Under-12s Blitz at Tullamore  

The Longford Under 12s continue their successful unbeaten run to seven games. The training over the last few weeks concentrated on passing accuracy, tackling, mauling and rucking - but more than that - working as a team - bringing the forwards' power together with the backs' speed and elusiveness.

All the hard work was beginning to show on the pitch over the last few games. This team is more positive in their approach to the game and their team mates and this confidence is delivering very good results.

The confidence is building each time they train and play together. On Saturday last, on a fine day at Tullamore RFC, this team defeated their three experienced opposition teams by using well drilled manoeuvres, deploying their accurate passing skills, tackling and communications skills to great effect. 

From the outset of the first game, Longford were on the attack and Ian McCormack and Ruane McDonnell led the first of many marauds into the Tullamore half of the pitch.  Danny Griffin and James Heslin in second row were very strong and made great efforts to make substantial ground on a number of occasions. Longford 2 Tullamore 0.   

The second half started well, but Tullamore managed to steal a try as two tackle efforts failed to stop the Tullamore winger get to the line. However, Longford went to score another. The game ended with a jubilant Daniel McHugh scoring a very skilful try. 

The second game was against Birr. There was a noticeable improvement in the attacking, rucking and lineout tactics and Longford won the ball on each of their own scrums and line outs. The Longford forwards were showing that the team working together is the best way to secure turnover ball and they were making it available for the scrumhalf for the backs to gain ground.

Shane Mahon and Eoin Bartley made very good runs through the middle of the field and made two tries possible by James Heslin and Dara Kirk. Another win - two in a row.

The third game was against the Longford team's biggest rivals - Mullingar. Having drawn with them in a very tough encounter in Cavan earlier in the year, the team were in high spirits and felt confident taking the field.  This was a time to show that the Longford Under 12 team were a force to be reckoned with.

Three tactical changes in the backs made it possible for the out-half and centre to be available to keep the Mullingar's star player at bay. 

Brian Crompton put in a very good tackle on the advancing Mullingar forward that was ultimately rewarded with a penalty for a knock on. Ian McCormack chalked up a very good try

The quick thinking and fast action by Daniel McHugh out of the scrums made a considerable amount of ground and gave a great platform for the three tries scored. Dylan Rusk and Peter Kirk worked hard to get possession in the middle of the field and also contributed to a strong defensive and offensive pack.

Coaches, Crompton Corcoran Connolly and Dillon were very pleased with the performance and complemented the team for their hard work and camaraderie.

The goodwill and harmony in the team combined with the tactical and positional awareness was evident before, during and after the game (some very impressive moves getting up to the front of the BBQ!). Passing and support of the attacking player was superior to the other teams on the day.