Wicklow stay on top after win over Tullow

Division 1B apiece. The game was a scrappy affair with Wicklow finding it difficult to finish off the chances that they created. They were over the line on several occasions but failed to get the try. One good backline move was foiled by a knock on over the line and a series of pick and drives were repelled by ferocious and determined Tullow defence.

Tullow got the first try of the game with a brilliant breakaway score from their own 22. The easy conversion made it 3–10 approaching the break and Wicklow looked a little rattled.

They composed themselves well and a good spell of pressure saw them go over for a well deserved try from Jonny Butler on the stroke of half-time. Niall Earls added the extras and it was 10 all at the break.

The second half was a tense enough affair. Wicklow dominated in terms of pressure and territory but they found it difficult to break down the Tullow defence.

Wicklow forced a couple of penalties in kickable positions but opted on a couple of occasions to go to the corner.

At the first attempt they were undone by a crooked lineout throw but on the second, the gamble paid off when Shane Byrne drove over for a good score. Wicklow finished the game on the attack but weren’t able to add to their tally and the final whistle went at 18–13 to Niall Earls’ men.

Wicklow sit on top of the table at the halfway point in the league. They are five points clear of second placed Clondalkin with a game in hand. They have a tough series of games coming up starting with an away trip to a fast improving Suttonians next Sunday, followed by the visit of North Kildare to Ashtown Lane on Sunday, December 18. Two wins here would put them in a very strong position to go on and win the league and the much coveted promotion to Leinster Division 1A

The injury ravaged seconds had a similarly tough battle against a very powerful Tullow side. A great try by Paddy Cullen was crucial in a 19–18 win that put Wicklow right back in contention to win the Leinster second title which they won last season. They are now joint top along with three other teams.

Squad: Eanna Killeen, Jack McKenna Shane Byrne, Barry Hurley ,Fergal Walsh, Andrew Doyle, Mikey Doyle, Wes Wojnar, Josh White, Niall Earls, Ben Armstrong, Shane Farrar, Stephen Duffy, Dean Leonard, Jonny Butler, Subs Ben Porter ,Neil Dickenson, Ronan Monahan, Seamus O’Brien, Paddy Cullen.