Nenagh Ormond 31
Skerries 5
UBL Div 2A
Saturday 7th March 2015
It had been almost four months since Skerries lost a match in any competition, but that run finally came to an end at Nenagh Ormond on Saturday.
They had gone into the match in third, a point off the automatic promotion place but with little room for error. However, with promotion rivals Blackrock grabbing a narrow win at Queens, it means that if they are to go up the divisions for the third time in four years Skerries must win their final two games and still hope a lot of luck goes their way.
The trip to the midlands gave Skerries a glimpse at how their season might have panned out. A very strong team, Nenagh were nevertheless fighting for one of the coveted top 10 places that will secure rugby in the third tier when the divisions are split and six drop down. This bonus point win left the hosts in that tenth spot.
Skerries had gone into this season with most supporters hoping simply for a top 10 finish. After two losses at the start of the season, even that looked like a tough ask. That they would get to the final three games with a very strong chance of promotion has made this season a decent one by any standards.
Still, that did not ease the disappointment from being so heavily beaten by Nenagh. The omens were not good when centre Kevin McGrath – such an important player for several seasons now – pulled up injured in the warm-up. Paul Devitt came in to replace him and Milo McCarthy was drafted on to the bench.
Skerries did get the first try of the day, though, when prop Wayne Aquila crashed over. But that would be as good as it got for the visitors and their loyal travelling support. While they had chances to break after that, it was Nenagh Ormond who took control of the scoreboard when scoring two tries in the first half.
They continued to dominate at the breakdown in the second half, with Skerries restricted to the occasional breakaway. Just as damaging was the fact that, due to yellow cards, Skerries played much of the half with 14 men – and for one spell with just 13.
Nenagh took full advantage, grabbing another couple of tries to grab a bonus point and run out deserved 31-5 winners.
While Skerries still have two league matches left – against Queens at home and Cashel away – they also have a Div 2A/2B cup final against Tullamore on an undecided date. It means that both the season and the chance of silverware remain very much alive.
1. David Reilly
2. Chris Tonge
3. Wayne Aquila
4. AJ Sherlock
5. Joe Glennon
6. Eoin Matthews
7. Tomas O’Hare
8. Ross McAuley
9. Eoghan Carron
10. Conal Keane
11. Derek Keane
12. Marc Hewitt
13. Paul Devitt
14. Eddie O’Mahony
15. David Quirke
