Strong finishing Tullamore close out Omagh

A Jack Delahunt intercept at the death clinched a valuable bonus point for the men in red and black, but it wasn't as clear cut as the score line shows in the All-Ireland League Division 2C in Spollanstown on Saturday.

All-Ireland Rugby League Division 2C

Tullamore 34
Omagh 13

Omagh had the better first half, and had the majority of possession and territory. The visitors played an expansive brand of rugby, and stretched the Tullamore defence time and time again. In the 5th minute, Omagh worked the ball to the edge and breached the 22 metre line. They snapped left and right, before spotting a gap in the defensive rear guard. The ball made its way to the blindside winger who dotted down for the first score of the game.

Tullamore responded almost immediately and started to build phases. Karl Dunne received the ball from a line out on the 10 metre line, and slipped a pass to Conor Kelly. Kelly broke through the line untouched and made his way to the 22 metre line. The ball was turned over and the visitors hacked the ball away in panic. Conor Dunne was in the back field, he gathered and weaved his way to the gain line. Brian Geraghty picked a line off Conor and exploded through a gap. He then coolly lifted the ball over the fullbacks head to Barry Bracken. Bracken was 5 metres out and could have scored himself, but unselfishly gave the pass to Mark Kennedy who burrowed his way under the sticks. Conor Dunne added the extras and both teams exchanged penalties to leave the half time score at 10-8.

Tullamore started the brighter and added another 3 points to start the second half. But Omagh rallied and dominated the following 10 minutes of play. They were camped in the Tullamore 22 for the majority of that time, and eventually scored a try in the corner through a strong maul and clever play from the pack.

The home side kicked off and had complete control for the final 30 minutes. Alan Douglas, Barry Bracken and Mark Kennedy all made notable carries to work the side into the far 22 metre line. Tullamore won a lineout on the 5 metre line, and Gavin Kelly shrugged off 3 defenders to move inches away from the white wash. Sam Burns then whipped the ball to Karl Dunne. Dunne pulled the ball back to Sean McCabe. McCabe ran a brilliant line, and pierced through the defending backs. He fended the last defender and slammed the ball down for the breather score.

Tullamore weren't finished there and continued to test Omaghs resolve. The side went through 12 phases after the kick off, starting from their own 10 metre line. The forwards carried hard and the backs looked potent out wide. Alan Douglas made 2 bone crunching carries to build into the 22. Karl Dunne then released his brother Conor, who bisected the defence to touch down for the 3rd try.

The final 5 minutes were frantic, and both sides had moments where they could have scored. The Omagh scrum half picked the ball on the halfway line and started to drift across the field to look for an option. He threw a lengthy pass that was intended for the outhalf. Jack Delahunt read the play and plucked the ball from the 10's grasp. He then galloped 50 metres to finish a brilliant second half for Tullamore. Conor added the extras to mark 6/6 from the tee and another try to his growing haul.

Tullamore can be very pleased with their second half display, but will be disappointed with their slow start. Alan Douglas, Mark Kennedy, Matthew Murphy and Leon Fox all had excellent games in the pack. Conor Dunne and Lance Batten and Scott Milne were the pick of the backs. Karl Dunne was awarded the man of the match award for his strong performance at out half in attack and defence.

Tullamore will now travel to Midleton this Saturday for a 2.30pm kick off to finish off this block of fixtures before the break.

TULLAMORE 1. Mark Kennedy, 2. Matthew Murphy, 3. Cathal Behan, 4. Conor Kelly, 5. Gavin Kelly, 6. Leon Fox, 7. Jack Delahunt, 8. Barry Bracken, 9. Conor Dunne, 10. Karl Dunne, 11. Sean McCabe, 12. Lance Batten, 13. Scott Milne, 14. Brian Geraghty (C), 15. Craig Strong, 16. Alan Douglas, 17. Chris Whittle, 18. Cathal Feighery, 19. Steven Joyce, 20. Sam Burns.