Wicklow cop full force of Garda examination

GARDA/W’TOWN WICKLOW RFC 18 5

ON a perfect day for rugby in Westmanstown RFC, the worm turned as it is fated to do.

The two teams who served up a feast of tight matches last year in Division 3 met for the first time in Division 2.

Garda kicked off and the ball went dead. The scrum at half way led to quick ball and a number of strong runs saw Rachel Griffey scored the opening try of the game five metres out from the left touchline. The conversion went wide.

It was a good start from Wicklow, but ended being as good as it got for the visitors. Garda regrouped and got down to business. They had a game plan and stuck to it for the entire match. Garda played to their strengths and on the edge.

They piled the pressure on Wicklow and penalties ensued. In their number ten Garda have a player who punishes with her boot and she did this twice, converting penalties to put Garda up 6-5.

Wicklow collectively were not playing with their usual composure. Too many times a pass was forced or a ball knocked on. The squad was rattled. Even though the Wicklow set pieces held their own, a special mention to Caitlin Griffey who applied great pressure in the lineout and secured some great steals, these efforts were not converted into scores. Wicklow conceded too many penalties throughout the match and had received a yellow card in the first half.

Wicklow made positional changes in the second half, but the damage had been done. Garda kept the momentum in their favour and crossed the gain line time after time. They, unlike Wicklow, capitalised on their opportunities and scored two tries.

With twenty minutes left, Wicklow seemed to revive themselves and began to apply their own pressure. There were a number of line breaks but players became isolated and possession was eventually turned over. Sarah Gleeson was boisterous in defence for Wicklow, making some massive hits and disrupting Garda’s play. However, as a collective, things did not go Wicklow’s way and the final score stood at 18-5 in favour of Westmanstown.

Both teams contributed to a contest which the Garda coach admitted was hard on the heart up until the final whistle. The worm had turned and Garda were worthy winners on the day. Now Wicklow must regroup and learn from this loss. They lost this battle but the campaign is still there to be won.

Wicklow try: Rachel Griffey GALWAY CORINTHIANS U-17s travelled to Greystones last Sat-