Rugby: Mullingar back on victory trail with bonus point win

Leinster League Division 1B: Mullingar RFC 40, Clondalkin RFC 15

Mullingar got back on the winning trail at home on Sunday with a bonus try effort against the bottom-placed side Clondalkin.

Mullingar got off to a great start with a try by Lemeki Vaipulu in the fourth minute, which was converted by Stuart Flynn.

The conditions were dry and Mullingar played with a strong wind behind them in the first half. Mullingar got their second try in the seventh minute after the forwards had made a number of strong carries, and Paul Maxwell got the final pass to run in the try, again converted by Flynn.

The first half was played mainly in the Clondalkin half, as any time they got into the Mullingar half, Flynn used the wind to good effect and knocked them back with good well placed kicks.

Mullingar’s forwards were dominating the game and this was evident in the 21st minute when some more strong play by their forwards led to Daryl Quinn crossing for the hosts’ third try, with Flynn again adding the extra two points to put Mullingar 21-0 up.

Mullingar should have been awarded another try just before half time, when after a lineout five metres from the Clondalkin line, the forwards made a number of carries and Johnny Moran touched down, only for the referee to be unsighted as he deemed the ball to be held up. However, 21-0 at the break was a good lead.

Against the wind in the second half, Mullingar had to be more careful and so they were with some good running and our backs came into the game more.

Anthony McGivney who had been dangerous with ball in hand all through the game got our fourth and bonus winning try in the 50th minute, which Flynn again converted.

Mullingar dominated all aspects of the game from the front row of Ben Glennon, Conal Fagan and Johnny Moran. The lineout worked well especially as in such windy conditions, it’s not as easy to get the ball in straight.

Conal Fagan, making his debut for the first team had a good day in both scrums and lineouts and indeed around the field. Daryl Quinn had his first start of the season and with second row partner Darach Geraghty kept the Clondalkin defence busy.

The back row of Lemeki, Maxi and Niall Hannon, while contributing two tries, were very prominent all during the game. Mullingar were well marshalled from the half backs with TC dictating the plays and Stuart Flynn using his boot to good effect.

Centres Cathal Burke and McGivney, with the wingers Eoghan Moore and Aaron Glennon, were always a treat and our last line of defence in the firm hands of Daire Conway.

After Mullingar had gone 28-0 up, Clondalkin upped their game a bit as they were now confirmed as relegated, as they would have needed to win with a bonus point to have had any chance of staying in Division 1B. This was something Mullingar were not going to conceded to them on Sunday.

Clondalkin got in for two tries in the 55th and 63rd minute, both of which were unconverted to bring the score back to 28-10. However, Mullingar weren’t going to let the game slip and in the 75th minute Conal Fagan marked his first start with Mullingar’s fifth try, and Flynn again added the conversion.

Clondalkin’s dropped off restart was fielded by Anthony McGivney and he promptly weaved his way through the Clondalkin defence to score Mullingar’s sixth and final try. Flynn’s conversion attempt hit the post thus denying him a perfect kicking record for the day.

Clondalkin managed a late try in the 80th minute to leave the score at 40-15. All of the Mullingar subs got some game time today and made a contribution to the team effort.

Next Sunday, Mullingar head to Longford for the penultimate league game and another big game against local rivals.

Mullingar: Ben Glennon, Conal Fagan, Johnny Moran, Daryl Quinn, Darach Geraghty, Lemeki Vaipulu, Paul Maxwell, Niall Hannon, Thomas Campbell, Stuart Flynn, Aaron Glennon, Cathal Burke, Anthony McGivney, Eoghan Moore, Daire Conway. Subs: Chris Fox, Alex Moran, Cormac Dunne, Paddy Doran.

Youths results

Leinster League U18: Mullingar 41, Gorey 10

Leinster League U18 Girls: Mullingar vs Arklow; conceded by Arklow

Leinster League U16 Girls: Tullamore vs Mullingar; conceded by Tullamore

Leinster League U17: Skerries 67, Mullingar 17

Leinster League U16: Wexford 12, Mullingar 29

Leinster League U14 Girls: The Rhinos 27, Mullingar Red 34