Wicklow U-15s go through in cup
WICKLOW 22 NEW ROSS 5
Wicklow's Sam O'Dowd in full flight during the Mini Blitz against Kilkenny. (Photo: Orlaith
Wednesday March 10 2010
WICKLOW Under 15s advanced to the quarter final of the cup with a 22 points to 5 win over New Ross in Arklow on Saturday.
In ideal conditions for playing rugby it was an entertaining contest and both sides were highly committed. Wicklow dominated the set piece from the start stealing ball from the New Ross scrum and line out but throughout the first half could not turn this possession into points.
It was just before half time before Wicklow finally put points on the board when Matthew Cullen crossed for a try in the corner after Wicklow won a ball against the head in a scrum in front of the New Ross posts.
Ten minutes into the second half Jordan Pettecrew scored a try after Wicklow strung together a series of phases and Michael Neiland added the conversion. Wicklow were well on top at that stage winning good ruck ball and with the lion's share of possession added 2 further tries, one from the ever present Jack McKenna and another fine individual effort from No. 7 David Hastie. New Ross crossed for a consolation try just on the stroke of half time to make the final score 22 points to 5.
This was an improved performance from Wicklow who were missing a number of regulars.
A new look back line moved the ball well at times and when the forwards got going were highly effective against the heavier New Ross pack. Andy O'Boyle was again dominant out of touch and hooker Daniel Higgins won a number of balls against the head.
