Ross destroy Mullingar
ROSS ENDED Mullingar's interest in the Towns Cup in impressive fashion in Southknock on Sunday last.
The midlanders had seen off Ashbourne twice in two tough encounters and showed they hadn't come just to make up the numbers with a very tough, workmanlike performance in the opening half.
Facing the breeze, there were times when Ross looked as if they could open up at any stage they wished. Despite Derek Butler getting an excellent individual try, racing from his own half to score under the posts, the rest of the half was played with both sides just a little too panicky - fare not worthy of the great support that turned up.
In fact, some silly penalties meant that Mullingar went in just a point behind at half-time (10-9).
The second-half was a far more cohesive and controlled performance, as defence and attack both showed their respective mettle. Great turnovers, especially from David Brennan, gave the backs a platform and soon the tries came.
Kieran 'Jim' Howlin raced onto an intercept to score easily, and the pack mauled their way up and won a five metre scrum from which Kieran Moloney crashed over. Further tries came from two good breaks by Derek Butler and Seán Furlong, finished by Jamie Cullen and Joe Reville.
The quarter-finals are provisionally fixed for this Sunday, March 21. Good performances came from many in the pack, with great control shown at halfback by Paddy Delaney and Derek Byrne and some fine finishing by the outside backs. It was a very good second-half performance from which this team can definitely kick on even further.
