Kelly bags hat trick of tries as Tullamore triumph in U20 final

Portlaoise 08 Tullamore 35 The future looks bright for Tullamore after this convincing win in Portlaoise on Saturday night. Playing a final on your opponents" grounds is intimidating but the big support that Tullamore had on the night more than offset this disadvantage and the team gave an outstanding display of attacking rugby, with the forwards doing the hard work and the backs reaping the reward from quick and quality possession. Tullamore gave the home side a great start as they were penalized for diving into a ruck and the Portlaoise No. 10 duly kicked the penalty The visitors responded quickly and when No 9 Seamus Todd was pulled back after a kick ahead, Niall Geraghty stepped up to kick a good penalty. Within 10 minutes, Tullamore were in the lead when Geraghty kicked another penalty following a break by Cian O"Sullivan. Portlaoise were well in this game and scored a try in the corner after 15 minutes but this served only as a wake-up call to Tullamore who increased the tempo for the remainder of the half while playing into a strong breeze. Their efforts were rewarded when good handling by the young centres, John Moloney and Michael Brazil, released Brian Kelly to score a try. To the applause of the good crowd, Niall Geraghty converted from the touchline and into the wind. Tullamore held out to half-time when a try saving tackle on the goal line prevented Portlaoise from scoring. The second half was all Tullamore with the pack winning ball from a visibly tiring home side and the backs enjoying numerous breaks. Niall stretched the lead to 16-8 after 8 minutes of the second and Tullamore never looked back. Brian Kelly intercepted on the 10-metre line after 18 minutes and raced in for his second try, converted by Niall. Ten minutes later, the same two lads repeated the feat to move Tullamore 22 points ahead. Brian Kelly"s hat-trick will be remembered for a long time but he could have had another as the referee ruled that he did not ground the ball over the line as he was held up by his tackler. Replacement Mark Scanlon found himself in space near the half way line and he did not hesitate in taking advantage and scoring the final try. The feats of Kelly and Geraghty stand out but this was a total team and squad effort led by captain Fearghal Kerin. U-18s prop Ger Molloy had a terrific game as did his front row team-mates Kevin Browne and Ronan Scally. The lineouts were a great source of clean possession thanks to the jumping of Brian Geraghty, and 1st team players Cian O"Sullivan and Cathal Feighery showed their worth. David O"Neill was very steady at full-back despite starting with an injury. After the match Trevor Merry, Secretary, Leinster Rugby, presented the medals and then the cup to Fearghal Kerin. Fearghal in his surprisingly few words made special mention of Coach Pat Tierney and Manager Tom Moloney and their inspiration. TEAM: 15. David O"Neill, 14 Alan Rasoul, 13.Michael Brazil, 12. John Moloney, 11. Brian Kelly, 10. Niall Geraghty, 9. Seamus Todd, 1. Ger Molloy, 2. Kevin Browne, 3. Ronan Scally, 4. Fearghal Kerin, 5.Brian Geraghty, 6. David Cleary, 7. Cian O"Sullivan, 8. Cathal Feighery. Replacements used: Keith Cleary, Adam Doherty, Barry Lynam, Simon Hensey, Ger Wynne, Mark Scanlon and Cormac Maloney. LEINSTER LEAGUE DIVISION 1 Tullamore 08 Boyne 22 A disaster for Tullamore in their last home league game of the season and only a win next Sunday away to Portlaoise will give a chance of finishing in the top four this season. Not a simple task as the home side will be fighting for a top 8 finish and guarantee Premier Division next season. This game was lost in the first half when a porous defence conceded 3 tries to finish the half 19-3 in arrears. Boyne, who are decent team, were made look better by the lack of effort of the home side. The second half showed some improvement but the home side"s only reward was a try from super impact sub Andy Melville following a pass from Cian Glennon. The only bright spot was when U-20 prop Ronan Scally came on to make his debut at this level for the last 15 minutes and played very well. Two players being sin binned for poor discipline did not help the cause. AIB ALL-IRELAND JUNIOR CUP The semi-final draw was made at the weekend and Tullamore got a home draw to Munster team Cashel. A tough draw but what can you expect when the other semi-final puts Navan, the current holders, against Cill Dara who won the League last season. With a game left in the Munster League Division 1, Cashel are champions having won 10 games out of ten and scoring 5 tries or more in six of them. The semi-final is fixed for w/e 21/22 March.