Thurles played host to Cashel in the Evans and Gleeson cup quarter final. As both teams were drawn to play each other in each cup it was agreed that both fixtures would be played off in one winner takes all game.
Thurles had a score to settle from last year's encounter with Cashel and laid down some early markers with Declan Rahelly letting the sturdy looking opposition number 10 know he was in a game.
After some early nerves Thurles settled and began to move Cashels larger and more physical pack around the field. Thurles were unlucky not to get rewarded for their efforts when some great forward play from the cute old fox Brian Lyons. The resulting penalty kick slipped marginally wide of the upright.
Overall Thurles looked the better team in the first half, and defended Cashels attacks with try saving tackles coming in from in form full back Tommy Connelly. Just on the stroke of half time the enigmatic Shane Lanigan Ryan pounced on an intercept opportunity from over halfway out, put his ears back and wasn't going to be caught as he touched down under the posts. Rahelly duly converted leaving the home side 7 - 0 up at the interval.
Cashels bigger pack began to cause Thurles trouble at scrum time. But the teenagers in the front row of Dylan Dorney and Shane Newgent did not roll over to their opposition front row who boasted players with AIL experience. Frank Tuohy as well as raising the average age of the front row also raised expectations and achievement by working tirelessly throughout the game.
After some impressive link play between forwards and backs the powerful Eoghan O'Dwyer built on earlier strong ball carries, and broke the defensive line to get Thurles's second try of the game.

Thurles's final try came when the vehemence of Conor Cooney paid of when he exposed a gap in Cashels defence at the fringe of a ruck. He offloaded to the supporting Ollie Delaney who made no mistake in taking the 5 points.

Cashel rallied and were roused by their ample support on the line. They gave long periods inside the Thurles 22 and were it not for some heroic defensive work from the Thurles squad the result could have been different. Cashel did get a try following some positive play down the tram line, it was no more than they deserved.

Overall Thurles can be happy with their performance in what was a great team effort from start to finish.

Thanks must go to coaches Shay Scanlon, John Lillis and Kevin O'Dwyer who were as encouraging and enthusiastic as ever on the line. Credit also to the many supporters who braved the cold and came along to support.