5th Oct 2024 – All Ireland League – Old Wesley 22, Nenagh Ormond 22
The newly promoted visitors started the faster of the 2 teams and within 10 minutes of kick-off had scored their first try through Conor O’Shaughnessy in the corner. It wasn’t long before the visitors had their second of the game when centre Angus Blackmore split the defence and dotted down under the posts, Welsey 0-12 behind with 25 gone. Ian Cassidy then saw yellow for a slap down and it began to look like it would be a long day for the home side.
A penalty won for a high tackle just inside the Nenagh half was slotted through the posts by Tom Larke, who took charge of the kicking duties in Cassidy’s absence. 3-12. A slick lineout move minutes later eventually led to Tom Larke meandering around the Nenagh defence and scoring under the post. Cassidy had returned to the field to add the extras, 10-12 at half time.
Nenagh’s size and pace caused Wesley problems all day, and after halftime, Nenagh found themselves again scoring through Angus Blackmore. 10-17. Welsey responded instantly from the kick-off and began to get some parity at the scrum, eventually leading to Will Fay dotting down from close range to tie the match at 17-17. Wesley looked to be in the ascendancy with the scrum going forward, giving the backline a great platform, youngster Paidi Farrell got the ball off Alex Molloy from 40 metres out and sped his way through the Nenagh defence to put Wesley ahead. 22-17. However, a lapse of concentration in the centre meant Nenagh had one last opportunity to score and Patrick Scully received a ball out wide to walk in a try to once again tie the game, with seconds to spare. Wesley had time to restart but couldn’t work a penalty or move to put themselves ahead.
Full time score 22-22. Wesley visit Naas in two weeks time in what is set to be another classic clash.
Scorers: Tries: Tom Larke, Will Fay, Paidi Farrell; Cons: Ian Cassidy 2; Pen: Tom Larke
HT: Old Wesley 10 Nenagh Ormond 12
Team: Tom Larke; Eoin Murphy, Alex Molloy, Eoin Deegan, Nathan Randles; Ian Cassidy, Willem Johnstone; Harry Noonan, Kieran O’Shea, Cronan Gleeson, Shane Cawley, Mahon Ronan, Reuben Pim (capt), Charlie Meagher, Will Fay. Replacements: Rian Handley, Sam Kenny, Charlie Meagher, Fergus Jemphrey, Andrew Doyle, Paidi Farrell.
