Ross savour league glory
Season ends on high note
WITH THE Leinster League title secured since the previous weekend, Sunday in sunny Southknock meant it was time for New Ross firsts to let the shackles fall away and indulge themselves in a champagne rugby season finale.
A large crowd gathered to hail the champions as they hosted Arklow on a day made for a fast-running back line.
The game was barely four minutes old when David Crowdle opened the scoring after exchanging passes with his brother, Matt, as they sliced open the visitors’ defence.
Ten minutes later Kieran Butler crossed on the right to stretch the lead. The next try was David Crowdle’s second before Matt Crowdle secured the four-try bonus point with 29 minutes passed.
Butler secured his second after 37 minutes and with Delaney adding five conversions, the result of the match was in little doubt by half-time. Two minutes after the resumption the floodgates remained fully open as Eanna Burke scored the first of his two tries.
After 47 minutes, David Crowdle secured his hat-trick before Arklow pulled a try back from an interception.
Matt Crowdle added his second after 56 minutes before Jamie Cullen came off the bench to add two more.
The final score was 73-7 to the new champions, but the manner of the victory was even more impressive given the relative youth of the side.
This must augur well for New Ross as they now look forward to a well-earned rest and next season at a higher level.