Newbridge RFC bring Leinster League title back to Kildare

Portarlington 24

Newbridge RFC 27

Newbridge RFC’s final league fixture of the season was more than just a game as it confirmed their hard-earned Leinster League 2B title.

Having been officially presented the league pennant and trophy by Leinster Branch Senior Vice-President Moira Flahive the previous week, the visit to Portarlington was still a chance to round off an incredible season with another win, and that’s precisely what they did, emerging victorious 27-24.

The game began with the same intensity the Kildare club had brought all season, and it didn’t take long for them to find their rhythm.

A powerful driving maul saw Trint Kelsen finish the move with a try to give the away side an early 5-0 lead. Portarlington quickly responded, which saw them cross under the posts for a converted try, taking a 7-5 lead.

The hosts grew into the match, and just minutes later, they scored again, a brilliant try in the corner extending their lead to 12-5.

Newbridge were being tested but responded well.

Scrum-half Fergal Doyle’s quick thinking from a tap and go allowed him to crash over the line, leveling the scores at 12-12.

The game continued to be a back-and-forth affair, with Portarlington gaining an advantage after a fumble in midfield from Newbridge. The ball was kicked through, and with a fortunate bounce, the Portarlington 10 collected and touched down just before the break, leaving the score at 19-12 as the sides went into half-time.

Newbridge came out firing in the second half, and Chris Leech was at the heart of the action. His powerful run cut through the Portarlington defense to score in the corner, bringing the deficit back to just 2 points at 19-17. From this point on, Newbridge asserted control.

A second try from Kelsen gave the visitors the lead again, 24-19. Newbridge then earned a penalty, which Cashman converted to increase the lead to 8 points, making it 27-19.

Portarlington managed a late try, but it wasn’t enough to deny Newbridge. The away side secured the victory 27-24 and claimed all five points, wrapping the season in style.

With this win, Newbridge finished the league seven points clear of second place, a fitting testament to their dominance throughout the campaign.

The coaching team, led by head coach Robbie Waters and supported by assistants Joey Carbery, Evan Kavanagh, Mark Bennett, Paul McDonald, Dan Jennings, Fergal Doyle, and Eoin Carey, have been instrumental in shaping a side that has been a joy to watch all season.

Team Captain Denis Clarke and vice-captain Will Jennings led from the front. Special mentions also go to team manager Phil Hird and matchday physio Kassie Lyons, whose contributions behind the scenes ensured everything ran smoothly.

Newbridge RFC will return to Leinster League 2A next season, a significant achievement after suffering relegation last time around. The future looks bright for Newbridge RFC, and after this memorable season, the entire club can be proud of their accomplishments.

Full-time Score: Portarlington 24-27 Newbridge RFC

Scorers: Newbridge: Chris Leech, Fergal Doyle, Gavin Houlihan, Trint Kelsen (one try each), Donal Cashman (two cons, one pen).

Portarlington: Denville Maya, Eoin Worrell, Adam Lambkin and Ross Doyle (one try each), Darragh Perry (two cons).
NEWBRIDGE: Darragh Whyte; Gavin Houlihan, Stephen Cooke, Robert Waters, David Mullins; Donal Cashman, Fergal Doyle; David Morgan, William Jennings, Brendan Commane; Jack Moore, Oran Foley; Chris Leech, Denis Clarke, Trint Kelsen. Replacements: Declan Tougher for Cooke (HT), Connall Sharkey for Mrgan (53), Jack Madden for Doyle (60), Daire Timmins, Kevin Commane and Riain Murphy for Whyte, Mullins and Clarke (all 66), Cillian Beirne for Leech (71).

PORTARLINGTON: Eoin Worrell; Tom Scully, Adam Kelly, Jack Hynes, Reinas Balakauskas; Adam Lambkin, Darragh Perry; Daragh Jewell, Fintan Murphy, Conor Houlihan; Toby Neilson-Dry, Jason Yellop; Gavin Crampton, Warren Murray, Denville Maya. Replacements: Aaron Costello for Jewell (38), Keith Kavanagh for Perry (HT), Simon Doggett for Scully and Mark Petriw for Houlihan (both 60), Jack Hennessy for Murphy (63), Oisin Mooney-Sherlock for Maya (70), Ross Doyle for Kelly (75).

REFEREE: Ramon Lipparoni.

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