Arklow’s courage and ability tested by Garda

GARDA RFC ARKLOW RFC 22 27

THIS was a game when Arklow’s abilities and courage were severely tested and had they wilted or stepped back from doing what was needed at the time when it was crucial, they might just have lost this important game.

From the Garda kick off to Arklow the ball was collected with strength by Ben Kavanagh who ran from 22 to 22 without being slowed down.

Arklow then crossed the field trying to score a try very early on. From one ensuing ruck Garda stole the ball with a long kick removed the treat.

Now a period of errors and careless handling and lack of concentration allowed Garda to distance themselves from Arklow because they kicked very well from the half-way line and put over three penalties without any score from Arklow to leave the score reading Garda 9, Arklow 0.

Arklow were not playing badly but they were making poor decisions when they had the ball but without the ball, they were hungry and tackled extremely well at all times.

Coming up to the half-way mark Tommy New intercepted a wayward pass by Garda and raced to the try line at speed and scored a very good try. The bonus points were missed.

Now should have been the time when Arklow started to be more accurate but they again conceded another long-range penalty to bring the score to 12 points to five lead for the home side.

From the very start of the second half Arklow took possession of the ball and battered their way down the pitch without stopping and a great try was finished by Joe Bulmer. Shane Nalty converted from a difficult angle. Arklow 19, Garda 12.

Now we were in business and Arklow’s running and tackling were top drawer. They bashed their way in the Garda 22 and again the pack made plenty of hard yards and the pressure was constant before Ben Diaper gracefully swan dived across the try line Arklow pulled away a little further 19 points to 12.

Arklow were now firing on all cylinders, making good choices and doing the correct play at a good time, keeping Garda under constant pressure in the own 22.

Another great movement by backs and the pack secured ball which was passed across the back line where number 8 Ben Kavanagh was where a good number 8 should and he drove over the line in the corner. Again, the steep angled conversion was missed.

The game now was a defensive period form Arklow they had to take the pressure of endless stream of penalties which Arklow were gifting to the home side.

The pressure had to tell and eventually Garda crossed close to the Arklow posts and converted. Now Garda trailed Arklow by 19 to 27.

The onslaught continued with a stream of further indiscretions by Arklow before Garda crossed in the corner but strategically no conversion. After a period of extra-time Arklow won a penalty to end this heroic struggle.

Arklow have to be pleased to achieve an away win with a bonus point and the way they played. They tackled ferociously; every player did the job and the style of play particularly in the second half was topflight stuff.

It was by far the most tackles put in by Arklow in all games so far this season. Arklow were brave in their defending and skillful in attack.

It has been one long time since Arklow took two teams to an away match. Both Arklow sides played Garda firsts and second teams. Th seconds’ game didn’t lack skill or commitment by Arklow who eventually went down 15 points to 10.

Every player of the entire Arklow seconds panel deserve great praise.

With a great mixture of youth and experience they gave their all on the field. No more can be asked of a team.

Arklow RFC first: 1. Ben Diaper (C), 2. Cathal Louth, 3. Anthony O’Donnell, 4. Joe Bulmer, 5. Aiden Louth, 6. John Furlong, 7. Tom Scarfe, 8. Ben Kavanagh,

9. James Stenning, 10. Paddy Ryan, 11. Joni Butterworth, 12. Paddy Phelan, 13. Tommy New,

14. Shane McAllister, 15. Shane Nalty. Replacements: 16. Eoin O Scannail, 17. Gavin Cox, 18. Mick Donoghue, 19. Micheal O Scannail, 20. Dave Mulrooney.

Arklow seconds panel: 1. Jimmy Ellis, 2. Garreth Dunne, 3. Paddy Brennan, 4. Mick Donoghue, 5. Conor Kinsella, 6. Ross Vigors, 7. Adam Slater, 8. Eoin O Scannail, 9. Tommy Godkin, 10. David Mulrooney, 11. Michael O Scannail, 12. Tim Byrne, 13. Peter Lynch, 14. PJ Keogh, 15. Rob McCormack. Replacement:

16. Billy Slater.