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Wicklow 1st XV 17 Tullow  RFC  1st XV 22
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Wicklow 1st XV were left gutted after a disappointing first half display gave them too much to do against a tough Tullow side at Ashtown lane on Sunday. A huge crowd from both clubs turned out to support the teams on a perfect day for rugby. Wicklows all weather pitch was in magnificent condition and the game was played on a dry cool day with a light wind which favoured the visitors in the first half.
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The first half was one Wicklow will want to forget.  They probably had as much possession and position and opportunities as Tullow but they failed to capitalise. Tullow were on the score board first when they turned over the ball after five minutes and moved the ball wide. The Wicklow defence could have dealt better with the attack but the Tullow winger did well to get over in the corner. The conversion was missed but Wicklow trailed by five points.
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Leslie Copeland takes the tackle, supported by Paddy O'Flaherty & Brian Quinn
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Wicklow worked their way back up field but every time they got into a good position the gave up possession with a knock on or turnover. They were in further trouble after 15 minutes when down to fourteen men after a harsh sin binning of Leslie Copeland. Tullow used the extra man to good affect and got over for a second try. The conversion was added and Wicklow trailed 12 – 0 and were in some trouble.
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After half an hour Tullow extended their lead with a well taken penalty to put them 15 points up after thirty minutes.
 Wicklow attacked and were almost over on a number of occasions but they just could not get over the line. Eventually after a series of penalties they opted for a shot at goal. Stephen Duffy curled in the kick and Wicklow were on the scoreboard at 3 – 15 approaching half time.Â
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Wicklow needed to hold on until the break which would have allowed them to regroup but unfortunately some weak defence cost them very dear. The Tullow scrum half evaded a couple of poor tackles and crashed over between the posts. The conversion made it 22 – 3 at the break. This final try was a killer blow for Wicklow.
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True to form the team responded like they have done all season when they faced substantial deficits. On 6 occasions during the league this team has come back from the dead to win games but on this occasion the gap was too much.
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Wicklow Captain Barry Hurley goes on the charge
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Wicklow dominated the second half in every aspect of the game but they could not get the scoreboard ticking over early enough.Â
Tullow slowed the game down at every opportunity. Their scrum was getting pulverised and inevitably the injuries came that  lead to the referee calling for uncontested scrums. The referee sin binned one Tullow player and then a second. Down to thirteen men Tullow continued to infringe until the referee awarded a penalty try with ten minutes to go. The conversion made it 10 – 22.
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Wicklow attacked again but Tullow frustrated Wicklow at every turn and to their credit defended very bravely. Barry Lynn got over in the corner for a late try and the touchline conversion made it 17 – 22. Unfortunately for Wicklow that was the last play and the final whistle went.Â
The Wicklow players were gutted. They were put to the sword by a more aggressive and hungrier team in the first half. By the time Wicklow had started to play to their potential Tullow were almost out of sight. The concession of that third try just before half time was the final nail in the coffin. Wicklow can do nothing but try to regroup. They have a series of key games in the next few weeks starting next Sunday with their penultimate league game against Clondalkin at home at 3pm. The push for promotion is still on and all support would be welcomed.Â
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Wicklow RFC would like to wish Allen Byrne Jr the very best of luck on Sunday which is likely to be his final match for the club for a while as he emigrates to Australia. Allen has been a stalwart player for Wicklow from U8s  right through to the senior ranks. He will be sorely missed and we hope that he will return to the club in the future.
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Team: Paddy Jameson, Sean O’Brien, Timmy O’Donovan,  Noel Greene, , Liam Hughes, Barry Hurley , Stephen Roberts, Brian Quinn Barry Hurley, Denis Higgins, Mark Higgins, Chris Sillery,  Paddy O’Flaherty, Leslie Copeland, Alan Byrne Jr,  , Ronan Hurley,  Subs David Quinn, Barry Lynn, Russel Andrew, Stuart Donohoe, John Jenkinson, Niall Higgins.
