New Ross 17 – 38 Carlow
In their Leinster League game in New Ross on Sunday Carlow gained a bonus point 38 points to 17 pts win. In doing so the Carlow side avenged a loss to the same opposition four weeks back.
From the off on Sunday it was obvious that Carlow had the upper hand in the pack, especially with the Byrne Bros Alan and Ross along with Larry McGrath in the front row. This translated into a early penalty try which was followed by James (Puddy) Nolan darting in for the second try. Both tries were converted by centre Jeff McDermott who also succeeded with three penalties giving Carlow a 23 points to 7 lead at halftime. New Ross’s score came from a try resulting from a penalty attempt which bounced back off the Carlow posts.
Both sides traded penalties early in the second half bringing the score to Carlow 26 New Ross 10. New Ross followed with a converted try to get within nine points and the Carlow supporters feared that a New Ross double against Carlow was on the cards.
However the Carlow forwards resumed their supremacy. Conal Slater, introduced from the bench, added extra surge to Carlow’s play leading to props Larry McGrath and Alan Byrne squeezing in for two late tries. This gave Carlow a bonus point win which should boost the confidence of this young side.
New Ross are left only with the consolation of local hero Tadgh Furlong being part of Ireland’s World Cup squad, a fact well postered in the Club and in the town.
Carlow J1 team.
Peter Hennessey, Mark Elmes, Jeff McDermott, Harry Hennessey, Conor Fennell, Fionnan Burke, John Whyte, Larry McGrath, Ross Byrne, Alan Byrne, John Lyons, Thomas Whitney, Niall Bermingham, James Nolan, Thomas Ratahai.
Subs, Simon Walshe, Conal Slater, Chris Challe, Mark Furey
Report from J2 game
New Ross 14 – 31 Carlow
The Carlow J2 side also got a bonus point win in New Ross finishing on a scoreline Carlow 31 New Ross 14. Carlow’s 31 points included five tries, three of which were converted by outhalf and captain Tom Bolger. The tries were scored one each from Bolger himself along with Tim O Donohoe, Eoin Rea, Keelan Power and Mark Furey, playing in his first game of the season..
Carlow J2 team v New Ross.
A N Other, Shane Mullins, Simon Walshe, Mark Furey, Eoin Rea, Tom Bolger, Kenny Maguire, Colm Harpur, Evan Gordon, Peter Ryan, David Keppel, Gavin Whitney, Keelan Power, Joe O Donohoe, Conal Slater.