Wicklow on fire away to Clontarf last weekend

again, Ciara Patrick made a break and Meagan Parkinson continued the momentum by kicking the ball on, only to collect it and score a fantastic try. The conversion was good.

Try number four came after a powerful attack by Rachel Griffey, quick recycling of the ball sent Sarah Gleeson over the line for a converted try.

Clontarf struck back within a minute and capitalised on an intercept with an unconverted try. Wicklow recovered well from this and won a penalty inside Clontarf’s 22 metre line which Ciara Patrick converted for three points.

Soon after Clontarf were down to fourteen players as one was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle. Wicklow took advantage of the extra player, running a penalty and displaying great handling and Alana Sheridan scored an unconverted try.

The last play of the half resulted in another score for Wicklow with Leanne Sullivan scoring an intercept try that was converted.

Clontarf upped their game in the second half considerably. For the opening 10 minutes of the half the used the ‘pick and go’ tactic but the Wicklow defence held firm.

Wicklow were given another penalty following a late tackle and this led to Kayleigh Sullivan going over for a converted try, easing the pressure on Wicklow. Five minutes later another run penalty saw Meagan Parkinson go over for her second try of the day.

The conversion was unsuccessful. It was Groundhog Day as Meagan Parkinson scored again moments later, this time the conversion was drop-kicked in front of the posts.

Clontarf were not giving up and offered many determined runs from both their pack and backline. However, Wicklow continued to reply with relentless tackling that stopped Clontarf in their tracks. Some newer members of the Wicklow squad displayed fine tackling skills.

Wicklow would not stop until the final whistle blew, good interplay between the forwards and backs saw Rachel Griffey score, the conversion was short. Just before full time Kayleigh Sullivan made a wonderful break to score another try which was converted by Leanne Sullivan.

This left the score at full-time, 68-5. A great aspect of the performance by Wicklow was the seamless integration of old and new members of the squad.

Wicklow have a two week break now before they take on Westmanstown Garda Club at home where they hope to continue their winning streak. They train on Friday nights at Ashtown Lane and are always looking for new players to join this talented group.

Tries: Ciara Patrick 1, Hannah-Rose Buckley 1, Sarah Gleeson 1, Alana Sheridan 1, Leanne Sullivan 1, Rachel Griffey 1, Kayleigh Sullivan 2, Meagan Parkinson 3

Conversions: Ciara Patrick 4, Leanne Sullivan 1

Penalty: Ciara Patrick 1 WICKLOW’S first team travelled to Mullingar RFC on Sunday afternoon to continue their Leinster League campaign.

A win was essential if Wicklow are to have any hopes of winning the league and winning automatic promotion to Leinster’s top division. The game was played on Mullingars impressive 4G pitch which suits an open running game.

Wicklow started strongly and were soon on the scoreboard with a try from Kieran Hurrell. A Niall Earls penalty made it 0-8 after 15 minutes.

Josh White scored his first for Wicklow and Earls added the extra to make it 0–15. Jonny Butler scored the first of three against his former club after a brilliant offload by Kieran Hurrell on the 20 minute mark. Earls conversion made it 22–0. A Mullingar penalty halted Wicklow’s momentum temporarily

Butler was over for the bonus point try as early as the 33 minute and Wicklow led 3–27. Wes Wojnar scored Wicklow fifth on the stroke of half-time and they led 3–34 at the break

The onslaught continued with further scores from Jonny Butler, Kieran Hurrell, Niall Earls Ben Armstrong and a late one from Mikey Doyle which rounded off the scoring at 3–61.

This was another bonus point win for Wicklow who have moved into second place in the league. They played some scintillating rugby and scored some brilliant tries.

They certainly wont get carried away as a disappointing Mullingar were having a very bad day at the office and Wicklow will surely face sterner tests in the coming weeks.

They face a huge fixture and a real eight pointer against third placed Clondalkin in two weeks time at Ashtown Lane.

Clondalkin were beaten twice by Wicklow last year in the promotion play off and the gut wrenching Towns Cup Semi final in the mud in Carlow.

There is no doubt they will be looking to make amends for that one.

Wicklow seconds got back to winning ways with an 11try haul against Mullingar. A pair each from Robert Nolan and Russell Andrew as well as scores from Alan Byrne, Stu Donohoe, Seamus O’Brien, David Quinn, Ray Thain, Neil Dickenson and David Henderson completed the try scoring in a 3-64 victory.

Best for Wicklow on the day was debutant Ruairi Barron and veteran Robert ‘Rubber’ Nolan who scored a classy brace.

The seconds play the replay of the South East final on Saturday away to Enniscorthy at 1pm before they face a huge battle against Clondalkin seconds at home in Wicklow the following Sunday

All the senior teams have the Sunday off for the Bank Holiday weekend and will hopefully let their hair down at the Halloween Party in the club on Sunday night which is always a great night. All welcome.

Wicklow Squad: Eanna Killeen, Jack McKenna, Shane Byrne, Fergal Walsh, Ronan Monahan Andrew Doyle, Wes Wojnar, Mikey Doyle, Dennis Higgins, Niall Earls, Ben Porter, Josh White,, Kieran Hurrell, Ben Armstrong, Jonny Butler Subs Mark Cullen, Niall Higgins, Seamus O’Brien, Steve Duffy, Ray Thain