Tullamore lose ground away to Midleton

Tullamore suffered a disappointing defeat away to Midleton on Saturday. It’s a result that moves the midlanders to 3rd, and puts Skerries 2 points clear in second place.

All-Ireland Rugby League Division 2C

Midleton 24

Tullamore 17

Tullamore started strong, and showed the work they have been doing on the training paddock as their phase play attack was sharp and slick. The were rewarded for their efforts with 3 points from the boot of Conor Dunne. A missed touch from a penalty on the half way line dropped short soon after this, and Midleton looked to attack from deep. The ball was whipped to the far touch. Tullamore missed 3 tackles in this period and the home side bundled their way to the 5 metre line. They eventually worked their way in for a try against the run of play.

Tullamore showed great resolve and replied with 2 more penalties. Barry Bracken and Sean McCabe  were removed from action due to injury. Midleton began to dominate the set piece, as a result Tullamore lost control and possession at crucial stages in the half. Midleton scored another try and penalty late in the first half to stretch the lead to 8 points. From the restart Tullamore won a scrum on the 10 metre line. The ball was worked through the backs and found it’s way to Cathal Farrell. Farrell bounced his opposite man, ran around the full back and dived for an O’Driscollesque finish in the corner. This was a brilliant score and left the score at 17-14 leading into the break.

Midleton replied first in the second half and scored another 7 pointer. This was the last time the home side breached the 22 metre line, as Tullamore took complete control of the game. Young gun Fionnan Redmond was introduced and this seemed to have a big impact at lineout time.

Tullamore worked their way into the 22 several times, but failed to capitalise at crucial moments. Conor Dunne added another 3 points in the 65th minute and proved to be the last score of the game. Tullamore can be very pleased with how they played, but will be disappointed with their finishing as several chances went begging. Tullamore will welcome the two week break as it will give time for the growing injured party to recover. 

TULLAMORE: 1. Mark Kennedy, 2. Matthew Murphy, 3. Cathal Behan, 4. Alan Douglas, 5. Leon Fox, 6. Jack Delahunt, 7. Christopher Whittle, 8. Barry Bracken, 9. Sam Burns, 10. Karl Dunne, 11. Sean McCabe, 12. Lance Batten, 13, Conor Dunne, 14. Scott Milne, 15. Stephen Joyce