SOUTH EAST KINGS!
Wicklow produce superb performance to secure title
WICKLOW U-17 22 ENNISCORTHY U-17 21
WICKLOW’S under-17s finished off a great two weeks for them, when they captured the Under-17 South East League on Sunday.
Having already won the Leinster League the previous weekend, they now had the opportunity to make it a league double, with only Enniscorthy in their way.
Enniscorthy had beaten Gorey, the Leinster League runners-up in the semi-final, so the Wicklow lads knew that they were up against strong opposition.
The League final was played in Gorey RFC and the match with kicked off at 4pm on Sunday in glorious sunshine, which made for a really fast and energy sapping game for both teams.
Wicklow started the better and eventually, after some sustained pressure, got in for their opening try, when out-half Paddy McKenzie broke the Enniscorthy defence to touch down under the posts. McKenzie then added the conversion to take the score to 7–0 in favour of Wicklow.
Wicklow continued to press, however were unable to breech the strong Enniscorthy defence.
They soon were to regret some missed opportunities as a strong counter attack from Enniscorthy resulted with a converted try to take the score to 7–7.
Enniscorthy were now coming more into the game, however some strong defensive work from centres Cormac Murray and Malachy Stone and winger Jack Farmer, ensured the scores remained level at half-time.
Shortly after the break Wicklow got their noses ahead again, when their strong second row forward Brian Short crashed over the line for their second try of the afternoon. Again, McKenzie converted to take the score to 14–7.
Enniscorthy responded well and were shortly level at 14–14, when they got over for their second converted try.
Some strong forward play from Sam Porter, Cian O’Sullivan and Mark Nicholson then resulted in a penalty being awarded to Wicklow, which was put over by Paddy McKenzie to take the score to 17–14 in favour of Wicklow.
However, Enniscorthy wouldn’t lie down and then came back strongly to run in their third try of the afternoon, which was converted to take the score to 21–17 in their favour.
To their credit, Wicklow kept going with great desire and they were rewarded with only minutes left on the clock, when their outstanding number eight, Luke Thompson, drove on the line to take the score to 22–21 in their favour.
With the conversion missed, there was only one point in it and two minutes left on the clock.
However the drama wasn’t finished yet.
With Enniscorthy pressing in Wicklow territory, they were awarded a penalty, with only seconds left on the clock.
This was to be the last play of the game, so it all hinged on the kick.
Unbelievably the kick hit the post and was cleared to touch by Wicklow. Drama right up to the last minute, however the league title was Wicklow’s.
To win two league titles in the one season is great credit to the Wicklow Under-17 squad.
They were really well served by their forwards on Sunday with Cian O’Sullivan, Mark Nicholson, Dylan Delamere, Sam Porter, Brian Short, Dylan Byrne, Luke Thompson and Jack Gibney all making huge contributions.
Half back Scott Burleigh Burleigh and Paddy McKenzie were the perfect link between backs and forwards, while centres Malachy Stone and Cormac Murray were strong in both defence and attack.
The back three of Jack Farmer, Paddy O’Keane and Cormac Doyle were always a treat in attack, as well as defending with great courage.
Replacements Cormac Fenton, Mathew ‘The Bull’ McGettigan, Rossa Marron and Dan Rooney all made telling contributions and brought renewed energy to the team when they took the pitch.
Congratulations to players and coaches of the Wicklow Under-17 squad on winning both the Under-17 South East League and the Under-17 Leinster League!