Ugochukwu gives Newbridge a lift as they draw with Edenderry

Leinster League Division 2A

Newbridge 21

Edenderry 21

Newbridge travelled to Edenderry on Friday night to get their Leinster League campaign underway for the new rugby season.
Although they picked up two points from the fixture, which may prove valuable towards the end of the season, they will feel that the win was there for the taking.

A slow start put them on the back foot as Edenderry opened with a penalty, followed by a converted try, then another penalty, leaving Newbridge with an early deficit of thirteen points, all while Edenderry had a man in the sin bin.

The momentum of the game then swung Newbridge’s way. The impetus came from substitute Michael Ugochukwu, who carried two defenders over the try-line following a powerful carry. David Cashman added the conversion.

Newbridge were next to score with Ugochukwu crashing up in midfield, passing to his centre partner Ruan Watts who broke down the pitch, drawing in the last defender and feeding Adam Larkin-Smithers who dotted down. The conversion by Cashman left Newbridge one point ahead at the break.

It was Edenderry who started the second half stronger as Newbridge were unable to keep the momentum they had built before the break. The hosts scored an early penalty followed by a try to take a 21-14 lead with fifteen minutes left to play.

Newbridge found their way back into the match again with Cameron English crashing over for a try following sustained pressure on the Edenderry line. The conversion from Cashman leveled the match with 10 minutes left to play.

Newbridge were unable to convert the possession they had within that period and finished the match with some strong goal-line defence to keep Edenderry out in the final minutes.

Best for Newbridge on the night were Michael Ugochukwu who was immense in both attack and defence after coming on as an early substitute. Cameron English carried strongly throughout the match and Adam Larkin-Smithers was excellent at full-back.

Newbridge next game is Mullingar at home on Sunday, 1 October in the Leinster League.

NEWBRIDGE: Brendan Commane Conor Spratt Dan Jennings (captain) Jack Moore Killian Buckley Cameron English Max McLoughlin Scott McMullan Kevin Commane Donal Cashman Gavin Houlihan Karmon Fitzgerald Ruan Watts Paidi Davies Adam Larkin-Smithers. Replacements: Stuart Keogh Connall Sharkey Fergal O’Grady Gregor Goulay Michael Ugochukwu.