CO CARLOW 31 PORTLAOISE 0
CARLOW have an outside chance of securing a promotion play-off spot thanks to this easy win in Oak Park on Sunday when they accounted for relegation-destined Portlaoise.
With the visitors having put a few decent results together in recent weeks the home side expected a stiff test but from the off Carlow never looked back.
In the first minute a move started on the Carlow 22 by John Clare and taken on by Tommy Ratahi and Wes Shirley, saw scrumhalf Mark Elmes scampering in from 30 yards to score under the posts.
Barry Purcell converted. On the half hour Carlow kicked to the corner from a penalty.
A clean lineout take saw a quick transfer through Barcoe to McDonagh and fullback Purcell scored without a hand being laid on him.
Purcell’s conversion made it 14-0.
With the aid of a strong wind in the second half Carlow were never in trouble.
Captain Ross Byrne scored a third try after nice interplay between backs and forwards. Then Tommy Ratahi took a quick tap penalty and went over.
When John Joe Waddock picked up and went himself he found prop Ross Elmes up in support. The front row forward secured possession and touched down for the fifth and final try.
It was all too easy and Carlow are now left to rue a mid-season slump which all but ruined their chances of promotion.
It could still happen but with three points between them and second place Wicklow they need Longford or Clondalkin to do them a big favour and take maximum points from their two matches against Ashbourne and Cill Dara in the final two series of games.