Heroic defending allows Wicklow secure victory
MULLINGAR RFC WICKLOW RFC 12 19
WICKLOW RFC’S under-14s travelled to play Mullingar RfC in the Leinster Premier League last weekend.
Wicklow have had mixed results to date and needed a result to stay in touch with the league. Mullingar were having a better run sitting third in the league table.
Wicklow’s preparation wasn’t ideal with limited training due to the bad weather and not playing a match for a number of weeks.
In very poor underfoot conditions Wicklow started the better and dominated the early exchanges against a strong midlands team. Despite dominating possession and territory Wicklow couldn’t cross the Mullingar line. Eventually Wicklow attacked from a five-yard scrum and Aoife Nixon powered over. 5-0 to Wicklow.
This sprung Mullingar into action and with their only visit to the Wicklow 22 went over for a well worked try 5-5 at half-time.
Wicklow started the second half strongly and soon extended their lead with a fine try again by Aoife Nixon converted by Robyn Johnston making it 12-5 to the visitors.
Again Mullingar attacked. Wicklow had a scrum deep in their own 22. Quick-thinking Mia Gilanders released centre Prudence Mabuza who made great ground before feeding full-back Ava Paris Neiland who went the length of the pitch.
To show the strength of this league, the Mullingar cover defense tackled Ava Paris inches short of the line.
The Wicklow forwards worked really hard to get to the break down and won the resulting ruck to allow Molly Callery crash over for a fine team try. Conversion added by Robyn made it 19-5 Wicklow.
The rest of the match Wicklow defended heroically and held out until Mullingar crossed for a good converted try with the last play of the game.
Final score: Mullingar 12, Wicklow 19.
This was Wicklow’s best team performance of the season and puts the girls back into contention in the Leinster Premier League.
Ciara Short, Jess Griffey, Molly Callery, Jessica Reynolds, Eva Rose Lawless, Aoife Nixon, Aoibhe Toole, Eva Deehan, Mia Gilanders, Robyn Johnston ,Aimee Smit, Laura Griffin, Maya Gaynor. Alannah Dixon, Prudence Mabuza, Tara Kelly , Ava Paris Neiland. Team manager: Laoise McGarry