Thrilling Finale: Naas Edges UCC 34-30 in All-Ireland League Clash
In an electrifying encounter on Saturday afternoon, Naas RFC triumphed over UCC with a nail-biting score of 34-30 in the Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B. The match, held at Forenaughts, captivated a large crowd, showcasing high-caliber play and intense competition from both teams.
Fast-Paced Start
UCC entered this clash in impressive form, having won their previous three games by significant margins. They demonstrated their intent from the very beginning, scoring just sixty seconds into the match. A mishap by Naas during the kick-off allowed UCC to launch an immediate offensive. Despite a determined home defense, UCC’s Sam Sullivan managed to crash through for the initial try, successfully converted by Daniel Squires to give the visitors an early 7-0 lead.
Naas quickly responded, leveling the match within five minutes. Their forwards drove deep into UCC territory, allowing Darragh Murphy to score from a pick-and-go play. Peter Osborne’s conversion brought the score to 7-7.
A Game of Momentum Shifts
The action continued at a blistering pace, with UCC nearly adding a second try shortly after, only to be thwarted by a resolute Naas defense. A well-timed drop-goal by Darragh French gave UCC a 10-7 advantage. However, Naas claimed the lead again at 14-10, as Paddy Taylor and Charlie Sheridan engineered a slick backline move leading to another try under the posts.
UCC reasserted themselves with Jack Casey scoring a well-deserved try following a powerful driving maul, regaining the lead at 15-14. The seesaw nature of the match saw Darragh French slot his second drop-goal, pushing UCC ahead 18-14.
Nevertheless, Naas was not to be outdone. A determined line-out play led to a powerful try from James O’Loughlin, restoring their lead to 21-18 by half-time.
Turning Point in the Second Half
The second half began unfavorably for Naas as they lost Will O’Brien to a yellow card early on. Things went from bad to worse when they were reduced to 13 men after Conor Doyle was penalized. UCC capitalized on Naas’s momentary disarray, with Adam Wrona scoring a try, extending the visitors’ lead to 25-21.
UCC continued to push their advantage, with Andrew O’Mahony finishing a flowing move down the wing, bringing the score to 30-21. Despite being down by nine points, Naas demonstrated unwavering resilience.
Fighting Back to Victory
The turning point unfolded in the final quarter of the match. Naas responded with fervor when Eoin Walsh burst through UCC’s gap, reducing the deficit. Peter Osborne’s subsequent penalty shot tied the game before adding another penalty, sealing their comeback victory.
Naas’s hard-fought win elevates them to fourth place in the league, keeping them in the race for the title as the season progresses. Their next challenge will be against Dublin University on Saturday, November 9th, where they hope to continue their momentum.
What Lies Ahead?
Both teams should be proud of the exhibition of skill and determination they showcased in this match. Naas and UCC have proven themselves contenders in the competitive landscape of the 2024/2025 Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B, a league known for its intensity and unpredictability. With Naas’s next match looming, fans eagerly anticipate how they will build on this hard-earned victory.
Feel free to share your thoughts on the match below or discuss what you believe will be the determining factors for Naas as they continue their campaign in Division 1B!
