AIL Roundup: Division 2C Week 9 Refixed

After the Round 9 ties have been played, we move into the new year with Bruff just outside the promotion places, while Tullamore have reduced Instonians lead at the summit to nine points.

Midleton 20-24 Bruff, Towns Park

Bruff are up to fifth in the league table after a hard fought win over Midleton which saw them produce a second half comeback to take their fourth win of the season.

It was a great start for Bruff as they got over for an early try for a 5-0 lead as Tom Quigley got over, however Midelton hit back and two tries and a penalty later moved into a 15-5 lead, Jack O’Grady got the second Bruff try just before the break to reduce the gap to 15-10.

Shortly after the break Cillian Rea went over for the third try of the afternoon for the Limerick side, Paul Collins converted to put his team back ahead 17-15, momentum went with the Shannonsiders after that score as Collins completed the bonus point with a well worked try to move 24-15 ahead. Bruff held firm but Midelton would snatch a late try to take a losing bonus point.

Tullamore 22-15 Ballina, Spollanstown

Tullamore have kept on track for a title charge with a strong showing against Ballina, despite the visitors coming back in the second half they kept their shape.

The hosts took the lead after 9 minutes with an unconverted try, but were hit back minutes later as Bradley Nelson crossed after 13 minutes to level with an unconverted try, Tullamore hit two tries to cap off a great first half display to lead 15-5 at the break.

Ronon Molloy crossed seven minutes after the restart to reduce the gap with Ben Matheson’s conversion making it a three point game 15-12, momentum looked to be with the visitors but just on the hour mark Tullamore hit their bonus point try and the conversion which followed pushed their lead out to ten, 22-12. Matheson struck a late penalty to give Ballina a losing bonus point in a hard fought display.