Balbriggans men’s 1xv made the long trip to Longford on a wet & windy miserable Sunday afternoon.
This is their second game in division 1A & their first away game.
Due to a number of injuries they only traveled with 18 men.
Longford had won their first game so we’re looking to build on that.
Balbriggan started strong by putting pressure on Longford from the kick off with some lovely set plays being actioned but Longford’s defence held out.
That was until 20 minutes in when Brian Mollahan took an inside pass off Matthew Jendra to score just right of the posts, beating a number of defenders in the process.
Jack Scannel converted.
Both teams discipline at the break down was poor but neither side could capitalise. That was until the 39th minute when Longford gave away a penalty from a high tackle on Callum Sterio, Jack duly converted from the touch line and Balbriggan went into the half leading 10-0.
Longford started off the better in the second half and were making strides into our 22 but the work on our defence structure shone through and Balbriggan through Caldwell & Breeds kept them at bay.
As Longford were camped on our line ,we unfortunately gave away a penalty which led to a yellow card, with us down to 14, they were able to come back with a penalty and a converted try to level the score.
Balbriggan regrouped and with a move off the training ground saw Brian Mollahan once again break through the Longford defence on half way, as he made his way past numerous defenders, he was brought down just 2 metre short of the line by a high tackle, deemed not a penalty try and on the subsequent scrum, Balbriggan who were the dominant pack all day and a penalty given against them.
The game finished 10-10.
Try scorer Brian Mollahan
Conversion & panalty Jack Scannell.
The 1xv have a break this weekend but out 2xv are playing on Friday night, in the North East McGee Cup league, KO 8pm in Balbriggan v Boyne.
The 1xv next home game is on Sunday 13th October vs New Ross 3pm ko.
Thank you to the travelling support as always for making the trip on a cold and wintry Sunday.