Nenagh Ormond, Greystones and Navan remain the early frontrunners in 2A following a second weekend of dramatic action.
UL Bohemian (4T) 27-10 Banbridge (2T), Annacotty
UL Bohemian produced a strong performance to take their first win of the season with maximum haul over Banbridge.
Ihechi Oji struck first blood for the hosts after six minutes but by the 15th minute the sides were level, Adam Doherty with a chip in behind the Bohs defence and Robin SInton raced in to cross in the corner. Five minutes from the break Darragh O’Gorman crossed the whitewash and Harry Byrne’s conversion left the score 12-5 at the break.
The Limerick side stayed pressing after the restart, Byrne dispatched a penalty before O’Gorman crossed for the third try, his second of the afternoon. The lead was 20-5 but after the hour mark Jake O’Riordan crossed to grab the bonus point try and push the hosts into a 22 point lead. Jack Hart scored a consolation try for Banbridge late on with a beautiful chip through to race in unopposed.
Cashel (6T) 40-5 Malone (1T), Spafield
Cashel produced an emphatic performance to claim their opening win of the season after a tough opening weekend performance.
Jack Evenden gave the hosts the optimum start with an unconverted try early on in the contest. Ben Twomey followed suit with the second try, the conversion put over this time by Twomey. Brendan Crosse powered his way over from close range after a number of phases near the Malone line to make it 19-0 at the break.
Into the second half and right after the restart the bonus point try followed, Kevin O’Connor putting himself over the line before Brendan Ryan followed suit to extend the lead to 33-0. Malone grabbed a try of their own which went unconverted, Josh Pickering made it a six try haul with the last score of the contest.
Greystones 22-19 Ballymena, Dr Hickey Park
A superb comeback performance from Greystones saw last season’s 2B champions remain unbeaten in this year’s campaign in 2A.
Greystones did open the account of the contest with an early penalty, Ballymena captain Adam Lamont responded quickly to grab the games opening try. Pierce Crowe converted as in a cagey opening 40 minutes the score line at the break remained 7-3.
The narrative was still the way of the visitors early in the second half as they extended their advantage James Hower broke from a maul to dot down and white Crowe missed the conversion he would grab and convert the third try soon after, the lead 19-3.
Ferdia Kenny reduced the deficit to 19-10 with Greystones opening try, with Ballymena soon down to 14 by way of a yellow card to Adam Mitchell, Simone Ragusi crossed to leave it a two point game following the conversion.
Momentum was swinging the way of the hosts and as the home crowd started to get more vocal it was pivotal as Kelly grabbed his second try crossing in the corner for the lead. 19-3 down to lead 22-19 as the conversion was wide. With time still to be played they had to remain diligent in order to take the win.
MU Barnhall (1T) 16-17 Nenagh Ormond (3T), Parsonstown
Conor McMahon’s late try saw Nenagh snatch victory from the claws of defeat to remain top of the standings at the end of week 2 of the 23-24 season.
The Blue Bulls struck first on home soil for a full seven points before John Healy crossed to give Nenagh their first points of the contest. Barnhall were awarded a penalty shy of the break and made no error putting them in front 10-5 at the interval.
Nicky Irwin started the second half well for Ormond with their second try, the conversion missed as the tie remained level as a result. Two penalties in succession saw Barnhall lead 16-0 before McMahon crossed the whitewash and his conversion proved the difference in a dramatic contest in Parsonstown
Navan (2T) 26-19 Old Crescent (3T), Balreask Old
Navan continue their unblemished start to the season with a second strong performance to defeat Old Crescent.
The boot of Rory Gordon was busy in the opening half for the hosts, three penalties put the hosts ahead 9-0 by the 17th minute. A knock on saw Navan miss out on their opening try but with Crescent down to 14 just after Jamie Kavanagh crossed in the 25th minute, Gordon dispatching the extras for a 16-0 lead. Crescent would soon grab their first points as the highly talked about youngster Jed O’Dwyer crossed in his second AIL appearance, 16-5 at the break.
Six minutes after the restart Gordon landed his fifth successful kick of the afternoon to put 14 between the sides. Gordon had been busy with the boot but on the 64th minute mark a tap penalty saw the full-back go over for a try, with no questions as to who the conversion fell to. Navan were in control 26-5 Crescent would snatch a losing bonus point in injury time, O’Dwyer grabbed a second in injury time before Posi Obasa crossed for the third.
More info on Division 2A here.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.