Tullamore get a crucial point

In a closely contested game, Tullamore battled to a 25-25 draw against Enniscorthy in a thrilling encounter. Tullamore started the stronger, making full use of the strong wind advantage. Josh Huddlestone opened the scoring with two impressive long-range penalties, putting his side ahead early on.

All-Ireland Rugby League 2C Round 3:

Tullamore 25

Enniscorthy 25

Smart tactical kicking from Karl Dunne and Brendan Heffernan kept Enniscorthy pinned back, but despite Tullamore's dominance, it was Enniscorthy who managed to score first against the run of play. After Tullamore stole a lineout 5 metres from their line, a loose ball allowed the visitors to pounce for a try.

Despite the setback, Tullamore maintained the pressure and added two more penalties from Huddlestone’s boot, but they couldn’t quite convert their attacking pressure into tries, with several opportunities just falling short. The score stood at 12-5 to Tullamore at half time, leaving the home team to rue their missed chances.

The second half saw Enniscorthy take control, dominating the opening 20 minutes. They capitalized on their momentum, scoring three tries in quick succession, giving them a 10-point lead. Tullamore found themselves on the back foot, but they showed tremendous character and resilience to claw their way back into the game.

Adam Carthy, Calvin Mahon, Tadhg Dowdell, Cathal Behan, and Ciaran Ennis took the game by the scruff and made powerful carries gaining significant ground. This forward dominance led to another penalty, which Huddlestone duly converted, narrowing the gap.

As the game wore on, Tullamore looked increasingly threatening with ball in hand. A strong attacking sequence saw them camped on Enniscorthy’s 5-metre line. The ball was spread wide to Eoin O'Reilly, who demonstrated excellent footwork to beat his opposite man and step the full-back to dive under the posts for a try, which Huddlestone converted to bring the sides level.

Enniscorthy regained the lead with a late penalty, but Tullamore were undeterred, mounting a strong attack in the closing minutes. The home team earned a penalty advantage as they pressed deep into Enniscorthy territory, but a knock-on saw play come back for the penalty. Huddlestone, flawless from the tee all day, calmly slotted the 3 points to tie the game at 25-25 at the final whistle.

Tullamore can be proud of their performance, particularly their determination in the closing stages, but they may feel that with a few more minutes on the clock, they could have secured the victory.

Several players stood out in this hard-fought draw. Adam Carthy, Calvin Mahon, Ciaran Ennis, and Fionán Redmond were instrumental in the forward pack, while Huddlestone’s precision kicking kept Tullamore in the contest. In the backline, Scott Milne and Liam Farrell were highly effective in the centre, but it was Scott Bradley who earned the Man of the Match honors. In his first season playing first-team rugby, Bradley’s performances have been exceptional, with his attacking flair and defensive solidity have been the cornerstone of his performances.

Tullamore Team: Alan Douglas, Caylum Dunne, Adam Carthy, Fionán Redmond, Ciaran Ennis (captain), Calvin Mahon, Tadhg Dowdall, Colm Heffernan, Brendan Heffernan, Josh Huddlestone, Scott Bradley, Scott Milne, Liam Farrell, Eoin O'Reilly, Karl Dunne.

Youths Results

Leinster League

U18 Boys: Tulllamore 21 Gorey 19

U17 Boys: Tullamore 47 Ardee 0

U16 Boys: Kilkenny 30 Tullamore 0

U15 Boys: Portarlington 24 Tullamore 12

U14 Boys: Tullamore 5 Naas 27

U18 Girls: Tullamore 46 Clontarf 17

U16 Girls: Wicklow 24 Tullamore 46