Longford RFC Mini/Youth Notes 16/11/2015   16/11/2015

Youth Results, Fixtures & U13/14/U15/16/U17 Match Reports

Youth’s Results

Longford U13 07 Birr 24

Longford U14 24 Tullamore 24

Longford U15 12 Birr 10

Longford U16 00 North Kildare 35

Longford U17 21 Dundalk 24  

Youth’s Fixtures

Sat 20th November

Leinster League

U13 v Tullamore Away

U14 v Mullingar Away

U15 v Athy Away                    

U16 v Mullingar Away

U17 v Ashbourne Away

U18 v Tullamore Home

Watch Facebook for time and venue changes.

Match Reports

U13 Friendly Longford 27 Carrick-on-Shannon 10 

Neighbours Carrick-on-Shannon RFC made the short journey to Longford to take on our Under 13s on a typical wet and windy morning. Following the previous week’s fruitless trip to Virginia RFC, the hosts were going to have to raise their game, with the prospect of two League away trips to Offaly in the coming weeks.

On a pitch largely bereft of markings, Longford won the toss and chose to play with the strong wind at their backs; a decision that was to put Longford on the front foot. Full-back Josh Sorohan was his usual indomitable self and collecting at the 22, drove hard for the line and touched down under the posts for the opener. Scrum-half Conor Clancy held his nerve to add the extras; a good start. Longford dominated the scrum, with recently recruited prop Daniel Taylor leading from the front in a man-of-the-match performance. From a Carrick scrum, James Brady hooked against the head and the back row seized their opportunity. The indefatigable Ronan Kavanagh carried strongly and from the resulting ruck, Aaron Oates picked and slipped down the blindside to make it 12-0.

Carrick took the game by the scruff and began to squeeze Longford in the midfield, running some dazzling lines, that surely would have yielded score but for the drift defence and precise tackling of Aaron Gilna. With the flurry over, Longford tightened up but a turnover in the visitors 22 Carrick cleared into the waiting arms of Callum McEntire, fielding in the swirling wind, before counter-attacking. Supported from wing Brendan Davis, McEntire superbly off-loaded in the tackle and Davis shimmied the awaiting tackle and diving over the line. Longford continued to turn the screw; Cormac Hoare driving in tight and with scrum-half Conor Clancy mopping up, Cormac McDonagh drove and drew the tackle; off-loading to Oisin O’Toole and the out-half duly obliged with another score.

22-0 at half-time, but with the conditions, this was always going to be the proverbial game of two halves. With the wind at their backs, Carrick began to dominate and deservedly got two tries, and suddenly the lead wasn’t so solid. However, Longford reverted to doing the basics right. Scrum-half Orinn Greene started driving the forwards to control up front (despite the best efforts of Aaron Oates and Cormac Hoare who had defected to the other side!). A new back-line looked confident; Dylan Reilly running lines to change the point of attack and combining with Patrick Kennedy to set up another platform. Moment of the match, though, was another newbie, second-row Kevin McDonagh, taking the initiative and bulldozing through the Carrick fringes for a 40 metre line-break; with flanker Mark Bracken clearing out the resulting counter-ruck. Centre Cole O’Connor pooped up from deep to bring forward towards the visitors 22, and Longford began to scent a try. It was left to the forwards to go through the phases and try start punching holes in the Carrick wall. Rory Maguire was first to drive, and added five metres; and with Greene marshalling his forwards, Conor McGovern picked and went; only to be held short. The fourth phase and a crack appeared in the Carrick armour; Kola Adejinmi picked and went for the line, unlucky not to score. A penalty had been accruing for an earlier infringement, and Longford reset themselves. The effervescent No 8, Jason Glancy was next to try and made some more yardage and set up again; presentation perfect for the oncoming Eoin McGrath who drove rhino-like and was unlucky to be held a yard short. This team has learnt lots this year and patience  is one new trait. Composing themselves,  a deep pass by Patrick Kennedy for the on-rushing flanker Cian Clancy, one of the hosts primary ball carriers, and with the power and strength the Tullow Tank would have been proud, rounded off a good day for Longford.

Many thanks to the coaches Liam & Paolo and the Carrick-on-Shannon squad for making the journey and we’re sure to reciprocate soon. Next up is the midland league with a trip to Tullamore RFC. Training as usual on Wednesday night, with tag at 7pm and training starting at 7:30

U14 Leinster League Longford U14 29 Tullamore 05

Longford’s U14’s continued their unbeaten run in the Leinster League on Saturday and, in so doing, virtually guaranteed Division 1 status for the second phase of the tournament which begins in a few week’s time.  On a wet afternoon which was not conducive to running rugby Longford controlled the game from the outset but made life harder than was necessary with some passive rucking and tackling which yielded the initiative to the home side on a number of occasions.  Other than that it was a good performance with the ever improving back line creating a number of try scoring chances and snuffing out any back line threat from Tullamore with aggressive line speed in defence.

Playing the territorial game in the first half, Longford were on the scoreboard after just two minutes, a kick chase from Shane Mallon giving Longford a lineout deep in the Tullamore 22 and when the ruck ball was quickly recycled JJ Jackson was able to barge over for the opening try of the game.  It was all Longford for the next 15 minutes, a solid scrum giving No 8, James Doyle, the perfect platform for a No 8 break but even then he had to muscle his way past a number of would be Tullamore tacklers for a try beneath the posts, Ben Carthy adding the extra points from the conversion attempt.  On one of their rare forays into Longford’s 22 Tullamore lost a ruck and, once again, Longford kicked intelligently for territory and the pace of Daire McManus was too much for the scrambling Tullamore defence for the third try of the game.  Having established a healthy 17-0 advantage at this stage, Longford’s old failings came back to haunt them, the opposition (not for the first time this year) bulldozing their way through some non-existent tackling following a tap penalty just before the half time break.

With the rain easing off in the second half opportunities presented themselves for some running rugby and Longford capitalised with two tries, both of which were the result of good handling and passing across the back line.  The first came after five minutes, James Doyle setting the ruck from a tap penalty.  With the backs moving the ball smartly a try was on in the corner and while Mossie McDermott was held up in the tackle Jamie Byrne was on hand to collect the pop pass for a touchdown.  The final score of the game came 15 minutes into the second half, coming as a result of a combination of good line speed in defence and swift movement of the ball in attack.  Tullamore won a scrum in their own half but the midfield defence of Jamie Byrne and Mossie McDermott halted the home side in their tracks and when the forwards secured quick possession the ball was moved smartly out to Killian Rawle who beat a number of defenders wide out on the right but then had the presence of mind to head for the posts before touching down.  Having scored in each of his last three games this flying winger is proving to be a handful for every opposition.  With Ben Carthy adding the extra points for a 29-5 score line Longford added to the day’s performance by keeping their try line intact until the final whistle.

Apart from Killian Rawle, others who impressed were Aaron Farrell who was rock solid at full back despite the greasy conditions and the front row players Gary Kenny, Mark McHugh, Jack McManus and Maksymillian Napieralski who provided a steady platform in the scrum throughout the day.

Squad:  Gary Kenny, Mark McHugh, Jack McManus, Ciaran Shannon, JJ Jackson, Conor Cox, Ben Carthy, Ultan O’Sullivan, Daire McManus, Tomas McDermott, Aaron Farrell, Shane Mallon, James Doyle, Jack Sullivan, Ryan Dempsey, Jamie Byrne, Killian Rawle, Maksymillian Napieralski.

U15 Leinster League Longford U15 12 Birr 10

Longford had played in the second round of the Midland League on Saturday.  They faced a significant challenge against Birr who had beaten this team by more than 40 points at under 14 level last seson.
The game started badly for Longford when they failed to catch the kick off.  They scrambled backwards to recover the ball but it was Birr who got possession and quick ball to one of their many large strong runners saw Birr touchdown in the first 5 minutes.  They failed to convert and Longford were 5 points down and under serious pressure.

They restarted well and put in some great tackles to keep Birr on the back foot.  Michael Dunne made a fine box kick to put the ball behind the Birr back line.  Poor defence and a good follow up by Gareth O'Hara, Josh Manning and Johnathan Boarland set up a good attack which finished with a pass to Gareth who touching down in the corner.  Simon Moorhead made a fine attempt at the conversion which just dropped short of the posts.

Birr had big heavy runners but Longford tackled fearlessly and Birr had nothing else in the tank. Gareth O'Hara was Man of the Match for his fearless tackling and outstanding leadership on the day but he must share the platform with Michael Dunne.  Longford strategy to stop these big plays was to double team where Player 1 would take the hit and player 2 make the tackle.  Michael was the first to stand up, take the hit and stop one of the big Birr runners.  This one play inspired the Longford players and all 15 players took responsibility and totally shut down the one-trick Birr attack.

Strong rucking and fast ball to waiting runners saw Longford camped on the Birr line just short of half time.  Birr made a clearing kick to touch.  It dropped short into the hands of David Reilly who was playing his first game of Rugby.  He was selected to start because of some very impressing tackling at training on Wednesday.  He gathered the ball at the 20m line and broke 3 tackles to touch down 10 Meters from the Birr posts.  Simon made a fine kick to leave the score at 12 - 10 at half time.
Longford were totally in charge of this game and they held their shape despite some strong attacks by Birr.  Huge tackles by Gareth O'Hara, Jack Finnegan, James Brown, Michael Dunne and Josh Manning ensured that most of the play was in the Birr half.  Longford came very close and Jack Finnegan actually touched down in the corner but the Referee judged that Jack had touched the sideline and gave Birr the defensive lineout.  The game finished 12-10 to Longford which was an excellent result and a tribute to the defensive work by all 15 players.

Well done Longford and looking forward to the trip to Athy next weekend

U16 Leinster League Longford 0 Boyne 29

This was never going to be an easy task against the Pool leaders and it looked after the opening minutes that it was going to be a long day. Boyne attacked with purpose and having recycled the ball a number of times the right wing sped in for a try in the corner. Longford to their credit took the game back to Boyne and settled into a pattern indicating that they were just rusty having not played a game in 3 weeks.

Daragh O’Toole was a tower in the line out – not forgetting the role of his 2 lifters Tommy Gilheany and Calum Delaney. O’Toole’s game has improved immeasurably this season since he took on the line out jumper role and this could be seen in his loose game as well. The half back pairing of Ronan Bleakley and Ryan McHugh at 9 & 10 respectively was also a positive from the game. The pack did well at scum time holding our own ball despite being under pressure but did give up too much ball in the loose. Tom Gilheany was the go to man but Boyne had him marked from the outset – although a subtle and beautifully weighed pass on the right wing from him almost set Luca Noak-Hofmann clear. Eoin Reilly gave another excellent committed display and the speed that he is picking up the game is making him one to watch. There was a sustained period of pressure on the Boyne line towards the end of the first half with Boyne under the cosh eventually getting a yellow card. But even with this Longford were not able to breach the line.

An abundance of forwards meant that Luke McIntyre and Daire O’Brien had to shore up midfield and they managed to keep Boyne at bay in the first half. Liam Sheridan was solid a full back and willing to run back at the opposition. Ryan Corcoran was back in action after an injury layoff. A lack of ball and a soggy pitch all conspired to work against his trademark jinking play that inevitably brought us a score. The back row of Conor Craig and Peadar Kenny could not get go forward ball and defensive work was the order of the day and there were sparks of hope from the big second rows Gabriel Gray and Christy Sullivan. Nicolas Moore and Cormac McMahon added fresh legs for the second half that gave us a short term impetus but Boyne managed a further 3 tries.

2 more games left in the pool before the regrading of the Leagues so these need to be used to ready ourselves for the real League campaign.

Team:

Calum Delaney, Daragh O’Toole, Eoin Reilly, Gabriel Gray, Christy Sullivan, Conor Craig, Peadar Kenny, Tom Gilheany, Ronan Bleakley, Ryan McHugh, Luke McIntyre, Daire O’Brien, Ryan Corcoran , Luca Noak-Hofman, Liam Sheridan, Cormac McMahon, Nicolas Moore.

Longford Under 17’s V Dundalk 14/11/15

Longford Under 17’s were back in Leinster League action on Saturday with the long journey to Dundalk ahead of them. Up the M4 and onto the M1, incessant rain with blustery winds led to a change in the normal game plan with a greater emphasis put on carrying and less on moving the ball. Dundalk were fine hosts and we welcomed the opportunity to play on there excellent front pitch that had withstood everything the weather had thrown at it.

Longford started slowly, giving up easy yards and eventually conceded a penalty 35 metres out and in front of the posts. These was easily slotted to put the home team up by three. Longford seemed to wake up and an excellent penalty kick to touch by Duggan put the visitors 5 metres out. Longford’s lineout functioned well as it did all day but the initial drive was repulsed, Jamie McManus taking matters in hand to power over in the corner. 5 points became 7 when Liam Harte kicked a wonderful conversion.

The Louth men were roused and helped by poor pointless penalties managed to establish good field position. Longford turned over possession and cleared down field but the chase was awful as players seemed to stop, expecting a whistle. The one player who didn’t stop was the Dundalk left wing and he raced through the non tackling Longford defence to score wide out. The conversion by the outhalf was a beaut, left foot from the left touchline, it never looked anywhere else but over the black dot. There was an apparent lethargy about the visitors with Dundalk the hungrier into the tackle and at the breakdown. The lineout was proving to be a great source of ball and it was from another excellent Duggan kick that Longford scored with the work done by Donagh bearing fruit. A powerful maul driven infield resulted in another 5 points, Jamie McManus coming up with the ball. Harte’s conversion was true leaving the visitors leading by 4 at half time.

You never want to concede scores either side of half time but Longford did and in a disappointing way. The home team were awarded a penalty near their own 22 and moved the ball quickly, something the Longford lads failed to do. Missed tackles allowed them advance deep into Longford territory before their outside centre coasted around the defensive  line to score, the added points making it 17-14 to the home team. Longford defensive discipline went AWOL again shortly after with the same centre getting on the outside too easily to race away to give the home team a 10 point lead. There was still time and Longford scored a nice try with the ball moved well from Magan to Shaw how released Harte. He timed the final pass really well to put Duggan in for the score. The conversion left only 3 between them and Longford had a chance but the strong disciplined Dundalk defence worked really hard to deny Longford an opportunity. They finished deserving winners on a scoreline of 24-21.

It wasn’t really a day for standout performances, more for digging in and getting the job done. The fact that we didn’t owes much to the tenacity and fight of Dundalk. Sean and Jamie McManus were the pick of the Longford forwards while Aaron Griffin added massive energy. Brian Hanley’s throwing earned the team a 100% effort out of touch, no mean feat on a dirty day while he also took one “against the head” in the scrum. The greasy ball meant that the backs couldn’t show their true abilities but Shaw, Harte, Duggan and Shane Farrell, when introduced, carried the fight to Dundalk.

Next up is a tough encounter away to Ashbourne next Saturday with Longford needing to win to ensure their position in Phase 2. Thanks to John Farrell and Michael Sheridan for making the long trip, to our excellent ref George and Dundalk for their hospitality.
Squad: Shane Farrell, Paddy Duggan, Gerard Flynn, Andrew Dillon, Brian Hanley, Terence Hegarty, Robert Lynch, Aaron Griffin, Niall Gray, Sean McManus, Franklin Okibwe, Gary Burke, Ivor Nevin, Dylan Smith, Jamie McManus, Eanna Mimnagh, Ciaran Reilly, Aidan Sheridan, Luke Reilly, Liam Harte, Robert Shaw, Jack Magan.

 













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