Clonmel lost in Derry, but had enough done to secure their AIL status for another season.

The game started out at a frantic pace. Both sides going hammer and tongs. Most of the play in and around the middle of the field.

On the 10 minute mark Derry gained a foothold in the Clonmel 22. A penalty nudged into the corner gave Derry a big platform. A rolling maul looked certain to go over. But the ball popped out and the young Clonmel winger Henry Buttimer made a high try saving tackle. It stayed 0-0.

25 minutes in Derry again in the Clonmel 22 with a scrum. After a number of infringements from Clonmel the referee awarded Derry a penalty try. 7-0 and game on.

Just before half time, Clonmels Eddie Phelan was shown red after a brutal collision. Down to 14 with a full half to go. It would be a tough ask to keep Derry at bay. The resulting penalty would be knocked over to give Derry a healthy 10-0 advantage going into the second half.

The second half started as the first had but Clonmel were starting to settle into the game. Three minutes after half time, Clonmel’s outside center Luke Hogan blocked down Derry’s Ross McLaughlins kick, and subsequently gathered the ball and crossed the whitewash for a badly needed score for the Tipperary side.

The conversion was missed and the score stood at 10-5 in Derry’s favour.

15 minutes into the second half Derry we’re penalised for a hands in the ruck offense. Clonmel’s Dylan Cadogan converted the resulting penalty to make it 10-8 going into the last quarter.

Derry kept the pressure on for the next 20 minutes with Clonmel’s defence holding firm, until on the stroke of full time they crossed the line and converted. 17-8 and unfortunately for Derry it was too little too late as the referee reached for his whistle and to the Clonmel team and supporters relief blew the full time whistle.

Clonmel survive in the AIL for another year.