Week 4 of the 2024/2025 Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B season saw Naas entertain Old Wesley at Forenaughts last Saturday afternoon. Games between these sides have a habit of being high scoring affairs, and although this was not the case here, an enthralling contest ensued between two fine teams. On a glorious day for rugby, there was an extremely large crowd in attendance, with Naas suffering a blow before kick-off with the news that Jack Sheridan was unable to play due to injury.

After their victory over Shannon in their previous encounter, Naas came into this fixture in confident form, they immediately went on the attack, and almost hit the front after just six minutes. From a line-out in the Wesley 22, Naas set up a powerful driving maul that took play right up to the try line before been stopped. A series of pick and goes followed, with Wesley defending desperately to hold Naas out. However, referee Rob McGreer deemed that a Naas player crawled on the ground when in possession and awarded Wesley a relieving penalty.

The visitors took full advantage of this reprieve by opening the scoring after 11 minutes. A series of powerful carries by their forwards sucked in the Naas defence, before the ball was moved wide right out to Eoin Murphy who scored in the corner. Although Ian Cassidy missed with his conversion attempt Wesley led by five points to nil.

For the next 20 minutes the visitors enjoyed the majority of possession and territory, but credit must go to the Naas defence who limited their opponents to a few half chances and never really looked like being penetrated. Indeed, the next clear cut scoring chance went to Naas after 34 minutes. A lovely, deft chip over the Wesley backs by Paddy Taylor was gathered by Charlie Sheridan, but the latter just lost control of the ball as he tried to offload. But within four minutes Naas did open their scoring account for the afternoon, when Peter Osborne slotted a penalty awarded for a high tackle on Michal Haznar.

But there were more injury woes for Naas when influential prop Adam Deay was forced to retire injured, and then on the stroke of half-time Ian Cassidy was successful with a penalty attempt to leave the half-time score 8-3 in favour of the visitors.

This lead was extended after 47 minutes, and Naas will be disappointed with the relative ease in which it was obtained. From a Wesley scrum just outside the 22, the ball was quickly moved wide left to Thomas O’Callaghan who ran in unopposed to score. Cassidy added the conversion to make it 15-3 in favour of the visitors.

To have any chance of getting something out of this game Naas had to score next, and they did just that after 59 minutes. From a line-out take by Will O’Brien inside the Wesley 22, the Naas pack elected to keep things tight and battered away at the Wesley defence. The ball was then given to the backs and a crossfield kick by Paddy Taylor was gathered by Donal Conroy, who raced away to score. Peter Osborne made light of the difficult conversion attempt and Naas were right back in the game trailing by just five points – 15-10.

The home side continued the offensive in a bid to snatch the leading score, but with just six minutes left they almost conceded another try. Naas were attacking inside the Wesley 22, but coughed up possession and a sweeping move by the visitors saw them go almost the entire length of the pitch, but to the relief of the home supporters, a knock on with the try line at their mercy saw the visitors spurn the scoring opportunity.

Then deep inside injury time just as Naas were consoling themselves that at least they were going to get a losing bonus point out of the game, Wesley snatched that from them. Some decent hands by the Wesley backs set up a chance for Paidi Farrell who finished in style, with Ian Cassidy adding the conversion. Immediately afterwards the referee blew the full-time whistle, with Wesley victorious by 22 points to 10.

A disappointing defeat for Naas, who on the day can have no complaints as they were beaten by the better side, although they certainly could have done without the bad luck they received on the injury front. No doubt they will be eager to quickly make amends, and they will get the chance to do so next Saturday when they are again at home – this time to UCC. Kick-off is at 2.30pm and as always, all support will be greatly appreciated.

Naas: Peter Osborne, Donal Conroy, Charlie Sheridan, Michel Haznar, David O’Sullivan, Paddy Taylor, Cormac King, John King, Aidan O’Kane, Adam Deay, Koloa Aisake, James O’Loughlin, Eoin Walsh, Will O’Brien (capt), Ryan Casey. Replacements: Francisco Bartorelli, Conor Doyle, Darragh Murphy, Muiris Cleary, Lenny Valleye, James O’Kane.

Old Wesley: Tom Larke, Thomas O’Callaghan, Alex Molloy, Eoin Deegan, Eoin Murphy, Ian Cassidy, Willem Johnstone, Harry Noonan, Kieran O’Shea, Cronan Glesson, David Motyer, Mahon Ronan, Reuben Pim, Josh Pim (capt), William Fay. Replacements: Rian Handley, Sam Kenny, Charlie Meagher, Shane Cawley, Andrew Doyle, Paidi Farrell.

Referee: Rob McGreer.