Bruff RFC score precious win over Midleton in AIL Division 2C

RESILIENT Bruff recorded an exciting 24-20 victory over Midleton in their rearranged Energia All-Ireland League Division 2C fixture played at Towns Park on Saturday afternoon.

The result in East Cork has seen Bruff move up to fifth-place in the league table at the mid-point of the regular season. In-form Bruff have now won each of their last three All-Ireland League fixtures on the bounce.

Home side Midleton led Saturday's rearranged game 15-10 at the end of an exciting half.

Visitors Bruff opened the scoring with a try from Tom Quigley off a well-executed line out maul. Midleton hit back with two tries and a penalty to take a 15-5 lead, before Bruff reduced the gap with a try from Jack O’Grady to leave the home side 15-10 in front at half time.

Battling Bruff took the lead shortly after half time when Cillian Rea went over off another superb line-out maul. The try was converted by Paul Collins and the South Limerick side now led 17-15.

Bruff increased their lead with a bonus point try from Paul Collins, again converted, to move two scores in front at 24-15.

To their credit, Midleton touched down with time almost up to claim a losing bonus point. However, Bruff had done more than enough to claim a deserved victory.

Next up for Bruff is the return fixture against Midleton at Kilballyowen Park on Saturday next, January 14, 2.30pm.

BRUFF RFC: Kieran Bennett; Shane Duggan, Jack O'Grady, Warren Loulanting, Mark Fitzgerald, Andy O'Byrne, Paul Collins; Brendan Keogh, Tom Quigley, TJ Coffey, Patrick Maher (Capt), Sean Hartigan, Johnny Cleary, Eamonn Costello, Cillian Rea. Replacements: Dave Barrett, Kieran O'Dwyer, Tadhg O'Dwyer, Tony Cahill, Graham Whelan.