Boyne snatch draw at the death to earn play-off spot

goal, instead putting relentless pressure on the home side.

With McNally now back in the fray, he made some great breaks up the middle and Duffy and McCleery made excellent sorties.

Boyne’s persistence came good with the last play of the game when McCleery touched down for the all-important try and Kerbey held his nerve to convert and earn the vital draw to bring Boyne into the play-off.

This was a tremendous effort by the entire Boyne squad and when leadership was required the likes of Duffy, Howell, Kinsella, Carolan, Shuttleworth and McCleery were outstanding. Captain, George Cooney led by example and the determination shown by the team during the last five games of the league has pulled them back from the abyss.

Coaches and mentors Graeme Eastwood, Niall Kerbey, Gary Downey and Director of Rugby Alan O’Reilly are also relieved that their faith in the players has been rewarded.

BOYNE: Eoghan Duffy; Adam Brodigan, Brian Howell, Joe Sweeney, Kevin McCleery; Nick Smith, Niall Kerbey; John Kinsella, George Cooney (Capt), Hugh Carolan; Richard Shuttleworth, Cathal McNally; Ben Dunphy, Declan Moore, Rory Hennessy. Replacements: Patrick Shuttleworth, Jerry Onianwa, Jack Woods, Sean Woods, Shane Campbell. Navan RFC Sligo Rainey Tullamore Bruff Seapoint Midleton Bangor Boyne Kanturk PW 18 15 18 13 18 12 18 10 18 8 18 9 18 5 18 6 18 4 18 5 D 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 2 1 L PD Bo 3 278 12 5 182 13 6 153 13 8 78 9 9 9 11 9 -109 8 12 -84 10 11 -189 6 12 -135 7 12 -183 5 Pts 72 65 61 49 45 44 32 32 27 27