Boyne's ideal preparation for Towns Cup challenge
LEINSTER JUNIOR LGE. PORTLAOISE.................24 BOYNE..........................29
Wednesday March 10 2010
BOYNE were assured of second place going into this game which ended their league campaign. However, whilst the result may not have altered their position in the table, coach Craig McGrath demanded full concentration ahead of next Sunday's Provincial Towns Cup tie against Tullow.
McGrath himself took a watching brief from the sideline as a result of an earlier injury he had picked up. Impressive 2nd row this season, Conor Walsh, also didn't figure. Young Declan Moore came into the back row, replacing Ian O'Reilly and Adam Sherrard made a comeback on the wing instead of the exam-bound, Conor McGann.
With so many changes in the team Boyne made an impressive start to the first half and, as is their trait now, gave the ball plenty of air space.
Boyne's early attacks failed to yield a try and it was again left to full-back Niall Kerbey to settle the nerves with a penalty when Portlaoise were caught offside in midfield.
This came on the third minute and was followed by a fine try from winger, Brian Howell, who outstripped the home defence to breakaway and leave the conversion a simple one for Kerbey.
Rather than let their heads down Portlaoise responded in magnificent fashion yo go 1410 in front.
Kerbey had another penalty attempt on the 23rd minute, but was off the mark.
The midlanders were giving their supporters plenty to cheer about at this juncture and they scored a third try, again following great work by their pack.
Boyne responded with a hotly disputed try by Howell before a Portlaioise penalty left them 24-17 up at the break.
The visitors had a whirlwind start to the second period when almost from the kickoff Bevan Duffy crossed. Kerbey missed with the conversion.
Portlaoise failed to regain their first half control and it was Boyne who secured the important scores to secure victory. Man Of The Match, centre, Harry Kennedy finshed off a top class performance with his team's winning score and bonus point try in the 53rd minute.
Kerbey enhanced the 5pointer with the conversion to bring his side to 29.
Portlaoise did make a valiant effort to get the allimportant fourth try that would have won the match and gained a bonus point to bring them level with Monkstown. It was not to be, however.
