Bective secure a dramatic draw
Bective Rangers FC 13 Seapoint RFC 13
Energia Park, Donnybrook – February 15th, 2025 – A view from the ‘side-line’ by OMAHD 🐕
Round 13 – Leinster League Division 1A – Billed as a crucial penultimate fixture, this eagerly awaited home clash against Seapoint RFC was set to play a decisive role in determining the league champions. Riding a remarkable 15-match winning streak, Bective entered the contest brimming with confidence and momentum.
However, the stage was set on a damp and dreary afternoon, with a southeasterly wind driving misty rain from the Wesley end. The challenging conditions sent the large crowd scurrying for seats in the stand, while the wind initially favoured Seapoint.
The opening half, much like the weather, was a dull and tense affair, with both teams appearing nervous. A total of 12 penalties were awarded, four of which were within kicking range. It was Seapoint who capitalised first, as scrumhalf #9 Sam O’Donovan slotted a penalty in the 20th minute to give the visitors a slender 3-0 lead.
Half Time Score: Bective Rangers FC 0 Seapoint RFC 3
With the floodlights on, the second half saw the intensity rise. Just a minute after the restart, Bective winger #14 Mikey O’Hare converted a penalty from 15 meters out, levelling the score at 3-3.
Seapoint quickly regained the lead in the 51st minute when O’Donovan once again stepped up for the visitors, converting a penalty following a scrum infringement to make it 6-3.
Momentum continued to swing in Seapoint’s favour, as they forced another penalty deep inside Bective territory. Captain #8 Donal McMahon opted for his kicker to kick for touch inside the 22-meter line. The resulting lineout drive led to Bective’s #16 Luke Mion receiving a yellow card. Seapoint pressed on, but after being held up over the line, the ensuing goal-line dropout saw them launch another attack. This time, Bective’s #11 Craig Cantwell was shown a second yellow card, reducing Bective to 13 men. The referee awarded a penalty try, extending Seapoint’s lead to 13-3.
Being two men down seemed to ignite Bective’s spirit. They launched a relentless attack on Seapoint’s defence, with fly-half #10 Oly Foote setting off on a sensational run. After 10 exhausting phases, lock #5 Ger Warde crashed over the line in the 65th minute for a crucial try. O’Hare added the conversion, narrowing the gap to 13-10.
With the clock ticking down, O’Hare had another opportunity to level the game in the 73rd minute but sent his penalty attempt wide. However, the defining moment came deep into injury time. In the 84th minute, Bective was awarded a penalty just inside the Seapoint half. With the match hanging in the balance, O’Hare stepped up and calmly slotted the kick, securing a dramatic 13-13 draw at the final whistle.
Final Score: Bective Rangers FC 13 Seapoint 13
Next up for Bective - Bective now turns its focus to the final league fixture against Tullow RFC at Black Gates on Saturday, March 1, 2025, with a 3:00 PM kick-off. The Leinster League Division 1A title will be decided on the final day. There are many permutations, but the equation is simple for Bective—just one point, whether from a losing bonus or a four-try bonus, will secure the championship. However, the best approach remains clear: go out and win the game.
Bective Rangers 1XV: 15 Tim Carroll, 14 Mikey O’Hare, 13 Ben Garrett, 12 Matthew Gilsenan, 11 Craig Cantwell, 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 Tadhg O’Dwyer, 18 Donagh Lawler, 19 Conor Murphy, 20 Benji Kealy.
Scorers: Bective: Tries: Gavin Kelly - 1, Cons: Mikey O’Hare, - 1, Pen: Mikey O’Hare, - 2.
Referee: Ian Thompson ARLBIRFU – Tullow RFC.
