by Padraig Murphy Mini/Youth PRO prgm@me.com

U15 match report.

Longford U15’s 22 Midlands Warriors 17

U15’s welcomed Midlands Warriors for a Thursday night Leinster league game under lights.

We were under immediate pressure from the start and managed to push the warriors out to halfway from our own 5m. A couple of sloppy tackles allowed them take a 0-5 lead shortly after.

Longford took the game by the scruff and hit back with Donnacha Golden and Daniel Corr both scoring before a punt through from Shane MacGuigan put Darragh Walsh into space for the third.

In a very industrious performance, Derek Belton bloke clear down the left to round the defensive and score the last try, his fourth in four games. The warriors piled on the pressure for the remainder of the game, by trucking up the middle with their 3 u16’s really working hard to claw their way back into the game. They got within 5 points and a huge and committed defensive effort from the Longford boys was required to hold them out to claim the win. The reaction at the final whistle was ecstatic for the lads. We were without 3 key players yet again but those on the park really worked hard for the win. The handling and fast line speed was improved showing them how good they can play when the focus is on point.

Next match is a Leinster league fixture at home to Arklow 1.00pm Saturday.

Ardaghs Derek Belton scores for Longford U15’s.  Pic. Sandra Mulligan

U18’s match report

Longford U18’s 37 Cill Dara 15

Longford U18s travelled to Cill Dara for a Leinster League game and came home with the 4 points in the bag.

We welcomed back Cormac McDonagh who marked his return with three tries and was joined on the scoreboard with 5 pointers from Oliver Kuponyi, captain Cormac Casey, John Boyle and Dan Crossan. It was pleasing to see the work put in by coaches Danny and Roy begin to have an impact.

Next game is home vs Arklow on Saturday