Laois Rugby News

Tullow 43

Portlaoise opened their Leinster League Division 1B campaign at home to Town’s Cup winners Tullow. Portlaoise avoided relegation last season thanks to a last-day victory.

Expectations are higher this year as the team aims to consolidate its position and to push for promotion. A strong squad has been assembled over the summer and the first game against an experienced Tullow team was seen as a good test.

Portlaoise started the stronger and with 10 mins played were leading 10-0 with a penalty from Logan Nicholson and a try from Eugene Hearns. This also included a conversion by Nicholson from the sideline.

Tullow showed just why they enjoyed such a successful season last year and stopped Portlaoise from scoring for the next 40 minutes. Tullow exploited mistakes in the Portlaoise defence to score 3 tries before the break, all of which were converted. Missed tackles were costing Portlaoise heavily.

Trailing 21-10 at half time Portlaoise needed to start strongly. Unfortunately a slick backs’ move 2 minutes into the 2nd half saw Tullow score their 4th try. The score stood at 29-10 and bonus points secured for Tullow.

To their credit portlaoise fought back and mounted attack after attack against Tullow. Tries from Niall Keenan and Ross Cooper with a conversion from Nicholson gave Portlaoise hope of securing a losing bonus point and even a bonus point for scoring 4 tries.

Tullow however were keen to not allow the hosts anything. A penalty settled them before 2 more tries were added, one of which was converted. This 15-point haul in the final 10 minutes took away any hopes Portlaoise had of finishing with any points.

Final score Portlaoise 22 Tullow 43.

Portlaoise move on to travel away to North Kildare next week.