Tallaght R.F.C. 2nds 17

Tries: Daryl Keogh 2, Tony O’Loughlin
Con: Robert Hudson

Emerald Warriors R.F.C. 10

Metro League Division 11
Tymon Park
13/01/2018

Tallaght’s second team hosted the Emerald Warriors in Division 11 of the Metro League. The Warriors made a fast start and looked to be in a try but out-half Stephen Heaney pulled off an excellent cover tackle to deny them. Tallaght started to get into the game and Aaron Morgan made an excellent run which got Tallaght close to the Warriors but Andy Grace was held up over the line. It was only a temporary reprieve though as Daryl Keogh scored a try off the next phase to give Tallaght a 5-0 lead.

The Warriors hit back though with two tries from their big number eight to lead 10-5. Tallaght’s cause wasn’t helped when Gavin McKeon was given a yellow card for a high tackle. Tallaght got back into the game off some strong carrying from Grace, Morgan and Kevin Quinn. Eventually the pressure told and Keogh broke through the line for his second try of the game, which was converted by Rob Hudson to give Tallaght a 12-10 lead at half-time.

The second half was more of a low-scoring affair as both sides were making handling errors. There was some excellent tactical kicking for Tallaght from Keogh, Heaney and Hudson to keep the Warriors pinned back. Tallaght sealed the game when Keogh and Heaney combined to put young Tony O’Loughlin away to score his first senior try for the club. The conversion was missed but at 17-10 Tallaght looked comfortable. O’Loughlin looked to have scored his second try when he chipped ahead and won the race to touch the ball down but the referee ruled there had been a push and disallowed it. This meant Tallaght had a few nervous moments defending their one score lead but they were aided by the Warriors getting a yellow card of their own for a high tackle. But Tallaght were able to hang on for their second league win of the season.

Skipper Simon Gaskell was delighted with his team’s performance. “I was really happy with our comittment and our physicality at the rucks. We made errors but we also played some really good rugby at times. We have a cup match in two weeks and we’re looking for a good run in that.”

 

Man of the match: Daryl Keogh

 

Tallaght 2nd

15. Daryl Keogh
14. Tony O’Loughlin
13. Gavin McKeon
12. Robert Hudson
11. John Cowan
10. Stephen Heaney
9. Karl Seagrave

1. Brian Donnelly
2. Simon Gaskell (Captain)
3. Andrew Grace
4. Ed O’Brien
5. Sean Judd
6. Daniel Pomares
7. Aaron Morgan
8. Kevin Quinn

Replacements

16. Tony McManus
17. Derek Burke
18. Jonathan Molloy
19. Ciaran Stewart
20. Emil Wyrebiak
21. Martin Cowan
22. Padhraig Jones

 

Photos: Ann Kavanagh

Tony O’Loughlin

Derek Burke

Daniel Pomares