Rathnew among the winners in Division 1
Ashbourne next after Skerries toppled by a single point
ARKLOW RFC’S men’s team continued their fine record in this year’s Bank of Ireland Provincial Towns Cup first-round game at home to old adversaries Skerries RFC.
This game was one of the best of this season as both teams desperately wanted to win. The referee allowed both teams to play good running rugby on a fine rugby day for the game. Skerries would fancy themselves travelling to Arklow who play in a lower division. This game was played out with each side leading at different times during the game until the final few minutes, when Arklow got their noses ahead, and stayed there until the final whistle.
Arklow started well and were in the Skerries 22 for the first five minutes. But conceding three penalties in quick succession brought the visitors to the Arklow five-meter line with the home side defending like their lives depended on it.
Some slick handling by Skerries saw their winger score a try right in the corner. No conversion. First blood to Skerries, leading five points to nil.
Arklow were again squeezing the Skerries try line, and from the continuing pressure were rewarded with two kickable penalties in quick succession. Both were converted which put Arklow in the lead by a short head at six points to five. Skerries again attacked the Arklow defense and crossed the line for another unconverted try and reclaimed the lead, 10 points to Arklow’s six. This remained the score up to half-time.
Arklow started the second 40 with gusto and were quick to score a good try finished off by Anto O’Donnell. The home side failed to convert but were now ahead by a single point with a long way to go still.
Arklow then managed to lose the ball in midfield and were judged offside, giving a penalty to Skerries.
While Arklow were retreating back the required ten meters the Skerries scrum half picked up the ball and was under the posts before the home side got their bearings.
The conversion was simple and now Skerries were in the lead and Arklow had only ten minutes to come up with a winning score.
And that’s just what Arklow did. They worked their way into the Skerries 22 and were awarded a penalty about eight meters from the Skerries line. A good feed into the scrum saw Arklow put on a mighty push and they pushed the Skerries pack over their own try line. The score was now 16 points to Arklow, 17 points for Skerries. The conversion was confidently put away. Now the home side were ahead by one.
The remaining eight minutes saw Arklow play the correct rugby and Skerries were held around the middle of the field for these last few minutes.
Both sides deserve praise for the rugby played and a one-point win by Arklow was just about fair. John Furlong stood out as man of the match and deserved this award. The whole Arklow team were supporting each other and never took a step back for the whole game.
Next week Arklow play their last Leinster League fixture for this season, but what an ending it will be. The winner takes all, literally. If Athy win, they win the league, and if Arklow win the same. Whoever loses this game will come second in this league and may have to play off for promotion.
This has been an exceptionally good year for this Arklow team. They slipped up a few times along the way, but with a bit of luck they will be seeking promotion at the business end of the season. This team must hit 100 per cent form and commitment on the day. Arklow can beat any team and must leave it all on the pitch in Athy. There are no second chances.
Arklow must travel with confidence after this great year to date
Arklow RFC: 1. Ben Diaper (C), 2. Eoin O Scannail, 3. John Louth, 4. Joe Bulmer, 5. Richard Murphy, 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. Matt Dempsey, 15. Shane Nalty. Subs:
16. Gavin Cox, 17. Anto O’Donnell,
18. Luke Bulmer, 19. Tommy New,
20. Dean McCormack.