15/10/2017 Leinster League Division 1B Longford 28 Clondalkin 21

Longford Performance XV secured their third win in a row in their early Leinster League Division 1B campaign with a hard fought victory over Clondalkin in CPL Park. The home side have the boot of kicker Joe McGowan to thank for the end result in a fractured and niggly encounter.

The fullback contributed a total of 23 of his side's points. The win puts Longford in second place in the league behind Tullow. The Carlow side top the table thanks to two extra bonus points having scored four tries in every game they have played thus far.

Clondalkin put in a very good display and the three tries they scored in the course of the 80 showed that they have qualities that mark them formidable opponent. The fact that they have lost their opening three games show the level of competition in this league.

Longford had a good start. Pressure at one of the first rucks caused the Dublin visitors to come to the attention of the ref. The infringement was duly punished by Joe McGowan as the kicker clipped it over with ease from 45 metres.

Eight minutes in a setback for the home side saw Michael Bannon called ashore with an injury, but replacement Justin Forde was more than up to the task despite his extended warm up.

Longford dominated in the early phases of the game, but for some reason they were not able to capitalise on the numerous opportunities they created. However, as play progressed Clondalkin managed to get a foothold in the contest.

Longford replied by stepping up their tempo. McGowan keep the scoreboard ticking over, an offside call affording him another opportunity to show his place kick skills and leave it 06-00.

When the Dubliner finally got some possession and good quick ball they made the most of it. An exciting move utilised the backline, allowing fullback Matt Stapelton cash in on the threat he had been posing.

Stapelton's try was added to by outhalf Chris Jebb who's low trajectory kick got the hopes of the Longford fans up, but he steered it over to leave it 06-07.

In the 24th minute Stapelton again reacquainted the stands with his skills. A shimmy brought him through the Longford defensive line, a dummy creating enough space for him to showcase his pace and cross near the post. Jebb's afters left to 06-14.

McGowan tacked back three consecutive replies to put Longford back in pole. One was for a hit on the scrumhalf, the second when a bit of a "group waltz" was floored by the visiting lock.

The five's action was right in front of the ref and the man in the middle gave him a 10 minute break for his efforts. McGowan added to the reprimand by tacking on the three, and his final kick before the break brought the balance to 15-14.

Longford's restart was of a similar fashion to the opening of the game, however this time it got a more substantial reward. An exciting play in the forty fourth minute saw Derek Farrell go over for his side's one and only try to bring it to 22-14 after the whole team had been involved in a play that turned defence into attack.
Longford then pounded the Clondalkin line, but the efforts were stymied by a tenacious defence. Coming up to the hour mark it really looked as if the second try was on the way, but a penalty for not releasing let the Dubliners off the hook.

McGowan ensured that his team kept moving forward thanks to two long range penalties in the 67th and 72nd minute. The second bringing his side to 28-14. The visitor's hunger for points was impressive, as the clock wound down they appeared to be more clinical and this yielded results

A penalty was kicked to the corner, the line out offered an attack on the blind side and they went over out wide. Jebb showed that kicking prowess with an impressive shot over to leave it 28-21, securing a loosing bonus point.

This was solid Longford performance. The clever interplay between Kieran O'Gorman and Derek Farrell was augmented by fine support play from the likes of Ronan Keith and Shane Rodgers. The backline pairing of Neal Farrell and Danny McHugh again proved instrumental in Longford's success.
Next up is a challenge trip to Ashbrook where Coolmine will be looking to flash their ambition by ending the Longford streak. This team have shown that they fear no 15.

Michael Bannon, Ronan Keith , Dylan Quinn, Aaron Beirne, Anthony Hughes, Derek Farrell, Kieran O'Gorman, Paul Gallogly, Finnbarr McGown, Joseph McGowan, Cormac Hughes, Shane Rodgers, Sean McGuinness, Daniel McHugh, Neal Farrell

Benny McManus, Hubie Connolly, Barry Stewart, Justin Ford & Sean Flynn.

Leinster Seconds League Division 2A Longford 29 Clondalkin 21

Longford Development XV put in a storming performance last Sunday notching up four trys to secure a solid win over a a visiting Clondalkin side that just could not handle the power and pace of the home team.
James Mimnagh bagged two tries, Hubie Connolly crossed for a five, Justin Forde got his name on the scoresheet, and kicker Paul Treacy made three conversions as well as one penalty.
This was a fluid and cohesive performance where many of the players showed the depth of talent available in the squad. Longford dominated throughout, and a late try by the visitors suggested this was more of a contest than it actually was.
Quite a number of players caught the eye including James Mimnagh, centres Hubie Connolly and Cian Bannon in the backs, while for the forwards the Geelan Brothers John, David and James and prop Justin Forde were all noteworthy.

Starting team:
Justin Forde, Philip Dardis, Peter Kirk, Mick Cullen, Benny McManus, David Geelan, John Geelan, James Geelan, Dara Connolly, Paul Treacy, James Mimnagh, Huby Connoly, Cian Bannon, Andrew Allen & Sean Flynn.