Arklow wounded by Warriors at the death

ARKLOW kicked off this match with a strong breeze behind them and the kick was a little too strong and went dead.

So instead of the home side pressurising their opponents Midland were attacking Arklow with some heavy battering, looking for a break in Arklow’s defence.

Arklow were forced into conceding two converted penalties. Between penalties Arklow lost their captain with a serious arm injury.

At the half hour mark Arklow had recovered their composure and were not afraid to run penalties from their half.

Good rucking and back play saw Arklow score a great try at the verge of half time.

Tom Stack finished off the move and put the ball down just off the post. The conversion was well struck by Dean McCormack.

At the end of the first half Arklow led seven points to six having played very well and hope this would continue in the second period.

Arklow started the second half strongly with Richard Murphy leading the attacks downfield and for twenty minutes kept probing but couldn’t cross the try line.

This was not through lack of effort rather a lack of cuteness and game management.

Arklow’s number eight was injured and the rest of the pack raised their game and with the continual pressure were awarded a kickable penalty which was dispatched with coolness again by Dean McCormack.

Now Arklow had the edge of double scores ahead and were playing well in most areas.

Then disaster struck Arklow were awarded outside their 22 the kick to touch was short and Arklow lost the ensuing line out which should have been a formality.

Midlands rucked and mauled the ball over the Arklow try line and then converted their try literally in the 40th minute and the conversion in the 42 minute.

Now at the death Arklow lost this match not through lack of effort but lack of common sense.

The game should have been played in the opponents half for the last ten minutes no need to play a risk filled game.

Arklow just need to use a common sense approach when in tight corners.

This is a tough league and the remaining games won’t be any easier.

Photo: Yvette O Beirne. Joni Butterworth in action at The Oval with Danny Clear alongside.

Photo: Yvette O Beirne. No stopping Thomas Scarfe as he charges towards the try line.