Newbridge tops in high-scoring battle with Portlaoise in Leinster League

Newbridge welcomed Portlaoise to Rosetown for only their second home fixture of the season, with the hosts sitting fourth in the league and the visitors sixth. On a perfect afternoon for rugby, both sides served up an entertaining contest, with Newbridge eventually claiming a 38–24 bonus-point victory.

Portlaoise made the brighter start, taking an early lead when winger Niall Keenan finished well out wide. The conversion drifted wide, but Newbridge responded with some excellent phases of play before moving the ball wide to Riain Murphy, who beat his man to cross in the corner and level the scores.

From there, Newbridge began to take control, with the impressive Caleb Aiulu producing two moments of individual brilliance. First, he showed tremendous pace to collect a kick from outhalf Tim Murphy and touch down, before demonstrating superb footwork to dance through the Portlaoise defence for his second try, helping Newbridge establish a 19–5 lead.

However, a lapse in concentration allowed Portlaoise back into the contest, reducing the deficit to 19–12. Aiulu wasn't finished yet, producing another moment of magic as he juggled a difficult pass before finishing brilliantly to complete his hat-trick and secure the four-try bonus point.

At 24–12, Newbridge looked firmly in control, but Portlaoise struck again through prop Paddy Coss to narrow the gap to 24–19 at the break.

Newbridge emerged strongly after the interval, and a superb individual effort from openside flanker Chris Leech gave the hosts some breathing space. Breaking down the blindside, Leech evaded several tackles before beating the final defender to dive over, extending the lead to 31–19.

With Newbridge now dominating the collisions, they produced arguably the try of the afternoon. Quality set-piece possession allowed Tim Murphy to release Aiulu in midfield, who delivered a superb pass to Eimhin Conroy. The fullback broke clear before finding Zack Meehan with an inside pass, allowing Meehan to race under the posts and stretch the lead to 38–19.

Portlaoise continued to battle, but Newbridge's defensive effort was excellent. Shane Treacy was a constant menace at the lineout, while the introduction of veteran prop David Morgan helped maintain a solid scrum. Mark Bennett and Cameron English were brilliant in the engine room and dogged in defence.

The contest became disjointed in the closing stages, with both outhalves, Tim Murphy and Portlaoise's William Reilly, receiving yellow cards. A further yellow for Newbridge allowed Portlaoise to claim their fourth try with the final play of the game.

While Newbridge will be disappointed to have conceded four tries, there was plenty to be pleased about in an impressive six-try display that secured all five league points and moved them up to third in the table.

Next up is a trip to Clondalkin next Sunday as Newbridge look to build on this performance.