Metro League Division 7 17th Jan 2026 – Wesley College RFC v St. Mary’s College RFC

Metro League Division 7 17/01/2026

Wesley College 14 – 7 St Mary’s College RFC

Donnybrook was the venue for the Barmen’s next fixture, who, after two big wins against Navan and CYM in their previous wins, were looking to make it 3 from 3 and solidify their place in the race for the Metro 7 title. After a tough win against a strong Wesley side in Templeville earlier in the season, everyone knew this game would not be easy. The Barmen were at a disadvantage before the game even started, again missing some key players from the squad who, in previous years, have made such a difference to the matches they play. Emotions were high as well within the squad as we knew once the final whistle, we would lose our very own Leo Faulkner who will continue his pedicures in France for the next six months. There are some things you just can’t do so no too, I guess.

The game kicked off, and straight from the start, the intensity was high. Some early chances from the Barmen were well defended from Wesley, who went down the other end of the pitch, and suddenly it was the young Mary’s side who had to defend. Some great attack play was matched by great defending until the game had to come to a sudden stop due to baby George suffering a nasty injury. The referee missed the incident, but we wish George the best of luck in his recovery from a fractured fibula. The Barmen had no choice but to put the horrible injury to the back of their minds and continue with the game.

This was followed by a tight first half with not much between the two sides. Mary’s failed to convert a penalty mid-way through the half to take the lead, but the lead would follow shortly after. Dara gathering the ball from a goal line drop out, cleverly passed the ball to Leo for him to crash into their charging pack. With great determination, Leo carried hard and straight and went over the line practically untouched, scoring on his last game and keeping the pedicure intact. Dara surprisingly slotted the conversion to add the extra points. 0-7 to the Barmen after 28 minutes. This lead didn’t last long as Wesley would keep the pressure on to get their first score of the game. Some poor discipline from Mary’s allowed Wesley to kick to the corner and maul over from 5 yards out. 7-7, and somehow it is half-time already.

A quick rest at half-time and the barmen were ready to go once more. Some great work from the forwards at very messy breakdowns gave the team a great platform to work off. It was particularly great to see VC Andrew Gibbons back in the starting 15 and return to the back row for the game. His carries and tackles would see him earn a Man of the Match performance. Some great kicks from the half-backs in behind kept pinning Wesley back to their own line. A yellow card would follow for Wesley for repeating offences for slowing down the rucks. However, this seemed to kick Wesley into the next gear as they defended heroically during the sin bin period and the rest of the match. Still 7-7 and with Wesley still defending they eventually had a stroke of luck, catching an intercept and scoring under the post to make it 14-7 to the home side. The Barmen continued to put pressure on Wesley, but every effort they made was matched by an unbreakable defence. With the rain now pouring into the Donnybrook stadium and tiredness creeping into the squad, so did the mistakes. The remaining of the game consisted of scrums and more scrums until eventually Wesley kicked the ball out for full time, leaving the score 14-7 to the hosts.

A tough loss for the Barmen on the road, but they did what they do best, went for a drink after the game. Catching up with some of the opposition and sharing a pint with them that night shows what this team and Junior Rugby is all about. A damaging loss for the Barmen in terms of the league table, but they will be looking forward to hosting Guinness RFC in Templeville on Saturday, 24th and getting back to winning ways.

Until then, always, Cheers to that