Tullamore bounce back with bonus win

Tullamore had a new 'home' venue last weekend, as they used Mullingars 4G pitch to facilitate the AIL clash with Clonmel RFC. The firm and robust surface paved the way for a fast paced, exciting and high scoring game.

All-Ireland Rugby League Division 2C

Tullamore 38

Clonmel 22

Tullamore hit the front early through Karl Dunne, who spotted a gap in the defensive line from a lineout. He then slipped the ball to Matthew Murphy who stormed to the 5 metre line. The forwards carried around the edge until the ball was whipped to Conor Dunne. Conor broke the first tackle but was hauled to the ground just before the line. He then coolly popped the ball to flying winger Liam Farrell who bounced over the line for the opening try.

Conor added another penalty soon after to stretch the lead to 10 points. Clonmel regathered and worked their way steadily to the Midlander's 22 metre line. They passed the ball to the outer edge and eventually creeped over through their outside centre to close the gap to 3 points. Conor Dunne 2 more penalties after this score to stretch the lead to 9.

The visitors weren't finished there and scored a converted try and a penalty to take a 1 point lead into half time.

This was as good as it got for Clonmel, as Tullamore took complete control in the second half. Tullamore's scrum was dominant all day, and it showed minutes into the restart as the home side won a penalty. Conor Dunne slotted the 3 pointer to regain the lead.

Cathal Farrell was introduced at the 50 minute mark, and his impact was immediate. Young gun Fionnan Redmond won a valuable penalty on the 10 metre line. The ball was sent deep into the Clonmel 22, and regathered sharply at lineout time. Lance Batten was thrown the ball from the base, and gave a slick pass to the powerful substitute. Farrell broke through 3 tackles to dot down for the insurance score.

Cathal had a big hand in the 3rd try some minutes later. Tullamore had a scrum on the halfway line after the restart was kicked over the side line. Leon Fox released Conor Dunne who steamed down the far wing. He then chipped the ball over the try line for Scott Milne. Milne showed great pace and work rate to make it to the try line, but the bounce was unkind and slipped through his hands. Tullamore maintained pressure and continued to prod and test the Clonmel rear gaurd. Karl Dunne caught the ball on the 5 metre and switched the it to Cathal Farrell. Cathal weaved his way through several defenders and was caught just short. He then lifted the ball to Jack Delahunt, who ran over for a brilliant opportunistic score.

From the restart, Tullamore failed to clear their lines. Clonmel pounced and had their best spell of the half, going through countless phases to rattle against the Tullamore defence. They eventually burrowed their way over through a maul.

Tullamore had the last laugh however, as they eventually scored their fourth and final try, Sean McCabe made a strong lung busting run to the visitors 10 metre line. The ball was then whipped through 4 sets of hands to reach Leon Fox on the far side line. Fox stormed down the touchline and fended the last defender for a wonderful team try.

The final score was 38-22. This was a brilliant performance against a very good Clonmel side and will look forward to travel to Bruff this Saturday foor the penultimate fixture of the regular season. Matthew Murphy, Fionnan Redmond, Scott Milne and Leon Fox were very effective in the pack, while Sam Burns, Cathal Farell, Sean McCabe and Karl Dunne excelled out wide. 

TULLAMORE: 1. Mark Kennedy, 2. Cathal Feighery, 3. Matthew Murphy, 4. Alan Douglas, 5. Fionnan Redmond, 6. Scott Milne, 7. Jack Delahunt, 8. Leon Fox, 9. Sam Burns, 10. Karl Dunne, 11. Sean McCabe, 12. Lance Batten, 13. Conor Dunne, 14. Liam Farrell, 15. Brian Geraghty (C).