PORTLAOISE 8 CILL DARA 18
PORTLAOISE got their competitive season underway on Friday night when they played host to Cill Dara in the Hosie Cup.
Fielding an experimental side, Portlaoise played some good rugby but lacked the cohesion to really cause the visitors any real problems.
With just six first team regulars, three U-21s and seconds and third players from last season the game proved to be a useful exercise to try out potential first team players for the coming season.
The pack played with passion and commitment but faced a stiff test in the set scrums. They defended with enthusiasm with wing forwards Sean Slattery and Mark Sherlock particularly impressive.
With a new half-back combination the three-quarters always struggled to move the ball with any real fluidity and while they defended stoutly never really looked like scoring tries.
The home side were playing an uphill battle from early on. When Cill Dara were awarded a penalty 25 metres out after just five minutes Portlaoise were caught napping when the visitors took a quick tap and ran in unchallenged for the opening try and added the conversion.
Cill Dara extended their advantage with a 21st minute penalty before Portlaoise availed of the new ‘rolling subs’ rule and introduced Bryan Croke for Michael Delaney just after the half hour mark. Minutes later the new outhalf reduced the deficit with a fortunate drop goal.
The visitors to Togher responded with a penalty but the gap was down to five points just before the break when Portlaoise recorded the score of the game.
Having won the ball in their own half the pack brought it forward into Cill Dara territory. Now it was time for the backs to take it on. The ball was first moved left and then quickly back right for Richie Bond to crash over in the corner.
Unfortunately Croke’s conversion rebounded off the upright to leave Portlaoise trailing 8-13 at the break but with everything to play for. Eight minutes into the new half Cill Dara went 10 points ahead when they crossed the line from a rolling maul with what was the be the last score of the game.
While Portlaoise had their fair share of possession they lacked the cutting edge to break down a sturdy Cill Dara defence. Despite the loss Portlaoise coach Nigel Peavoy can take heart from the performance and realise that when more of the regulars become available his side can push forward.
PORTLAOISE: Sean Mallen, William Canty, Mickey Fennelly, Grellan Delaney, Eddie Tynan, Richie Jones, Michael Delaney, Richie Bond, Ivor O’Loughlin, Shane Reilly, Graham Peavoy, Ross Cooper, Mark Sherlock, Sean Slattery, Joe Fleming. Replacements: Bryan Croke, Eanna Delaney, Paudge Feehan.