Ruthless Longford Rugby Club rattle New Ross

Longford’s Senior Men welcomed New Ross RFC to Precision Health Park on Sunday last for another important League fixture as they enter the closing phases of this season’s campaign. 

The margin for error is now razor thin and every point counts as the drive to retain their current 2nd place standing and automatic play-off for promotion spot continues.

Longford RFC . . . 29  New Ross RFC . . . 7

 New Ross have had a disappointing league campaign on paper but as ever posed a very real threat given they have secured more losing bonus points than any other side in the division – put simply, although they have lost fixtures this season they typically do so within a score and are always competitive.

And so it proved throughout an opening half that was far too close for comfort. The game kicked off in perfect conditions in front of a strong home crowd. From the off, both sides locked horns with big hits and high intensity evident across the park.

 New Ross meant business and despite several drives forward by Longford, it was the visitors who were holding strong. 

Their defence held out a number of Longford surges on their line that denied the Men in Black any early momentum. It wasn’t until the 30th minute that the first score of the contest landed – with second row John Geelan taking matters into his own hands after several waves of forward pressure to barge over for Longford’s opening try. 

Ryan McHugh converted, and Longford had a deserved 7-0 lead. But New Ross rallied well and launched back into the Longford half, showing real intent and resilience. They were rewarded with a converted try of their own on 40 minutes to level matters 7-7 as the first half ended. Longford were in a real dog fight and needed to change the script for the second act.

And change the script they did superbly in a pulsating second half of high-octane rugby. On 43 minutes, Ryan McHugh settled any nerves with an important penalty to move Longford ahead 10-7. This was followed up on 45 minutes with Longford’s second try of the contest and what a score it was. Backs and forwards interchanged brilliantly in a power play that started from the halfway line. 

Andrew Farrell made big yardage before spreading the ball wide to Oisin Pearson who cleverly fed back inside to a rampaging Liam Brady who made more crucial ground deep inside the New Ross 22. 

The ball was recycled before making its way to Andrew Beirne who made no mistake from 5 metres out to crash through and touch down. McHugh again converted and Longford were deservedly 17-7 in front.

New Ross were now firmly on the ropes and Longford needed to finish off what was still a dangerous and determined opponent while they had the momentum. 

New Ross were dogged however, and it was another 24 minutes before Longford landed their next blow with Andrew Farrell bagging the home side's third try of the day after another top class build up. Paddy Duggan and Oisin Pierson both made big contributions in the build-up before the ball was fed to the clubhouse corner for Farrell to get in for his score.

 It was now 22-7 to the Men in Black with only 11 minutes still to play. Longford stepped up the tempo and went hunting down a fourth try and with it a crucial bonus league point. To their immense credit, they secured just that on 79 minutes when the ever-dependable Liam Brady skittled through the New Ross defence to crash down and bag Longford’s closing try and with it the Bonus Point. Ryan McHugh converted to give the home side a deserved 29-7 lead, which is how it stayed to the sound of the final whistle.

This was another big performance from a side that is starting to show a clinical mindset in getting the job done. Despite long phases of pressure from a determined New Ross side, the team remained calm and struck ruthlessly when the opportunities presented themselves – especially in the second half. 

Up front, there were massive contributions especially from Ronan Collum, Nigel Reilly and Fred Davis. 3 of Longford’s 4 tries on the day also came through the forwards with John Geelan, Andrew Beirne and Liam Brady grabbing the headlines. Barry Sullivan and Ciaran Shannon also made big impacts off the bench when introduced. 

In the backs, Ryan McHugh continued his fine form with another dynamic performance from 9. He is playing some great rugby and is very much the pivot around which Longford go forward. 

The Duggan/Farrell centre partnership had another big outing with both players making crucial plays throughout the contest. Oisin Pearson was again dangerous throughout from the wing. Padraig Boyle also made a big contribution in the contest, especially having to slot in at 10 early on due to an injury to Outhalf Jayden Boshoff.

But it was Longford No.8, Seamus McKeown, with another trojan display of power rugby who deservedly takes this week’s Player of the Match honours. It was an immense performance and one that on several occasions made the difference, especially when the game was tight and gain line momentum hard to come by. The Drumlish man led the charge and was the catalyst for much of Longford’s dominance – especially in the second half.

Away to North Kildare in Provincial Towns Cup 

Longford’s schedule does not let up, as this season's Provincial Towns Cup gets underway with a road trip next Sunday to Kilcock where they take on North Kildare RFC. All travelling support is much appreciated for what promises to be another tough challenge.

Longford Squad v New Ross RFC: 1 – P O’Farrell 2 – R Collum 3 – D Quinn (c) 4 – A Beirne 5 – J Geelan 6 – N Reilly 7 – F Davis 8 – S McKeown 9 – R McHugh (c) 10 – J Boshoff 11 – O Pearson 12 – A Farrell 13 – P Duggan 14 – F McGlade 15 – P Boyle.

 Replacements – B Sullivan, L Brady, C Shannon, S Farrell, J Byrne. 

Longford RFC Jersey Sponsors Connect Recruitment & Snap 24/7 Fitness

Longford Rugby Club were delighted to welcome Aidan Brady (Connect Recruitment) as well as Sam Aujla and Emma Topalov (Snap 24/7 Fitness) for the clash against New Ross RFC on Sunday last.

Both are valued sponsors of our Senior Men’s rugby division and true partners of Longford Rugby Club. Longford Rugby Club were presented with our new playing kit by Aidan, Sam & Emma – the home kit of traditional black as well as an alternate kit featuring the county colours.

All at Longford Rugby wish to sincerely thank Connect Recruitment, Snap 24/7 Fitness as well as Providers Longford, The WIN|WIN Group and Hanlon’s Gala for their continued support.

Pictured (left to right): Glenn Baskett (LRFC Head Coach), Aidan Brady (Connect Recruitment), Sam Aujla & Emma Topalov (Snap 24/7 Fitness), Mark McHugh (First Team Player), Karen Lennon (President, LRFC) & Alan Crowe (LRFC Club Captain) Photo: Gary Nolan