Poor performance but Wicklow win to go 12 points clear

at Portlaoise them a 3–0 lead.

Portlaoise responded quickly with a penalty of their own after fifteen minutes to make it 3–3.

Wicklow played into the hands of the huge home side by trying to take them on up front instead of moving the ball around.

They had plenty of possession but were in trouble at the breakdown at times and conceding a number of turnovers that allowed the midlanders a foothold in Wicklow territory.

Portlaoise took the lead with a second penalty after 25 minutes to make it 6–3. They then extended that lead with a third penalty approaching half-time to make it 9-3. Barry Hurley was sent to the bin at this point and the away side looked in some disarray.

On the stroke of half-time, captain Niall Earls landed an important kick to make it 9–6 at the break.

The second half continued in the same vein with a fourth Portlaoise penalty making it 12–6. This seemed to be the wakeup call that Wicklow needed. A good break by centre Ben Porter put Wicklow in enemy territory. A penalty from Earls made it 12–9 with 15 minutes on the clock.

Wicklow were playing more controlled rugby now. The introduction of Michael Doyle gave them some much needed aggression and go forward ball.

As the clock wound down another penalty gave Wicklow the chance to kick into the corner. A powerful driving maul from the resultant lineout surged over the line. Mikey Doyle emerged with the ball and was credited with the score. A superb touchline conversion from Niall Earls made it 12-16 to Wicklow.

Wicklow finished the game with a penalty from Niall Earls to make it 12–19. This was a disappointing enough performance by Wicklow on the day. They found it difficult to get going against a much improved Portlaoise side. Crucially though, this team knows how to win and they dug deep and got the result that mattered.

They remain 12 points clear of Tullow RFC with four games remaining. Two wins from those four games will secure the league title and promotion to Division 1A.

The seconds also eked out a last minute win in Portlaoise. Former GAA star James Stafford secured the win with a late try which he converted himself to win 17–19.

Next up is a huge game against Mullingar at home on Sunday. The firststs kick off at 2.30pm with the seconds at 1pm. The senior ladies take on Athy also at home at 1pm.

Squad: Eanna Killeen, Jack McKenna Shane Byrne, Fergal Walsh, John Jenkinson, Andrew Doyle,Barry Hurley , Wes Wojnar, Russell Andrew, Niall Earls, Ben Armstrong, Shane Farrar, Ben Porter, Dean Leonard, Stephen Duffy. Subs: Mark Cullen, James Stafford, Seamus O’Brien, Mikey Doyle Eoin O’Sullivan