Two-Try Nenagh Through To Third Round

Nenagh Ormond made history on Saturday afternoon as they qualified for the AIB Cup’s third round for the first time ever, beating their Division Three rivals Barnhall by 12 points.

2008/09 AIB CUP – SECOND ROUND: Saturday, November 8

NENAGH ORMOND 15 BARNHALL 3, New Ormond Park

Scorers: Nenagh Ormond: Tries: Eoin Gardiner, Eoin Ryan; Con: John Lillis; Pen: David Delaney
Barnhall: Pen: Ben McCarthy

Nenagh Ormond, who broke their duck in the AIB League last time out against Queen’s, secured their second successive victory with a well-executed cup triumph in difficult conditions.

It is particularly heartening to see Nenagh go on a cup run, after first round defeats in previous seasons to Belfast Harlequins (20-0 in 2006/07) and Ballynahinch (62-7 in 2007/08).

The Tipperary outfit struck for tries in each half from Eoin Gardiner and Eoin Ryan, setting up a January trip to either Galwegians or Highfield (who meet on November 22).

Gardiner combined well at half-back with David Delaney, the former Shannon out-half, and Nenagh’s pack also had the upper hand.

Full-back Ben McCarthy’s penalty had Barnhall just 8-3 down at half-time but their Division Three rivals were just too strong.

Incredibly, Nenagh’s progression means there are ten Munster clubs still in the running to lift the AIB Cup later this season.

The competition’s third round will take place on Saturday, January 10.