not back 10 yards and brandished a yellow card. This subsequent penalty was tapped, with James Cronin on hand to pick up the recycled ball and dot down for the try. Shane Buckley added the conversion.
The home side enjoyed a long period of possession and territory, but were unable to break down a stubborn Naas defence, and they were made to pay for this as they fell further behind after 37 minutes. Naas moved the ball into midfield off a lineout where Charlie Sheridan was tackled high. The referee awarded a penalty to Naas which was successfully kicked by Taylor. This made it 17-7 to Naas, but Highfield went over for a try in stoppage time, with Buckley's conversion making it 17-14 at the interval.
The story of the second half is easily told. Highfield again enjoyed the bulk of the possession but struggled against a resolute Naas defence, who defended as if their lives depended on it.
The home side will rue a missed opportunity to level the scores after 53 minutes. The referee penalised the Naas scrum, but Shane Buckley from in front of the posts pulled his penalty attempt to the right. Within four minutes the visitors went further in front.
Following some powerful carries by their pack, Naas enjoyed a rare visit into the Highfield 22. They then moved the ball along their back line, a great line taken by O’Keeffe split apart the home defence, and the Naas player then powered through the tackle of Jamie Shanahan to score beside the posts. Taylor again landed the conversion.
After this score the game went back into its familiar phase with attack after attack by Highfield being knocked back by a no nonsense Naas defence. However, the home side did reduce the margin after 69 minutes. Again they were a series of big carries by their forwards and this eventually led to Cronin powering over from close range. Buckley added the conversion to make it 24-21 for Naas.
It was all to play for with ten minutes left, which must have felt like an eternity for all involved with Naas. The home side tried everything they knew to get the match winning score, but Naas would not yield and after a few heart stopping moments they hung on for a famous victory. At the end Naas were battered and bruised but contented that they had given their all, and it was sufficient to claim a marvellous victory.
After such an effort they deserve a little break and they get this as they now have a fortnight off before they host Dublin University on Saturday, March 21st.
Jamie Shanahan, Eoin Dorgan, Dave McCarthy, Mark Dorgan, Noah Patterson, Shane Buckley, Chris Banon, James Cronin, Travis Coomey, Daragh Fitzgerald, Eoin Keating, Conor Kennelly, Dave O’Connell, Conor Galvin, Ryan Gordon.
Rob Murphy, Corey Hanlon, Mark Fitzgerald, Con Butler, James Brugger, Liam McCarthy.
Jack Sheridan, Donal Conroy, Charlie Sheridan, Dylan O’Keeffe, David O’Sullivan, Paddy Taylor, Tadhg Brophy, Stephen Lackey, Graham Reynolds, Adam Deay, James O’Loughlin, Oisin Halpin, Darragh Murphy, Will O’Brien, Paulie Tolofua.
Tadgh Dooley, Callum Coyne, Eoin Walsh, Muiris Cleary, Cormac King, Tom Bohan.
Rob McGreer.
