Huge day of top rugby at Ashtown Lane
Under-14 girls triumph over Wexford in Leinster final
WICKLOW RFC 21 WEXFORD RFC 12
WICKLOW RFC under-14 girls are champions of Leinster after overcoming Wexford Wanderers RFC in a pulsating final on Saturday in the Leinster U14s Cup final.
Played as part of the Under-14 Leinster Finals day in Ashtown Lane , Wicklow RFC and Wexford Wanderers RFC was the show piece fixture of the day having been the top two teams in the Leinster Premier Under-14 League this season.
Wicklow, unbeaten this season, knew to expect a physical encounter having played three tight games already this year vs the Wexford girls.
Wicklow kicked off and soon were camped in the Wexford 22. Despite dominating the early exchanges Wicklow couldn’t breach an excellent Wexford defense.
Wicklow were very aware of the threat the pacy Wexford backs offered and against the run of play Wexford’s out half Robin O’Connor scored a fine individual try. 0-5 to Wexford.
Wicklow didn’t panic and were again camped in Wexford territory . This time the hard work paid off and centre Abby Healy crossed for a good team try. Abby added the extras 7-5 to Wicklow.
Just on half-time Wexford’s Robin O Connor again scored a long range try under the posts and Wexford went into the break leading 7-12.
Wicklow gathered themselves at half time had a good team talk and set about playing the biggest half of rugby of their young lives.
From the kick off Wicklow went through the phases and again dominated possession and territory.
After great work by the forwards and very good interplay by the backs. Abby Healy crossed for a close in try. Proving what a good place kicker she is, Abby added the extras. 14-12 Wicklow.
Wicklow knew Wexford would come at them but the Wicklow defense was immense and Wexford couldn’t make any breaks.
Wicklow then took control of the match after some excellent phases of play Wexford managed a very good turnover at a tackle.
This sprung the ferocious Issy Cooney into action who ripped the ball back and crashed over for a fine try. Abby again was accurate with the kick 21-12 Wicklow.
Wexford threw everything at Wicklow but the Wicklow defense was impenetrable. The girls showed the character of champions to close out the match and leave Wexford scoreless in the second half.
Wicklow captain Ciara Short received the cup from Irish International Sene Naoupu.
This was no more than this group of special girls deserved after a season of hard work.
Next up is the South East League final on April 20, again against Wexford Wanderers Rfc
Wicklow: Kellie Magee, Sarah Fitzpatrick, Isabelle Cooney, Eva Deehan, Deirbhle Gavaghan, Ciara Short, Amelie Birrell, Clara Dunne, Rebecca Brennan, Abby Healy, Molly Callery, Lucia Gorman, Alannah Dixon. Subs: Hannah Traynor, Laura Griffin, Maya Kelly, Mia Cowdrey, Robyn Coffey, Sophie Murphy, Sophie Power, Millie Leonard, Áine Dunlop, Keelin Rawson, Sara Williams.