March 8, 20203:00 pm

Mullingar RFC vs Newbridge RFC – MATCH REPORT:

Played under heavy hail stone showers and a very strong downfield wind it was the League Champions Mullingar, whose early tries won the game. Mullingar scored 6 converted tries to Newbridgeโ€™s 4 converted tries.

Mullingar, who were defeated only once in this League, playing with the strong wind, showed off their slickness from the off. In the first 27 minutes they had scored 5 converted tries one of which was an intercept. Newbridge never gave up and in the 30th minute got up the field for No. 8 Pierce Dargan to go over under the posts for a good try which fullback Donal Cashman converted. In the 38th minute second row Conor Gleeson got over for a try which Cashman again converted. Mullingar added another try right on the half time whistle to leave the score at 42 points to 14.

In the second period it was all Newbridge pressure as they used the wind cleverly. Cameron English came on as prop and Ian Oโ€™Rahelly as hooker. Sebastian Berti at outhalf was replaced by Karl Darragh. Mullingar defended well despite several attempts to get over the line. In the 69th minute left winger Stephen Cooke crashed over for a try which was converted by Cashman. This was followed by another Dargan try in the 79th minute. Fergal Doyle replaced Denis Clarke in the final minutes.

Best for Newbridge we centre Denis Clarke whose tackling and drive told to great effect. Billy Delaney in the centre was full of running. In the forwards Conor Gleeson row made some very powerful runs as did Jack Sheehan. The man of the match was Pierce Dargan at number 8.

Newbridge: Paddy Commane, Will Jennings, Brendan Commane, Scott McMullan, Conor Gleeson, Brendan Tiernan, Pierce Dargan (Capt), Kevin Commane, Sebastian Berti, Stephen Cooke, Billy Delaney, Denis Clarke, Emhin Conroy, Donal Cashman.

Subs: Cameron English, Brian Kelly, Karl Darragh, Mark Doyle, Liam McGovern, Ian Oโ€™Rahelly, Fergal Doyle.
Referee: Trevor McHugh, Longford and LBIRFU