Hensey grabs two tries as Tullamore overcome Ashbourne

Rugby: Leinster U-18 Culliton Cup 1st Round. Tullamore fielded a strong team against Ashbourne at a wet and windy Spollanstown last Saturday. Tullamore played into a strong breeze in the first half and took the game to a well drilled Ashbourne side from the start. After the initial opening exchanges, the superior Tullamore pack began to dominate. Eoin Griffin and Daniel Cronin were particularly effective, picking and driving into Ashbourne territory and Simon Hensey played a captain"s role with his penetrating runs from the wing, one of which resulted in a try after 20 minutes. The crisp passing and incisive runs of the Tullamore backs were the telling difference, in the first half, between the teams. John Moloney crossed for Tullamore"s second try just before half-time. At the start of the second half, Tullamore"s concentration seemed to wane and they allowed Ashbourne back into the match and to almost cross for a try. This, together with some strong encouragement by manager Rob Cole, reawakened Tullamore and they resumed their dominance. Ger Molloy picked from the back of rucks on a number of occasions, to make valuable ground and was ably assisted in the tight by Paul McNiff and Darryl Daly. Darryl Kilroe"s centre breaks were also impressive and he was unfortunate not to be rewarded with a try. Astute tactical kicking by Michael Brassil pinned Ashbourne in their half and allowed Tullamore to obtain kickable penalty opportunities. These were accepted and executed to perfection by John Moloney. One of these, in particular, converted from the sideline was sublime. Simon Hensey crossed for his second try to put the game beyond Ashbourne midway through the second half. Ashbourne crossed for a consolation try before the final whistle. Best for Tullamore were Michael Brassil, Ger Molloy and Tullamore"s 'new find' at wing forward Chris Gettings, who gave a man of the match performance. Panel: Ger Molloy, Darryl Daly, Nicholas Berry, Daniel Cronin, David Molyneaux, Eoin Griffin, Paul McNiff, Chris Gettings, Alan Clarke, Brian Thomas, Damien Bermingham, Ger Wynne, Michael Brassil, John Maloney, Darryl Kilroe, Simon Hensey (capt.), Danny Madden, Stephen Callan, Aidan Mollahan.