Wicklow must now prepare for relegation battle
MONKSTOWN WICKLOW 11 8
WICKLOW travelled to Monkstown FC to take on a home side that were firmly rooted to the bottom of the table and in desperate need of a win.
Wicklow knew a win would go a long way to sealing Monkstown’s fate and at the same time lift them away from the fierce relegation battle in the lower half of the table.
The game was played on a dull and damp day in Sydney Parade.
Wicklow started well and had all the early pressure. Monkstown defended well and Wicklow opted to kick at goal when awarded a penalty in front of the posts. Brian Keegan duly obliged and Wicklow led 0 – 3.
From the kick off Wicklow were caught napping. A kick through from Monkstown was pounced on by their flying winger and the try was awarded.
The conversion was missed but Monkstown led 5–3 after 20 minutes. The home side extended their lead soon afterwards when a penalty made it 8–3.
Wicklow attacked ut were failing to take their opportunities. On the stroke of half time a barnstorming run by Simon Breen should have led to a score but Monkstown forced a turnover and they cleared the lines.
The referee blew the half time whistle and Wicklow trailed 8-3 at the break.
Wicklow needed to establish a foothold in Monkstown territory earlu in the second half. Instead it was the home side who were first to score with another penalty to make it 11–3.
Wicklow almost scored when a Stephen Duffy cross kick was gathered by Ben Porter. The ball was moved wide but again Monkstown forced a turnover and cleared.
With 22 minutes remaining Wicklow finally made the deserved breakthrough. Dean Leonard crossing for a good try. The conversion was missed and the score was 11–8.
On two occasions Wicklow had penalties that they opted to kick for the corner instead of taking their points.
On both occasions gritty Monkstown defence forced the turnover.
Dean Leonard went close in the closing minutes after a strong run by George Naoupu. The last play of the game was a Monkstown scrum despite a huge Wicklow drive the home side won the ball and cleared it to touch., The final whistle went and Wicklow were beaten by 11–8
This was a very tough defeat for a slightly off colour Wicklow. Monkstown had improved greatly from their appearance at Ashtown Lane earlier in the season.
John Jenkinson’s men are now firmly ensconced in a relegation battle with Monkstown, Boyle, DLSP, and Gorey.
This will be played out in the early months of the New Year. Wicklow have the talent and the ability to beat any of these teams on their day.
The team will stay positive and will work hard over the coming weeks before battle recommences in January.
To compound a difficult day all round the seconds lost by 22–12 despite a good showing in the second half.
First XV: Eanna Killeen, Jack McKenna, Neil Dickenson, John Jenkinson, George Naoupu, Liam Gaffney, Jonathan Hopkins, Wes Wojnar, Dennis Higgins, Brian Keegan, Dean Leonard, Ben Porter, Simon Breen, Shane Farrar, Stephen Duffy. Subs: Jason Byrne, Stephen Swan, Ben Armstrong, Eoin O’Sullivan.