Leinster league title and promotion for Kildare's Newbridge RFC

Newbridge RFC played their final home league game of the season, knowing that a win would be enough to secure the Leinster League 2B title for the Kildare outfit. Close rivals Portlaoise were the visitors and showed their determination to make it a tough contest.

The game started brightly for the home side. After sustained pressure, the ball was worked wide to Stephen Cooke, who powered his way over the line for the opening score. Donal Cashman added the conversion, giving Newbridge an early 7-0 lead.

Portlaoise responded strongly, dominating possession, but a Newbridge kick to touch was kept in play by a Portlaoise player, allowing Gavin Houlihan to collect the bouncing ball.

Houlihan skilfully flicked it inside to the onrushing Trint Kelsen, who broke several tackles before offloading back to Houlihan. The winger raced clear to score in the corner, extending the lead to 12-0.

Portlaoise continued to press and was eventually rewarded with a try near the sideline, reducing the deficit to 12-5.

Just before halftime, Newbridge opted for a penalty kick, which was successfully converted, sending them into the break with a 15-5 advantage.

The second half began with Newbridge full of confidence, and their pressure told when a lack of discipline from Portlaoise led to a yellow card for their blindside flanker. Newbridge capitalised with Will Jennings crashing over from a tap-and-go.
Newbridge made the most of their numerical advantage , tighthead prop Brendan Commane bulldozing his way over the line, 27-5.

However, as in previous encounters, Portlaoise showed resilience. A try for the visitors and a yellow card for Trint Kelsen reduced the margin to 17 points. Moments later, Cameron English also saw yellow, and Portlaoise capitalised with another try, increasing the tension on the Newbridge sideline.

The nerves intensified further when Mark Bennett was shown a third yellow card for Newbridge following another harsh call.
Despite the late pressure, Newbridge closed the game with a bonus point victory. With a game in hand, the win leaves them two points clear at the top of the table. They now travel to Portarlington next Sunday, where they will be officially crowned Leinster League 2B champions.

NEWBRIDGE: 1 Adam Bingham 2. Will Jennings 3. Brendan Commane 4. Jack Moore 5. Mark Bennett 6. Cameron English 7. Denis Clarke (Capt) 8. Trint Kelsen 9. Fergal Doyle 10. Donal Cashman 11. Gavin Houlihan 12. Robbie Waters 13. Stephen Cooke 14. David Mullins 15. Darragh Whyte 16. Cillian Beirne 17. Ronan Cooney 18. Connal Sharkey 19. Kevin Commane 20. Zack Meehan 21. Gregor Gourlay 20. Scott McMullan.