Wicklow 1st XV 13 Ashbourne RFC 1st XV 5
Report by Stephen Clarke:
Wicklow 1st XV got back to winning ways with a mixed performance against a big Ashbourne side at Ashtown lane on Sunday. The game was played on a slippy pitch after torrential rain prior to the game. Conditions were very tricky and both teams struggled to grab the game by the scruff of the neck in the opening quarter.
Wicklow started the strong of the two teams and had Ashbourne under some pressure. They established a foothold in Ashbourne territory but were unable to convert the pressure into points. Wicklow went close on a number of occasions but every time the slippy conditions and a little over eagerness on Wicklows part saw the moves break down without a score.
On one occasion a good lineout steal by Simon Norton led to a fantastic cross kick by Barry Lynn to Chris Sillery. Sillery gathered well and his low pass to Alan Byrne on the wing went forward off Byrnes knees. Byrne scampered through to touch down for what looked like a perfectly good try. The referee deemed that there had been a knock on and the scrum was awarded to Ashbourne who cleared their lines.
The game remained scoreless until injury time in the first half. An Ashbourne infringement gave Wicklow a penalty. Barry Lynn stepped up and coolly converted to give Wicklow the narrowest of leads 3 – 0 at half time.
Ten minutes into the second half came the outstanding moment of the game when a scything break by Mark Higgins saw him cut through the Ashbourne defence. Higgins backed himself to outstrip the cover and scored a fantastic individual try. The conversion from Lynn gave Wicklow a 10 – 0 lead.
Ten minutes later Wicklow scored another penalty from the boot of Barry Lynn to extend their lead to 13 – 0. Wicklow were in control at this point and Ashbourne didn’t look like they had any answers.
To be fair to the Meath men they came back well and after a long period of pressure were rewarded with a try in the corner. The conversion was missed and the score was 13 – 5 in Wicklow favour. Wicklow spent the remainder of the game defending but Ashbourne didn’t look like breaking the defensive line for a second time.
Wicklow will be happy with the win in a league that looks like it will be very tight. The game itself was a scrappy affair and Wicklow will know that there is a lot to improve. Their defence was excellent throughout the game while the set piece was solid. They will need to cut down on the number of turnovers and penalties conceded but overall should be pleased with a good start to the league with a losing bonus point away to league favourites Tullow and a comfortable enough win against a tough Ashbourne side.
Next week sees the visit of Portlaoise who are always difficult opponents. Wicklow played them twice last season and won one game and lost one. If last year is anything to go by it is sure to be an open and entertaining game with plenty of tries. Kick off for the seconds is 1.30pm with the firsts at 3pm.
A replay of the World Cup Quarter finals will be shown in the clubhouse afterwards. Wicklow are always looking for new players at all levels and anyone who is interested should contact Stephen Clarke on 087 2051659. Follow Wicklow RFC on twitter with live updates from games as well as club news, fixtures and results.
Team: Paddy Jameson, Sean O’Brien, Timmy O’Donovan, Noel Greene, Simon Norton, Liam Hughes, Barry Hurley , Stephen Roberts, Barry Hurley, Denis Higgins, Mark Higgins, Chris Sillery, Barry Lynn, Ronan Hurley, Russell Andrew, Alan Byrne Jr, Subs David Quinn, Eanna Kileen, Stephen Duffy, Leslie C
