Bective maintain pole position
Suttonians RFC 17 - Bective Rangers FC 23
JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds, Sutton – February 8th, 2025 – A view from the ‘side-line’ by OMAHD 🐕
Round 12 – Leinster League Division 1A Bective Rangers FC secured a hard-fought victory over Suttonians RFC, edging out the hosts by six points in a physical encounter. While the performance was far from their best, Bective held their nerve to retain their position at the top of the league. With Seapoint close behind, next Saturday’s Round 13 clash at Donnybrook will be a decisive showdown for the league title.
Bective took an early lead after sustained attacking pressure, with #11 Shane O’Meara crossing the line for a try in the 10th minute. #14 Micky O’Hare was unsuccessful with the conversion. Suttonians responded swiftly, as their lively winger, #14 José Maria de Matos Cortes Pena Monteiro, touched down for a try in the 17th minute, though #15 Jack Gallagher failed to convert.
A moment of controversy arose in the 20th minute when Bective’s #10 Oliver Foote executed a pinpoint cross-field kick to #14 Micky O’Hare, who collected the ball and dotted down in the corner. However, the try was disallowed by the ‘home’ touch judge, ruling O’Hare had stepped into touch. Just a minute later, Suttonians' #8 Harry Chase received a yellow card for an infringement, giving Bective a crucial man advantage. Capitalising on this, #1 Rory Mulvihill powered over the line for a try, which O’Hare successfully converted, pushing Bective ahead 12-5.
Suttonians fought back with two penalties from #15 Jack Gallagher in the 30th and 33rd minutes, narrowing the gap to 12-11. However, just before halftime, Bective’s electric fullback #15 Tim Carroll produced a brilliant solo effort to score in the corner. O’Hare missed the conversion, leaving the halftime score at 17-11 in Bective’s favour.
Half Time Score: Suttonians RFC 11 – Bective Rangers FC 17
The second half turned into a scrappy tense affair, dominated by penalties. Suttonians' #15 Jack Gallagher slotted a penalty in the 43rd minute, reducing the deficit to 17-14. Bective responded in the 50th minute with a penalty from #14 Mikey O’Hare, extending their lead to 20-14.
Suttonians suffered another setback in the 51st minute when #7 James McConnon was shown a yellow card. Bective had opportunities to capitalise on penalties but opted to run the ball, only to be turned over by Suttonians’ resilient defence. Captain Mattie Keane led by example with crucial line-out steals.
O’Hare added another penalty in the 60th minute, giving Bective a 23-14 lead. Suttonians’ Gallagher struck back with a penalty in the 65th minute, cutting the deficit to six points. However, despite late pressure from the home side, Bective held firm to see out the win.
Final Score: Suttonians RFC 17 – Bective Rangers FC 23
Next up for Bective, prepare for a crucial penultimate fixture against Seapoint RFC at Donnybrook on Saturday, February 15, 2025, with a 3:00 PM kick-off. This eagerly awaited home clash will determine the League champions. Riding an incredible 15-match winning streak, Bective enters the contest brimming with confidence and momentum. With a victory, they will not only extend their impressive run but also secure a coveted spot in the All-Ireland round-robin playoffs, bringing them one step closer to promotion to the All-Ireland League.
Bective Rangers 1XV: 15 Tim Carroll, 14 Mikey O’Hare, 13 Bobby Holland, 12 Matthew Gilsenan, 11 Shane O’Meara, 10 Oliver ‘’Oly’’ Foote, 9 Conor Halpenny, 1 Rory Mulvihill, 2 Scott Barron, 3 Connor Kelly, 4 Gavin Kelly, 5 Ger Warde, 6 James Gallagher, 7 Mattie Keane ©, 8 Jamie Lawless.
Finishers: 16 Luke Mion,17 Ronan Cregan, 18 Patrick Sheeran, 19 Craig Cantwell, 20 Conor Murphy.
Scorers: Bective: Tries: Shane O’Meara, Rory Mulvihill, Tim Carroll - 1, Cons: Mikey O’Hare, - 1, Pen: Mikey O’Hare, - 2.
Referee: Eoin Crossen ARLBIRFU – Castleknock SC – unattached.
