Malone claim a playoff place as they defeat Nenagh Ormond by 22-29

Match report compiled by George Millar

Any trip to Munster for an Ulster club is daunting during the season. Malone were making their second visit to County Tipperary after defeating Cashel on the opening day of the season. Opponents Nenagh Ormond had swept aside promotion contenders Highfield 36 - 24 at New Ormond Park last week whilst Malone required a last minute penalty from prolific goal kicker Mark O'Connor to defeat Queens Uni 21 - 18 at Gibson Park.

The Belfast side had defeated Nenagh Ormond at home in October 35 - 31 with a late score. With Malone's main challenger Queens travelling to Galway Corinthians the outcome of both these fixtures would have a pivotal outcome on the top four placings with two matches to play.

Malone were also having to contend with the fact that no Ulster team had won at Nenagh Ormond since January 2012.

With the wind advantage Malone shocked Nenagh with a devastating display of attacking rugby in the first 25 mins during which the Malone team opened up an impressive 24 - 0 lead. Winger Mark O'Connor scored with a penalty after 10 mins with Ulster Academy full back Jack Owens crossing for a try with O'Connor adding the points to increase the Malone lead to 10 - 0. Malone centre Michael Cartmill added to his growing reputation by scoring two tries in five minutes with O'Connor converting both to put his team 24 - 0 in front.

Any thoughts that this game was in the bag for Malone were quickly dispelled as Nenagh Ormond came back to launch a frontal assault on the Malone defence for the final 15 mins of the 1st half. Their efforts paid off with their winger Bill Coffey touching down followed by centre William O'Connor with out half Clayton Stewart converting one to narrow the Malone lead to 24 - 12 at half time.

Nenagh used their momentum to continue laying siege to the Malone line for the opening 20 mins of the second half. Their only reward was a converted penalty by Stewart to narrow the Malone lead to 24 - 15.

Having weathered this onslaught in the third quarter the Malone team needed a further score to extend their lead and bag the bonus point. It was a case of two of Ulster's bright young stars Callum Smith and Jack Owens combing to get that all important 4th try. Jack Owens was alert to space deep in the Nenagh half. He kicked deep with the alert Callum Smith out running the Nenagh cover to touch down in the corner with the woodwork denying Mark O'Connor the additional points.

With a 29 - 15 advantage Malone were able to restrict Nenagh to a late converted try to leave the Gibson Park team deserved winners by 29 - 22.

With Queens losing 32 - 24 in Galway, Malone have been guaranteed a place in the playoffs as they have a 10 points advantage over 5th place Queens Uni with two games remaining. What is also interesting we now have five points separating the top four teams. Banbridge are top with 55 pts, Highfield are 2nd with 53 pts, Nenagh Ormond are 3rd with 51 pts and Malone 4th on 50 pts.

Games remaining:
Banbridge: Queens Uni (H), Sunday's Well (A)
Highfield: Malone (H), Queens Uni (A)
Nenagh Ormond: Cashel (A), Belfast Harlequins (H)
Malone: Highfield (A), Cashel (H).

Games to be played on 8th and 15th April.

Banbridge would be favourites to win the league and secure promotion to Div 1B next season. The goal for the Malone team is to finish 2nd and secure a home semi final in the playoffs against the 3rd place team. The team finishing 4th with travel to play the team that finishes in 9th place in Div 1B.

Connacht team Galwegians are in 9th place seven points behind 8th place Shannon who are level on points with 7th place Ballymena with two games left. Ballynahinch have a two point advantage on both Ballymena and Shannon.

After a long trip to Tipperary at the weekend it is another return trip this week to Cork to play 2nd place Highfield who have a three point lead on 4th place Malone. Can this Malone squad do the impossible again this week in Cork and win to keep the pressure on league leaders Banbridge.

Malone seconds continue preparations for their McCrea Cup Final against Cooke on the 17th April when they play 2nd xv league leaders Ballynahinch seconds at Ballymacarn Park next Saturday with a 12.30PM kick off followed by a game with Belfast Harlequins seconds on Thursday 13th April.

Exciting times at Malone with the 3rd xv winning their league. The 4th xv have reached the final of the Forster Cup where they will play Portadown thirds. The 4ths have a crucial league match with Ballyclare 3rds next Sat that will decide the league winners.

It is also noticeable how well all the clubs Youth teams are performing in their respective age Group Cup competitions.

All this success is down to the efforts of the many volunteers who willingly give of their time to support their teams and players from Minis, Youth through to the Adult and ladies teams.

Well done to everybody involved.