Midleton RFC (H) 20 vs 10 Ballyclare RFC (A)

Midleton RFC try scorers: Rian Hogan x 2, Gary Downey, Idris Rqibi. 

Three games into the season there is still a lot to discover about us and the opposition, however, we have played three of the four newcomers to division 2C and come away without a loss, a big result and testament to the work both on and off the field.  That said, after round 3 we are sitting on top of the league but with a huge amount of work left to do so full focus on the next block of games required. 

There were questions being asked right up to kick off over whether the match should go ahead or not given the orange rain warning and flooding in areas all over Cork. However, the pitch game through the arduous conditions remarkedly well, huge thanks to Graham Eady and the grounds team! 

While the conditions were dreadful, the rugby was great! A game of two halves, with most of the scores coming in the second 40, we managed to come out on top of an incredibly well-disciplined travelling side with a very low penalty count.  On top of this both sides showed a high level of skill with very few unforced errors.

Ballyclare won the scrum battle and had an exceptional lineout, but the Midleton maul won the day with some strong drives combined some focused back play that made the most of the conditions.

Next up we are away to Enniscorthy on 19th October, away to Tullamore on 26th October and then home to Bruff on 9th November.  A vital next few games for to build strong foundations in top four.

11 Try for the good guys. Gary Downey cuts his way down field after a kick return and goes over for a well-deserved try MRFC 5 – 0 BRFC 

22 Try time for the away side after some good forward play.  Conversation made MRFC 5 – 7 BRFC

32 Sin Bin Sam Tarleton takes a well-deserved rest from terrorizing Ballyclare defence.

04 Try number 1 from Rian Hogan! MRFC 10 – 7 BRFC

05 Penalty kicked by the away side. MRFC 10 – BRFC 10

18 Try number 2 for Rian Hogan following some brilliant interplay between the forwards and backs given the conditions. MRFC 15 - 10 BRFC

30 Try for Club Captain Idris Rqibi after the forwards, aided from some new energy off the bench, push over for a try after being denied for over 10 minutes in the Ballyclare half. MRFC 20 -10 BRFC

From here the bench was cleared as we saw Cillian Lynch, Simon Lunders, Ryan Lehane, Harry Jephson, and Darragh O’Keeffe add their energy to keep Ballyclare at bay and deny them a losing bonus point! 

Thanks to all of our sponsors who help keep the club running!