Wins for Tullamore rugby mens and ladies teams

Metro 6 League: Tullamore J3s: 43, Stillorgan-Rathfarnham J1s: 29

On a pleasant Saturday afternoon in Spollanstown, when for once the storm clouds held at bay, Tullamore and Stillorgan served up a Metro 6 league classic, with tries, drama and action aplenty.

This was a vital game in Tulliers quest for further league Silverware and from the off they showed their intent. With the pitch in better than expected shape, the firm ground served a nifty Tulliers backline well.

Only 4 minutes had elapsed when impressive 13, Jarlath Glynn slashed through for try no 1 after some nice phase play. This prodded the Stillorgan behemoths into action and they plodded forward with menace, camping in Tulliers 22 for the guts of 10 minutes before the Tulliers defensive dam burst and Stillorgan pushed ahead 7.5.

Tulliers rebounded well and after a sustained attack, Estiaan JVR looked to heading for the whitewash, only to hit a speed wobble and the chance went a begging. Crafty fullback Niall McCabe did hoof over a penalty to push Tulliers 8.7 ahead.

Stillorgan came back and stuffed it up the proverbial jumper, rumbling forward but their route one approach was meat and drink to a hungry forward pack, where Cian Sullivan, Jim Rabbit, Ryan O'Keefe, John McQuade and Davie Mann tucked into all Stillorgan had to offer. Lineout giraffe Odhran Hickey was ruling the skies and ably supported by his older cousin Johnny Connolly, the 2 second rows were a constant thorn in the Stillorgan set piece.

Tulliers then put together a sublime 10 minutes of rugby and reeled off 3 tries of aesthetic beauty to pull ahead 29 - 8. Firstly Ja Glynn added the finish to a flowing move, instigated by wily old outhalf Colin Draper, before flame haired winger Cian Dunne Guilfoyle steamed forward, linking with Davie Mann who barrelled up the touchline and in taking a shoulder to his hooter, was awarded a penalty try.

The finest of the 1st half wine was saved ‘til last, Mark McGrath scampering over into the corner after some electric team play. Starting with a dink to the corner, a controlled rolling maul, a jab up the middle, a swing of the midfield hips, quick hands all round and away went McGrath.

Coach Hughes was purring on the sideline but he knew a wounded beast is most dangerous when backed into a corner and there was still a sting in the Stillorgan tail.

Captain Colin Draper has spent the winter months honing and toning his body in the gymnasium so as to be in peak physical condition for his wedding and honeymoon, and the extra muscle work has certainly added another gear to his engine; he motored about the pitch like a gossun, involved in everything good that the Tulliers backline produced on the day.

Tulliers put further daylight between themselves and Stillorgan straight from the restart, when Draper outstripped the burly Stillorgan outhalf for pace and Adam Hughes strolled over next the posts.

From here on the game swung the way of the Dubliners, reeling off 2 quick fire tries that breathed life into the game and had coach Hughes sweating like a Scandinavian in a sauna. 36.22 and game very much on.

Needing a boost, Hughes sprung strongman Dan Cronin from the bench and the big Yorkshireman had the desired effect, huffing and puffing and blowing the Stillorgan scrum backwards. Cronin of Irish blood and English heart, but very much a Tulliers man in spirit, has always abided by the mantra "you don't win scrums with salad" and his extra beef was a welcome tonic to a tiring Tulliers pack. Mucklagh man Daz Brady also added some much needed muscle to affairs, Brady has done dry January as well as Veganuary and the results are clear for all to see.

Tulliers needed a booster and dynamic backrower, full time dairy farmer and MOTM John McQuade was the man to supply it, swatting off bigger and older men to touch down for a tremendous individual try.

Stillorgan did manage a late consolation but by that stage Tulliers had the game wrapped up in a nice neat little package.

Full time 43 - 29 and both sides gladly retreated to the sanctuary of the clubhouse for hot stew and a creamy beverage.

Tullamore J3s play Greystones next on the 28th of February in what will be a top of the table clash to potentially decide who plays at home in the League Final.

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Leinster Ladies League: Tullamore 22, Balbriggan 19

CCW Park, Spollanstown

In a nail biting display a tenacious Tullamore came away victors against a tough Balbriggan contingent.
This was an eagerly anticipated battle as the north Dubliners came to the midlands in search of a second win against the Tulliers.
The game kicked off with immediate intensity, on a bright Sunday afternoon. Both teams looking battle hardened and intent on proving a point here as they both battle to stay in the fight in the top half of the Leinster league board.
The Tulliers got off to a flying start, with a young energetic backline led by Orlaith Foxe. Their efforts were rewarded with Orlaith crossing the whitewash, Sinead Rigney added the extras. Putting the homeside 7-0.
Not a team to take lightly Balbriggan came back with strong carries. Tullamore women were defending with all their might, however the dubliners couldn’t be held out. 7-7.
The Tullamore pack were brutish and brave, hunting double hits and barrelling carries. No. 8 Hannah Foxe showed great power as she bowled over multiple opposition players on her way towards the line. However, it was another Foxe lady, Orlaith who dotted down to make it 12-7.
It was becoming a real back and forth as Balbriggan had an answer for that try without delay. 12-12.
After halftime, the Tulliers came out again with their backline running dazzling lines and brave kick chases. Young guns, Aoife Hughes and Sorcha Tierney showed their pace and creativity repeatedly on the offense. However, it was excellent work by the pack that meant fellow young gun Julia Hooper muscled over to make it 17-12.
Balbriggan, as always had an answer for Tullamore and made it back up to 17-19 as they added the extra.
Deep breaths from the home crowd. Veteran full back Sinead Rigney got a well deserved try to make the game 22-19 with just under 10 minutes to go.
Balbriggan would not die away and kept in the fight. Making the Tullamore defence work mightily. Mammoth shifts were put in by Kate Fox and Albha Oman in driving the dubliners back- until- the relief of the final whistle. Full time 22-19.

Renu’s Player of the match- Kate Fox