Latest defeat leaves Tullamore facing rearguard action

TULLAMORE'S difficult start to the season continued at home to fellow strugglers Bruff in a game that again got away from them, despite some early promise.Mitigating circumstances, including retirements, injury, defections to other clubs and a delayed pre season for the large GAA playing contingent have all contributed to a sluggish start to the league campaign for this young squad and Tulliers will know that they simply need to gather match points before Christmas if they are to avoid a full on relegation scrap.

All-Ireland Rugby League Division 2C

Bruff 22

Tullamore 8

Tullamore actually started very well and were full vaue for a 3 – 0 lead after 20 minutes after a well struck Josh Huddlestone penalty but they will rue a middle 40 minute patch either side of half time, where they conceded 22 unanswered points and simply left themselves with too much to do, with clock and weather now against them.What will frustrate the Tullamore coaching team the most, is that at least 2 of the tries were very preventable with Bruff not having to do anything spectacular.
A rousing finish did see the impressive Sean McCabe touch down, but despite further goal line pressure, Tullamore couldn’t secure the bonus point their endeavours would have deserved.
A positive was Tulliers' improved maul defence and scrum, while the lineout showed some improvement on games past too. Alan Douglas being the pick of the forwards while Liam Farrell and Sean McCabe were extremely lively when they got a chance to attack, but unfortunately all too often, Tulliers couldn’t build phases or hold possession and Bruff found it far easier to gain traction with ball in hand.
These are a talented and resilient bunch of players and with coaches Dave Hanlon and Aidan Wynne offering plenty of support and encouragement, there is still plenty of time and ability amongst the group to turn the season around.
They now take a 2 week break before travelling north to Belfast Harlequins, this recess will allow the squad to regroup and hopefully iron out the kinks before the next series of fixtures.