Tough defeat to take for Arklow at home to Ross
ARKLOW were expected to extend their winning ways with this home match. But this was a game that Arklow were not mentally prepared for. The intensity required was excellent. The road map of how this win was to be achieved was lacking.
Arklow started very well and within minutes of the kickoff were in the Ross 22. A few trusts at the try line by the Arklow forwards looked promising but overly complicated and repetitive. After a turnover by New Ross and a good kick into the Arklow half, Ross were awarded a penalty which was well kicked over; Arklow nil for all their pressure, New Ross three points from one visit to the home side’s half.
From the kickoff Arklow again were looking for an opening a well kicked penalty brought both sides to three points all.
After 25 minutes New Ross made their way well into Arklow territory and from a well-placed kick straight from the World Cup into the Ross winger’s hands saw them score a good try in the corner. The conversion, while difficult, was converted. Now New Ross 10, Arklow 3.
The home side were not doing much wrong, but the absence of a wise head, and over complicated play were added to by the fact that Arklow were not playing in the right areas.
After 30 minutes Arklow were again at the Ross try line but couldn’t cross and eventually gave away a penalty meters from the Ross try line for holding on to the ball on the ground. Arklow’s winger Tommy New made a fine break but was eventually stopped in the Ross 22. But for all the pressure by Arklow could not be converted into scores. Half-time came with the score reading Arklow 3, New Ross 10.
Arklow needed a good start to the second period but immediately gave away a soft penalty for tackling a player in the air, which New Ross placed well into the 22. The home had to defend and did so very well but while defending there is no scope for a score as play has to be in the opponent’s 22.
Arklow tried many times to run the ball the length of the field where a good kick would be much more efficient and saved energy.
A good break again by Tommy New and good support play by Paddy Ryan who crossed the line for a good try in the corner. The conversion was difficult and into the strong breeze. Now game on, New Ross 10, Arklow 8.
Again, Arklow worked their way into the Ross half with a series of well executed rucks and mauls and the pressure told on New Ross.
Shane Nalty converted a difficult penalty kick to give Arklow the lead 11 points to 10 for Ross. Now Arklow were pinned back in their 22 by penalties and errors. This constant pressure gave New Ross a very kickable penalty which was dispatched without difficulty. Arklow now behind 11 points to Ross’ 13, and only a few minutes left in this game.
New Ross kept them back in their own half with good kicks and right on full time, Arklow conceded another penalty which Ross kicked dead.
Final tally: Arklow 11, New Ross 13. The Arklow pack was full of effort and energy. The home pack was well led by Anto O’Donnell and Ben Diaper with their other forwards giving great support.
The Arklow back line tried every move in the book and again effort was not lacking from 9 to 15 did their bit.
A little common sense and more planned rugby with a set game plan will see Arklow win more games before this season ends.
There is a long road to travel before this league finishes.
The home side must win their home games to keep in contention throughout any league.
Home points lost are difficult to get back, but Arklow’s ambition must be to win the New Ross away game. Arklow backs and forwards did not lack skills, but their game management must improve.
They must play a much more efficient and intelligent game and work to get in the right areas and attack from their opponent’s danger areas.
The bonus point may prove useful before this league has run its course.
Arklow RFC: 1. Ben Byrne Diaper (C), 2. Eoin O Scannail, 3. Anthony O’Donnell, 4. Luke Bulmer, 5. Gavin Cox, 6. Joe Bulmer,
7. Tom Scarff, 8. Colly Doyle, 9. James Stenning, 10. Dean McCormack, 11. Dave Mulrooney, 12. Ben Kavanagh, 13. Paddy Ryan,
14. Tommy New. 15. Shane Nalty. Replacements: 16. Tadgh O Scannail, 17. Charley Louth, 18. Adam Slater, 19. Michael O Scannail, 20. Shane McAllister.