AIL Division 2C – Round 1 Match Report Midleton RFC 40 – 25 Bruff RFC Towns Park, Saturday 27th September
The Energia AIL returned to Towns Park in bright sunshine as Midleton RFC began their 2025/26 campaign with a bonus-point 40–25 win over Bruff RFC. After the disappointment of narrowly missing promotion last season, the seniors got the new year off to the perfect start with six tries in front of their home crowd.
Bruff struck first through Duggan on 9 minutes, with Collins adding two penalties to build an early lead. Midleton responded before the break, as JB Du Toit powered over on 35 minutes and Ted Coleman followed just before half-time. Doyle converted to edge the home side in front at the interval 12-11.
The second half saw Midleton take control. Conor McCarthy scored within minutes of the restart, followed quickly by Kyle Read to stretch the advantage. Bruff battled hard and kept the contest alive with tries from Maher and O’Byrne, both converted by Collins, who also landed his earlier penalties. But Midleton’s Gary Downey crossed on 70 minutes and Seamus Lyne sealed the game with a try in the closing stages. Doyle added three more conversions to finish with five from six.
It was also a proud day for several players making their Midleton AIL debuts, with a special mention for Eoghan Devaney, who began his rugby journey in Midleton minis and made his first AIL appearance for the seniors at Towns Park.
The day was about more than just the senior rugby. The U16s ran a hugely successful bake sale beforehand to raise funds for their tour next year, and the minis gave the seniors a fantastic guard of honour as they ran out onto the pitch. Well done to all involved.
Final score: Midleton 40 – 25 Bruff. A strong start, maximum points, and momentum to carry into next weekend’s trip to Donnybrook to face Bective.
📸 Supporters can view a full gallery of the day’s action thanks to the excellent Denis O’Flynn here: [Link]
