Leinster League - Tullow

Tullow 23 Swords 3

SWORDS played the proverbial bridesmaids as Tullow captured the Leinster League Division 3 title with a win over the Fingal team on Sunday - though the tale of the turf was not matched by the final score. A heavily depleted Swords side had the majority of possession and played the better rugby, but couldn't find the breakthrough and paid the price for missed chances.

After stern defence kept Tullow out for at least seven consecutive phases, the home pack finally squeezed over in the corner to take the lead. Tullow tagged on two penalties and Swords responded with a penalty of their own through centre Dave Cahill. Had Cahill not been off target with two other chances - with the score at 13-3 - Swords may have had a more profitable return. Swords trailed by ten points at the break and conceded just three points for the majority of the second half, through another penalty.

The Green pack were genuinely unlucky not have been awarded at least one try, when they twice managed to cross the Tullow line, but the ball was adjudged to have been held up. Those decisions and a high penalty count ultimately cost Swords the game. Tullow added a try with the last play of the game after running the ball from their own 22, but the final tally didn't really do Swords justice. The strong defence in both the backline and upfront can give Swords a good platform to build from as they take their first steps into the Towns Cup in Roscrea on Sunday.

SWORDS RFC: D. Flynn; O. McDonnell, K. McDonagh, D. Cahill, I. Ian; M. Finnegan, L. Guyomarc'h; E. Flannery, K. Corcoran, E. O'Griofa; J. Gormley, F. Coll; M. Bradley, J. Julian, S. Mulligan(c).