Portarlington struggle against leaders Tullow

Tullow came out on top and secured another bonus point win in a hugely physical encounter at Lee Road last Sunday to stretch their lead at the top of Leinster League Division 1B.

Portarlington RFC 3

Tullow RFC 35

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Tullow, who remain unbeaten in the division showed as much concentration in defence as they did guile in attack as they became the first side to keep Port’ from crossing the try line this season.

The visitors opened the scoring with a penalty from impressively accurate boot of William Canavan as the game struggled to take shape with both sides putting in huge hits to prevent and damaging line breaks. However, when Neville Caldbeck crossed for the visitors first try, it was Tullow who seized the momentum and while their defence withheld periods of prolonged pressure from Portarlington their finishing was ruthless. Further tries from player coach Massey Tuhaks and the impressive William Cas O Brien stretched the Tullow lead before Andrew Turner crossed in the corner to secure the bonus point.

Portarlington were kept to a single Kieran Hyland penalty but will feel that they weren’t found wanting for effort. Scrum half Paul Mannion cut the defence open on occasions with his trademark sniping runs, second rows Alex Mihajlovic and Stephen Oakley made strong runs at the defence and the usually unstoppable combination of James Hyland and Ross Doyle worked hard to find gaps to exploit but ultimately the Tullow defence stood firm.

Special mention must be given to Portarlington player Andrew Wilkinson who put in a hugely physical performance. The popular prop came into the side in an enforced late change despite the death of his brother and former Port’ player Derek.

The game, which was originally scheduled for Saturday was postponed until Sunday as a mark of respect from both clubs to a valued club member who will be sorely missed.