A depleted Rhinos side arrived at Darwin Road more in hope than expectation and despite some brave defensive work were outclassed by a Fighting Irish outfit bristling with confidence who ensured qualification for the Harry Jepson play offs.

With diminutive Sean O'Brien acting as playmaker and fellow tormentor Darren Ryan a constant thorn in the visitor’s side the Fighting Irish soon took control and early tries by Mike Healy and Richard Lewis, both converted by Healy, pointed to a rout. But the Rumney players were nothing if not game and were prepared to take on the heavier, more experienced home pack.

A clever try by Ben Morris, converted by namesake Gareth, was no more than the Rhinos deserved and when tricky winger David Dyer went over in the corner, to further close the gap for Rumney, an unlikely upset appeared possible.

The Fighting Irish regrouped and powerful second rowers Jason Massey and Andy Llewellyn, ably supported by Richard

Morris and elusive Justin Johnson, pressured the visiting defence with wave after wave of strong running plays. Brave as they were Rumney inevitably buckled under the ferocious onslaught and further tries by Ryan (3) and Llewellyn (2) brought the half time score to 32-10.

Some good handling and clever play by visitors captain Dan Clements were features of the opening ten minutes of the second half but the Fighting Irish, spurred on by their enthusiastic band of supporters, were focused on a possible rematch with Bridgend Blue Bulls.
Tries by the mercurial fullback Dean Griffiths (2) and brother Darren put the Rhinos on the back foot again and when flying wing Chris Perry and powerhouse Morris (2) went over for further touchdowns the game's outcome was inevitable.

The Rhinos continued to battle hard and despite consolation tries by Dyer and prop Carl Cerasuolo could not tame the rampant Irishmen, Justin Johnson crossed after a sidestepping run from twenty metres out and Healy kicked his tenth conversion for the hosts.