Wicklow brought back to earth with big bump

RUGBY LEINSTER LEAGUE

ENNISCORTHY WICKLOW 30 18

WICKLOW’ first team were back down to earth with a bump following a tough away assignment to league leaders Enniscorthy. A win would have opened the race for the league title right up. A loss and Enniscorthy would be at least eight points clear of George Naoupus men.

A bruising fixtures schedule has taken its toll on this Wicklow squad and they took to the field missing a number of regulars.

Despite this they had a strong squad on the day and travelled with determination to get the victory.

The game was played in murky and gloomy conditions and the floodlights were switched on shortly after the 2.30pm kick off. Wicklow couldn’t have started much better.

They soaked up the initial Enniscorthy onslaught before a loose ball bounced favourably for Wicklow and Ben Porter sprinted clear from 70 metres out to score a try. The conversion slipped wide but Wicklow led 0–5 after five minutes.

Soon afterwards Niall Earls added a penalty to make it 0–8 after eight minutes after a good kick chase by Ben Porter had Enniscorthy under some pressure. Earls added another long range penalty five minutes later and Wicklow were 0–11 up after 12 minutes.

Enniscorthy’s consternation didn’t last long. They worked their way up field and got over for a try after Wicklows tackling was unusually found wanting. The conversion was good and it was 7–11 after 15 minutes.

The Wexford men began to dominate possession. Wicklow found it hard to get on the ball and to get out of their half. A second try for Enniscorthy after 25 minutes made it 12–11.

From the kick off a mistimed challenge was deemed to be a yellow card offence and Brian Shortt went to the sin bin.

Wicklow defended bravely but just before half time Enniscorthy got over for another try which made it 17–11 at the break.

Enniscorthy kept the hammer on early in the second half and they scored their fourth try on the fifty minute mark after another turnover in Wicklow territory. The conversion made it 24–11.

Wicklow were struggling to get any momentum in the game as an excellent Enniscorthy defence repelled attack after attack and turned over the ball at crucial times.

Two more Enniscorthy penalties put them almost out of sight at 30–11.

To Wicklow’s credit they didn’t drop their heads.

They battled their way back into the game and scored a good try when Shane Farrar powered over to score after a long spell of pressure. Niall Earls added the extras and Wicklow were back in it at 30–18.

Another quick score would have made the last five minutes very interesting.

Wicklow came close to getting over in the dying minutes but it was not to be and they left Ross Road without a point.

Wicklow will have been disappointed with this outing. They were a little flat and looked like the bruising schedule of recent weeks had taken its toll.

Next week they welcome a resurgent Kilkenny to Ashtown lane.

They will be keen to get things back on track before facing Enniscorthy again in the semi-final of the All Ireland Cup.

Seconds kick off at 12.30pm and firsts at 2pm