Portlaoise show character to secure bonus point in Newbridge
Paddy Coss got in for a cracking try for Portlaoise against Newbridge on Sunday Photo: David Maher
PORTLAOISE travelled to Rosetown on Sunday to face Newbridge. With the hosts sitting in fourth place in the table and Portlaoise two places behind it was all there to play for.
Portlaoise's search for a vital victory continues, but they left Newbridge with something to show for their efforts after battling bravely for a valuable losing bonus point in an entertaining 38-24 defeat.
Played in ideal conditions, the game produced plenty of attacking rugby, with Newbridge's clinical backline ultimately proving the difference. However, Portlaoise never stopped fighting and were rewarded with a fourth try at the death that could prove crucial when the season reaches its conclusion.
The visitors made the perfect start when winger Niall Keenan finished confidently in the corner to give Portlaoise an early lead. Although the conversion was missed, Portlaoise appeared full of confidence in the opening exchanges.
Newbridge responded impressively. After putting together a number of slick attacking phases, they worked the ball wide for Riain Murphy, who beat his defender to touch down and level proceedings.
The home side then began to gain momentum, with their dangerous back division causing Portlaoise increasing problems. Caleb Aiulu emerged as the chief threat, producing a series of outstanding finishes. He first raced onto a clever kick from Tim Murphy before grounding for a superb try, and shortly afterwards displayed dazzling footwork to slice through the defence for another score.
Despite finding themselves 19-5 behind, Portlaoise refused to buckle. Paddy Coss powered over following sustained pressure and Will Reilly converted to cut the deficit to seven points and breathe fresh life into the contest.
Newbridge struck again through the outstanding Aiulu, who showed excellent skill to gather a difficult pass before completing a memorable hat-trick and securing his side's bonus point score.
Yet Portlaoise remained firmly in the game. Scrum-half Dylan Kelly spotted the slightest opening around the fringes of a ruck and darted over for a well-taken try. Reilly added the conversion to leave just five points between the teams at the interval, with Newbridge leading 24-19.
The hosts raised their intensity after the restart and stretched their advantage when openside flanker Chris Leech burst through a series of tackles before diving over. Newbridge then effectively wrapped up the result with their best move of the afternoon. Aiulu again played a key role before Eimhin Conroy broke into space and supplied Zack Meehan to score under the posts.
As the game became increasingly fragmented, both out-halves, William Reilly and Tim Murphy, were shown yellow cards. However, Portlaoise continued to battle right until the final whistle.
Their persistence was rewarded in the closing seconds when Keenan crossed for his second try following an excellent move. The score secured a fourth try and an important bonus point, giving Portlaoise something tangible from an afternoon when their commitment and resilience deserved reward.
Attention now turns to another challenging away fixture as Portlaoise travel to Longford on Sunday looking to build on an encouraging performance and convert their evident promise into much-needed league points.
Eimhin Conroy; Riain Murphy, Caleb Aiulu, Robert Waters, Stephen Cooke, Tim Murphy, Kevin Cummane, Michael Ugochukwu, William Jennings, Brendan Commane; Mark Bennett, Cameron English; Shane Treacy, Chris Leech, Max McLoughlin.
Replacements: David Morgan, Callum Reynolds-Sourke, Eoin Walsh, Zack Meehan, Donal Cashman.
Oisin Bennett; Jake Byrne, Cormac Rigney, Matthew Coonan, Niall Keenan; Will O’Reilly, Dylan Kelly; Eoin Keenan, Ryan McEvoy, Paddy Coss; Sean Peters, Daragh Townsend; Ronan Donlon, Daragh Phelan, Liam Doyle.
Replacements: Conor Deegan, Harry Rigney, Michael Rigney, Kevin Griffin.
