Late rally can’t save brave under-13s
ENNISCORTHY ARKLOW RFC 31 10
ARKLOW travelled to Ross Road to take on a strong Enniscorthy side for some Thursday evening rugby under the lights in this under-13 Leinster League Division 1 clash.
The tie was refereed by former Munster, Ireland and Barbarians winger Johne Murphy. It proved to be a tricky test for Arklow against the very impressive Wexford outfit.
It was a pretty disastrous opening five minutes for Arklow as they conceded two early tries to go 14-0 down. Robbie Chapman and Jack Hennessy crossed for the hosts.
Arklow struggled to retain the ball as Enniscorthy’s forwards were rucking and gaining possession superbly.
The slippery ball proved a hindrance for both sides as it was difficult to grip it. This resulted in a lot of knock-ons but the home side scrummaged very well.
Just before half-time, Enniscorthy made it 21-0 as the Arklow defenders couldn’t hold off Dylan Purcell who crossed for their third try of the game.
The Wexford side scored another try just after half time to extend their advantage to 26 points. Arklow had a mini resurgence soon after when centres Gordon Prestage and Oliver Purser combined well and were too quick for their opponents to leave the score 26-5.
The centre was then clean through a minute later only to be taken down by an excellently timed challenge. With two minutes remaining on the clock, Arklow conceded a fifth try to bring the score to 31-5. In the final minute, Arklow ran in a great team try to leave this clash finished with a score of 31 points to 10. A tough day at the office for Arklow who will look to bounce back from this defeat.
Conor Healy, Stuart Bollard Troy, Gordon Prestage, Oliver Purser, Conor Foxton Tunney (Archie Hadden inj.), Ben Clancy, Josh Robinson, Finn Scott, Harry Hadden, Callum Smith, Neal Hannah, Ernests Kaukis, Kade Van De Vyver, Mark Kelly, Louis Byrne
Jack Kavanagh (Tomás Guiney), Rhyan Whelan (Seán Doyle), Jack Hennessy, Seán Guiney (Jason Sheridan), Joe Doyle (Connell Kelly), Robert Chapman, Tommy Cahill (Adam Power), Brian Lett (Killian Hanrahan), Gavin O’Connor (Lee Quigley), Cody Denton, Pádraig Waters (Cian Dobbs Doyle), Dylan Purcell, Paul Byrne (Luke Wheelock), Jack Whelan (Cormac Brophy), Dylan Butler.