Leinster League Division Two

Longford 21 Portarlington 31

In their final league game of the season, Longford 1st XV were defeated 31-21 at home by Division Two champions, Portarlington.

A slow start from Longford saw them concede soft tries, leaving them 31-7 down in the early stages in the second half.

The last half hour, however, was largely dominated by Longford, who were unlucky not to score more than the two tries in that period.

The visitors, who only lost once this season, started with a try in the opening minutes of the game, after a series of missed tackles.

Minutes later Longford responded with a try of their own. From the kick-off, Longford got possession and recycled the ball well through the phases. Successive quick ball saw Derek Farrell slip through the Portarlington defence and score under the posts. Colm Glynn converted to give Longford an early lead.

The advantage didn't last too long as Portarlington raced in for another try, as their number eight broke through the Longford cover. The try was converted.

Portarlington scored try number three through a kick over the top, and try number four, just before the break, through their forwards for a 24-7 lead.

In the second half, the visitors went over for their fifth try through a fine break by their blindside flanker, who offloaded to a centre to score.

At 31-7 behind, it looked like being a day to forget for Longford, but the last half hour of the game saw the home side turn the game around completely, and play the type of rugby that saw them finish in the top five in the division.

Longford camped themselves inside the Portarlington 22 for ten minutes, and when the ball was turned over, the intensity of their play saw Longford quickly regain possession.

Their period of sustained pressure eventually brought reward when Ronan Keith managed to get over the line with the help of his fellow forwards. Glynn converted to bring the score back to 31-14.

Portarlington rallied briefly, but Longford were soon back inside the opposition 22 looking for another try. Paul Gallogly looked to have rounded off a fine move with a try, but the referee called play back for a knock-on.

Minutes later, Longford were over the tryline. From a lineout, Longford set up a drive and Kevin Coffey was the player to make the vital drive and touch down on the line. Glynn again knock over a fine conversion kick to bring the score back to 31-21.

Longford finished the game strongly, but couldn't break down the Portarlington defence.

Despite the disappointing defeat, the second half performance is what Longford will want to build on  for the Plate match against Wexford next Sunday, 3pm.

Longford:
Stephen Carroll, Ronan Keith, Fran Deffew; Andy Hall, Paul Gallogly; Kevin Coffey, Derek Farrell, Keith Richardson; Dane Costello, Colm Glynn; Ciaran Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Gary Greene, Jimmy Connolly; Barry Trueick. Subs: Gareth Johnston for Trueick; Michael Murphy for Richardson; Hubie Connolly for Coffey.

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