Leinster U-13 CupIt may have been a first round match but they will not come any tougher than this match. The scoreline will flatter Tullamore in a game that was on a knife edge

Tullamore  17   Mullingar  05

until Paul Nortons solo try late in the game.

Tullamore backs were the key to this win as they made great use of the hard won ball by the forwards. A new player of substance was discovered in Eoghan Martin who started his first match in the second row with a great all round performance.

Tullamore were first to score with a try after 17 minutes from Jason Owens who is lethel when given the ball in space. This remained the score until half time where every ball was contested eagerly and tackles were top class by both sides.

The second half continued at a high tempo and Cathal Mangan managed to get his hand in to intercept a Mullingar pass, gather and run 60 metres to score. The  lead was cut in half minutes later when the visitors got in for a deserved try. It took Paul Nortons converted try on 24 minutes to put some daylight between the sides.

A terrific performance from the side well lead by Cathal Mangan. Chinnie was detailed to mark their most dangerous back and he did so and was even able to get in a few runs himself. Mel Rowland had his best game of the season and forms a great midfield partnership with Barry Bracken. Colm Corcoran was also given specific tasks at No.8 which he carried out to perfection in conjunction  with No. 9 Cormac Deegan.

Next week its back to the Leinster League and a semi-final meeting with Kilkenny probably in Portlaiose.

Team. 15. Paul Norton, 14. Jason Owens, 13. Barry Bracken, 12.Mel Rowland, 11. Chinnie Izuchkua, 10. Cathal Mangan (capt),9. Cormac Deegan, 1. Luke Molloy, 2. Geff Scully, 3. Jack McDonald, 4.Eoghan Martin, 5.Paul O’Reilly, 6.Sean Rigney, 7. Jack Fogarty, 8. Colm Corcoran.

Replacements; Jack Wyer, Cian Dully, James Boland, Shane Wyer, Michael McDermott.