Pain for Portlaoise as Roscrea snatch late victory
Mark Sherlock scored Portlaoise's first try against Roscrea in their opening Leinster League Division 2B game at Streamstown on Sunday Photo: David Maher
Division 2B of the Leinster League began with a last-gasp defeat for Portlaoise away to Roscrea on Sunday afternoon. Portlaoise had gotten themselves ten points in front with half an hour to go, but Roscrea ran in two late, late tries - including the winner right at the death - to leave Streamstown with all five points.
Portlaoise had put themselves in the hunt for promotion last season but saw that challenge fizzle out after Christmas. Roscrea, meanwhile, lasted only one season up in Division 2A before being relegated back down to the basement division.
An early scrum penalty gave Portlaoise an attacking lineout in the Roscrea 22 where the visitors lost their powerhouse second row, Sean Peters, to injury with barely five minutes gone.
Roscrea repelled the challenge from Portlaoise and began to mount attack after attack midway through the half, but handling errors aplenty allowed Portlaoise to clear their lines. The respite was short-lived as Roscrea came again with some big, incisive runs from full back Alex Moloney and fly half Mark Dwyer.
Portlaoise turned the ball over and were almost in for the game's opening score thanks to a wonderful clean break from full back Euan McCann. Roscrea stopped him on the line, however, and moments later he was back sweeping up in defence.
The home side opened the scoring in the 27th minute with a try from winger William Cleare after Portlaoise fly half, Juan Raffa, failed to gather the ball over the try-line.
Portlaoise regrouped and went to their lineout once more, allowing the forwards to attack the Roscrea line. The pressure eventually gave way and Mark Sherlock, in for Peters, crossed over for the equalising try with five minutes remaining in the first half. Both sides had chances to score before the break, but it finished 5-5 at half time.
Portlaoise began brightly after the restart and went in front when McCann landed a penalty from in front of the posts in the 36th minute.
Roscrea looked to hit straight back, but Glen Connolly broke away, creating a dangerous counterattack that saw Niall Keenan pounce on a hopeful kick, chasing the ball over the try line before touching down. Another good kick from McCann extended the lead with Portlaoise 15-5 in front with half an hour left to play.
But the home side cut the gap almost immediately when number eight Seamus Treacy found Gordon Michael Shannon, allowing the hooker to charge over in the corner.
Roscrea were on top midway through the half but Portlaoise were solid and stubborn as they pushed the hosts back towards their own half. The visitors found their way back into the Roscrea 22 with ten minutes remaining but were unable to find a score.
Having cleared their lines, the home side breached the Portlaoise 22 where Enda Maher burrowed his way over to bring the sides level.
Roscrea missed all three of their conversions, but it mattered not as another blistering attack just two minutes later resulted in a fourth try when Alex Moloney kicked ahead, gathered himself and dotted down the bonus-point try with the clock in the red. Jack Feeney added the extras with the final kick of the game.
Up next for Portlaoise is their first home game of the campaign when they welcome Meath side Ratoath to Togher this coming Sunday.
SCORERS:
Roscrea: William Cleare, Gordon Michael Shannon, Enda Maher and Alex Moloney (one try each), Jack Feeney (one con).
Portlaoise: Mark Sherlock and Niall Keenan (one try each), Euan McCann (one pen, one con).
ROSCREA: Alex Moloney; James Whyte, Jack Feeney, Mervyn Hayes, William Cleare; Mark Dwyer, Brian Bergin; Peter Hennessy, Gordon Michael Shannon, Cathal Ryan; Josh Moloney, Ben Spencer; Tadhg Hogan, Andrew Hodgins, Seamus Treacy.
Replacements: Michael Fitzgerald, Ben Armitage, Enda Maher, Paul McNamara, Thomas McCarthy, Kieran Stone.
PORTLAOISE: Euan McCann; Ian Corrigan, Niall Keenan, Jack Duffin, Marc Bracken; Juan Raffa, Mark Kelly; Paddy Coss, Ryan McEvoy, Aaron Coiley; Sean Peters, Michael Rigney; Glen Connolly, Cian Coffey, Darragh Davies.
Replacements: Joe Stevens, Ben Goodall, Joe McCormack, Mark Sherlock, Kevin Griffin, Liam Doyle, Colm Conroy.
Referee: Keith Spendlove
