September 28, 20197:30 pm

Balbriggan RFC vs Newbridge RFC – MATCH REPORT:

The Leinster League match was played on an excellent pitch during very heavy rain throughout the second half of this game. The home side Balbriggan threw everything at the strong Newbridge side and were in front into the second half. However, the Newbridge pack of forwards got their act together and stormed to a good win. Newbridge scored 3 tries with one converted to Balbrigganโ€™s 2 converted tries.

In the early stages Newbridge found it difficult to get out of their own half. However, in the 19th minute they spread the ball wide from a scrum for full back Donal Cashman to get the touch down in the corner. Balbriggan raised their game and in the 30th minute they got a good forwards try close to the posts which they converted. Newbridge now began to get on top in the lineout and in the loose play but it was Balbriggan who managed to break a few tackles in the 34th minute to get over for a converted try under the posts. The half time score was 14 points to 5 in favour of the home side.

This now looked a difficult assignment for Newbridge to try and get on terms. Ross Barrett was introduced a prop and Newbridge really took the game to Balbriggan. They managed to completely own the lineouts and began to push Balbriggan in the scrums. The wind and rain now came up in Newbridgeโ€™s favour. A series of penalties saw Newbridge push the opposition into the corner. From the lineout a superb driving maul saw Pierce Dargan, at wing forward, get the touchdown in the 46th minute. The try was converted by outhalf Sebastian Berti. Fergal Doyle came on to the left wing as the Newbridge attack opened up at every opportunity. In the 58th minute and from a lineout 15 metres out Number 8 Ronan Mangan got the touch down as the Newbridge pack drove over the opposition line for the lead.

Referee Sue Carty from the Leinster Branch controlled the game well and despite the weather conditions the game was good and open.

Best for Newbridge we were Donal Cashman at fullback and Stephen Cooke on the wing while the whole pack of forwards did well. Best of these forwards were Ronan Mangan, Jeff Draper at wing forward, and Paddy Commane at prop while the accurate throwing of hooker Will Jennings was good.

Newbridge: Paddy Commane, Will Jennings, Brendan Commane, Scott McMullan, Keith Moran, Jeff Dreaper, Pierce Dargan, Ronan Mangan, Mark Delaney, Sebastian Berti, Stephen Cooke, Karl Darragh, Billy Delaney, Neil Hogan, Donal Cashman. Subs: Matt Duggan, Zach Meehan, Michael Ugochukwu, Ross Barrett, Fergal Doyle.

Newbridge are away to Portlaoise on Sunday 13th October at 3.00pm.