43-15 defeat of Naas secures the league for Tullamore…
Played at Edenderry RFC on Saturday April 26th against Naas RFC .Following a long season this was the last match in the Tullamore fixture list this season. Looking at the pre match warm up the squad showed great enthusiasm as they went through their paces. Under the ever watchful eye of Kieran, James, Cathal and John. They were all set for the 4pm kick off.
Tullamore played into the very stiff breeze for the first half. This made playing conditions difficult and resulted in numerous handling errors. The strong Naas team made use of these errors to their advantage and registered their first try after 2 minutes. Things were not looking good for Tullamore at this early stage!
It took a spark of skill from Mark Milner to follow up his kick and force a turnover on the Naas 5 metre line which resulted in Adam Flanagan crossing for an excellent try thus settling Tullamore. Diarmuid Egan’s conversion from out wide hit the crossbar.
Tullamore needed a huge effort to hold off wave after wave of Naas attacks. This they did and there was some superb tackles going in right across the team. It was only as a result of an attempted clearance that Naas got in for a second try just on half time leaving the score at 10pts to 5 in their favour.
Kieran made several positional changes at the break. Cormac Izuchukwu moved into the second row Mark Milner went to scrum half and Adam Flanagan the left wing. These coupled with the wind in their backs made for a totally different second half. Tullamore produced a powerful display of running rugby that stunned Naas. Tries from Cathal Farrell, Brian Keogh (3) and Sean Beatty (2) along with four conversions from Diarmuid Egan, put the game beyond any doubt. It provided an opportunity to empty the bench so everyone played their part. Naas to their credit did not give up and ran in a lovely try just on the stroke of full time. However, it was Tullamore who ran out winners by 43pts to 15pts. Captain Brian Keogh lifted the trophy surrounded by fellow squad members, coaches and parents. Well done to all, and a super end to the season.
Thanks to the Sponsors Midland Security and D&S Hardware and the parents who provided a delightful celebration back in Spollanstown, on the return from Edenderry. Indeed the entire squad and coaches are very appreciative of their support right throughout the season.
Tullamore squad: Adam Stone, Cathal Brennan, James Gillen ,Ryan Kinahan, Mark Milner(man of the match),Conor McGuinness, Sean Flynn, Brian Keogh(Captain),Adam Flanagan, Diarmuid Egan, Eoin Deegan, Sean Beatty, Alex Halpin, Cathal Farrell, Thomas Ryan, Cormac Izuchukwu, Jamie Fallon, Kealan Hand, Kevin Kelleher, Jamie Doolin, Cian Cronly, Aaron McDermot and Alim Dolan.
