Ashbourne stay top

Ashbourne made it four wins from four outings in the Leinster League Div 2 when they defeated Longford at the weekend. The victory leaves the Meath side on top of the table however, this was not a convincing display and they really had to work hard for the points. Longford came into the game on the back of some mixed results, but had a big pack and some good backs who caused problems for the home side. Ashbourne were missing a number of regulars and life was made even more testing for them when Keith Kennedy was red-carded after just 13 minutes. The game ebbed and flowed and the home side were out of sorts through the first 30 minutes with indiscipline a major issue and Longford had a number of chances to go ahead. Ashbourne edged ahead in the 30th minute when Gavin Kennedy converted a penalty after Longford were adjudged to have handled in a ruck. The home side had settled into the game well with the 14 men and were holding their own in the set pieces. Wayne Mitchell, playing in his first game for the club, showed some good touches while the overall play of the back three of Rory Scanlon, Cathal Field and Saulea Laurentiu was bright and inventive. At the break Ashbourne led 3-0. Phil Hall came on at half-time for Ciaran Roche and his experience and physical presence was a boost for the home side. However, after three minutes Ashbourne's night was not helped by the loss of Ciaran Glennon at openside, who was having his normal busy game. He was replaced by one of the young generation of Ashbourne forwards Eoin McGuinness. The home side proceeded to play with a little more spark and soon reaped the rewards. From a situation on the Longford '22' Gavin Kennedy took the ball and indicated he was going left. Instead he deftly changed direction to the short side and put big brother Shane Eoin Kennedy away to scamper in at the corner for his second try in two games. The conversion was missed. Longford responded with increased urgency and in the 12th minute their kicker missed again with a penalty attempt. A minute later they scored a try through their pack after a sustained bout of pressure. This left Ashbourne just 8-7 in front. Two minutes later Longford got what everybody thought was a great opportunity. From a penalty in front of the goals their placekicker kicked the ball against the crossbar and it bounced back into play. Jason Emery was alert and cleared to touch for another let off before Scanlon went over at the other end for an unconverted try. Ashbourne held on and were left to celebrate a fortunate victory. Shane Eoin Kennedy gave a man of the match display and he was well supported by Field, Ian Power, John Gavin and Gavin Kennedy. Ashbourne - C Field, R Scanlon, E Greene, K Kennedy, S Laurentiu, G Kennedy, W Mitchell; A Wall, J Gavin, C Jordan, S E Kennedy, C Roche, I Power, C Glennon, J Emery. Subs - P Hall for Roche, E McGuinness for Glennon.