Wicklow exit Junior Cup

KILFEACLE WICKLOW 28 19

AN experimental Wicklow side travelled to Kilfeacle in Co. Tipperary to take on one of the top Junior sides in Munster Rugby in the first round of the All-Ireland Cup.

Wicklow has defeated the Munster men in the first round of this competition last year and the home side were keen to avenge that defeat.

They played with the wind at their backs in the first half and got off to a good start with two early penalties to make it 6-0.

Soon afterwards a slip up in Wicklow’s defence let the Tipp men in for a soft try to make it 13-0.

Just before half-time another Kilfeacle try made it 18-0 at the break and a young Wicklow side had an uphill battle despite the wind at their backs. To their credit they stuck to their task and were rewarded with a try from Michael Doyle converted by Ben Armstrong to make it 18-7.

Prop mark Cullen was sin binned soon after and the resultant penalty made it 21-7.

Mikey Doyle soon powered over for his second of the day to make it 21-12 but Kilfeacle responded with a try of their own to make it 28-12.

Hugo Wojnar crashed over for Wicklow’s third try to make it 28-19 with eight minutes to go.

Try as they might Wicklow couldn’t close the gap any further and they bowed out of the competition for this year with a battling performance.

Wicklow have a huge game next Saturday when they travel to Gorey for the next round of the Leinster league. Every point is absolutely vital at this stage. Kick off for the seconds is at 1pm with the firsts at 2.30pm.

On Sunday at 1pm our senior women take on CYM at home in the next round of their quest for promotion to the AIL at 1pm.