Arklow unable to gain foothold in tough league clash
BALBRIGGAN RFC ARKLOW RFC 34 5
ARKLOW were unable to get a foothold in this tough league clash at Bowhill Balrothery last weekend.
The margins are getting closer and Arklow must hope for some good results in their home games.
So far, Arklow have played three of the four league game away from home. But venue will not replace effort.
The opening 10 minutes were equally balanced with the Arklow men giving as good as they got.
Balbriggan opened the score after a wild kick from Arklow did not find touch; their fast winger looped diagonally across the pitch for a good try. The two points were missed.
Not too bad an opening for Arklow. Balbriggan began to squeeze Arklow with sniping runs and one such run resulted in Arklow having to touch down in their in goal area giving Balbriggan a five-meter scrum from which their number eight crossed easily and the conversion was simple. Balbriggan were 12 points to the good with Arklow yet to score in the game.
After 20 minutes, Arklow went another try behind after too many missed tackles by the whole Arklow team. Half-time approached with Arklow down 17 point to nil.
Arklow needed a good start to the second period as they had the wind at their backs but luck was not with them.
On a good crash ball at the Balbriggan try line, Arklow lost the ball forward and Balbriggan pounced on the loose ball, ran the full length of the pitch to score under the posts and the conversion was easy.
Balbriggan were 22 points ahead at this stage. Arklow were not playing badly but were error strewn throughout the match, unforced errors and wrong options seemed to dog their play.
Good play by Arklow seemed to fade out before Balbriggan’s score line was threatened.
A further try and conversion by Balbriggan added to Arklow’s woes. Balbriggan were gaining in confidence as this game drew to a close. One more unconverted try by the home side finished their scoring. Arklow continued to attack and went over the try line at the corner flag just before the referee blew full-time.
The conversion was very difficult and was missed. Arklow’s play is starting to be repetitive, early scores conceded and allowing opponents to dictate the play.
The scrum is not where it was at the beginning of this season. There were a number of changes of personnel from the last league match and Arklow were short on experienced players.
This is not an excuse as those on the field in this match gave their all; Arklow will be tested again in two weeks with Roscrea as the opponents. Nothing less than full throttle will suffice. Losing can become habit. Team panel: Paddy Brennan, Charlie Louth, Eoin O Scannail, Conor Rochford, Jack Joyce, John Furlong, Eamonn Quirke, Michael O Scannail, Peter Lynch, Shane McAllister, Henry Bradshaw, Tom Scarfe, Stephen Cosidine, Alan Pollard, Ian Hart, Ryan Smart, Jamie Ellis, Richard Murphy.