October 31, 20213:00 pm

Leinster League Division 2

Balbriggan 23   Newbridge 23

A high scoring Leinster League match that saw Newbridge on the back foot for long periods in the match. Balbriggan scored 4 tries and one penalty to Newbridge’s 2 tries 3 penalties and two conversions.

While Newbridge were ahead after 24 minutes they never got going until the 67th minute when they threw all they had at Balbriggan. To their credit Newbridge came from 18 points to 6 down in the 67th minute to draw level and outscore the opposition until 2 minutes into injury time when Balbriggan got over for a try to draw the game.

Balbriggan pressure saw them score from in front of the posts with a penalty in the 14th minute. Newbridge fullback Robbie Waters was on hand to kick penalties in the 21st and 24th minute. However, Balbriggan went ahead in the 28th minute with a try. A further try followed to leave the score at the interval at 13 points to 6.

Newbridge made a number of changes in the 51st minute with Ollie Feigan coming into the centre and Kevin Commane on the wing. Mike Doyle came on at this time also.  Many mistakes were made in open play and the heavier Balbriggan pack were happy to maul all they could. Tom Treacy at No. 8 made a telling run and got over from a 5 metre scrum. Robbie Waters converted. In the 70th minute the outstanding player of the match Will Jennings got over under the posts for another very fine try. This was from a quick penalty with the opposition not paying attention. Waters converted. Newbridge were now ahead by 18 points to 20 points. In the 79th minute Robbie waters kicked a good penalty to leave Newbridge 5 points ahead. However, in the 2 minute of injury time Balbriggan got over for another try to leave the final score at 23 points each.

Best for Newbridge were team captain Jeff Draper at wing forward, Tom Treacy at No.8 while in the backs Dinny Clarke in the centre was good.

Newbridge: Dave Morgan, Will Jennings, Brendan Commane, Scott McMullan, Callum Reynolds-Source, Cameron English, Jeff Draper (Capt), Tom Treacy, Mark Delaney, Donal Cashman, Paidi Davies, Karl Darragh, Dinny Clarke, Stephen Cooke, Robbie Waters. Subs: Alex Matheus, Adam Bingham, Mike Doyle, Kevin Commane Oliver Feigan, Alfie Thompson, Conor O’Brien.

Newbridge are at home in Rosetown to De La Salle Palmerston at 2.30 on Sunday 07 November.