J1 XV v Old Wesley (A) by D. O’Brien – 15.01.23
Old Wesley FC J1 V St Marys College RFC J1
34 25
Metro League 1.
Energia Park
Sunday, 15th January 2023
Overall.
This game was full of action, with lots of endeavour. It appeared that the visitors were equipped to win, but lapses of concentration and errors let it slip away. They led for some time in both halves, but saw even the losing bonus point being snatched away due to a last kick, penalty by Old Wesley.
It was good to see the club captain, Ronan Watters, DoR Alan Shirley and some senior players, such as Daniel Leane and Harry Mac Donald, there in support. However, in spite of it being a cold, unpleasant afternoon, it was still disappointing, the very few supporters that were present. No dogs!
The game was peppered with penalties, and St Marys on the wrong side of very many of them. There was good spirit and determination evident and for long periods the lineouts functioned well. Podge Dundon and Dan Lyons showed their value, as their scrummaging ensured a dominant scrum; and several escapes from heavy pressure. It was encouraging to see the renowned names of second generation players on the team sheet. Hassett, McEvoy, Potts and Sloan all following in fathers’ footsteps and contributing well. Ray Sloan was there too to do the line. Well done Ray.
In the pack, No 8 Conor Pierce, showed appetite, covering well and taking on ball strongly; and has real potential.
Behind the scrum, it was nice to see Adam McEvoy back. He and Aaron O’Neill combined well at half backs.
Scores
The game started at a good pace, and after 7 minutes a scrum penalty gave us the lead 0-3. We held the lead for 20 minutes until Wesley scored a try on 27 minutes. They then added a penalty two minutes later, 10-3. On 34 minutes they scored again 17-3. Aaron O’Neill scored and converted his own try on 37 minutes, so it was 17-10 at half time.
Seven minutes after the break, Marys drew level 17-17. And a penalty by Aaron on 58 minutes put them ahead.17-20. On 68 minutes, Wesley scored to make it 24-20 and again on 74 minutes, so it was 31-20. A cross-kick very well taken out wide, by fullback, Hugh Lane, saw him drive his way through two defenders to score in the corner, 31-25. We thought it would yield the bonus point; but on full time Wesley got a penalty and the opportunity to shut out the losing bonus point. They did, 34-25. Final score.
D O’Brien
Team and Replacements
15 H Lane, 14 L Bryan, 13 E Carey, 12 M Whelan, 11 S Rochford, 10 A O’Neill, 9 A McEvoy, 8 C Pierce, 7 A Sloan, 6 G Potts, 5 M Gallagher, 4 I Wickham, 3 P Dundon, B Hamilton, 1 D Lyons. K Quinn, G Hassett, G Monaghan, A Dix, L Moore.