Wicklow fightback falls short
BOYNE WICKLOW 33 27
WICKLOW First XV travelled to Drogheda to take on Boyne in a crucial Leinster League game on Saturday last.
The game was played on a gloomy damp afternoon on a sticky pitch.
Wicklow and Boyne were level on points leading into this game and both teams knew the winners would pull away from the dogfight at the lower end of the league table.
The game started at a frenetic pace as both sides tested each other out.
An early exchange of penalties left the score at 3-3 after ten minutes with Brian Keegan’s boot providing the three points for Wicklow.
Boyne were the first to score a try and it came from a blocked down kick.
The ball was moved wide and the Drogheda men went over for the first of the game, 10-3 after fifteen minutes.
A slick move by the pacy Boyne backs saw them go over for a well taken try after twenty minutes.
The conversion made it 17-3 and Wicklow looked in some difficulty. To their credit, they settled down and began to play their game. The forwards began to assert themselves and make inroads into Boyne territory.
Wicklow were back in the hunt when Shane Farrer powered over to score close to the posts. Keegans conversion made it 1710.
Boyne extended their lead on the half hour mark with a penalty to make it 20-10.
Wicklow’s injury woes continued with both Dennis Higgins and Eoin O’Sullivan replaced in the opening 30 minutes.
John Jenkinson’s men didn’t let their heads drop and were awarded a kickable penalty approaching the break.
They opted to kick for the corner when many (including this observer) felt they should have taken their points.
It was a brave decision and one that paid off minutes later when Wes Wojnar crashed over to score.
The conversion was missed but it was almost half-time and the gap was reduced to five points at 20-15.
Wicklow continued to attack early in the second half. A powerful surge from Eanna Killeen almost led to another try, but a simple mistake with the line beckoning proved costly.
A few minutes later Wicklow were in again when Ben Porter touched down after some excellent work by the pack.
The conversion from Brian Keegan put Wicklow in front for the first time at 20-22.
Boyne are a dangerous side and they were soon on the attack again.
They looked to be in for a certain score but a last-ditch Wicklow tackler was deemed to have knocked the ball on deliberately.
The result, a penalty to Boyne and Wicklow down to fourteen for ten minutes with a man in the bin.
The score was now 23-22. This was extended to 26-22 in the last minute of the sin-bin period.
Boyne upped the pace again and scored the try of the day, with a superbly-weighted cross kick which was gathered on the full by the winger who scored close to the posts.
The conversion made it 33-22 with twelve minutes left.
To the casual observer, Wicklow looked dead and buried, but Wicklow supporters knew that this side has a never say die spirit.
True to form, they attacked again and as the clock ran down they scored their fourth try.
Liam Gaffney emerged with the ball from a maul that was driven over the line.
Keegans conversion attempt was narrowly wide and Wicklow trailed by 33-27 with maybe five minutes left.
Boyne were panicking and Wicklow were dominant.
They surged into opposition territory again.George Naoupu almost broke through but a des- perate last ditch tackle brought him down.
The last play of the game was a lineout on the Boyne line.
A series of pick and drives brought Wicklow up to the Boyne line. The ball went wide and the Wicklow attack was held up just short of the line.
The referee blew his whistle and the game ended. 33-27 to Boyne.
John Jenkinson’s men were bitterly disappointed and probably felt they deserved more from the game.
To a man they played their hearts out against a tough Boyne side with some real talent out wide.
Wicklow left with a losing bonus point, a four try bonus point and a slightly bitter taste in their mouths. Wicklow’s seconds had a disappointing result going down 22-6 in the curtain-raiser.
They have been dragged into a relegation battle and every game from now own is going to be crucial.
One thing is certain, this squad has the talent and the determination to beat anyone in this tough division on their day.
They just need to keep the heads up and keep working hard. There is no doubt the results will come.
The club needs as much support as possible when the two teams take on DLSP at home on Saturday next at 2.30 p.m. Seconds kick off at 1 p.m.
The Ireland Argentina game will be shown in the bar afterwards.