Tough battle for Tullamore against Arklow in Towns Cup this Sunday

Sunday next, March 6 sees Tullamore make the long drive to the east coast to lock horns with Leinster league 2B side Arklow in what is a repeat of the 2019 edition. On the fateful day a late Glen Bagnall try was just enough to squeeze Kevin Finlay's troops over the line and this coming Sunday promises to be less of a task.

Arklow have had a mixed season to date but are coming off two big league wins on the bounce and while they may not be as rounded as the 2019 version that finished runners up in LL2B to eventual league winners Athy, they still boast a formidable set of forwards and a proud home record and many of that 2019 squad are still in operation. Driven on by the fierce, veteran no8 Richie Murphy, they will not make life easy for a Tullamore team that is improving but not yet the finished article. In the home of Shane Byrne (the mullet), Tullamore can expect a stern and ultra-physical test of their cup credentials.

The weather Gods have not been kind of late and no pitch in the country has escaped unscathed, so with another mixed forecast given this week, we can expect a heavy sod that will suit a gnarled, old Arklow pack that prides itself on set piece dominance. To stand any hope of victory, Tullamore will have to battle manfully up front and hope they can source enough possession to let the backline loose (weather permitting). Key to this will be the collective efforts of front row talismen Dan Cronin, Cathal Behan and Shane Fleming, who coincidentally started en bloc in the same fixture 3 years ago and the experience of that test should hold them in good stead. Further beef is on the bench in the shape of veterans Ger Molloy, Kealen Feery and Kevin Browne should some fresh muscle be required.

  Should Tullamore gain some level of set piece parity, they have the tools across the backline to do damage, Cathal Farrell, Cormac Moloney and Scott Milne all capable of creating and finishing opportunities. Zippy no9 Zach Wright will need to dictate the pace but must show composure when required. 

The management team of Connor, Hegarty, McIntyre, Joyce and Flynn have had their thinking caps on since the draw was made and will have made their plans accordingly. 

The inside word from the camp is that morale is high and the squad are respectful of Arklows ability but quietly confident that a place can be secured in the 2nd round at the close of business Sunday next.

Verdict Tullamore by 5