Tullamore women retain Midlands Cup
Tullamore emerged victorious in hotly contested local derby against closest neighbours Edenderry. This bruising encounter got off to great start for the Tullamore women, when they finally broke through the tough Edenderry defence. Rose Henninot, burst through the line of Edenderry women to put the Tullamore women ahead early.
Womens Midlands Cup: Tullamore 27, Edenderry 15
It appeared the early success caused some complacency in the Tulliers as it wasn’t long before the Edenderry women crossed the whitewash themselves. The home team’s tail was up and the excitement caused some ill discipline leading to a yellow.
The Tullamore ladies used their experience to their advantage and the brilliant boot of Becky Gavin to extend their score by 3.
The physicality of this game was immense, with huge hits coming from both sides.
It wasn’t long before nifty Doon woman Aoibhe Kelly, jinked between a flat footed Edenderry defence to extend the lead for the Tulliers. The doggedness of Edenderry did not fade and before long they were knocking on the door, shaking the Tullamore defence. Eventually after some ill discipline from the Tulliers, Edenderry got their just reward and now were only within a score.
Tullamore maintained the composure and brought a clinical attack to the 2nd half. They capitalised on the momentum swing through some excellance in the backline, Claire Leonard dotted down to extend the lead.
Edenderry are not a team to give up and they brought serious tenacity in the 2nd half. Their pack leading the way with a strong set piece. They broke loose again and crossed over the line again to make it a one score game again.
The game was nearly finished, but Tullamore weren’t done. They came back again at what was a tiring Edenderry defence. The Tullamore forwards carrying and crashing through the middle before the ball was flung out to lightning quick Leah McInerney, who added on the extra 5. Then outhalf Becky Gavin, nailed on the extra 2 to bring it to FT 27-15.
A riveting game that proves women’s rugby in Offaly is alive and thriving.
TULLAMORE: Catriona Kielty, Ellie Flanagan, Robin Maher, Emer Feighery, Saidhbh McIntyre, Clodagh Redmond, Ciara Dunne, Hannah Foxe ©, Aoibhe Kelly, Becky Gavin, Claire Leonard, Roisin Feighery, Niamh Hickey, Rose Henninot, Orlaith Foxe.Replacements - Dani Murphy, Leah McInerney, Megan Henchy, Marianna, Clodagh Thompson, Carolinr Aherne, Aoife Hughes,Saoirse Guinan
Leinster League: Tullamore J2s: 32, Guinness RFC: 10
Tullamore J2s were met with wet and blustery conditions on Saturday as they went about trying to secure top spot in the league. A victory against opponents Guinness RFC would mean a home league final but Tullamore were fearful given the wet conditions which can be a great leveller.
This turned out to be the case as it was Guinness RFC who started the stronger and clever kicking from their scrum half behind the Tullamore line resulted in an early try for the visitors. It was the shot in the arm Tullamore needed and focused the minds. Some crisp backline play combined with strong carrying from the likes of John Connolly and Geoff Scully would reap reward with Niall McCabe finishing off some good Tullamore play.
The backline were making good gains from their 1st phase plays with Cormac Moloney and Cian Lynam making breaks through the Guinness defence. After some strong forward carries it was Colin Draper who put Colin Hughes through a gap for the second try. Tullamore were quick to return to the Guinness half through strong carrying from Finn Hanlon and Dan Cronin. The pressure was mounting on the visitors, and it was the Jack Hanlon who eventually dotted down close to the line. With the half time score at 15-5, Tullamore felt confident in their ability to push on and dominate the second half despite the awful conditions.
Guinness had other ideas and after a breakdown in the Tullamore attack, Guinness kicked the ball clear and won the footrace to touchdown under the posts. The score was now 15-10 and the game was in the melting pot with the next score crucial in deciding the game. It was Tullamore who eventually got it with Jerome Scully the man to do so. This provided the breathing space needed for Tullamore to further impose their dominance on the valiant Guinness side.
Jack Hanlon was next on the scoresheet. It was Jack who caught the restart before strong carries from Connolly and Ryan Mealiffe brought play into the Guinness half. It was then some smart handling from backs and forwards which led to Jack getting on the end of a flowing passage of play for the try of the match. Shane Brennan rounded off the scoring at the end with an opportunist try after some smart jackalling from Cormac Moloney gave Brennan a clear run-in from 30 metres out.
To their credit, Guinness fought bravely all game in what was a physical and bruising encounter. Tullamore will be glad of such a physical test as they head into cup and finals rugby. In the backs, Cormac Moloney and Cian Lynam showed very well all game while John Connolly and John Tobin were constant threats with the ball in the forwards. Man of the Match though went to Jack Hanlon-a full 80 minutes from the prop with dominant tackles, powerful carries and two tries to his name.
Team: Mark McGrath, Niall McCabe, Cormac Moloney, Colin Hughes, Cian Lynam, Colin Draper, Adam Hughes, John Connolly, John Tobin, Finn Hanlon, Geoff Scully, Jack Hanlon, Dan Cronin, Ethan Hanlon. Replacements: Ryan Mealiffe, Jimmy Rabbite, Ben Hensey, Darren Brady, Shane Brennan, Tiarnan Mealiffe, Jerome Scully, Eoghan Oconnor.y
U16 boys Midland League: Tullamore 34, Longford 24
The U16 boys had a tough game at home against Longford. It was a really thriller. Tullamore scored first in the first 5 minutes. Tullamore and Longford then traded trys. With 2 minutes left in the first half, Longford was up by 5. But Tullamore was able to turn it around off another good attack and went in at half time 19 to 17 up.
Tullamore started the second half the same way they finished the first and had a converted try within the first 2 minutes of the second half. But Longford weren't out of the game and scored their own converted try. Tullamore scored a real team try on 50 minutes. And made the game certain on the last kick of the match with a penalty in front of the posts.
Final score 34, 24 to Tullamore. The lads are now in the Midlands League semi-final.