Mallow made the journey to the Limerick/Kerry border last Sunday to face Abbeyfeale in what was the 2nd game of their league campaign. Having picked up the maximum 5 points from week one, the north Cork outfit were looking to build on this momentum with a second win on the bounce. From the off however, the visitors were under pressure. Their defence faltered on numerous occasions with missed tackles being the story of the opening forty. Mallow found themselves two tries down after only 30 minutes with an uncharacteristically porous defence, particularly given their concession of only one try throughout the opening two competitive games of the season. As the midway point of the match arrived, Mallow eventually began to find their mojo. On their first visit to the Abbeyfeale 22m, they managed to get themselves back into the game. Following a great build-up of phases, Mike Lenihan carried powerfully over the line to dot down for Mallow’s first try of the game shortly before half time.

Upon resumption, the north Cork side sought to get a foothold in the tie and thanks to an excellent set-piece move off the back of a scrum involving Ronan McCarthy and Mike O’ Flynn, Mike Lenihan made great inroads deep into the home sides 22m before offloading to Brian Henry who almost made the line. Quick ruck ball and fast hands allowed Owen Glynn to go over in the corner from close range for his third try in as many games. Mallow kept the score board ticking and thanks to two Dave Breen penalties, they gave themselves a two score cushion beyond Abbeyfeale, 18-10. The Limerick siders were not finished there however and after drawing in the Mallow defence, they managed to get the ball through the hands and go over for a converted try to ensure an exciting finish to the game. Mallow held strong and escaped until the final whistle. It was a good win for the visitors, considering Abbeyfeale’s prominence in Division 1 over the last few years. Mallow are now joint leaders of Division 1 with nine points from a possible ten.

Next game: October 13th at 2.30pm: Mallow RFC v St Senans.