Week 6 of the Energia All-Ireland League Division 1B saw Naas host Blackrock College last Saturday afternoon. The visitors arrived at the venue in buoyant form having won their three proceeding games against Queens University, Garryowen and Armagh. However their winning streak was snapped in no uncertain terms by a Naas side, who after a slow start ran out comprehensive and deserving winners. Thankfully the heavy rain that has swamped the country during the week relented in time for this game to be played, and great credit must go to the Naas grounds committee who produced the pitch in magnificent condition, allowing the teams to play the open rugby which is their trademark. 

Blackrock made a bright start and were nearly in front within the opening minutes. From a line-out in the Naas 22 they set up a driving maul, and when this was stopped they went through a number of phases. However these attacks were met by some shuddering tackles by the Naas defence, which eventually led to the visitors knocking on.

But Blackrock continued to look like the most likely side to open the scoring, and it was no surprise when they did just that after 12 minutes. They dispatched a penalty awarded for a high tackle to touch and from the line-out they again set up a driving maul. This time the home defence were powerless to stop it, and the visitors drove over the Naas line with Eoin DeBuitlear being awarded the try. Tim Corkery added the conversion and Blackrock led 7-0.

This lead was increased by the 19th minute but it was not without its controversy. Charlie Sheridan managed to keep a long kick by the Blackrock full-back Shane Jennings from going into touch, but the touch judge deemed Sheridan had put a foot in touch in doing so and to the consternation of the Naas supporters he awarded the visitors a line-out. This was taken by Roy Whelan and in a well worked move he passed straight to Max Brophy who darted down the blindside before passing to DeBuitlear who got in for his second try of the game. Tim Corkery missed the conversion but the lead had been extended to 12 points.

However, that was as good as it got for the visitors. Naas took over and from there to the finish they clinically dismantled their opponents with their best performance of the season. Within four minutes they had reduced the lead. A big carry by Oisin Halpin took play into the 22 before a lovely dummy by Tadhg Brophy sucked in a couple of more defenders. The ball was then quickly moved left out to Tom Monaghan who crashed over from close range. Paddy Taylor was on the mark with conversion. The sides exchanged penalties before the interval – Tim Corkery after 27 minutes and Paddy Taylor seven minutes later – meaning that Blackrock led 15-10 when referee Jack MacNeice brought the first half to close.

Within three minutes of the restart Naas were in front for the first time with a great score. From a line-out just inside the Blackrock half, some great hands put Jack Sheridan in space and he took play into the 22 before passing inside to Donal Conroy. The latter was stopped just short of the line, but Naas quickly recycled the ball and Tadgh Brophy popped a pass out to Paddy Taylor who crashed over. Taylor converted his own try and Naas led 17 points to 15.

The same player added a penalty after 48 minutes, before Naas extended their lead seven minutes later. Paulie Tolofua broke from the base of scrum to take play up to the five yard line before a big carry by Oisin Halpin took play right up to the Blackrock line. From the subsequent ruck James Stockwood picked and Blackrock were unable to stop the big Naas lock from going over. With Paddy Taylor again adding the conversion the home side were in front by 27 points to 15.

Naas secured the try scoring bonus point after 70 minutes with another superb score. A big carry in midfield by James O’Loughlin had the visitors defence scrambling, before the Naas backs again showed their attacking prowess. Great hands quickly moved the ball out wide right to David O’Sullivan who found the supporting Will O’Brien on his inside, he in turn passed to Tom Monaghan who finished off the move in style. Although the conversion was missed the game was now over as a contest, with Naas leading by 32 points to 15.

Blackrock did manage a consolation score when Shane Jennings got in a try after 77 minutes, but it was too little, too late and Naas ran out fully merited winners on a scoreline of 32-20.

Naas have now amassed no less than 11 points in their last three outings, and the steady climb up the league table continues. When they play like they did here they are a match for anybody in this division, and it will be fascinating to follow their progress for the rest of the campaign. Next up for them is an away trip to Armagh. This game is on November 29th with a 2.30pm kick-off, and as always all support will be greatly appreciated.

Naas: Charlie Sheridan, Donal Conroy, Paddy Taylor, Tom Monaghan, Jack Sheridan, Tom Bohan, Tadhg Brophy, Stephen Lackey, Brad Clements, Adam Deay, James O’Loughlin, James Stockwood, Oisin Halpin, Will O’Brien (capt), Eoin Walsh. Replacements: Tadhg Dooley, John King, Paulie Tolofua, Darragh Murphy, Cormac King, David O’Sullivan

Blackrock College: Shane Jennings, Harry Waters, Matthew Dawn, Brian Colclough, Barry Galvin, Tim Corkery, Oliver Coffey, Paddy Moore, Eoin De Buitlear, Jack Mullany, Jack Gardiner, Roy Whelan (capt), Max Brophy, Inigo Cruise O’Brien, Odhran Ring. Replacements: Jamie Rogan, Andrew Savage, Shane Connolly, Alex Simpson, Conor Hanly, Peter Quirke.

Referee: Jack MacNeice