A.I.L. Div. 3

Midleton Draw Away Fixture with Waterpark

Waterpark 13 Midleton 13

B.Young try, G.Jones 2 Pens, conv. D. Walker tries, J.Holland 2 pens, Conv

Midleton travelled to Ballinakill Waterford, intent on making amends for their narrow defeat by Nenagh Ormond in the previous week.

Unfortunately they suffered a disastrous start, when after two minutes a pass from Jason Holland was intercepted, allowing B.Young to score a try which was converted by G.Jones.

Undeterred Midleton came more in to the game and two penalties from Holland reduced the margin to one point. One moment of magic enabled Midleton to go ahead. Paul Whelan kicked through and good following up by Michael Daly created the space for Duncan Walker to score the all-important try which Holland converted.

Walker is a very welcome addition to the Midleton team. He has the happy knack of being in the right place at the right time and has scored three tries in the last two games.

Leading 13pts to 7pts at half time, any notion that Midleton were heading for a comfortable win were dispelled in the second half. The Waterpark pack began to dominate with Declan Brady increasingly effective in winning line out ball. Midleton defended well in open play but had no answer to two excellent penalties kicked by Jones from the touchline to tie the fixture. Kevin Brierley retired injured during the game and was very adequately replaced by Mark.O’Flynn. Keith Cocking made a massive contribution at number eight for Midleton and Michael Daly is playing with ever increasing confidence at full back. Jason Holland’s kicking game was up to its usual high standard and his very presence in the side gives them the degree of solidity needed at this level.

Midleton move on next week to play Co. Carlow, a team they have already beaten this season in the All Ireland Cup

Midleton Team. K.Brierley, G.MacArdle, R. McArdle, D.O’Connor, A.McCarthy, DO’ConnellD.Walker, K.Cocking, R.Smyth,

J.Holland, P.Whelan, B.Morris, E.Tobin, D.Smyth, M.Daly. Replacements M.O’Flynn for K.Brierley, P.O’Donoghue, S.McCarthy, B.Wall.