Arklow much too good for Portarlington

Visitors in complete control

PORTARLINGTON ARKLOW RFC 7 34

A WATERY winter warm sun did add a little brightness to this game.

Arklow were the far fitter and a more attacking side, had almost 80% of all the possession from scrums, and their own lineouts.

Arklow’s pack gave their backs loads of ball and the backs attacked on all fronts and were soon ahead having pounced on a loose ball from a Portarlington line out at the home side’s own try line.

Quick reaction saw the Arklow player first to react and score the first try in the corner.

The conversion was difficult and did not cross the bar. Five minutes gone, Arklow were 5-0 ahead.

Arklow continued in the energetic mode, running at their opponent’s backs and in another five minutes added a further try after a great break by the Arklow thirteen and finished off by the number eleven winger. Again the conversion was missed. Arklow 10-0.

It took Arklow until the 35th minute to score again.

Arklow won ball aplenty again the good finish was the centre thirteen and the winger eleven.

During this period Arklow seemed to be too anxious to score and constantly knocked on and lost the ball on too many occasions or chose the wrong option.

This is not a fault or criticism but there will be games that will be far tighter than this and a cool head will be needed and adhere to the game plan.

Another great break by the winger and centre to score another great try saw Arklow fifteen points to nil in front approaching the half way mark.

From the kick off by the home side Arklow claimed the ball and went straight for the try line after continuous pressure by the Arklow pack on the Portarlington line. Arklow were awarded a penalty try. Bonus point and twenty two points ahead at the break.

Personnel changes at half-time had an immediate effect, with a great move from Arklow’s lineout, and a great break by Arklow backs.

The Arklow wing forward number 7 finished off a great move by the Arklow team.

The conversion was good giving Arklow a twenty nine point to nil lead.

At this point of the game it was if the Arklow team became deflated and lost their direction.

The home side started to get a grip on this game and the game became scrappy and unfocused by the whole Arklow team.

Eventually the referee gave the home side the benefit of most decisions which put Arklow under pressure.

Arklow did another personnel change and sent on the remainder of the squad on.

But Arklow came back once more with a well taken try.

The conversion was wide. leaving Arklow 34-0 ahead.

At the last minute of this deflated half the home side ran one of their many penalties and scored under the post and added the conversion.

Final tally Arklow 34-7, a good win in a tough league.

One lesson Arklow must learn is you keep playing as a team to the final whistle not as fifteen individuals, each one trying to score a brilliant try from the most impossible parts of the pitch.

Stick to the disciplined game plan no matter which fifteen are on the pitch.

Heads up rugby and keep in mind the game should be played as a team.

Good day for Arklow, away from the security of home, with a bonus point win.

Well done to all who donned the jersey.

Arklow RFC Panel from: Ben Byrne Diaper, Cathal Louth (capt.), Eoin O Scannail, Anthony O’Donnell, Jack Joyce, Joe Bulmer, John Furlong, Colm Doyle, Dave Mulrooney, Tom Scarff, Richard Murphy, Michael O Scannail, James Ellis, Ben Kavanagh, Peter Lynch, Shane Mc Allister, Patrick Phelan, Brogan Koetz, Patrick Ryan, John Louth.

CARLOW U-15S WICKLOW U-15S 17 47

WICKLOW RFC Under-15s made the journey to Carlow on Friday night to play in the South East League.

Conditions were damp and blustery, not good for playing rugby but Wicklow got stuck in from the start and put Carlow under pressure.

This was a game for forwards to carry the ball and Wicklow went about pressing for the first score and after good work from the pack they opened the Carlow defence and allowed Sean O’Meara to run in a fine try. Tom Hodgkinson stepped up and converted and Wicklow had the start they wanted.

Players were finding it hard to hold on to the ball but Wicklow were coping better than their opponents and again scored another good try.

This time Jordan Twomey powered over to touch down and again Tom Hodgkinson converted.

Wicklow were cruising now and had all the play but Carlow somehow intercepted the ball and caught the Wicklow defence flat-footed and ran in a try of their own.

With just a few minutes left in the half Wicklow went on the attack after some hard work at the breakdown the ball was fizzed out to Scott Fitzpatrick and he jinked his way through the Carlow defence and scored a cracking try.

Again Tom Hodgkinson converted added the extra points from the boot. The score at half-time was 22 -7 in Wicklow’s favour.

The second half got under way and Wicklow went straight on the attack and were quickly on the scoreboard again when Liam Nicholson drove through the Carlow defence and touched down with an excellent try.

Tom Hodgkinson converted again and Wicklow were looking good.

Wicklow now made changes and again put Carlow under pressure and when the ball found its way to the hands of Jake Law he left the defence in his wake to score another try for Wicklow.

Carlow soon after added a try against the run of play to keep their hopes up but quickly Wicklow responded.

This time Tom Hodgkinson went on a mazy run and touched down himself which he then converted.

With time running out Wicklow attacked again and broke through the Carlow defence and Ivan Mackey was on hand to finish off another excellent try. Tom Hodgkinson again was deadly accurate with the kicking tee.

With seconds remaining in the last play of the game Carlow added a consolation try and conversion to leave the score at full time 47-17 to Wicklow. This was the sixth straight victory for Wicklow under-15s this season.

Team: James Fleming, Liam Nicholson, James o Donnell, Michael Byrne, Sam o Connor, Zach callery, Ivan Mackey, Jordan twomey, Sean o meara, Tom hodgkinson, thang Tran quoc, Jake law, Scott Fitzpatrick, Finn Fitzpatrick, Conor luddy, Shane Carlin, Oisin Clare, Noah hanahoe, Kyle Corrigan, Sean Higgins, Charlie Clarke. Coaches Mark kinlan, Markus moelders, Graham Burleigh.