07/02/2010 Longford 2^nd XV 7 Creggs 21

Longford 2^nd XV were the visitors to Creggs for the first match between the sides this season.  Longford managed to field a strong team in spite of a number of later cry offs.  Creggs had the weight advantage in the forwards.  However, it was clear from the first scrum that the Longford were not going to let the said advantage count for much, as Longford drove Creggs off their own ball.  The match as a whole saw Longford spend much of the time on the back foot with two purple patches towards the end of first and second halves.   Committed tackling kept Creggs at bay most of the time with Mark Noble particularly putting in some good tackles on the wing along with man of the match Cian Brady and veteran Alan Portbury (who managed to play despite a surprise 50^th the night before).  Cian Brady actually put Longford on front, close to the end of the first half from a quick tap and go close to the line, after Longford had been awarded a penalty after a kick and chase resulted in Creggs being penalised for holding onto the ball.  Indeed the kick and chase tactic proved very effective on the day with Willies Halls cultured boot being put to good use.  Hall converted Bradys try from wide on the left to give Longford a 7-0 lead.  Longford then tried to batton down the hatches before half time but after Longford conceding a series of penalties, Creggs finally crashed over for a try close to half time.  The grounding was somewhat dubious since four Longford players appeared to be under the ball.

The second half opened badly for Longford when Creggs scored straight from the kick off after a barn storming run from the Creggs number 8.  Poor Longford tackling was the main culprit for the conceding of the try.  The score was converted to put Creggs 14-7 on front.  Longford then tried to turn the screw and were unfortunate to concede an intercept try after a mix up in midfield to leave Longford trailing 21-7.  The rest of the match was punctuated by scoring chances for both sides.  Longford manufactured some great scoring chances but most often the final pass did not go to hand with the line at Longfords mercy.  Overall this was a useful work out with the Seconds Cup looming large on the horizon in two weeks time.  The pack as a whole scrummaged well and mauled from the line out wffectively while the back line tackled well and nearly manufactured a few silky tries.  A special note for John Kiernan who performed excellently at hooker/winger/flanker and Colm Leonard at full-back.   Thanks to Creggs for lending us a few players.

The next match at the moment is the cup although a match may be arranged next weekend.  Victor will be in contact.

Longford 1-15:  1. Mike Egan 2. Fergal Fennessey 3. Justin Forde 4. Emmet Keenan 5. Mark Percival 6. John Kiernan 7. Cian Brady 8. Alan Portbury  9. Tommy Butler 10. Willie Hall 11. Sean Smith          12. David Kearney (C) 13. Mark Noble 14. A Nother  15. Colm Leonard.