U.12 POPPLEWELL CUP WINNERS 2010

Wexford were joint winners of Popplewell Cup after a magnificent day of entertaining rugby. Ten teams representing five counties and two provinces competed for this trophy for eighteenth time. Wexford competing as defending champions after winning the trophy for the first time in the club's history last year.

Wexford 3 W'park 0

Wexford faced a strong Waterpark team.Following some good tight opening exchanges Wexford's strength at breakdown forced opening score touched down by Ian Bennett. Intercept try at scrum by Peter Barry made it two with a third try following some good wing play by Rory O'Connor who touched down in corner. Wexford winning first game comprehensively.


Wexford 3 Carlow 0

Wexford's second time to play Carlow this season after taking spoils in the first encounter. Wexford were prepared for backlash. However, two tries by Ian Bennett and one by Bill Joyce secured victory for Wexford who proved too strong for a good Carlow team. Wexford's unbeaten run continues.


Wexford 6 Gorey 0

Gorey no match for a very fast and skilled Wexford team. Again Wexford's dominance reflected in scoreline. Credit to gorey for battling on in the face of Wexford onslought. This team is unstoppable.

Try scorers: Stephen O'Donohoe
Josh Christie
Barry O'Connor
Alex Ryan
Ian Bennett
David Doyle


Wexford 6 Enniscorthy 1

Enniscorthy totally overwhelmed by another strong and aggressive performance by this Wexford team. Wexford's unbeaten run continues. Enniscorthy scoring a consolation try near the end. Solid defence and attacking play proving too much for Enniscorthy and ensure a place in final for Wexford.

Try scorers: Stephen O'Donohue x 2
Ian Bennett x 2
Josh Christie x 1
Bill Joyce x 1

Final: Wexford 0 New Ross 0

New Ross proved worthy opponents in this final of the Popplewell Cup. Wexford attacked from the start and had Ross pinned down near their try line for a lot of the game. Wexford exerted huge pressure on their opponents who struggled under the relentless Wexford attacks. Finally after a break from a ruck Alex Ryan touched down in corner only to be adjudged by touch judge to have put foot in touch before ball touching down. Not dropping their heads, Wexford took line out from Ross with David Doyle getting a hand to ball. Josh Christie grabbed ball from ground and powered his way through Ross Defence to touch down. However Ref adjudged ball to have been pushed forward in act of touching down. At this stage of game Ross were living on their nerves as Wexford continued the pressure relentlessly. Following from the counter rucking and passing of Rory O'Connor and Conor Firman Wexford crossed New Ross line for the third time. Again referee judged ball to have been moved forward before touching ground. Storm clouds gathering overhead now and last few minutes of game played out in the rain after a beautifully sunny day. Both sides had chances late on in the game. New Ross's Mikey Dwyer nearly touched down in dying seconds only to be denied by David Doyle's brilliant tackle. But it was a day for defences with some uncompromising tackles from both teams. New ross very relieved to hear the final whistle. At the end both teams finished level and agreed to share the trophy for the first time in the history of the cup.
Full credit to Gorey RFC for hosting the event and for the facilities they provided on the day.It was a super day of very entertaining rugby. Wexford u12's scored eighteen tries and conceded only one. They have proved beyond doubt that they are a very formidable team and outplayed all the teams in today's event. Despite tough opposition this young team showed the kind of character that is needed to win games. They did themselves, coaches,parents and club proud today. The relentless pressure that they put on the opposition combined with aggressive attacking and defensive play has made them a team to be reckoned with in the future. Well done lads.