Fine win for ’Drum
Naas sent packing from the Ivy Leaf
HAVING not played in two weeks, Rathdrum secured a much needed win at the Ivy Leaf grounds in their penultimate game of 2019.
With just one game to play before Christmas, this win leaves Rathdrum within touching distance of the leading teams in Division 4 leading in to 2020.
Played in dry but cold conditions, Rathdrum enjoyed a bright start to the game as they tried make use of the dry ball and put some width on their play.
Some lovely passing from backs and forwards led to some opportunities with Denis Heffernan, Ian Snell and Sean Kinsella making inroads in to Nass territory. It was from one of these breaks where Rathdrum were awarded a penalty and Conor Parsons put the home side in front 3-0.
Naas got back on level terms five minutes later from a well struck penalty from their out-half and at this point in the game it was a very tight contest with plenty of big hits on show from both sides.
Rathdrum had a lineout at halfway and from this Parsons put up an up and under which was spilled by the Naas fullback after great pressure from left wing Snell.
Noel Cross covered a lot of ground to pick up the loose ball and dive over for his third try of the season. The conversion was missed but the home side were in a lead they would not lose for the remainder of the game. The score remained 8-3 to Rathdrum at half-time.
The second half started like the first with Rathdrum playing towards the river end and determined to take the game to their visitors.
With Robbie Bradshaw, Liam De Hora and Ciaran Phelan running hard in attack, it was the man of the match Shane Burch’s big showing in defence that gave momentum to the home side. With Naas in possession but on the back foot, their out half attempted a wide pass that was read by Parsons who intercepted the pass and went under the posts for his side’s second try.
Again, pressure from Rathdrum’s pack were keeping Naas pinned in to their own half. Big efforts from Stephen Fennell, Calvin Swords and Kevin Sheehan with captain Matt Binnions leading by example with a huge work rate.
Midway through the second half a well worked lineout move saw veteran Danny Dowling run in unopposed from 15 yards out to extend Rathdrum’s lead. Parsons was successful with the conversion and now there was some daylight between the sides.
Stephen Dowling kept Rathdrum in attacking positions with constant breaks from around the ruck areas with Naas now tiring coming in to the closing stages.
Rathdrum had several opportunities to secure the bonus point and will be disappointed not to have gotten over the line a fourth time.
The last 15 minutes was played out with both sides enjoying a share of the possession but the result was never in doubt and
Rathdrum now move on to their last league game of 2019 with confidence of upsetting league leaders UCD at home at the Ivy Leaf this Sunday at 2pm. All support is welcomed.
Congratulations to both squad members Shane Byrne and Shane Burch and their families on the birth of their sons over the past couple of weeks.