All Ireland Junior Cup Champions

Bective Rangers FC 37 Enniskillen RFC 31
Milltown House, Ashbourne - January 25, 2025 – A view from the ‘side-line’ by OMAHD 🐕

Bective Rangers FC are All-Ireland Junior Cup Champions!

On a crisp afternoon, Bective Rangers faced off against Enniskillen in a hotly anticipated All-Ireland Junior Cup Final. The game, played in front of an enthusiastic crowd, delivered on its promise, featuring an incredible eight tries and six lead changes. It was a match that highlighted the determination and relentless drive of both teams.

From the opening whistle, Bective Rangers showed their intent with precise passing and disciplined defensive organisation. However, despite their early pressure, the Enniskillen defence held firm. It was the visitors who struck first, demonstrating their resilience. By the 5th minute, Enniskillen’s winger James Trotter (#11) darted over for the opening try. Although Eddie Keys (#10) missed the conversion, he added a penalty six minutes later, giving Enniskillen an early 8–0 lead.

Bective responded immediately, seeking to spread the ball wide. But Enniskillen’s defence stood resolute. On the 13th minute, Bective earned a penalty for a high tackle, and Mikey O’Hare (#14) calmly slotted it over, narrowing the deficit to 8–3.

Enniskillen, however, answered in emphatic fashion. A flowing move saw their #14 Sam Balfour cross the line for a try, converted by Eddie Keys, extending their lead to 15–3. With daylight growing between the sides, questions arose about whether Bective were faltering under pressure, as they had in last year’s final against Ballyclare.

But Bective showed their mettle, refusing to yield. Their determination brought them into the Enniskillen 22, where a penalty led to a bold “tap-and-go” move. On the 25th minute, a powerful rolling maul resulted in a try by Conor Kelly (#3). Although the conversion was missed, Bective’s fight was evident.

Still, Enniskillen were unrelenting. Their elusive #15 George Foster slipped through the Bective defence for another try, with Keys adding the conversion. With just five minutes left in the half, the score stood at 25–8 in Enniskillen’s favour, leaving Bective on the back foot.

However, Bective’s forwards rose to the occasion. Driving runs by Ger Warde (#5) and the back row trio of James Gallagher, Mattie Keane, and Jamie Lawless pushed them deep into Enniskillen territory. Excellent distribution by Conor Halpenny and sharp footwork by Oliver Foote set up Mikey O’Hare (#14) to cross the line. O’Hare then converted his own try, closing the gap just before the halftime whistle.

Halftime score: Enniskillen 25 – Bective Rangers 15

The halftime break proved pivotal for Bective Rangers, as coach Ben Manion took the team into the dressing room for a brief yet impactful pep talk. Aware of the mounting pressure and the high stakes, Manion urged his players to maintain focus, discipline, and unity. His words struck a chord, sparking a renewed sense of determination in the team. With fresh energy and sharp focus, Bective returned to the field ready to rewrite the game’s narrative.

The second half began with fireworks from Bective. In a stunning display of attacking rugby, Mattie Keane and Scott Barron crossed for two quick tries. Mikey O’Hare added a crucial conversion, propelling Bective into the lead for the first time at 27–25. The crowd roared with excitement—game on!

Enniskillen, however, responded with grit. Sustained pressure on the Bective defence earned a penalty in the 57th minute, which Eddie Keys (#10) slotted over, reclaiming the lead for Enniskillen at 28–27.

The tension mounted as both sides traded penalties in the 60th and 65th minutes. Keys and O’Hare displayed their composure under pressure, keeping the game on a knife-edge. During this period, Bective were temporarily reduced to 14 men when Matthew Gilsenan received a yellow card. Yet, despite the numerical disadvantage, Enniskillen couldn’t capitalise. The scoreboard read 31–30 in Enniskillen’s favour heading into the final minutes.

Bective, fuelled by determination, mounted a relentless offensive. With time ticking away, Conor Kelly (#3) powered through the Enniskillen defence in the 77th minute for a decisive try. Mikey O’Hare added the conversion, bringing the score to 37–31 for Bective.

Enniskillen threw everything they had into the closing moments, but Bective’s defence held firm. As the final whistle blew, the roar from the Bective supporters confirmed a hard-fought victory and a historic triumph.

Next up for Bective – Following their historic All-Ireland Junior Cup triumph, Bective Rangers shift their attention back to the Leinster League, where the stakes remain high. Next up is a vital away fixture against Suttonians RFC at the JJ McDowell Memorial Grounds on Saturday, February 8, 2025, with a 3:00 PM kick-off.

This match, along with their highly anticipated home game against Seapoint RFC on February 15, marks a crucial phase in Bective’s season.

Currently unbeaten since September 2024, Bective are riding the wave of a remarkable 14-match winning streak. With confidence soaring and momentum firmly on their side, the team will aim to extend their incredible form and secure essential points in these pivotal encounters.

Final Score: Bective Rangers FC 37 (5 tries)Enniskillen RFC 31 (3 tries)

Bective Rangers 1XV: 15 Tim Carroll, 14 Mikey O’Hare, 13 Bobby Holland, 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 David Kealy, 18 Tadhg O’Dwyer, 19 Donagh Lawler, 20 Ronan Cregan, 21 Maxime Alric, 22 Shane O’Meara, 23 Conor Murphy.
Scorers: Bective: Tries: Conor Kelly - 2, Mikey O’Hare, Scott Barron, Gavin Kelly - 1; Cons: Mikey O’Hare, - 3, Pen: Mikey O’Hare, - 2.
Referee: Tomás O’Sullivan MAR IRFU Level 1 – Castleisland RFC

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