Pitch switch fails to knock Cashel out of their stride

Cashel 12 Nenagh Ormond 3

Cashel, appearing in their first big Munster final, weren’t pleased before the off. They changed their minds by the end of the match, however, having secured a surprise win over favourites Nenagh Ormond.

Indeed the biggest surprise was that they didn’t win by a more comfortable margin because, apart from early and late onslaughts from Nenagh, they were the better side.

In a vigorous contest played in the best spirit of the game, referee Ken Imbusch was quick to impose his authority. He was consistent and worked well with his touch-judges, one of whom (Jude Quinn) could have had an impact on the result.

Cashel were three points to the good as half-time approached. Then full back Patrick O’Connor broke a tackle and brushed off two further defenders to get a try near the posts. As Cashel supporters celebrated Mr Quinn intervened. Second row Pat O’Donoghue was called aside, shown a yellow card and Nenagh were awarded a penalty for an incident leading up to the try.

Mr Imbusch showed five yellow cards in all and Cashel survived having been on the wrong side of the count.

Trevor Breen emerged as the scoring hero but Cashel will thank the pack for providing a steady stream of possession. Nenagh captain Robbie Powell was one of the best forwards on view but they didn’t work half as well as Cashel over the 80 minutes.

In the midst of it all was Breen, who kicked penalties in the 30th, 42nd and 62nd minutes to establish a 9-0 lead.

Nenagh responded with a penalty from John Keehan 11 minutes from the end but Breen inspired his side with a 73rd minute drop goal to put more daylight between the sides.

Nenagh fought bravely on but, needing two scores, it was all too much. They came close to scoring one try in the dying moments but it would not have made any difference.

Cashel are worthy champions for the first time.

CASHEL: P. O’Connor, J. Hannigan, E. Foley, D. O’Connor, G. Ryan, T. Breen, O. McGlinchey, T. Moloney, E. Thompson, P. Kelly, P. O’Donoghue, T.J. Connelly, E. Lonergan, E. Leamy, K. Leamy.

Replacements: B. Moloney for O’Donoghue, E. O’Connor for T. Moloney (both 73), J. Gillespie for Ryan (78).

NENAGH ORMOND: L. Delaney, F. Austin, T. Connolly, T. Powell, M. Walsh, J. Keehan, M. Fogarty, D. Ryan, D. Farrell, G. Hawkins, E. Ryan, D. O’Meara, J. Moylan, R. Powell (captain), D. Gavin. Replacements. D. Slattery for T. Connolly (30, injured), R. Powell for Moylan (58), P. Hogan for Delaney (75).

Referee: K. Imbusch (Munster).