There is something special about Friday nightfixtures under the lights at Forenaughts. A unique atmosphere is created and has led to Naas having a tremendous record in these games over the years.

The match last Friday night against Dublin University in the 2024/’25 Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B had all the hallmarks of being a close affair. Both sides went into the contest with the exact same number of points in the league table (24), and when they last met Dublin University narrowly scraped home by 24-22. But it was not the case here – Naas had a try bonus point secured by the 42nd minute, on their way to an emphatic 19 point winning margin.

There was a large crowd present on a bitterly cold night, and the early stages were dominated by the visitors who had the majority of the possession. However they were met by a well drilled defence who would not yield an inch, and slowly but surely Naas worked their way into the game. Dublin University were made rue the fact that they had not made their possession count as they fell behind after 22 minutes. The home side set up a driving maul which powered over the visitors line, but they were unable to ground the ball and the visitors were awarded a goal-line drop out. However the reprieve only lasted a matter of seconds. From the drop out Paddy Taylor made a lovely break and his inside pass found Michel Haznar who raced away to score. The conversion by Peter Osborne put Naas 7-0 in front.

Naas will be very disappointed that they conceded almost immediately afterwards. They did not deal well with the restart and the Dublin men went straight on the attack. A big carry by David Walsh drove the home side backwards, and quick ball gave Oscar Cawley the space to float a pass out to Conall Henchy who got in at the corner. Although the conversion was missed by Hugh O’Kennedy the visitors were right back in the game, only trailing by seven points to five.

However from then to the interval Naas played some exhilarating rugby. They looked to put width on their play at every possible opportunity, and the visitors were struggling to contain them. They deservedly extended their lead after 37 minutes. From a scrum just outside the 22, Naas went through a series of phases before they moved the ball wide left out to Michel Haznar, who sprinted down the wing to score in the corner. Peter Osborne was just off target with the extremely difficult conversion attempt.

Then just on half-time Naas produced a score that should be in contention for try of the season. Practically all the team were involved in the move that featured some brilliant handling and offloads, and left the visitors defence grasping at thin air. It finally led to Charlie Sheridan finishing off the move when scoring under the posts. This conversion was a formality for Peter Osborne and the lead was now 19-5 in favour of Naas, and this remained the score up to the interval.

Dublin University would have been seeking a fast start to the second period, but it was Naas who got it. Within 90 seconds of the resumption, Muiris Cleary pounced on a loose ball, before quickly transferring it out to Jack Sheridan. There was no way the latter was going to be caught by the visitors' defence and he raced away for the fourth Naas try of the night. Peter Osborne was again successful with the conversion.

To their credit the Dublin men never stopped trying and they practically owned the ball for the remainder of the night. They attacked non-stop, but time and again they were rocked right back on their heels by some shuddering tackles. There was an aggressiveness about Naas all night and by the end the visitors had run out of ideas of how to break down this defence. Granted they did score as the match entered injury-time, but the game was now long over as a contest. However former Naas player Oscar Cawley must take credit for a fine score as he picked up a ball at the base of a ruck and spotted a rare gap in the defence. He needed no second invitation as he raced away to score with Hugh O’Kennedy adding the conversion.

On a night like this Naas deserved to have the final say – and they did. Straight from the restart they set up a driving maul which powered over the visitors line, and led to Darragh Murphy being awarded a try. Peter Osborne added another two points by slotting the conversion, and almost immediately afterwards referee Sam Holt blew the full-time whistle, with Naas victorious on a 33-12 scoreline.

This must go down as one of the best Naas performances of the season as it was a real all-round performance. It matched the much needed grit and determination of the forwards which is essential, with some sublime attacking by the backs. On this display they will be a match for anybody for the remainder of the season. Next up for them is a visit to Cork to face UCC. That game is next Saturday with a 2.30pmkick-off and as always all support will be greatly appreciated.

Naas: Peter Osborne, Jack Sheridan, Charlie Sheridan, Paddy Taylor, Michal Haznar, Bryan Croke, Cormac King, John King, Aidan O’Kane, Adam Deay, James O’Loughlin, Eoin Walsh, Muiris Cleary, Will O’Brien (capt), Ryan Casey. Replacements: Francisco Bartorelli, Stephen Lackey, Cillian Dempsey, Darragh Murphy, Donal Conroy, Derry Lenehan.

Dublin University: Matt Lynch, Callum O’Reilly, Louis McDonough (capt), Mark Walsh, Noah Byrne, Hugh O’Kennedy, Oscar Cawley, Cole Kelly, Zach Baird, Arthur O’Rahilly, Cuan Doyle, Stephen Woods, Spencer O’Connell, Conall Henchy, David Walsh. Replacements: Oisin McCloskey, Donie Grehan, Hunter Dean Johns, Jack Kearney, Hugh Lynch, Taylor Glesson.

Referee: Sam Holt.