Tullamore RFC NOTES

RUGBY REPORT W/E 5th DEC 2010. – TULLAMORE R.F.C. 

Leinster League Div 1.A.

Tullamore  19    Newbridge  17. 

The fact that this match took place on Saturday is a testament to the excellent pitch in Spollenstown that was in perfect condition. This was one of only 3 league games that were played out of about 40 fixed for the weekend in Leinster. Three other Tullamore games were postponed due to snow and frost.

Having to line out without Captain Adrian Hanley and prop Steve McQuade who were both injured was a concern for team managemnt but the lads selected were definatly up for this game and everybody played to their limit. It was a very enjoyable game to watch with the only dissapointing note  the small attendance of home supporters.

Tullamore opened very positively but faded somewhat as the first half wore on. Both sides had difficulty dealing with the very strict refeering of the breakdown  which eventually lead to the sin binning of a player from either side in the second half. It was also a game of high quality tackling by both sides and defences ruled the day. Tullamores opening salvo resulted in two successfull penalties being converted within ten minutes and a further penalty kick in the first quarter. Newbridge  replied with three kicks all apparently awarded for hands in the ruck to leave the score 9-9 at the break.

Both sides swapped penalty kicks early in the second half and Newbridge missed two difficult penalty kicks awarded against Tullamore in the ruck. The match was tied going into the last ten minutes until the decisive score came when Cyril Cornally recieved a fumbled pass outside the 22 and there was no stopping running in for a converted try. Newbridge campeed on the Tullamore line for the last few minutes and in injury time rumbled over for a try. The conversion attempt which would have tied the scores kicked from eight metes from the touchline dropped a half metre under the crossbar. The final whistle sounded to the relief of the home side.

Next Sunday will be a further tough test as third placed Tullamore are away to League leaders Boyne in Drogheda. 

  NEXT WEEKEND FIXTURES;

Sat  18th.

       U-17  Tullamore   v   Birr Leinster Premier League @ 12.30pm

Sun  19th

      Boyne  v  Tullamore Leinster League Div 1.A @ 2.00pm

      Boyne 2nds  v  Tullamore  2nds Leinster Seconds League Div . @ 12.30pm 

Sat  26th (St Stephens Day)

        Mixed Tag Rugby from 3.00pm under lights. All Teams welcome on day.