Wicklow on fire away to Clontarf last weekend
WICKLOW travelled to Clontarf RFC on Sunday and extended their bonus point winning run to five matches. Clontarf kicked off with the wind at their backs but the kick fell short of the 10 metre line to set up a Wicklow scrum.
A strong scrum saw Wicklow attack but a knock on stopped them short of the line. Wicklow won a turnover and Ciara Patrick went over for a try, but missed the conversion.
Fast line speed and strong tackling by Wicklow put Clontarf under pressure.
Another Wicklow scrum, and this time Hannah-Rose was able to score an unconverted try. Within minutes Wicklow were attacking again, Ciara Patrick made a break and Meagan Parkinson continued the momentum by kicking the ball on, only to collect it and score a fantastic try. The conversion was good.
Try number four came after a powerful attack by Rachel Griffey, quick recycling of the ball sent Sarah Gleeson over the line for a converted try.
Clontarf struck back within a minute and capitalised on an intercept with an unconverted try. Wicklow recovered well from this and won a penalty inside Clontarf’s 22 metre line which Ciara Patrick converted for three points.
Soon after Clontarf were down to fourteen players as one was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle. Wicklow took advantage of the extra player, running a penalty and displaying great handling and Alana Sheridan scored an unconverted try.
The last play of the half resulted in another score for Wicklow with Leanne Sullivan scoring an intercept try that was converted.
Clontarf upped their game in the second half considerably. For the opening 10 minutes of the half the used the ‘pick and go’ tactic but the Wicklow defence held firm.
Wicklow were given another penalty following a late tackle and this led to Kayleigh Sullivan going over for a converted try, easing the pressure on Wicklow. Five minutes later another run penalty saw Meagan Parkinson go over for her second try of the day.
The conversion was unsuccessful. It was Groundhog Day as Meagan Parkinson scored again moments later, this time the conversion was drop-kicked in front of the posts.
Clontarf were not giving up and offered many determined runs from both their pack and backline. However, Wicklow continued to reply with relentless tackling that stopped Clontarf in their tracks. Some newer members of the Wicklow squad displayed fine tackling skills.
Wicklow would not stop until the final whistle blew, good interplay between the forwards and backs saw Rachel Griffey score, the conversion was short. Just before full time Kayleigh Sullivan made a wonderful break to score another try which was converted by Leanne Sullivan.
This left the score at full-time, 68-5. A great aspect of the performance by Wicklow was the seamless integration of old and new members of the squad.
Wicklow have a two week break now before they take on Westmanstown Garda Club at home where they hope to continue their winning streak. They train on Friday nights at Ashtown Lane and are always looking for new players to join this talented group.
Tries: Ciara Patrick 1, Hannah-Rose Buckley 1, Sarah Gleeson 1, Alana Sheridan 1, Leanne Sullivan 1, Rachel Griffey 1, Kayleigh Sullivan 2, Meagan Parkinson 3
Conversions: Ciara Patrick 4, Leanne Sullivan 1
Penalty: Ciara Patrick 1