December 1, 20192:00 pm

Coolmine RFC vs Newbridge RFC – MATCH REPORT:

A game that was open ended up to the 76th minute when either side could have come out on top. The match swung from end to end in the first half, but it was Coolmine who tightened up in the forwards in the second period to gain the advantage. Coolmine scored 4 tries with 3 converted to Newbridgeโ€™s 3 tries and a penalty. Newbridge lead by 7 points to 13 at half time.

The match moved from end to end in the first period as Newbridge came at the opposition at full pace. An early penalty from 24 metres out and in front of the posts saw full back Karl Darragh push Newbridge ahead after 3 minutes. There was plenty of Newbridge pressure on Coolmine, but it was from a 25 meters out that Coolmine got a straight break through the ruck to score under the posts in the 26th minute for a converted try. Newbridge were not to be outdone and winger Stephen Cooke charged over after a good run to score in the corner in the 31st minute. Cooke was again on hand 2 minutes later as broke a number of tackles and got over for another Newbridge try. At the break Newbridge lead by 7 points to 13.

In the second half the Coolmine kick off was not gathered and led to a throw in on the 5-metre line. Coolmine worked a scrum and pushed over for a converted try. The match changed in the 52nd minute when Kevin Commane at scrum half was yellow carded. Newbridge now playing with a man down saw Coolmine go over for another converted try in the 59th minute. Johne Murphy substituted for Sebastian Berti at outhalf but Newbridge were again on the receiving end with a Coolmine try in the 76th minute. Murphy added much power and drive to the Newbridge backline which saw a number of good efforts towards the Coolmine line. In the 80th minute substitute centre Donal Cashman got over in the corner for a well taken try.

Best for Newbridge we centre Denis Clarke and wingers Fergal Doyle and Stephen Cooke while Keith Moran in the second row with Pierce Dargan did well.

Newbridge: Cameron English, Will Jennings, Brendan Commane, Pierce Dargan, Keith Moran, Jeff Dreaper (Capt), Mark Doyle, Scott McMullan, Sebastian Berti, Stephen Cooke, Billy Delaney, Denis Clarke, Fergal Doyle. Subs: Ian Oโ€™Rahelly, Alan Oโ€™Connor, Donal Cashman, Johne Murphy.

Newbridge are at home in Rosetown to Balbriggan on Sunday next 8th t December at 2.00pm.