Longford put in a storming second half performance to overcome a tough Wicklow side to eek out their second win of the season.  The score line of 17-16 indicates the tightness of this encounter.

Longford’s triumph propels them from bottom spot past Tullow by dint of overall wins.  The Midlanders are tied on nine points, but their two conquests trump the Carlow side’s five bonus points.

The guiding hand of Colm Glynn and the marauding power of Derek Farrell were instrumental in this impressive victory.  Longford are now just two points behind a Cill Dara side that they disposed of last week with a 20-00 victory.

The Ashtown Lane success was all the more impressive given that they were down 13-03 at the half time break. With five positive results under their belt from seven games, including a 06-17 win over Longford in the first outing of the season, Wicklow would have been targeting this game as a potential bonus pointer.

This was the game of proverbs.  There was a first half, then a very different second half.  Longford conceded a first try on the 15 minute mark when the home side shredded the defence.  The visitors struggled to establish go forward ball and Wicklow harried all Longford attacks.

On the thirty minute mark the men from the Garden County pushed further ahead with a second try, then followed this with a penalty.  A converted penalty from Glynn set the tally at 13-03 at the end of the first 40.

Longford were a different team in the second period.  They were more cohesive and decisive in possession.  Derek Farrell crossed in the 55^th minute and Glynn’s conversion brought it to 13-10.  The home side pushed further ahead with a drop goal to force Longford into “must score try” mode.

Wicklow pulled out all the stops to stymie their guests, receiving two yellow cards in the course of the second half.  One particularly big hit by Kieran Kennedy elicited winces from onlookers, but typified the grit that saw Longford claw their way back into the game.

As the clock reached the red Longford went in for their second try and Glynn’s unerring conversion put them one point in front.  The hosts did everything in their power in the closing moments to undo the damage, but a resolute Longford held off to the final whistle.

Even after this loss Wicklow are in third place, but the boost of bettering a top three team will surly stand to Longford as they prepare to host table toppers Malahide this coming weekend.

Dylan Quinn, Huby Connolly, Justin Ford, Aaron Beirne, Benny McManus, Clifford Richardson, Alistair McCormack, Derek Farrell, Finbar McGowan, Colm Glynn, Kieran Kennedy, Kurt Beeney, James Connolly, Joe McGowan, George McDermott.

Subs: Kevin Coffey, Peter Kirk, Fergal McGlade, Jonathon Beirne, Shane Rodgers & Lorcan Connolly.