Massive win for Arklow
Home win sees Oval men go top of the table
ARKLOW’S first team returned to a home fixture against second placed Athy in this Leinster League Division 2B fixture. Athy are always a team that force Arklow to play at their best so a win is never a foregone conclusion, even if Arklow were at home. This game swung from one side to the other and the outcome was not predictable until the final whistle.
The start of this game was not at a level that Arklow needed to be at if they hoped to get the better of the visitors.
From the kick-off Arklow were very quickly into Athy’s 22, trying to force an opening in a very tight defense. After 12 minutes of indifferent rugby by the both sides, Athy, with just a few kicks, were in the home side’s half and were quickly awarded a kickable penalty which was not missed.
Arklow now speeded up their game and were looking for a way to prize open Athy. It came after 30 minutes when Arklow elected to run a penalty from inside their own 22 and with a great break by Ben Kavanagh to center field and a quick feed from the ruck saw all the Arklow backline pass the ball along to their winger Dave Mulrooney who finished off this superb move with a try in the corner.
The conversion was an added the bonus as the kick was difficult for Shane Nalty to leave Arklow leading by 7 to 3.
The home side then applied some pressure to the Athy try-line, but this was not sustained for any great time, which must be the case if your team wants to create an opening to score.
At vital times the Arklow team either knocked on or dropped the ball. Getting towards the end of the half, Athy were the team on top but Arklow stood up and produced some first class tackling by their backs and forwards.
Athy were now again in the Arklow 22-meter area and from a good kick by Athy Arklow turned over their ball and relieved the pressure.
Arklow were marginally the better side in this half, but when Athy attacked, the home side stood their ground well. Half-time came with no change in the score line: 7 points to 3 for Arklow.
In the first four minutes of the second half Arklow misjudged the distance of the kick-off allowing Athy to work their way into the Arklow 22.
All the Arklow team worked their way up the field and but for a loose kick ahead may well have scored.
With the pressure Arklow were exerting they gained a penalty about 30 meters out and again Shane Nalty was on target to score the three points to push Arklow 10 to 3 ahead.
Arklow were now more consistent with applying pressure for periods of time, but with no scores however the home side were playing reasonably well now.
Arklow’s pressure won them another penalty kick at the posts but Shane Nalty skewed it. Scores remain unchanged.
Athy now came up a gear and with constant runs at the Arklow defense by some big forwards. Athy scored a try and a good conversion. Now 10 points all.
Arklow now upped their game and started to pressurise the Athy try-line after a series of good attacks by all the Arklow back line. Arklow speedy winger Billy Slater crossed in the corner but the two points were elusive, Arklow 15, Athy 10.
The game seesawed back and forth for both sides but long kicks by Athy kept Arklow back in the danger zone. Athy again came at Arklow and scored a good try after battering at their Arklow line they then added the conversion to lead 17 to 15.
A lip-twitching last five minutes were guaranteed. Arklow manfully tackled the ball receiver from the restart and earned a penalty about 30 meters out and to the right of the uprights. Shane Nalty kept cool and slotted over the bar. Arklow 18, Athy 17.
A nose-bleeding last three minutes was promised. Arklow did not hesitate to tackle any Athy player who came into range so Arklow held on to the slimmest of margins to win by a solitary point. Athy pounded the Arklow line but Arklow were resilient and did not miss any tackles. Arklow all round game was good in both attack and defense.
Arklow’s home advantage had a big bearing on the outcome of this game.
Individually, all the Arklow team put in good 80 minutes. Arklow must improve their game management and use of the boot a bit more is a valid way to make ground. This is a very dog eat dog league. No assumptions should be drawn from our league position. There’s a long league ahead, but kudos for this win.
Arklow RFC: 1. Tadgh O Scannaill, 2. Eoin O Scannail, 3. Anthony O’Donnell,
4. Luke Bulmer, 5. Joe Bulmer, 6. John Furlong, 7. Tom Scarff, 8. Ben Kavanagh, 9. James Stenning, 10. Paddy Ryan, 11. David Mulrooney, 12. Joni Butterworth, 13. Paddy Phelan, 14. Shane McAllister, .15. Shane Nalty. Replaacements: 16. Ben Diaper (C),
17. Conor Kinsella, 18. Gavin Cox, 19. Tim Byrne, 20. Billy Slater.
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