Wicklow take top spot with mighty win Promotion in own hands
WICKLOW’S first squad continued their impressive form with a 44-7 demolition of third placed Clondalkin RFC in the Leinster League Division 1B clash at Ashtown Lane on Sunday.
With league leaders Tullow losing away to Coolmine of Friday night the winners of this game were going to top the table on Sunday evening.
The game was played in mostly dry conditions with a bitterly cold wind that was at Wicklow’s backs in the first half.
Wicklow started with ferocious intent and hammered into Clondalkin from the first whistle. The first score came quickly and it was Wes Wojnar who outstripped the cover to score after five minutes. Niall Earls added the conversion and Wicklow led 7–0. Earls added a penalty, moments later to make it 10-0 after eight minutes.
Wicklow’s backs looked electric at times and were cutting Clondalkin open at will. Wes Wojnar got in for his second try after 20 minutes and Earls made it 17–0 with the conversion.
Stephen Duffy got in for a try in the corner on 25 minutes and the conversion from Niall Earls made it 24–0. Earls added a second penalty after some good Wicklow pressure to make it 27–0 after half an hour. Just before the break, Stephen Duffy who is in a rich vein of form got over for his second of the day to make it 32–0 at the break.
The second half was a tighter affair as Clondalkin had the strong wind at their backs and used it to relive the incessant Wicklow pressure.
On the 60 minute mark, the outstanding Jack McKenna drove over for a well deserved try to make it 39-0. Clondalkin responded with a try under the posts after 65 minutes. Jonny Butler rounded off the scoring with Wicklows sixth try with 10 minutes to go to leave the final score at 44–7 in Wicklow’s favour.
This was an exceptional performance from this improving Wicklow side. They have resolved their disciplinary issues and are scoring an average of 40 points a game playing an exciting brand of rugby.
The backs were in fantastic form all day and caused havoc whenever the ball was moved wide. The youthful but experienced pairing of Dennis Higgins and Niall Earls (who know each other as well as Stringer and O’Gara) have an almost telepathic partnership.
The powerful centre partnership of Josh White and Kieran Hurrell cut Clondalkin open on numerous occasions
Wicklow’s abrasive and mobile forward pack deserves a huge amount of credit for the quality ball that is being supplied to the backs.
The Doyle brothers along with Wes Wojnar are in superb form and the eye-watering hits seemed to get harder the longer the game went on.
The experienced pairing of Fergal Walsh and Barry Hurley in the engine room are the heart of this pack and they drove Wicklow forward all day.
The Wicklow front row have to be the youngest unit in the league but they were outstanding to a man on Sunday.
Shane Byrne’s powerful drives gave Wicklow some quality go forward possession and the set piece was immense all day against a tough Clondalkin eight.
Wicklow defended their line from a concerted Clondalkin attack with 10 minutes to go as if their lives depended on it. They weren’t willing to concede a score despite being 33 points up in a game that was long over. That says something about this team and the hunger that they have.
This win moves Wicklow into first place in the league. Promotion is now completely in their own hands. They will take each game as it comes, starting with a tricky away trip next Sunday to Coolmine who surprised league leaders Tullow on Friday night. They wont be taking Wicklow by surprise who know a tough game awaits. Kick off for the second is at 1pm with the firsts at 2.30pm. Support welcome.
Wicklow’s injury hit seconds produced a stunning comeback to break Clondalkin hearts with a last minute try. Trailing 24–21 deep into injury time and facing into a strong wind, Wicklow’s Ruairi Barron crashed over close to the ruck to score a dramatic try.
That try keeps alive their hopes of retaining their Leinster League title.
Squad: Eanna Killeen, Jack McKenna, Shane Byrne, Barry Hurley, Fergal Walsh, Andrew Doyle, Mikey Doyle, Wes Wojnar, Dennis Higgins, Niall Earls, Jonny Butler, Kieran Hurrell, Josh White,