Wicklow 1st XV 15 Kilkenny RFC 12
Wicklow 1st XV continued their winning ways with a tired performance against a huge Kilkenny side at Ashtown lane on Sunday. This was Wicklows fifth game of the season and they registered their fourth win but they had to battle very hard for the result. Wicklow were missing a number of players through injury and unavailability and were delighted to come away with the win
Kilkenny started stronger with their monster pack putting Wicklow under real pressure at scrum time. To Wicklows credit they defended their line superbly with real commitment shown by all fifteen players.
Kilkenny pounded the Wicklow line in the early stages but some outstanding defence from the Wicklow pack in particular allowed them to clear their lines.
Wicklow weathered the storm and worked their way back upfield. They were rewarded for their hard work when Allen Byrne released Russell Andrew to score in the corner following a sweeping move and some outstanding work by both backs and forwards. The conversion was missed but Wicklow lead 5 – 0.
Just before half time a scything break by Barry Lynn from 50 metres out saw Liam Fenton juggle with the ball before crashing over beneath the posts to score a cracking try. The conversion from Lynn made the score 12 – 0 to Wicklow at the break.
Kilkenny were shellshocked but stormed back into contention with a try early in the second half to bring the scores to 12 – 7. Kilkenny dominated the second half as further injuries saw Wicklow under pressure.
Wicklow defended gamely but eventually the pressure told and Kilkenny got in for a second score. The conversion was missed and the scores were level at 12 points all as the game entered injury time
Wicklow didn’t settle for the draw and worked their way back up the pitch. They forced the concession of a penalty out wide. Barry Lynn stepped up and slotted an outstanding kick given the circumstances to put Wicklow back in front 15 – 12.
Kilkenny weren’t finished yet and had time for one more attack. Wicklows defence creaked again but held firm and the referee blew the final whistle.
Wicklow were delighted to get the win but were disappointed with the performance. They had a tough friendly match during the week when they defeated Garda by 35 – 17 with a hat trick of tries by in form Allen Byrne.
Wicklow seconds got their season up and running with a 31 – 10 defeat to a strong Kilkenny side
Wicklow 1st XV vs Kilkenny – Timmy O’Donovan, Shaun O’Brien, Simon Norton, Noel Greene (capt), Liam Hughes, Niall Higgins, Stephen Roberts, Liam Fenton, Denis Higgins, Mark Higgins, Ronan Hurley, Barry Lynn, Chris Sillery, Russell Andrews, Alley Byrne. Subs used – Padraig Naughton, Ben Armstrong
