Division 2B down to wire

DIVISION 2B of the Leinster League has been too close to call since September, and it got even tougher on Sunday as table leaders Wexford Wanderers took on second-placed Athy and lost.

A double-header at Athy saw the Wexford second XV narrowly beaten by the home side in the first fixture, but thankfully the 19-18 scoreline secured the losing bonus point necessary to mathematically guarantee their league victory.

Hoping to secure the second set of silverware for the day, the first XV looked as fierce and determined as ever when they ran on to the pitch.

That look stayed firmly in place for the first 40 minutes, even getting them through a period of being down to 13 men with two in the bin.

Despite holding steady, the sides were so well matched. Determination couldn’t quite get the Wexford men over the line and the half ended scoreless.

As the teams switched sides and the whistle blew again, the Wexford side started just as strong. Unfortunately, a penalty within the Wexford ‘22 made sure Athy got points on the board first.

Wexford returned the favour with ten minutes to go and a draw seemed to be on the cards, but a misjudged kick from a Wexford boot brought play within the five-metre line and the inevitable try followed, duly converted by the Athy out-half.

The icing on Athy’s cake came with a penalty in the dying minutes, leaving the final score at 13-10 in Athy’s favour.

The league deciders are planned for Sunday, March 18, as Wexford face North Meath at home in Park Lane and Athy meet the current third-placed team, Midland Warriors, away.