WICKLOW'S first XV travelled to New Ross on Sunday last to play the last league game of a tough season in Division 1B. On the same day, Garda welcomed Newbridge to Westmanstown and Kilkenny who were on the bottom of the table travelled to in form Enniscorthy. One point separated all three teams and the results would determine who would stay up, who would be relegated and who would go into a play off.

The game was played in excellent conditions, on a dry pitch and a sunny day with a light breeze. A large crowd from both clubs turned out for the final league game of the season.

Wicklow got off to a better start and pinned New Ross into their own half for the opening ten minutes. New Ross managed to work their way up field and were rewarded soon afterwards with a penalty for offside. The attempt was successful and New Ross led 3-0.

Wicklow attacked from the kick off and a good break by Gary Duffy saw him almost through to score. New Ross conceded a penalty and Ronan Hurley slotted the kick to draw Wicklow level.

New Ross came back well and took the lead after a high tackle from Gary Duffy was penalised. The resultant kick was converted and New Ross led 6-3. Wicklow conceded another penalty for an infringement at a ruck in front of the posts. New Ross led 9-3 after 30 minutes.

Wicklows pack began to assert themselves and an excellent driving maul was held up just short of the line. Unfortunatley the ball was turned over in the next phase and the chance was lost. Just on half time Ronan Hurley was successful with a penalty to leave Wicklow trailing 9-6 at the break.

The second half opened at a frenetic pace and it was New Ross who had Wicklow pinned in their half. Wicklow continued to concede needless penalties which stopped them from getting a foothold in the opposition half. Despite this they defended well and patiently worked their way back upfield. Ronan Hurley added another penalty to level the scores. With 15 minutes to go a great surge by Barry Hurley was taken on by Gary Duffy. A certain try was on but New Ross opted to concede the penalty instead.

Ronan Hurley converted and Wicklow lead 12-9. They looked likely to go on and win at that point but with 5 minutes on the clock a superb move by the New Ross backs saw them break from deep inside their own half and cut through what had been an impressive Wicklow defence. The pacy full back outstripped the cover to score near the posts. The conversion was added and the Wexford-men lead 16-12.

Try as they might Wicklow were unable to get the score to secure the win and crucially the losing bonus point. Wicklows players and supporters were left waiting anxiously to hear the results from the other games. The news came through that both Kilkenny and Garda had also been beaten and that Wicklow had by finishing sixth secured their spot in division 1 B for next season.

Wicklows young side will have learned a huge amount over the course of what has been a tough season. They have been competitive in every game they played this year. Six losing bonus points including two bonus points against the eventual champions tells its own story. The ability is clearly there to compete with the very best in Leinster junior rugby. With another year under their belt they can look forward to next year with real excitement and enthusiasm.

Before that there is the small matter of a home towns cup game against Clondalkin RFC . Clondalkin are sitting in second place in Division 2. Four places beneath Wicklow. The demolished Athy 46 -11 on Sunday and will be travelling to Wicklow intent on winning. Wicklow will have to deliver a tough and committed performance to get the win and to be in the pot for the quarter final draw. Kick off is in Ashtown lane next Sunday at 3pm.