Longford pack too much power for Edenderry as they capture Midland League rugby silverware


Midlands Rugby PST Sport Chris Glennon Cup Final: Longford 31 Edenderry 10
A superb first half performance ensured Longford claimed a deserved 31-10 victory over Edenderry in the Midlands Rugby PST Sport Chris Glennon Cup Final at Spollenstown, home of Tullamore RFC this afternoon.
Midlands Rugby PST Sport Chris Glennon Cup Final: Longford 31 Edenderry 10
Delighted Longford captain Neal Farrell accepted the Chris Glennon Midland League Trophy on behalf of the victorious squad, who by half-time, had established a commanding 26-10 cushion.
Longford settled quickly into their stride with second row Benny McManus powering over for a try which was converted, 7 nil.
Edenderry were on level terms by the 11th minute as their full back Evan Kelly cut through the centre and evaded the cover and touched down for a fine try.
Edenderry went 10-7 ahead and they were denied a second try following good last ditch defence from Longford's Paul Gallogly.
In the 30th minute, the work of the Longford pack was rewarded as a superb scrum put Edenderry under enormous pressure and as they buckled, the referee awarded the penalty try, 14 - 10 to Longford.
Confidence was high in the Longford ranks at this stage and centre Ian McCormack crashed over for a try in the corner which was was expertly converted from the touchline by Ryan McHugh, 21-10.
Once again, huge Longford pressure on the Edenderry scrum saw them push the Offaly men off their own ball and Paul Gallogly got in for the try, 26-10. And that's how the score remained up to half-time.
Matters were far more finely balanced during a low scoring second half and Longford wrapped up glory as winger Shane Farrell grabbed an injury time try, 31-10.
LONGFORD: P O’Farrell, P Dardis, D Quinn, A Hughes, B McManus, J Geelan, H Connolly, P Gallogly, N Farrell (C), R Shaw, S Farrell, I McCormack, S Rodgers, R McHugh, C Seery.