Title race wide open
Rathnew rally to sink Enniskerry YC’s hopes
THE race for the Andy McEvoy Premier title was thrown wide open when Rathnew produced a stirring comeback to defeat Enniskerry YC at Merrymeeting this week back in 2000.
Although entertaining, several incidents during the game were referenced by the reporter on the day, including ‘at least three of what can only be described as melees during the tie including one that spilled over onto the sideline as well as a couple of minor incidents where players had to be separated. And there was an altercation between players after the final whistle as they waited to enter the dressing rooms.’
The comeback by the home side is described as one ‘that could do down as one of the best ever seen in this county.’
‘With just two points to their credit from their first four matches, the Villagers only lost once in their next 16 outings, taking 43 points in the process,’ read the match report in the Wicklow and Bray People newspaper of June 1, 2000.
‘As for the Youth Club, they were within touching distance of the crown but let it slip.
‘With 13 wins and three draws from their first 16 starts, they have now lost three in a row having also lost to Shamrock Bhoys and Arklow Town.
‘The Green and Whites were scheduled to host the ‘Town’ at Berryfield Park on Wednesday and needed to win by double figures to come back into the reckoning on goal difference.
‘The way results have gone has opened the door for Shamrock Bhoys to be the champions in their first campaign up with the big boys.
‘They were due to entertain Avonmore at the People’s Park in Bray on Wednesday and should they take three points, a victory over Arklow Town in Lamberton this Sunday (June 4) would see the Darglesiders occupy pole position. But anything less than six points from those two fixtures would see the trophy (yet again) rest in Rathnew for the next 12 months.
‘This season’s Wicklow Cup champions took a 10th minute lead when Clinton McCormack controlled a David Ebbs centre and volleyed home from 15 yards past Eamon Doyle. The advantage was short-lived however, a Pat Snell free fell into the path of Mark Doyle who drove the ball low beyond Karl Bradshaw.
‘Enniskerry went back ahead in first-half injury-time. After the ball was not dealt with on the left, Brian Quinn crossed for Robbie Redmond to head into the roof of the net.
‘Then, eight minutes after the restart, the visitors grabbed a twogoal cushion as Gary Kavanagh blasted home from the edge of the area.
‘The hosts appeared dead and buried but a bad challenge by Kavanagh from behind on Anthony Mernagh just after the hour mark, which sparked a brawl, only succeeded in giving the Villagers the impetus they needed.
‘They pulled one back in the 67th minute when Bradshaw failed to claim a long Snell ball over the top and Mark Doyle scrambled the ball into an empty net.
Sixty seconds later, Trevor Doyle broke clear and Barry Mernagh stabbed the ball low past Bradshaw.
Then, in the 72nd minute, Rathnew amazingly went in front. James Snell and Barry Mernagh combined to free Trevor Doyle. His attempt was deflected into the path of Anthony Mernagh. Despite two covering defenders on the line, the winger slotted in the rebound to send the home faithful into raptures.
Man of the Match: Pat Snell. The best right back currently playing in the Wicklow League.
RATHNEW AFC: Eamon Doyle, Pat Snell, Ken Doyle, Eamonn White, Finbar Franey, Robert Doyle, Barry Mernagh, James Snell, Trevor Doyle, Mark Doyle, Anthony Mernagh. Subs: Don Doyle, Leighton Glynn, Wayne O’Gorman, Stephen Kavanagh.
ENNISKERRY YC: Karl Bradshaw, Alan Shortt, David Ebbs, Martin Melia, Donal Byrne, Gary Kavanagh, Robert Redmond, Luke Patterson, Clinton McCormack, Brian Quinn, Christy Vickers. Subs: Ian Cuddihy, Dominic Taheny. REFEREE: Mick Quinn