Wicklow bounce Big victory in Donnybrook the perfect answer to Tullow loss
WICKLOW RFC 33 SUTTONIANS 5
WICKLOW got things back on track with a good win against former AIL side Suttonians at Ashtown Lane on Sunday.
Having opened their league campaign with a disappointing defeat against Tullow, Wicklow were determined to get their season back to winning ways yesterday.
Suttonians were a big side with some fine players.
The game was played in perfect conditions on a superb playing surface, with a light breeze that favoured the away side in the first half.
The visitors started much the stronger and had Wicklow under some pressure for the opening minutes. Wicklows defence despite a few creaks, weathered the opening storm.
A powerful surge led by man of the match Michael Doyle saw Wicklow power into the opposing half in good position.
The ball was moved wide and Wicklow made their overlap count when Dean Leonard went over in the corner to score a good try. Captain Niall Earls excellent conversion made it 7–0 to the home side.
Wicklow added their second soon after when a slick backline move saw full back Jonny Butler slice through the opposition to score a well taken try beneath the posts. Earls added the extras and Wicklow led 14–0 after 25 minutes.
Wicklow were playing well but they were conceding a huge amount of penalties in good positions that allowed the Sutton men to clear their lines.
Approaching half-time the penalty count was 14-3 against Wicklow.
The referee lost patience and on the stroke of half-time sin binned Kieran Hurrell for an innocuous enough looking side entry at a ruck. The home side led 14–0 at the break.
Wicklow started well in the second half and got over for a good try from a maul which was scored by Eanna Killeen. The conversion was missed and the score was 19–0.
Wicklow looked like they would cruise from then on but again their discipline let them down.
Another stream of penalties and two more sin binnings kept the game in the balance.
Suttonians got over for a deserved try with 20 minutes remaining to make it 19-5.
Wicklow unleashed the bench and the fresh legs made all the difference.
Last year’s captain Wes Wojnar, making his first appearance for the season, linked well with new boy Josh White and made huge inroads into a tiring Suttonians defence. Shane Farrar broke through to score Wicklows fourth and
bonus point try following some powerful running by Kieran Hurrell.
The Earls conversion made it 26–5 with 15 remaining.
Wicklow wrapped up the game with a fifth try scored by Eanna Killeen who bagged a brace on the day.
The conversion made it 33–5 in favour of Wicklow.
Following last weeks hiccup, Wicklow will feel their season is back on track.
They ran up a good score against a combative Suttonians side. They played some really excellent rugby at times.
They certainly won’t be happy with their performance from a disciplinary point of view.
Three yellow cards and a penalty count into the high twenties is not good enough for a team that had an outstanding disciplinary record last season.
It seemed it was more a case of over eagerness on the day and there is no doubt it will be addressed before the next outing in two Sundays time at home to Portlaoise in Ashtown Lane. All support appreciated by the club.
Best for Wicklow on the day were Jack McKenna, Shane Farrar, Dean Leonard and the outstanding Michael Doyle
Squad: Eanna Killeen, Jack McKenna Shane Byrne, Fergal Walsh, John Jenkinson, Andrew Doyle, Mikey Doyle, Barry Hurley, Ray Thain, Niall Earls, Dean Leonard, Shane Farrar, Kieran Hurrell, Ben Armstrong, Jonny Butler Subs Alex Porter, Mark Cullen, Wes Wojnar, Josh White, Neil Dickenson.