Westmeath Minotaurs win again

The Westmeath Minotaurs, fresh from winning their opening game, faced a familiar foe in the Wexford Eagles for their second game at home in Mullingar Rugby Club.

Having won their first game with relative ease, the men in purple knew this promised to be more of a challenge, especially as they were missing some players through injury.

The Eagles showed they were up for the game, scoring from their first drive, but failing to add the PAT (point after touchdown) meant they were 6-0 up.

After a long drive by the Minotaurs, a costly turnover near the goal line meant The Eagles would get the ball back and have all the momentum. Marching down the field through some big gains on the ground, The Eagles found themselves up 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter is where the home team turned things on. Finding space on the outside allowed running backs Chris Gilbert and Niall Corcoran to do some real damage as they gashed through The Eagles’ defence. With the ball at the one-yard line, there was no doubt in either team's mind what play was coming next as quarterback Sean McCormack lined up for a sneak and, with some strong blocking, he was not to be denied. The everreliable boot of Jay Bruton meant the score was 14-6 to the Eagles.

The Minotaurs defence then got going, swarming to the ball with some massive plays from veteran linebackers Steven Nally and Mark Hughes. This forced a quick change in possession.

A good drive followed from the offensive unit with some huge blocks from Jo Coyne and Cathal Dunne, but unfortunately no points were added, meaning at half-time the Wexford men still had the lead but momentum lay with the Minotaurs.

The third quarter was dominated by Westmeath and, with some outside running and quick screen passes, they were quickly on the board as Chris Gilbert took a toss play in from five yards out. The PAT was successful and the game was tied.

Defence now swarming around The Eagles meant the Minotaurs offence was quickly back on the field and again they marched forward; this time Niall Corcoran sliced through the defence for a 20-yard rushing touchdown. Bruton added the PAT making it 21-14 to the Minotaurs.

Into the fourth quarter and the Eagles began to make some good plays through the air and threatened to score, but some tight coverage from Peter Dempsey and Dylan Finnane kept them out of the end zone.

The offence kept the chains moving and the home side worked their way down the field to again find themselves at the one-yard line. Sean McCormack again sneaked in across the goal line for his second score of the day; the PAT was good and the game now well in hand at 28-14.

The Eagles would do their best to make a comeback and managed to add a passing touchdown. However, from there the Minotaurs - with some smart time management on offence and some huge plays on defence - made certain of victory. Both Peter Hynes and Mark Hughes made crucial interceptions to ensure no ground was lost.

Head Coach Conor Brennan made sure his players were ready to make the plays needed when it mattered most and they now have two weeks to prepare before they face the Kildare Crusaders away.