Wicklow under-13s on fire under lights in Carlow
CARLOW RFC WICKLOW RFC 19 24
WICKLOW RFC’s under-13s experienced Friday Night Lights for the first time this season with a trip to Oak Road to take on Carlow. Perhaps dazzled by the bright lights, the Wicklow boys fell behind early to a well taken Carlow try with their backs making good use of the wide open spaces on the main pitch, cutting down the wing.
Wicklow strove to make inroads for the next period in the cold damp conditions but found themselves up against a tough defense.
After some fine passing across the backline they eventually made ground into the opposition 22. The forwards took on the ball with no. 8 Matthew Leonard forcing his way over from 10 yards to the right of the posts.
Carlow came back strongly with a number of attacks launched across the backline which yielded another two tries before half-time, leaving the score at 19-5.
The second half saw a big increase in intensity from Wicklow with Olan Donohoe making a great tackle from the kick-off to set the tone.
There followed further great work from the forwards with openside Cameron Hughes leading the charge on many occasions. Some great teamwork resulted in a scrum 15 yards out with Matthew Leonard making it over the line from the base of the scrum.
Following the restart Olan Donohoe regained possession to make a darting run cutting through a number of defenders. James
Curry added the extra points.
The Wicklow boys then endured an intense period of Carlow pressure and defended bravely, typified by an excellent try saving tackle on the wing from Luke Joynt.
Relief was provided with Olan Donohoe once more stretching clear of the opposition to put his team ahead.
Curry converted. The match ebbed and flowed for the remainder of the half with the 2 well matched teams unable to make a breakthrough, cancelling each other out.
Well done to both sides for providing such a stirring contest played in great spirits.
Final score: Carlow 19, Wicklow 24.
The Wicklow RFC under-13s meet New Ross next Saturday in the last phase of this league.