Energia AIL 2A 7th December 2019
Scorers: Magrath(1*Pen)
Match Of The Day in Division 2A was the top of the table clash where clear leaders MU Barnhall met Rainey Old Boys at their Parsonstown complex just outside Cellbridge. Rainey put in a huge shift and were there with a real chance throughout, but the Blue Bulls edged the last quarter to clinch an 8-3 victory. With a nine point lead and results elsewhere going in their favour, Barnhall are now odds-on favourites to go straight up to Division 1B. Having won every single league game they have played since last October, this is a remarkable achievement, which justifies their amalgamation with Maynooth University a few seasons ago.
While there was only one try scored in this low-scoring game, it was an entertaining, ding-dong tussle from start to finish. Barnhall know that they were fortunate to turn round only 3-0 behind at half-time and if Rainey had taken their penalties instead of plumping for other options, the outcome could have been different. The sides were well matched, the encounter played out at pace with great intensity and the tackling of both truly exceptional.
Barnhall kicked well in the opening exchanges, making good use of a crossfield breeze and a firm playing surface to push forward. They threatened when Rainey failed to control lineout possession on their 22', but with full-back O'Neill clearing his lines well, they worked their way upfield. Magrath judged a 35 yard penalty to perfection to open the scoring after 16 minutes and Rainey continued to exert pressure, but just could not find a way through. From a close range penalty, they chose to go to the corner, but again came away with nothing.
Barnhall swooped on a loose ball to hack downfield, but Rainey managed a line break with centres Connolly and McMurray setting up what looked like a certain try. But the home cover somehow got back to save the day. Rainey then lost the resultant lineout on their throw to add insult to injury. Very solid in the scrum, Rainey remained on top, but lost possession after driving for the line several times.
Rainey looked really sharp on the resumption to establish a promising field position, only to be held up after driving over the line. For some reason, Barnhall were awarded the put-in and a penalty to follow to take them well clear of trouble. Hooker Roberts was outstanding in the loose, always making ground to set his colleagues on the front foot, but,with every little mistake being punished, they found themselves under pressure and perhaps wishing they had taken the points on offer during their spell in the ascendancy.
On 57 minutes, a series of controlled drives ended with a Barnhall forward going over close to a ruck to make it 5-3. One kick could still win it, but Rainey could not manage to get to the other end, the Barnhall back three dealing impressively with kicks into their half. A superbly struck 50 yard kick, helped by the crosswind, gave Barnhall a little breathing space as Rainey strove to get a result. The Barnhall defence held firm as time was running out. Rainey were handed a very late chance, but when Magrath tried to find touch right in the corner, his kick was fielded a yard from the corner flag and immediately dispatched out of play, ending a great contest.
TEAM: M.O'Neill, A.Donaghy, M.Connolly, D.McMurray, N.Jeffers, A.Magrath, J.Bloomfield, C.Hume, B.Roberts, J.McCusker, R.McCusker, J.Bresland, A.Bratton, C.Brockschmidt.
REPLACEMENTS: K.Donaghy, L.Quinn, A.McSwiggan, M.McCusker.