Edenderry escape with the points

ARKLOW RFC EDENDERRY 10 13

ARKLOW started his game at home in the autumn sunshine. Arklow were the first to exert pressure on the visitors with constant snipes at their try line.

Despite the Arklow pressure Edenderry were the team to score but Arklow were quick to reply and after fifteen minutes the scores were equal at three points apiece. Arklow continued to push Edenderry close to their try line.

But Arklow turned down very kickable penalties looking for a try. They also scorned a try pushing Edenderry over their own try line. Game management by Arklow was poor having opportunities to kick easy penalties and while in the process of a certain try or penalty try opted to take the ball from a scum that was one meter from the Edenderry try line.

There were many penalties awarded to both sides it was difficult to keep up. The score at this stage was three points each but Edenderry were the first to cross for a try with an extremely fast winger who outpaced the Arklow defence. The conversion was missed; the score was now eight points to three for Edenderry.

Edenderry now received a yellow card and Arklow took advantage of the absence by being awarded a series of penalties which they declined an opted for a line out. The game at this stage became an aggressive mess with penalties to both sides but Arklow pack turned over the ball and Joe Bulmer and Colum Doyle and Richard Murphy in support Richard Murphy crossed the try in under. The conversion was straight forward. Now Arklow were in the lead ten points to eight.

The second half started with a short drop off by Arklow which immediately put them under pressure. Arklow defended well and had their share of penalties but all were declined and opted for kicks into the corner instead.

Arklow’s lineout was not the most efficient so maybe this was not the right tactic. Arklow’s scrum was very strong throughout this game and should have been used more often. This game looked like an Arklow victory but an intercept try while Arklow were trying to run a ball from inside their own 22o area.

Arklow still went up the pitch and were desperately looking for three points. An Arklow penalty was kicked to the corner and from the ensuing ruck Arklow managed to knock the ball.

That was the end of a good effort by Arklow, but they must take the opportunities when the occasion presents itself.

There is a long way to go in this league and Arklow must forget about this loss and start again next week with Athy at home. They need to play at a level of intensity that will give Athy a fright. All of the Arklow players did give 100 per cent so effort is not the issue. This was a frustrating game for Arklow as they secured enough ball to win two games.

Ben Byrne Diaper, Cathal Louth (C), Eoin O Scannail, Anthony O’Donnell, Jack Joyce, Joe Bulmer, John Furlong, Colm Doyle, Richard Murphy, Gavin Byrne, Shane Nalty, Tom New, Benjamin Kavanagh, Peter Lynch, Shane McAllister, Patrick Phelan, Eoin Donegan, Garret Dunne, Tadgh O Scannail, P.J. Keogh.