MATCH REPORT

J1A LEAGUE

TUAM 18 DUNMORE 0

On Saturday last, the eyes of the rugby world were firmly fixed on Paris as two rugby giants locked horns to eventually crown the rugby world Cup champions.

However three hours earlier, for Tuam and Dunmore, that was a long way from their minds as they came face to face for the first time this season in search of their first victory of the league campaign.

What we saw in Garraun Park was two teams with huge respect for each other leaving it all on the pitch. Big hits, ferocious tackling, moments of genius, full bloodied and disciplined commitment. It was all there. While Tuam took the spoils, both teams have to be commended for their sheer effort alone.

Unsurprisingly a large crowd gathered on Saturday to witness the first installment of this tie before they meet again in four weeks time in the Curley Cup final. Conditions were ideal as the rain stayed away while there was little or no wind.

The away side enjoyed the early possession as they tried to breach the Tuam rearguard but the homeside held firm and actually took the lead in the 13th minute.

Awarded a penalty on the right hand side just outside the Dunmore '22, Dave Lally was unfortunate to see his effort come back off the post but Tuam regained possession and were awarded a second penalty, this time from the right favouring Carl Ward. He converted to give first blood to Tuam.

Dunmore didn't let this score knock them back as they picked up where they left off as they stayed banging on Tuam's door. But like a cranky homeowner on Halloween night, they were in no mood to let anyone in as Halion, Ruane, Finnerty and Johannes Terblanche all put in big hits to keep the Tuam door firmly closed. Oisín Morrin was as usual at his imperious best and discarded his scrum cap as an indication he meant business.

Then on the half hour mark, Tuam were rewarded for their defensive efforts when Eoin Fowley got his first try for the first team and a great try it was too.

A Tuam lineout was gathered by Alan Finnerty who did well to hold onto it and leave it for Alan Tierney who fed the onrushing Seàn O'Sullivan who broke the Dunmore defensive line. O'Sullivan's pace almost saw him touch down but he was stopped just before the try line. Ian Murphy then had a go but he too was just inches away. The ball was eventually recycled out left to Carl Ward whose long passed was gratefully accepted by Eoin Fowley who touched down in the corner, much to the delight of the home support.

That gave Tuam an 8-0 lead at the break but a sinbinning just before the half time whistle meant they would restart the second period with 14 men.

Yet Tuam answered this setback like they answered the loss of key players Lally and Murphy to injury in the right manner. They tackled hard but fair and when they saw an opportunity to relieve pressure they did so. The intensity and tackling definitely went up a notch as Dunmore continued to batter Tuam's defensive line but the homeside were standing firm.

A second Tuam sinbinning in the 55th minute was once more dealt with as Dunmore struggled to breach their rearguard. The huge defensive effort by Tuam was rewarded in the 72nd minute when Ward converted an easy penalty.

That left it 11-0 with the clock ticking down and with only a couple of minutes of normal time remaining, Tuam put the game beyond doubt with their second try of the match.

Alan Tierney, who was outstanding throughout, kicked the ball over the top. The ball wasn't dealt with properly which allowed Browne to pick and go and just before the Dunmore defence were going to get to him, he offloaded to Ward who touched down. Joyous scenes once more for the Tuam followers. Ward added the extras.

Not even 15 minutes of added time could deny Tuam their victory as they got their league campaign up and running with a deserved win.

It was a brilliant team performance with the bench also making a big impact. The lads are out again on November 11th against Castlebar Rugby Club and it would be great to see you all at Garraun Park again. The support on Saturday was greatly appreciated by the lads.