By Site Editor

U13 Division 2

Final

PORTLAOISE RFC

Saturday 28th April

MULLINGAR 31

LONGFORD RFC 0

Last Saturday Mullingar RFC u13s played their final game of the 2017/18 Season. The venue was Portlaoise, and the opponents were Longford. The match was the final of Lenister League Division 2 with the winners set to be crowned champions.

On the day the weather obliged and the teams took to the field in sunshine & blue skies (A rarity over this last season). A large contingent of supporters had made the trip from Mullingar and they roared on their Team from the start.

It was evident from the kick-off that Mullingar were well focused and in no humor to let Longford get a foot hold in the game. Mullingar defended resolutely and Longford couldn’t find a way through the wall of Mullingar bodies. The pressure lead to a turnover of the ball and Mullingar were instantly on the attack. The back line of Louis Greene, Conor Moore & Elliot O’Rourke started to move the ball wide at every opportunity. They kept stretching Longford’s defense and the result was a try by Conor Moore mid-way through the first half. This was ably converted by Louis Greene.

Longford responded to this score with added impetus and our pack of Paulie Farrell, Tomas Svienty, Sean Darcy, Camhon Mac Gabhann & Finn Davitt put in a huge effort to keep their opponents at bay. Longford started testing our full back, Jack Duncan, with some tricky kicks. Jack covered all of these with great skill. Just before half time Mullingar got over the try line with Jack Boyhan grounding the ball.

As expected, after half time Longford came back strongly and our players was once again asked to defend. Conor Halligan, Daniel Longe & Oisin McGauren kept up a huge work rate and Mullingar contained Longford once gain. When Mullingar got hold of the ball, the half backs, Aidan Isdell & Ciaran McKenna provided an excellent platform for our attack.  The 3^Rd try by Conor Moore opened up a bit of a gap over Longford.

It was now time for some fresh legs on the pitch and the introduction of Jack Tynan, Fionn McCaffrey, Cormac Oakes, Ciaran Byrne, Odhran Donoghue, Hugh Murtagh & Harry Quigley brought a new energy to the team. Two more tries followed. The spirit of this team was shown when Michael Murtagh, although not 100% fit, took to the field, in the last quarter, to give his all.

The final whistle brought great celebrations from the team, mentors & supporters. The captain, Conor Moore, proudly accepted the trophy, on behalf of Mullingar, from Harry Nichols of Lenister Rugby.