PORTLAOISE 12 TULLAMORE 56
PORTLAOISE 12 TULLAMORE 56
What a difference in a week ! Tullamore were unrecognisable from the side that fell apart in Seapoint as they demolished Portlaoise in the second half of this vital league match for both clubs. The committment and positive attitude were back but the question is which side will turn up in Boyne next Saturday.
Tullamore got off to a great start with two penalties from Niall Geraghty who more than anyone epitomised this new confidence when Portloise were penalised for firstly offside and then hands in the ruck in the first ten minutes. From the resultant kick off after the second penalty Tullamore spilled the ball and Portlaoise were up quick to secure and drove on for a try. Some minutes later outhalf Aaron Deverell put in a great crossfield kick that Keith Scally in support of his winger gathered, to score under the posts and Niall converted. Niall was on the mark again with another penalty after 27 minutes. The visitors had a strangle hold on the game at this stage but failed to score again in the first half that finished 16 – 05.
The second half was a try fest with seven being scored in the forty minutes. David Milne was the first to score following a kick ahead by Keith Scally and Keith himself was on hands to score another after ten minutes. An individual piece of flair by Niall Geragty who kicked ahead and gathered allowed the supporting Adrain Hanley to score next. Winger Colin Hughes showed his pace to get a further try and some minutes later Niall Geraghty added a try to his kicking tally. By the way Niall had converted all five second half tries to date.
Portlaoise to there credit were still trying hard on a day that very little went right for them and they scored a converted try in reply. David Milne made the final try for Mark Whelan with a well timed pass when he had support on both shoulders.
Niall Geraghty scored twenty one points including sixteen with the boot and this level of goal kicking is a great boost to a side. David Milne was outstanding and Keith Scally showed the talent he regularily showed some years ago at U-18 level. Aaron Deverell’s distribution at outhalf was excellent but everyone of the twenty played their part.
TEAM; 15. Niall Geraghty, 14. Colin Hughes,13.Keith Scally, 12. Ivor Scully, 11.Mark Whelan, 10.Aaron Deverell, 9. Richie Hughes, 1. Ronan Glennon, 2. Cathal Feighery,3. Alvin Bracken, 4. Dave Hanlon, 5. Ivor Deverell, 6. David Milne, 7. Rob Connor(capt) 8. Adrian Hanley
Replacements used; Cian Glennon, Ronan Scally, Donal Milne,Paul McNiff, David Deering .
LEINSTER 2NDS LEAGUE.
PORTLAOISE 15 TULLAMORE 23.
Tullamore made hard work of this bonus point win in Portlaoise on Sunday. They failed to convert any of the four tries and should have put away a few other chances. This win puts them fve points ahead in the league with two full rounds to go.
The first quarter was evenly contested but after twenty two minutes Tullamore gifted a penalty to the home side with a needless trip after an attack had been cleared. A clever crossfield kick by Eric Conway opened the Portlaoise defense and when Chris Gethings gathered Paul O’Grady was in support to score. Portlaise blocked down a kick close to the Tullamore line and were quickest to react and get in for a try. Tullamore replied in a similar manner when the ever alert Cian Glennon blocked a Portlaoise clearance and Aidan Ryan scored to restore the visitors lead. Just before halftime winger Chris Gethings got his reward for a great first half performance when he raced clear to score a third Tullamore try.
A tenous half time lead was wiped out when Portloaise took advantage of an error to score a converted try to level the scores and set up a tense final half hour. The Tullamore pack with Ciaran McNeill in brillant form were up to the challenge and Cyril Cornally got the touchdown from a rolling maul. Eric Conway kicked a vital penalty to put two scores between the sides and seal the game.
Next Saturday its a chance to right the record against third place Boyne who held out to win the last encounter by two points. Tullamore gave away two silly early tries and were twelve points down after ten minutes.
TEAM; 15. Rory Deverell, 14. Chris Gethings, 13. Paul O’Grady, 12.Cormac Moloney,11. Aidan Ryan, 10. Eric Conway, 9. Mick Fox, 1. Darragh Lowry, 2. Cian Glennon, 3. Ronan Scally, 4. Ciaran McNeill, 5.John Connolly, 6. Paul McNiff, 7.Cyril Cornally, 8.Donal Milne.
Replacements used; Gavin McDermott, Ger Molloy, Eddie Brady, Nigel Ravenhill and Ray Farrell.
