Arklow set up league showdown with Athy
THERE was only one objective for Arklow from this game: A win was a must; bonus points weren’t relevant as long as Arklow won this fixture.
Railway Union were a very tough side to crack, they were Arklow’s most difficult opponents in both home and away games.
Arklow RFC really chose to play the wrong tactics on the wrong day. The home side should have used the strong prevailing winds to achieve position on the field. The wind can be of great assistance and must be used while it’s available.
The wind was in Arklow’s favour and deft use of the ball by a kicker would have Railway pinned in their danger zone for the half area.
Despite some early pressure by Arklow, Railway were first to cross the try line and put five points on the scoreboard. The conversion was missed but the score came as a bit of a shock to Arklow who found themselves behind in a home game which they had to win if they were to progress to the final of this league.
Arklow started well but after ten minutes were behind by those five points. Arklow backs were attempting long sweeping passing movements across their backline which broke down at midfield.
It took Arklow another 30 minutes of constant pressure before the home side crossed the line. The conversion was difficult but a great kick by Shane Nalty put the ball over the bar. Arklow were now ahead, seven points to five. Very late in the half Arklow conceded a penalty inside their own 22. The Railway kicker slipped on approach and missed a very kickable three points. Half-time arrived with Arklow ahead by two points.
The home side started the second half very positively and were soon inside the Railway 22 looking for an opening.
After some good well supported play by Arklow the crossed the line for a try and were now looking good a team that were not going to lose. Anto O’Donnell again made a powerful break in the Railway 22 and supporting were Joe Bulmer and Paddy Phelan. Both had the option of scoring which they took directly under the posts so the conversion was straight forward.
Arklow were now 19 points to Railway Union’s five. But Arklow were again trying long sweeping passes across their backline and the tactic came unstuck. They conceded two penalties and a scrum on their own line. Railway scored from the scrum and also did the conversion.
Now the complexion of this game altered dramatically with Railway Union looking for a win and Arklow looking to defend, Arklow 19, Railway Union 12, and 12 minutes to go.
Arklow now came into their best and kept Union pinned back in their own 22. Every attempt by Railway to lift the siege was thwarted by strong tackling and good attacking by Arklow.
The home side wound the clock down in the best way by attacking their opponent’s line. The final whistle came and the objective of this game had been achieved an
Arklow win.
Arklow are in second place in this league by one point. The league is led by Athy whom are Arklows last opponents on March
8.
The game is away in Athy and Arklow supporters should try and make it there. Everything in this league comes down to this match as the winner wins the league outright and the loser may have to face a play off for promotion.
It’s all on a knife edge right up to this final game. Arklow must just continue with the way they have played all season they are a good side probably the best male side seen in Arklow for the last twenty years so they must travel with confidence.
On March 1, Arklow play Skerries at home in the first round of the Provincial Towns Cup. This is the premier cup for all Leinster junior sides and Arklow must fancy a win as they are at home and have put in a good season 2019/20
Arklow RFC: 1. Ben Diaper (C),
2. Eoin O Scannail, 3. Anto O Donnell, 4. Joe Bulmer, 5. Luke Bulmer,
6. John Furlong, 7. Tom Scarfe, 8. Ben Kavanagh, 9. James Stenning, 10. Paddy Ryan, 11. Shane McAllister, 12. Jonni Butterworth,
13. Paddy Phelan, 14. Tommy New, 15. Shane Nalty. Subs:
16. Gavin Cox, 17. John Louth,
18. Richard Murphy, 19. Matt Dempsey, 20. Dean McCormack.