Leinster League Division Two

Athy 9
Longford 3

Longford 1st XV added to their bonus point tally in their 9-3 defeat away to an impressive Athy side. The result maintains Longford's record of securing a point from every  league game they played this season.

The home side were well-organised and largely had the better of the first half, without creating too many try-scoring opportunities against a hard-working Longford defence.

An early penalty attempt for Longford fell short and thereafter the Athy outhalf used the slight wind advantage to send the ball down the lines, pinning Longford in their own half for long periods.
Athy took the lead at their third attempt through a penalty and added two further three-point scores to open up a 9-0 lead.

In between those kicks, Athy had their best try scoring opportunity when they shifted the ball quickly from right to left, leaving a potential overlap on the wing.  However, a great tackle by Gary Greene swallowed up the Athy player and saw the ball spill over the line to safety.

Longford's best chance came just before the half-time whistle.  A brilliant break by Dermot McGlade, through the heart of the Athy defence, set up a series of rucks that eventually put Longford on the Athy tryline.

In quick succession, Longford were awarded two penalties. However, a mix-up with the second penalty saw Longford knock-on and the try chance was gone.

The second half saw Longford gain more of a parity in terms of possession as they tried to claw back the deficit.

Paul Gallolgly got over the line and touched down, following a superb Colm Glynn break through the middle, but the score was ruled out for a knock-on.

Longford continued to press and found themselves camped on the Athy line during the final stages. Glynn slotted over a penalty to bring the score back to 9-3, setting an exciting finale.

Again, Longford pressed for a potentially match-winning try, but a resolute home defence withstood the pressure and managed to hang on for the win.

Next in the league for Longford is a trip to Kilcock to play North Kildare on February 21.

Longford:
John Duffy, Ronan Keith, Fran Deffew; Andy Hall, Michael Murphy; Kevin Coffey, Keith Richardson, Paul Gallogly; Dane Costello, Colm Glynn; Dermot McGlade, Derek Bannon, Gary Greene, Ciaran Kennedy; Gareth Johnston. Subs: ; Stephen Carroll for Duffy; Derek Farrell for Murphy; Derek Bannon for R Kennedy.

Division Two Results
Clondalkin 19 Portarlington 18; Clane 14 Mullingar 6; Ashbourne  6 Gorey 5; North Kildare 28 Roscrea 26