Tullamore prove too strong

Our Midland league fixture against Tullamore saw Mullingar lose 26-7. We travelled to Tullamore to play after a deluge of rain on Friday night but the pitch was perfect.From the outset Tullamore were in our half and putting pressure on our line. Our defence was reasonable but continued pressure and good possession of the ball saw Tullamore cross the line after a few missed tackles. This was converted. Tullamore 7 Mullingar 0.he forwards worked hard and were competitive in all areas of the game, particularly the lineout with William jumping and catching well and setting up a good platform.Good performances from captain Joe Hyland, Eoin Hayden and Jacob Powles around the field kept the Tullamore lads at bay but when the ball came out the backs they were able to get space and loose tackling allowed a second try under the posts where the conversion was a formality.The backs were finding Tullamore a handful as they were strong hard runners. They were getting the ball out quickly and when we were only half getting tackles in they were offloading to create the extra man and in this way scored a third converted try.We turned around 21-0 down but not out. James Butler got the backs going and Ronan O'Toole began to get a bit of confidence and took on the Tullamore backs. We made progress and after a great run by Luke McKeon we were in good position and with a charge to the line by William the next ruck saw Joe score and Ronan converted. We were back in the game.However our confidence was dented when a good move again by Tullamore saw them score another unconverted try. We improved even more near the end and Darragh Gray came on as a sub and even scored a try was not allowed although the Tullamore side agreed afterwards that it was definitely a try.We can do better and next week we play against Birr at home. Training continues on Thursday at 7.30pm.