Agonising defeat but crucial bonus point for Tullamore against league leaders

Tullamore fell agonizingly short in a nail-biting encounter against league leaders Belfast Harlequins, losing by just one point in the dying moments of the game. Despite dominating large portions of the match, a last-play penalty sealed a dramatic victory for the visitors, leaving Tullamore to rue missed opportunities in what was an outstanding performance overall.

All-Ireland Rugby League Division 2C

Belfast Harlequins 21

Tullamore 20 

Tullamore started strongly, controlling possession and dictating the early exchanges through smart kicking from Karl Dunne and Josh Huddlestone. Both players executed impressive 50/22 kicks, forcing the visitors deep into their territory. Their territorial advantage soon paid off with a brilliantly worked team try. The ball moved swiftly through the hands to Huddlestone, who delivered a pinpoint offload to winger Scott Bradley, flying down the touchline for the opening score.

The momentum stayed with Tullamore as second-row Marty Cummins made a barnstorming 40-yard break, slicing through the Belfast defensive line. Though the try eluded them, the resulting penalty stretched their lead to 8-0.

However, Belfast Harlequins fought back and scored on the stroke of half-time. Sustained pressure at the Tullamore line resulted in a penalty try awarded for repeated infringements in the maul, narrowing the score to 8-7 at the break.

The second half began in chaotic fashion as Belfast charged down Tullamore’s exit kick, putting the home side under immediate pressure. But Tullamore responded magnificently through a stunning piece of counter-play. Eoin O'Reilly intercepted a wide pass on his own five-metre line and charged upfield to halfway. Spotting Scott Milne unmarked on the far wing, O'Reilly executed a perfect cross-field kick, allowing Milne to collect and glide over for a superb try. to take a six-point lead.

The league leaders turned the screw as the half progressed, dominating territory and possession for the next 25 minutes. Tullamore’s defensive effort was heroic, with standout performances from David Boland, Marty Cummins, Adam Carthy, and Gavin Ridgeway. Eventually, the pressure told, and Belfast crossed for a try in the 75th minute, edging ahead by a single point.

Tullamore showed tremendous resilience in the closing stages. Following the restart, they forced a knock-on and capitalized on their dominance in the scrum. The resulting penalty was expertly dispatched to touch by Huddlestone, who then slotted the subsequent penalty to regain a two-point lead.

With just seconds remaining, Tullamore had a scrum outside their 22, seemingly in control of the game. Unfortunately, a handling error at the base handed possession back to Belfast. The visitors scrambled forward, winning a penalty in the final play, which they converted to snatch a heartbreaking victory.

While the result was a bitter pill to swallow, Tullamore can take immense pride in their performance. The pack was immense, with David Boland, Adam Carthy, and Marty Cummins excelling in both the tight and loose. In the backs, Scott Milne’s try and Liam Farrell’s creativity stood out, while Josh Huddlestone and Karl Dunne were influential in controlling the game with their kicking.

Despite the loss, Tullamore proved they can go toe-to-toe with the best in the division. They will aim to channel this frustration into their next fixture as they continue to climb the table. The bonus point puts them 1 point away from Omagh, who they will face this weekend in Spollanstown. This game is a definite 8 pointer, and all support would be greatly appreciated. 

TULLAMORE: Karl Dunne, Alan Douglas, Matt Murphy, Cathal Behan, Marty Cummins, Fionnan Redmond, Adam Carthy, Dave Boland, Gavin Ridgeway, Eoin O’Reilly, Karl Dunne, Sean McCabe, Josh Huddlestone, Scott Milne, Scott Bradley, Liam Farrell.