October 18, 20198:00 pm

Newbridge RFC vs Edenderry RFC – MATCH REPORT:

The younger and more athletic Newbridge team forced the pace of this game which saw Edenderry defending within their own half particularly in the second period as the game wore on. Early on Edenderry made a good game of it as they came from behind on three occasions to level the match at half time. Edenderry scored 3 tires with 2 converted while Newbridge scored 4 tries with 3 of them converted and a penalty. Newbridge also get the bonus point.

A lot of Newbridge pressure early on saw second row Austin Mahoney get the touchdown in the corner. This was followed as further Newbridge slick handling saw right winger Eimhin Conroy evade three tackles to score near the posts in the 14th minute. Outhalf Karl Darragh converted. At 12 points to nil it began to look one sided however Edenderry had different ideas. Following good forward pressure in the 19th minute Edenderry got over under the posts for a converted try after a series of penalties. This was followed in the 21st minute as the Edenderry left winger outpaced the Newbridge defence to score a good try in the corner. Now at 12 points each the game was now on. On 25 minutes Newbridge got a try near the posts which Darragh converted. In the 35th minute up popped the Edenderry left winger again to race ahead from a kick to get the touchdown. The halftime score was 19 points each.

After many efforts close to the Edenderry line it was centre Graham Burns who tore through the opposition defence to score under the posts. Darragh converted. Edenderry tried hard to lift the siege but could only make one serious effort to get into the Newbridge half. Outhalf Ronan Skehan who had earlier entered the fray kicked a good penalty from 32 yards in the 76th minute.
Best for Newbridge we were Graham Burns and Ronan Skehan in the backs while team captain Jeff Draper at wing forward and No. 8 Ronan Mangan played with pace and determination.

Newbridge: Paddy Commane, Will Jennings, Brendan Commane, Scott McMullan, Aidan Mahony, Pierce Dargan, Jeff Dreaper (Capt), Ronan Mangan, Mark Delaney, Karl Darragh, Stephen Cooke, Denis Clarke, Graham Burns, Eimhin Conroy, Donal Cashman. Subs: Cameron English, Ian Oโ€™Rahelly, Nicholas Harrington, Ronan Skehan, Billy Delaney.

Newbridge are away to Wexford Wanderers on Sunday 3rd November in Park Lane at 2.30pm.