Tullamore down Dundalk to book another cup final place

TULLAMORE 33 DUNDALK 13 An earlier Leinster League defeat to Dundalk was avenged on Sunday in Donnybrook when Tullamore took most of their chances and a sound defence prevented Dundalk from creating any clear-cut chances. The final, the second in three years, awaits against Boyne on April 19 Dundalk started with their forwards taking on ball and driving at Tullamore in the middle. Tullamore proved more than capable of dealing with them and soon had Dundalk defending. From a scrum in midfield after 9 minutes, Richie Hughes caught his opposite number in possession and when he was penalized for not releasing Gearoid O"Grady kicked the penalty from the 10-metre line. A Tullamore move was intercepted some minutes later and young second row Brian Geraghty beat everyone from the kick ahead to save a certain try for Dundalk. Following some good work from Ivor Scully Dundalk were penalized again and Gearoid kicked the penalty. More sustained pressure brought its reward with another penalty after 20 minutes and Gearoid made it a hat-trick of successful kicks. Gearoid then managed to get the touchdown for the first try after 29 minutes following a good break and kick from Aaron Deverell. The conversion was a formality from Gearoid. Following a break by the Dundalk out-half Tullamore were penalized at the following scrum and the deficit was reduced with a Dundalk kick at goal. A decisive moment followed when Dundalk missed a simple penalty kick and in the next Tullamore attack Niall Geraghty kicked ahead and won the chase against a ponderous centre to gather brilliantly and run 25 metres for the second try which Gearoid converted. Another penalty left the score at half-time at 26-3 to Tullamore. The second half was less exciting as a result of the big Tullamore lead. Midway through the half Pedro Polonga intercepted from a Dundalk knock-on and his pass allowed winger Colin Hughes to show his pace as he touched down under the posts which Gearoid converted. A good all round performance by all but, with a 23-point contribution, there could only be one Print Plus man of the match in Gearoid O"Grady. NEXT WEEK The 2nd Team eventually play Enniscorthy away next Saturday (3pm). Enniscorthy got the match postponed twice and it is four weeks since this team played. U-20s are home to Suttonians in the Purcell Cup at 4.30 on Sunday, which will be less than two hours after the All-Ireland final in Athlone. All club members and players will be back to support and hopefully celebrate. U18s Rugby Culliton Cup Suttonians 0 Tullamore 10 Tullamore advanced to the quarter-finals of the Culliton Cup following a hard-fought win in Sutton on Saturday. Tullamore were somewhat slow to start but, on 20 minutes, Simon Hensey crossed for Tullamore"s opening try, following some good handling in the backs. Darryl Kilroe took on a lot of ball effectively at first centre and one of these attacks allowed John Moloney to cross for Tullamore second try just before half-time. Despite applying a lot of pressure in the second half, Tullamore were unable to add to their half time total. A try saving tackle by John Moloney before full-time ensured the preservation of Tullamore"s clean sheet. Best for Tullamore were Danny Madden and Danny Cronin. Tullamore U18s: Danny Madden, Daniel Cronin, Ger Molloy, John Moloney, Simon Hensey, Darryl Kilroe, Darryl Daly, Nicholas Berry, Aidan Mollahan, David Molyneaux, Eoin Griffin, Brian Thomas, Ger Wynne, Dean Cahill, Chris Gettings, Paul McNiff, Tim Conway ANDERSON CUP 2ND ROUND Athy 10 Tullamore 27 In what was the hardest match to date for this team it took one of the seasoned performers, Dermot Galvin to produce an excellent display of rugby. Galvin broke the deadlock on 35 minutes after good pressure from the forwards. After two previous misses, Eric Conway step up to convert, two minutes later he kicked a penalty to make it 10-0 and that remained the way until the break. The second half began as the first half ended with some tight forward play. Tullamore then took there foot off the gas and allowed Athy to score a converted try and they also scored a penalty to level the game. With the introduction of subs Ben Smith and John Scanlon, Tullamore regained control of the game and, in the 62nd minute, Galvin stepped up again to score his and Tullamore"s second try. After great work from the forwards the ball was spun out to the centre for Stephen (Archie) Lynam to run the 25 metres for a great try. John Scanlon scored the third try to give Tullamore the win they deserved. Tullamore look forward to their next round match in this cup against long time rivals Mullingar. Cosgrove"s Man of the Match was Dermot Galvin.