Bective are in the All-Ireland Cup Final
December 14th 2024 – A view from the ‘side-line’ by OMAHD - 🐕
DROMORE RFC 07 - 11 BECTIVE RANGERS FC
Bective Rangers edged a hard-fought encounter against Dromore with a narrow 11-7 victory in a closely contested match that showcased grit, determination, and a touch of class from both sides.
The opening exchanges saw both teams battling for territorial dominance, with strong defensive displays from both packs. Weather conditions were cold with a strong wind favouring Dromore in the first half.
Bective Rangers, however after 6 minutes of play, capitalised on early pressure when they were awarded a penalty just inside the Dromore half. Mikey O’Hare coolly slotted the ball over the posts to give Bective a 3-0 lead.
Dromore had opportunities to respond, as they were awarded three kickable penalties in the first half. However, they opted to kick to the corner each time, hoping to capitalise through their lineout. Unfortunately, all three attempts failed to produce a score, leaving the home side frustrated.
Bective continued to apply pressure, and their dominance was rewarded once again just before halftime. A powerful driving maul brought them deep into Dromore territory, and Joe Quilter, the Bective centre, crashed over the line for the first try of the game. The conversion was missed, but Bective went into the break with a deserved 8-0 lead.
However, the first half was not without discipline issues for Bective. They were reduced to 13 men after two quick yellow cards. Mattie Keane was shown a yellow card on 30 minutes for repeated infringements, and James Gallagher followed five minutes later, receiving his yellow on 35 minutes for a high tackle.
The second half began with Dromore showing renewed energy, determined to claw their way back into the game. Their efforts were rewarded midway through the half when a sharp break from the backline led to a well-timed offload, sending their winger, Jack Dillon, over the try line. The conversion was neatly added by Lee Steenson, reducing the deficit to 8-7.
With the wind now in their favour, Bective scrum-half Connor Halpenny made excellent use of the conditions, using well-placed box kicks to pin Dromore back and relieve pressure.
Bective Rangers’ forwards began to impose themselves once again, dominating the breakdown and forcing Dromore into errors. On 61 minutes, Bective were awarded another penalty within kicking range and Mikey’s successful attempt extended their lead to 11-7, putting the game just beyond Dromore’s reach.
The remainder of the match saw Dromore desperately seeking a response, but their efforts were thwarted by Bective’s disciplined defence and deep into injury time, defending their line, forced a Dromore knock-on.
Bective Rangers will take confidence from this gritty performance, while Dromore will feel frustrated not to have capitalised on key moments. Both sides, however, demonstrated commitment and skill in a match that highlighted the competitive spirit of club cup rugby.
Bective Rangers are now through to the All-Ireland Cup Final, where they will face Enniskillen RFC on the 25th of January 2025.
Full Time – Dromore RFC 07 Bective Rangers FC 11
Bective Rangers 1XV: 15 Connor Murphy, 14 Mikey O’Hare, 13 Joe Quilter, 12 Bobby Holland, 11 Craig Cantwell, 10 Matthew Gilsenan, 9 Conor Halpenny, 1 Rory Mulvihill, 2 Scott Barron, 3 Connor Kelly, 4 Gavin Kelly, 5 Ger Ward, 6 Matthew Keane, 7 Tiarnan McCloskey ©, 8 James Gallagher.
Replacements: 16 David Kealy, 17 Luke Mion, 18 Tadhg O’Dwyer, 19 Donagh Lawler, 20 Rory O’Brien, 21 Angus MacCallum, 22 Ryan O’Connor.
Scorers: Joe Quilter 1 Try, Mikey O’Hare 1 Con, 2 Pen.
Referee: Andrew Mitchell (UAR IRFU)
