Tough passage continues for Arklow with defeat away to Wexford

ARKLOW’S tough passage through this division continued with an away visit to Wexford RFC not the easiest of venues to try and win a rugby game at any time.

Arklow conceded a very early try within five minutes of the kick off after some very good handling by Wexford.

The conversion was straight forward seven nil down at such an early stage.

But for the next 15 minutes Arklow raised their game and played some very good attacking rugby causing Wexford to defend their try line aggressively.

Wexford replayed their way back into this game after a series of quick ball along their backline to two very speedy wingers who made the most of every ball and scored another two tries which were converted Wexford now lead 14 points to three.

Arklow tackling and line speed was not was not fast or forceful enough to prevent a further two tries being scored one of which was converted, Wexford 26 point to Arklow 3.

Arklow now had an uphill battle to try and secure some score and it was not for want of effort by the Arklow men.

But the tide had and referee had turned against Arklow and they struggled to keep their try line from leaking further scores. Half-time came and the Arklow players were looking tired,

The tone of the second half was set and increased by Wexford as they pressured Arklow all over the pitch and the constant pressure wore Arklow young side down their whose commitment was not up to standard and the tackling was moderate.

Arklow were forced to defend for most of this second half. Constant defending saps the energy and confidence.

Gaps and overlaps start to appear. Wexford are a team that likes to move the ball quickly and take advantage of any errors.

Wexford have a speedy backline and two fine finishers on both wings that caused Arklow team problems all match long.

As this game waned to a finish there were many tired bodies on the Arklow team.

Wexford deserved their win and will be there or thereabouts at the end of this league.

Let Arklow be under no illusion this is a difficult physical league and we will strive to survive if we do not improve our mental and physical attitudes.

Again there were glimpses of Ark low’s dedication particularly in the first half.

Enough to suggest that with the whole team committed they can survive this season.

The whole Arklow team must commit a full 80 minutes once a week to rugby it’s the only forward.

Play for the team and one another.

One win can change this team’s outlook. Make that win next Sunday in Balbriggan. Arklow must improve their game ethic from here on.

Team panel: Paddy Brennan, Charlie Louth, Eoin O Scannail, Danny Clear, Conor Rochford, Jack Joyce, John Furlong, Michael O Donoghue, Michael O Scannail, Dean Mc Cormack, Shane Nalty, Peter Lynch, Shane Mc Allister, Gavin Cox, Stephen Cosidine, Alan Pollard, John Louth, Ian Hart.