Carlow 12 Suttonians 17
Carlow’s Junior 1 mens rugby team put in a brave effort in their Leinster League promotion battle on Sunday against Dublin side Suttonians but in the end just came up short losing 17 – 12. With 4 minutes left on the clock Carlow had gone into a two point lead but a little bit of inexperience on game management meant that they allowed Suttonians back into the game with a late, late try.
In the game, played in neutral Edenderry, Carlow shaded the first half and led 5- 3 at half time. The Carlow pack was on top especially in the scrums.
After 27 minutes Carlow were awarded a penalty on half way. Scrumhalf Andrew Hanley took a quick tap, ran and threaded through a grubber kick for which Caomhan Brennan won the race for the touchdown to make it 5 – 0.
Suttonians only first half reply came in the form of 1 penalty from 3 efforts at the Carlow posts.
In the second half the Dublin team faced the wind but came out putting a lot more pace to their game. Their back three attacked the Carlow line, but forward passes and good Carlow tackling kept them at bay for the 1st 20 minutes of this half. Eventually they got through for a converted try to lead 10 – 5.
However the Carlow’s scrum dominance continued and after a series of scrums Carlow got within touching distance of the Suttonians line. This allowed James Nolan to charge through for one of his trademark touchdowns. The conversion put Carlow into a narrow 12 – 10 lead.
The Division 1A side who actually beat Tullow earlier in the season, now came with all guns blazing. Carlow were desperately holding them out but then a Nolan sin binning with 4 minutes to go, proved a crucial loss. The Dubliners got in for an converted try and with only seconds left the Oakpark side didn’t have time to come back for second time.
While the Carlow coaches and management were bitterly disappointed at the lack of promotion this season they said that they couldn’t fault their young side for their commitment and effort.
Carlow: Peter Hennessey. Samuel Dunne, Harry Hennessey, Caomhan Brennan, Seamus Curran, Fionnan Burke, Andrew Hanley, Larry McGrath, Evan Gordon, Ross Byrne, Wes Shirley, John Lyons, Niall Bermingham, Thomas Ratahi Capt, James Nolan,
Subs: Martin Mullins, Alan Byrne, Simon Walshe, Thomas Whitney Kevin Hanley
