Longford Rugby Club score a comprehensive away win against Balbriggan

Balbriggan RFC . . . 15    Longford RFC . . . 45 

After the frustration of the home loss to Clondalkin RFC the previous week, this was seen as an opportunity to rekindle the recent winning form and to lay down a statement for the remaining 5 Rounds of the 2024/25 campaign. 

Balbriggan had frustrated Longford in the reverse fixture back in Round 2, earning a 10-10 draw when they visited Longford back in September. Make no mistake, they are a formidable side with a big pack and well-structured backs who were intent on putting on a display for their large home crowd. 

The game kicked off and immediately it was the Men in Black who set the tempo with some thunderous hits and crisp phase play that had Balbriggan scrambling. Longford were playing into a strong wind and despite their early dominance in terms of possession and territory, all it took was for a single turnover and the home side knew exactly how to pin Longford all the way back given their local knowledge. 

However, it was from one such instance that Longford remarkably capitalised on 9 minutes when Ryan McHugh at full back gathered a bobbling clearance from his own touchline and set off for what ended in a superb opening try of the fixture. 

After a neat side step under pressure, he took off on a meandering run evading several chase tackles before feeding Ronan Bleakley on the wing who hit the jets for a length of the pitch sprint that was deservedly rewarded with a try under the Balbriggan posts which Ryan McHugh converted. Longford were 7-0 and were evidently in the mood to show what they are capable of.

This was no better demonstrated on 15 minutes when Blindside Flanker, Daire O’Brien took matters into his own hands from inside the Balbriggan half and set off on a phenomenal individual mission that was brutal in its effectiveness. 

At full speed, he handed off several Balbriggan defenders like a Raging Bull and continued all the way to the Balbriggan try line to touch down the game's second try. Ryan McHugh converted, and Longford were deservedly ahead 14-0 after only 15 minutes.

 To their credit, Balbriggan responded only 3 minutes later with a try off a driving lineout maul to swing the scoreboard 14-5. This was added to on 31 minutes with a penalty and despite the visitor’s overall dominance, Balbriggan were back within a score.

The game was delayed on 35 minutes due to a serious leg injury to Balbriggan centre Brian Mollohan which required extensive medical attention on the pitch. To both sides credit, the players remained focused during the unforeseen pause in proceedings and the game restarted close to the Balbriggan try line after a 20-minute delay. 

Off scrum, Longford launched a series of close drives before releasing ever dependent Andrew Farrell on the burst who barged his way over on 36 minutes for Longford’s 3rd try of the contest. McHugh again converted and the scoreboard moved 21-8 in favour of Longford. This was the scoreline as a pulsating first half drew to a close.

Longford could look forward to the wind advantage in the second half and based on the first 40 minutes it was looking ominous for Balbriggan. However, it was the hosts who fronted up after a heated half time team talk and brought the game back at Longford.

 They played the conditions expertly and were rewarded on 52 minutes when their dynamic Tighthead Prop, Ciaran O’Donoghue finished off a well worked move to slide in under the Longford posts to make it 21-15. This was turning into an epic and Longford knew they had to remain calm given the response of Balbriggan since the second half started.

The immaculate Ryan McHugh settled any nerves 3 minutes later when he brilliantly sent a long-range penalty clean through the posts to extend the Longford lead to 24-15. Then on 63 minutes, Longford bagged their 4th try of the day after sustained forward pressure had driven Longford up to the Balbriggan line. 

It was Andrew Beirne, who had a huge game at second row, who took matters into his own hands to bulldoze through the cover defence and touch down. Ryan McHugh again converted to put Longford 31-15 ahead.

 On 69 minutes, Longford were back defending their line against what was proving a stubborn Balbriggan effort when they impressively turned over possession under their own posts and instead of kicking to touch decided to spread the ball wide and go for it. 

Reminiscent of France’s wonder try in Twickenham many years back, the ball made its way to Scott O’Boyle on the wing who took off into heavy traffic and somehow jinked his way through into space. With the Balbriggan fullback still to be dealt with, he delivered a deft sidestep at full speed and the remainder of the pitch opened up for him to finish a brilliant move and secure Longford’s 5th try of the contest. 

Balbriggan were shell shocked and could not hold back what was now a tsunami of Longford attacking rugby. Fittingly it was Daire O’Brien who closed out the contest with another, no nonsense burst from 10 metres out that secured Longford’s 6th try of the fixture. As dependable as ever, Ryan McHugh converted to move the scoreboard to 45-15 as the final whistle sounded.

This was a statement performance and clear evidence of what this developing squad is capable of. Literally every player played a huge part in making this performance happen – front row trio of McKeown, Sullivan & Brady were immense as was Ronal Collum when he came on to reinforce the front line. 

In the second row, Andrew Beirne had the game of his season to date and was ably assisted by his partner in crime Ger Mullarkey with Peadar Kenny reinforcing from the bench. The back row of Reilly, Crowe and O’Brien were everywhere both in offence and defence with Kevin Rogers & Fred Davis both making big plays when introduced. 

In the backs, Robbie Shaw had another big impact from scrum half. Danny McHugh pulled the strings brilliantly at 10 before being replaced by Jayden Boshoff who mixed things up well on his introduction. Andrew Farrell and Paddy Duggan are forming a near telepathic partnership at centre and both wingers, Ronan Bleakly and Scott O’Boyle scored blistering tries. 

However, it was Ryan McHugh at Full Back who delivered a virtuoso performance both in open play and off the tee that ensured Longford were at all times on the front foot. It was a superb display that deservedly secured one of the most competitive Man of the Match Awards in recent seasons.

Special mention in closing to Danny McHugh who suffered a bad shoulder injury late in the game. Thankfully, he received the necessary medical care and is now recovering after a brave showing. All at Longford Ruby Club wish both Danny and Balbriggan player Brian Mollohan full and speedy recoveries after the respective injuries.

Longford now take a well-deserved break for the Christmas period before returning to League action in the New Year at home against North Kildare on the 12th January.

Longford Squad v Balbriggan RFC: 1 – S McKeown 2 – B Sullivan  3 – L Brady 4 – A Beirne 5 – G Mullarkey 6 – D O’Brien 7 – N Reilly 8 – A Crowe (c) 9 – R Shaw 10 – D McHugh 11 – R Bleakley 12 – A Farrell 13 – P Duggan 14 – S O’Boyle 15 – R McHugh 16 – R Collum  17 – P Kenny 18 – F Davis 19 – K Rodgers 20 – J Boshoff.