Leinster League Division 2A

Portlaoise 30    Newbridge 31

30 points to 10 down with 14 minutes left on the clock it was a very determined finish by Newbridge which saw them score three converted tries in that last period. Portlaoise scored 2 penalties and 4 tries with two of them converted. Newbridge scored five tries with three of them converted. The star of the show was Zach Meehan the Newbridge winger with his incisive finishing getting 3 tries.

Playing with a very strong wind which blew straight down the field Portlaoise opened the scoring in the 8^th minute from a close in penalty. Winger Zach Meehan latched on to a pass from his outhalf Robbie Waters and ran from near the halfway line to score a good try in the 14^th minute. Again, Waters picked up a loose kick and ran back at the Portlaoise side for himself to get on to the ball again for a good try in the 17^th minute. Portlaoise now came into the game with a penalty in the 24^th minute this was followed in the 26^th minute with a try and conversion for them. They added to that with another try in the 38^th minute to leave the half time score at 18 points to 10.

Now plying with the strong wind Newbridge found it difficult, particularly in the scrum, where they were outdriven for a period. Portlaoise scored a try in the 47^th minute and followed it up with a converted try in the 64^th minute. Now at 30 points to 10 Portlaoise were in the ascendency. However, Newbridge were not to be outdone and as Portlaoise began to tire it was Zach Meehan who scored a try in the 66^th minute which was converted by Robbie Waters. In the 70^th minute he was in again for a try after a series of good pressure periods from the Newbridge pack. Waters converted. Time was now running out for Newbridge and with a final throw of the dice fullback Donal Cashman got over in the 80^th minute with a fine try. Waters stood up to the pressure of the kick as he slotted the conversion for a Newbridge win.

Best for Newbridge were hooker Will Jennings and wing forward Pierce Dargan. In the backs Robbie Waters used the ball well and winger Zach Meehan looked threatening every time he got in possession.

Newbridge: Alex Mateus, Will Jennings, Brendan Commane, Scott McMullan, Cameron English, Pierce Dargan, Jeff Draper (Capt), Tom Treacy, Kevin Commane, Robbie Waters, Zach Meehan, Oliver Feigan, Denis Clarke, Fergal Doyle, Donal Cashman. Subs: Alfie Thompson, Mike Doyle, Adam Bingham, Willie Ryan, David Draper.

Referee: Tom O’Malley from Naas had a good commanding game throughout.

Newbridge are at home in Rosetown to Wexford at 3.00 pm on Sunday next 13^th February.

Leinster League Division 2A (Seconds)

Portlaoise 10  Newbridge 5

This was a very tightly contested game in which scores were difficult to come by in a severe cross wind. Portlaoise opened the scoring in the 33^rd minute and got their second try in the 50^th minute. Newbridge never gave up and scored in the 78^th minute through scrum half Daniel Joyce.

Newbridge are at home in Rosetown to Wexford at 1.30 pm on Sunday next 13^th February.