WICKLOW CROWNED Victory over Clondalkin clinches the Division 1B title

at Gordon Park point and he was replaced by the redoubtable James Stafford who had just played a full game for the seconds.

Not an easy task to play two tough rugby matches, one after the other. No better man than the Rathnew stalwart who had an absolutely outstanding game under the circumstances.

The first half was proving to be a very tight affair. Wicklow had their opportunities in Clondalkin’s 22 but on a number of occasions tenacious defence saw the Dublinners clear their lines.

Approaching half-time a good spell of Wicklow pressure led to a penalty which Niall Earls converted to send his side in at the break with a deserved 5-10 lead.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first. This was a game dominated by ferocious defence.

Three of Wicklow’s youngest team members, Jack McKenna, Eoin O’Sullivan and Shane Farrer were outstanding to a man and were at the fore front of an incredible defensive effort by the entire Wicklow XV.

Ten minutes into the second half Clondalkin were awarded a penalty in the Wicklow 22. Everyone was expecting Jebb to signal for the posts, instead a quick cross kick into the arms of the waiting winger who beat a desperate last ditch tackle to score in the corner.

The conversion was missed and the sides were level at 10-10.

Wicklow bounced back with another score from Niall Earls after good work by Dean Leonard.

The penalty made it 10-13 to Wicklow. Clondalkin responded with a penalty of their own to level it up again with fifteen minutes on the clock at 13-13.

Wicklow were soon on the attack again and a tiring Clondalkin were offside again in midfield.

The ref had no hesitation in awarding the penalty and Earls kicked a brilliant kick from forty metres out to put his side in front for the fourth time at 13-16.

This time there was to be no comeback for Clondalkin, while they threw everything including the kitchen sink at Wicklow for the last ten minutes and injury time. Wicklow’s aggressive and well organised defence kept them at bay and Stephen Duffy’s boot kept them pinned in their own half as the clock wound down. Wicklow finished the game deep in opposition territory and on the attack. The final whistle went and Wicklow had won the game and secured the Leinster League Division 1B Championship for the first time in their history. The win also sees them promoted to Division 1A which is the top division for Junior clubs in the province.

This has been a long term goal for many seasons for this Wicklow side. It will have huge implications for the club one of which will be the fact that games will be played on Saturday’s next season.

Huge credit is due to the players, and coaches as well as the management and physio teams and all involved. This was also a great day for the many supporters who have followed this team through thick and thin up and down the province every Sunday.

The club can look forward to an exciting and challenging year next season, pitting ourselves against the very best sides in Leinster junior rugby.

Wicklow’s celebrations were muted given the fact that they start their defence of the Provincial Towns Cup away to Kilkenny next Sunday. There were very few tougher draws especially as Kilkenny have hit form just in time for a run at the famous old trophy. Wicklow will defend their title with pride and will give it everything in what is guaranteed to be a pulsating encounter in the Marble city. Wicklow are asking all of our supporters to make the trip to Kilkenny and to really get behind this talented young side. Kick-off in Kilkenny is at 2.30pm.

Wicklow’s seconds produced a battling performance against the league leaders Clondalkin on Sunday. Wicklow needed a win to have any hope of defending their title for the second year in a row. The game was another tight affair. It was tied at 10-10 early in the second half when Clondalkin drove over for a try.

That was followed up by an interception which put them 2010 up. Wicklow fought back well and scored a good try with five minutes left on the clock. Alex Porter’s conversion made it 2017. Wicklow finished the game on the attack but could not make the crucial breakthrough. The seconds will now turn their attention to the Seconds Cup where they have drawn a tricky away fixture to Athy RFC in two weeks time.

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