Moynihan sees Ireland secure Dalriada Cup
Club International
Ireland Club XV 19
Scotland Clubs 19
(42-28 to Ireland on agg)
Daire Walsh
Energia Park
Aidan Moynihan amassed an impressive 12 points at Donnybrook last night to give the Ireland Club XV their first Dalriada Cup triumph since 2014.
Although a late Peter McCallum try for Scotland Clubs meant the sides ended on level terms, a 23-9 success at Galashiels seven days earlier secured the overall prize for Morgan Lennon’s charges.
The hosts suffered a setback in the opening minute when Craig Gossman released Robbie Nelson for a converted try.
Ireland hit back as Moynihan (one of five Cork Con players in the team) slotted a routine penalty between the posts.
The Irish pack started to exert their influence and earned a scrum penalty, with Moynihan once again converting off his right-boot.
A narrow deficit (6-7) ensured the hosts remained in firm control of their own destiny on the resumption.
A powerful finish by Conor Kindregan edged them in front on the night, Moynihan converting. Moynihan added two penalties but late Scottish tries from Kyle Rowe and skipper McCallum grabbed a draw on the night.
Scorers for Ireland Club XV: C Kindregan try, A Moynihan 4 pens, con.
Scorers for Scotland Clubs: R Hunter, K Rowe, P McCallum try each, G Hunter 2 cons.
IRELAND CLUB XV: E Mills; D McEvoy, N Kenneally, M D’Arcy, M Brown; A Moynihan, J Poland; T O’Reilly, J Sutton, I Prendiville; B Hayes, C Kindregan; M Melia, D Walsh, L Cahill.
Replacements: A Bennie for Poland (51), C Gleeson for O’Reilly, A Coyle for Prendiville, J O’Sullivan for Kindregan (all 66), J Murphy for Walsh, C Smith for Moynihan (both 68), J Keating for McEvoy (72), L Cronin for Sutton (78).
SCOTLAND CLUBS: C Gossman; P Anderson, C Jackson, R Nelson, K Rowe; G Hunter, M McAndrew; S Muir, M Liness, S Longwell; H Burr, B Macpherson; J Hill, I Wilson, P McCallum.
Replacements: J McClean for Hill (54), K Barreto for McAndrew, J Forbes for Gossman (both 66), F Renwick for Liness, R Leishman for Wilson (both 73), L Skinner for Longwell (79).
Referee: L Ramos (FRR).