Webb Cup First Round

Thurles 19 Richmond 17

Saturday afternoon saw Richmond rock up to Thurles for Webb Cup first round match. The Division 1 champions sent a strong beefy squad to Thurles.

The early exchanges belonged to Richmond and their pressure paid off with an 8-minute penalty. The Thurles defence had to withstand intense pressure and it was here that the likes of Brian O'Connell, Andrew O'Halloran and Armand Schumann pulled off vital tackles to hold them out. 

A powerful run from Joey Kelly took Thurles into the Richmond half. Quick ruck ball allowed Nate Morehu to unleash the backs and nifty hands from Dylan Shaughnessy released to Matthew Kelly, who was brought down close to the line. The pressure told and Richmond were nabbed offside. From the resulting cleverly designed tap penalty, Conor Moloney bulldozed his way over the line. Thirty-three minutes gone and Thurles were in the game. The ciotóg Kelly missed the conversion but no matter, Thurles were over their shaky start. 

From the kick-off Thurles again pushed forward. Danny Lee ploughed on with Kieran Kelly and Andrew Bourke supplying the power surge. Richmond were on the back foot now. Another infringement. Penalty to Thurles. Kelly rifles the ball between the posts. Thurles up 5 points with the first half drawing to a close. 

Thurles began the second half on the attack. Hooker Tom McNamara, who was having a very solid day with his throwing, broke through two tackles to set Joe Kelly up, galloping into the 22m line. Richmond sensing danger killed the ball at ruck time. No yellow card but Kelly took the three points, Score 11-3 to Thurles. 

Richmond were never going to skulk away and so it proved, strong forward play took them to the Thurles line. A series of quick pick and drives proved ominous and quick hands sent them over the line. A conversion left only one point in it. A precarious lead. 

The game became quite fractious at this stage, two teams at it, full tilt, Eoin Kerrane set Thurles on the attack from a pop ball from the old warrior Dwayne Stanley with the pressure building the Richmond number eight gambled and intercepted a pass to gallop under the post. Conversion added. Richmond on the front foot now and points to the good, heading into the final quarter. 

Thurles captain Donnacha Ryan's pep talk under the posts put thought of defeat out of every player’s mind. Even then, promising progress was undone by two silly penalties to allow Richmond back into the Thurles 22. Men needed. And they stood up. Line out and ruck defence was excellent, terrier-like, Richmond went wide and Joey Kelly latched on at ruck time. Penalty. Kelly drove it to halfway. 

From the line out the ball went wide, and JJ Schumann put the burners on and took us into the Richmond half. Carries from Conor Moloney and Joey Kelly took Thurles to the line. Penalty Richmond. Thurles player off his feet. 10 minutes left. Chance gone.

Not so, the Richmond line out banjaxed by a crooked throw. Scrum to Thurles. Great Crossfield kick which was not dealt with by Richmond. Penalty Thurles. Kelly kicks to the corner and it was Last Chance Saloon for Thurles catch and drive followed by a series of rucks pushed Richmond to offend. The penalty was tapped and Kieran Murphy with a powerful surge made it. Conversion to go ahead. Young Kelly hit the sweet spot from far out on the right. Shaved the post. Thurles a point down with two minutes left.

The kick-off was well controlled by Thurles and Tommy Connolly angled the ball into the Richmond 22 zone. Thurles needed to take this lineout. Richmond don't find their man. Kieran Murphy pounces cat like on the ball. Final throw of the dice. 

Conor Moloney and Joey Kelly forced to make vital yards, Thurles on the Richmond line. One moment of sloppiness and the game is over. Strong carries from Danny Lee and Donnacha Ryan push Thurles two inches from the line. Surely Richmond will crack. One green jersey delayed too long. Penalty to Thurles.  Kelly placed and plonked it over the bar. Thurles 19-17. One last play for Richmond. 

The old faithful supporters on the side-line hope for the best but fear the worst. Ball carries towards the Thurles forwards. Donnacha Ryan secures, and it's sent into touch. Thurles win.

Next up Kilfeacle, at Loughtagalla, Saturday April 1st. (TBC)

Thurles: Matthew Kelly, Dylan  Shaughnessy, Armand Schuman, Joey Kelly, JJ Schumann, Nate Morehu, Andrew O’ Halloran, Danny Lee, Kieran Murphy, Tom McNamara, Andrew Bourke, Donnacha Ryan (C),  Brian O'Connell, Eoin Kerrane, Conor Moloney, Ollie Delaney, Eoin Long, Richie Houlihan, Brandon Meehan, Tommy Connolly