If you’re a Carlow rugby supporter and you were at the Towns Cup game against Longford at the weekend, there’s a good chance you have no fingernails left.
Carlow got out of jail, barely, thanks to a try in the dying embers of the game to beat them 19-18 and book their place in the second round of the Provincial Towns Cup.
Coming into the last minutes of the game, Longford had a four-point lead, meaning Carlow had to score a try, however they did pile on the pressure and Longford conceded a couple of penalties near their line.
Carlow made no error in the lineout and in the last play of the game Sam Cullen scored a second try, almost a carbon copy of his first.
Their reward is a second-round game against Navan in Navan next Sunday.
Carlow’s coach Corey Carty said that while Carlow left it late against Longford he always felt that they had the firepower to win the game, especially in the backs.
“We have things to work on for next week. Nerves may have been an issue today. I felt that our passing was ok but we need to concentrate on holding onto the passes.”
Carlow Seconds
Elsewhere, the Carlow seconds are through to the second round of their competition after Birr conceded the game due to the inability to field a team over covid outbreaks.
Carlow now moves on to play Enniscorthy away on Saturday 26 March next.
Check out our weekly rugby podcast called The Knock On with Carlow, Kilkenny and Tullow.