FIXTURES FOR Sat.3rd April

U.12 Popplewell Cup in Gorey. KO 10.00 am

U.13 v Gorey (H)

U.14 v Hereford,England. KO. 1.00 pm

U.17 South East League Semi-Final v Tullow (A) KO 11.00am

FOUR FINALS

As we approach the end of the season we have a few crucial games ahead at all age levels. Here are four finals that we will contest before the season finishes at the end of April.

U.13 South East Final v Kilkenny (A) April.17th

U.14 Leinster Plate Final v Ashbourne/Skerries

U.15 Waddock Cup Final v Kilkenny (H)

U.17 Leinster League Final v Longford (Portlaoise) April 10th

ST PATRICKS DAY PARADE

U.12's v WICKLOW

Wexford travelled to Wicklow last Saturday and proved themselves yet again. Wicklow were not strong enough to counteract Wexford's aggressive attacking play. This was reflected in the overall score Wex 13 Wick 3. Newcomer Jack Moore scoring on his debut for Wexford. Josh Christie scoring a great interceptor try just on full time. Try scorers David Doyle, Ian Bennett, Josh Christie, Jack Moore, Tony Boggan, Alex Ryan, Peter Barry and Ben Powell.
U.12s can feel proud of themselves after another impressive display of rugby. Wexford's back line again strong in defense, only conceding three tries. Overall a solid performance but the real test coming this Saturday in the Popplewell Cup in Gorey.

HEREFORD U.14 VISIT

Under 14 v Hereford RFC, England. Saturday 3rd April. KO 1.00pm

U.13's BOW OUT OF CUP

The U.13's bowed out of the Leinster Cup at the Q-Final stage on Sat.last. This was a game everybody was looking foeward to, nothing like a local derby to stir passion. Enniscorthy had Wexford pinned back inside their 22 and they couldn't clear their lines. Wexford tried to run the ball out, but Enniscorthy intercepted and touched down under the posts .The conversion followed. Further pressure and and too many penalties conceeded resulted in Enniscorthy scoring again. Wanderers were shell shocked but slowly got into the game and Wexford surged forward but were driven back. Just before half-time Wexford lost Joe O'Connor and Andrew Maguire through injury. Wexford rallied in the 2nd half twarting 3 certain tries but they never got into a real scoring position themselves. Enniscorthy won 14-0. The boys were very disappointed but wished Enniscorthy good luck in the rest of the competition.

FIXTURES FOR Mar.27th

Minis v Wicklow (A) KO 10.30am
Directions to Wicklow RFC.
Turn right at Beehive Pub. First exit at next roundabout. Continue along to rugby club on your left.
Under 13 Leinster Cup v Enniscorthy (A) KO 12.00
Under 17 SEL Semi-Final v Tullow (A) KO 12.00

Under 12's v Waterpark Sat.20th Mar.

For this return fixture, Wexford travelled to Waterpark having secured victory in the home encounter two weeks ago. Wexford had to travel with reduced numbers, due to entrance exams coinciding with this fixture. The match was played over five segments.
1st Section
Wexford attacked very aggressively from the start and overwhelmed opponents. Good defence and ball offloading brought about a 4-0 victory. David Doyle powering his way through their back line to score two tries. This followed by attacks down the wings by Conor Firman and Barry O'Connor scoring one try each to secure victory.
2nd Section
This was a much tighter game with Waterpark coming back at Wexford but wexford still in command and winning 3-1. David Doyle. Rory O'Connor and Peter Barry scoring impressively for Wexford.
3rd Section.
In this game Barry O'Connor sustained a shoulder injury and had to retire having made a valuable contribution to Wexford's attacking play.Waterpark were now regrouping and managed to secure a win in a very close and physical battle. Josh Christie scored a great try after racing past two defenders to touch down. Alex Ryan was also impressive with another great try from a scrum. 3-2 to Waterpark.
4th Section
Both teams now feeling the pace but Wexford winning by two tries scored by David Doyle and Conor Firman. Again Wexford's dominance very evident.4-3 to Wexford
5th Section
This last game ended in a draw 1-1. The ferocity and physicality of this encounter taking it's toll on the players. James Resterick retiring after being injured trying to break from the scrum. James had a great game.
Wexford showed once again the character of this team of youngsters. Great defensive play and aggressive attacking proved that they are a side to be respected.Conor Firman man of the match.Rory and Barry O'Connor played sterling stuff.Great tackling.Good offloading. Very impressive team performance.

A special thank you to Eddie Doyle for these match reports.

Under 12's v Waterpark Sat.13th Mar

After a tough start Wexford ran out convincing winners in a hard fought battle against Waterpark. Waterpark were first to score within a minute with a superb try, scored by one of their running backs. Marker laid down to Wexford, who responded with a superb score by Ian Bennett. Wexford's physicality came to fore at this stage and they ran out easy winners 3-2 at the end of first ten minutes.
In the second quarter despite some fiercely contested play neither side managed to score. However in the final quarter Wexford's dominance finally broke through after a period of exciting and expansive play Barry O' Connor touched down in corner. Wexford were pinned on their own line soon after, but took resulting scrum against the head. Ball moved quickly out back line for another Wexford score by Barry O' Connor. Impressive for Wexford were Peter Barry, Josh Christie , David Doyle and Alex Ryan. Man of the match Ian Bennett.

CONGRATULATIONS

Well done to our club First XV who won promotion to Div.2 today , following a big win away to Rathdrum. Congratulations to Captain Aidan Stewart and his team of players, and to Maurice Logue and Aidan Buckley, the coaches.
It has been a wonderful season at Park Lane so far for all those involved. Hopefully our underage section will finish the season with some silverware, they are certainly in a good position to do so.

U.14's TEST NAVAN

Under 14 Leinster Cup
Wexford...14 Navan...17
Wexford U14s took the long trip for a cup tie to Navan last Saturday morning . Navan, who were a very strong team and were unbeaten all year, got off to a great start scoring a try in the first five minutes which was then converted . They were in attack for the next ten minutes,but for some heroic defending from Wexford, Navan would have been further ahead .Wexford then came storming into the game with some great work from the forwards, taking the ball in for phase after phase .The ball was then moved out along the backs with David Tormey breaking through three defenders to score in the corner which was converted by Matthew Joyce . Navan scored a well worked try before the end of the first half which was not converted leaving the half time score at 12-7 to Navan.
Navan started very strong in the second half scoring an early try which was not converted .Now trailing by 17 - 7 Wexford stepped up to the mark with some great team work and were rewarded by a spectacular individual try from Josh Healy, who broke away from inside his own half to score under the posts. Matthew Joyce, steady as ever, again converted .From this point on the play was all Wexford with notable performances from Joe Coleman , Brionn Coffey and Connor Fenlon.Unfortunately the winning score was not to come for Wexford who lost by 17-14, to this much more experienced Navan team.
Team: Aaron Kehoe, Paddo Redmond, Ian Moran, Josh Healy, David Tormey, Matthew Joyce, Harry O'Connor, Gregory McGrath, James Jordan, Connor O'Keeffe, Brionn Coffey, Cillian Joyce, Daire McCormack, Conor Fenlon and Joe Coleman.
Subs: Dylan Roche, Phillip Bowe, Jack Stafford and Thomas Ryan.

U.15's DEFEAT WICKLOW IN SEL

South East League
Wexford...12 Wicklow...5
The U.15's put in a tremendous display of controlled rugby against Wicklow on Sun. morning in their South East League game at Park Lane. The forwards were very effective in keeping possession through the use of ruck and maul, Steve,Nick and Collie the main ball carriers. Wexford were dominant in the scrums and line outs also. Eoin Roche at out-half controlled the territory superbly. Both Donnacha Carroll and Josh Healy continously battered away through the centre, however Wicklow were highly organised in defense, and it was not until the 22 min. that centre Josh made the break through, scoring under the posts. Eoin Roche added the extra two points, to give Wexford a 7-0 lead at the break.
Wanderers again took good field position and following a forward drive, Collie Joyce-Ahearne crashed over to increase the Wexford lead to 12 points. Wanderers made some changes and shortly after conceded a try. This was to be Wicklows last threat as Wanderers closed out the game, winning 12-5.
Collie Joyce-Ahearne(Capt.), Tadgh O'Brien, Steve Roche, Tom Brennan, Darragh Comiskey,James Byrne, Nick Jones, Shane McGuinness, Conor Foley,Eoin Roche, Josh Healy, Donnacha Carroll, Chris Culleton, Liam Barry, Tom Hudson.
Subs: David Purcell, Luan Firman, John Greene and Ruairi Devereux.

U.17's ADVANCE TO SEMI-FINAL

Craig Wright gets the touchdown

Dylan Joyce-Ahearne scores in the corner.

Leinster Plate Q-Final
Wexford Wanderers...39 Clondalkin...0
The U.17's advanced to the Leinster Plate Semi-Final following a convincing victory over Clondalkin at Park Lane. Wanderers got of to a great start when Dylan Joyce-Ahearne took off around the blind side of the scrum to score after only 5 mins of play. Wexford were back on the scoreboard again shortly after when scrum half Dylan crossed for his second try. Further tries were added by Jordan Ryan and Colm O'Corcora before half-time, with Jack O'Connor adding a conversion.
The second half was more of the same for Wexford as the dominated up front, while the backs were in form adding a further three tries, Jordan Ryan, Craig Wright and Dylan Joyce-Ahearne completed his hat trick. Jack O'Connor who dictated play from out-half added a conversion to leave Wanderers with a total of 39 points.

Team: Craig Wright, Jordan Ryan, Daragh Keogh, Colm O'Corcora, Liam Hartigan, Jack O'Connor, Dylan Joyce-Ahearne, Mark Takacs, Stephen Dwyer, Cartaigh Geoghegan, Dan French, Johnny Craicun, Ciaran Kavanagh, Carl Walsh, James Roche.Subs: Marius Kraska, Michael Maguire, Nial Scallan and Zach Corrish.

2000

We have moved beyond 2000 visits to our blog, well done to all who use it. I hope it is of use and would encourage everyone to use it as it contains all the fixtures and match results and reports. You will be informed here.

MINIS V WATERPARK

We are away to Waterpark on Sat. 20th , cars leaving clubhouse at 9.00am, otherwise make your way directly. Enjoy the action.

TOURING TEAMS AT PARK LANE

Under14 v Hereford RFC, England. Saturday 3rd April. KO 1.00pm
Under 16 v Buryport, Wales. Sunday 11th April
Under 15 v Ampthill, England. Sunday 11th April
Under 13 v Bridgend, Wales. Sunday 18th April

ST.PATRICKS DAY AT WWRFC

FAMILY DAY ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY
WEDNESDAY 17TH MARCH
AFTER THE PARADE WE WILL BE BRINGING THE CHILDREN BACK TO THE CLUB HOUSE FOR FOOD AND DRINK.
BOUNCY CASTLE
LIVE RACING ON THE BIG SCREEN
BAR WILL BE OPEN
MUSIC
FOOD SERVED ALL DAY
TEA & COFFEE

TABLE QUIZ

Why not start your Patrick’s Day Celebrations early!!!
Table Quiz in aid of Casey Cup Weekend
Tuesday 16th March @ 9pm Tables of Four @ €40

FIXTURES FOR MAR.20TH

Minis v Waterpark (A)
U.14 v Navan (A) Leinster Cup KO 12..00
U.15 v Wicklow (H) SEL KO 11.00am Sunday21st.
U.17 V Clondalkin (H) Leinster Plate Q-Final KO 11.00am

U.15's LOSE TO WATERPARK

The Under 15 squad travelled to Waterpark for a friendly on Sun morn last. It was a very useful exercise as it gave an opportunity to experiment with the side and give all players on the panel a run out. The final score of 10-7 demonstrates that their is a good deal of strenght in this squad and no ones place is secure as they prepare for their Cup clash with rivals Wicklow.

FIXTURES FOR Sun.14th Mar

U.15 v Waterpark (A) Friendly
Minis train as usual at 11.am
No other games arranged this weekend due to Ireland v Wales international on Sat.afternoon.

U.13's REACH LEINSTER Q-FINALS

The u13's travelled to play Carlow at the weekend .Wexford were on top from the start and it wasn't long before wing James Stafford broke through on the right for the first try.Further Wexford pressure ensued and the other winger Kevin Mahoney scored under the posts, from a lovely cross-field kick from outhalf Matt Doyle. An interception by full back Joe O'Connor rounded off the half .Score at half time 19- 0 to Wanderers.
Wexford were in full flow and Kevin Mahoney scored 2 more tries. A number of changes were made without any upset to the rhythm. Openside flanker Luke Lacey made a great break and ran the field to score his first try of the season .
The backs were running rampant andStephen Lyne was playing out of his skin.The forwards were definitely having an off day being pushed back time and again.With the game in the final moments Carlow scored a consolation try .Final score, Carlow 7 Wexford 38.
Team;Bill Quaid, Martin Whelan, Greg McGrath,Ciaran Kirwan, Niall O'Donnaigan, Daire MacCormack, Luke Lacey, Conor Halligan, Andrew Maguire, Matt Doyle, Kevin Mahoney, Jack Stafford, Sephen Lyne, James Stafford, Joe O'Connor[capt], Neil Beaver, Cian O'Keeffe, Cormac Conway, Conor Glynn. Johnny Hamilton, Ciaran Joyce, Thomas O'Leary and Luke Roche.

MINIS HOST WATERPARK AND ARKLOW

Ben McGuinness, Tony Boggan and Daniel O'Regan

Tadgh Cleary, Matthew Banville and James Crotty

Young Maurice Logue in action v Waterpark

A beautiful Saturday morning at Park Lane was celebrated with a feast of Mini Rugby with well over 250 players enjoying the Mini Blitz. As usual Wexford enjoyed great success.

U.15's THUMP RATHDRUM

The U.15's advanced in their Leinster McAuley Cup with a resounding victory over Rathdrum at Park Lane on Saturday morning. Straight from the kick off Wanderers were on the attack and John Gannon finished off a flowing move in the corner. This was quickly followed with further tries by Ruairi Devereux 2 and Collie Joyce-Ahearne, with Eoin Roche adding two conversions. Wexford led 24-0 at the break.
With Rathdrum spirits in shatters Wanderers turned the screw, and seven tries by Eoin Roche, Nick Jones, Steve Roche 2, David Purcell, Eoin Blake and Josh Healy, certainly finished off this non contest. Eoin Roche kicked five of those conversions to leave Wexford with their biggest tally of the season, 69-0.
Team: Collie Joyce-Ahearne(Capt.), Tomas Barry, Steve Roche, Tom Brennan, Darragh Comiskey,John Gannon,Nick Jones, Shane McGuinness, Conor Foley,Eoin Roche, Josh Healy, Donnacha Carroll, Ruairi Devereux, Liam Barry, Tom Hudson.

Subs: David Purcell, Eoin Blake, Gavin Byrne, James Byrne, Piers Deignan, Richie Cleary, Sean Stafford, Luan Firman, and Daniel Murphy

U.17's ADVANCE IN LEINSTER PLATE

The U.17's who are waiting to play their Leinster Final took on Rathdrum in Rd.1 of the Leinster Plate . It was a changed Wexford line-up but none the less they came out of the blocks in startling fashion and before half time had a 14-0 lead with tries from Jordan Ryan and Dylan Joyce-Ahearne. Both were converted by Jack O'Connor. A further try early in the second-half by Ciaran Kavanagh again converted by Jack O'Connor stretched the lead to 21-0. However, Wexford then proceeded to take their foot off the accelerator, and a lax defence led to Rathdrum bridging the gap to 21- 12. In the closing minutes, Rathdrum again broke the Wexford line and ran in for a try in the corner, which went unconverted, leaving Wexford to scrape a 21-17 win.

Team: Craig Wright, Jordan Ryan, Daragh Keogh, Colm O'Corcora, Michael McQuilan, Jack O'Connor, Dylan Joyce-Ahearne, Mark Takacs, Stephen Dwyer, Zack Corish, Dan French, Johnny Craicun, Ciaran Kavanagh, Dylan Lawlor, James Roche.
Subs: Carl Walsh, Liam Hartigan, Robbie Edwards, Michael Maguire.

RAFFLE TICKETS

There has been a great response to draw which will be held in the clubhouse on Sunday 7th March after the 1st XV game v Malihide. Thank you to everyone who contributed and a final call to those who have yet to bring back their tickets. Please have them to me on Saturday at the latest. Still tickets left also for anyone who has not got one.

UNDER 13's BOW OUT AT SEMI-FINAL STAGE

The U.13's roller coaster came to an abrupt halt in Cill Dara on Sat last, being beaten by an all powerful Navan side. They had scored 3 tries without reply in the first 10 mins.
Wexford were missing Greg McGrath in the scrum and Joe O'Connor at full back.Wexford began to come to grips with the situation and forced Navan back and Jack Stafford and Neil Beaver we unlucky not to score. A number of changes were made at half time and the boys were determined to show their metal . Sure enough they got into the game. Wexford began to get good ball and throw it around and Daire MacCormack went in for a try under the posts. More pressure followed but Wexford were held up while over the line on 3 occasions. Another score just wouldn't come. Great fighting spirit from all the lads , and the final score of 42-7 doesn't do their huge effort justice. Hopefully by next Sat. they will be back in top form as they face Carlow in Rd. 2 of the Leinster Cup

UNDER 12 POPPLEWELL CUP

Our Under 12 squad have been invited to Gorey for the Popplewell Cup on Sat.3rd April. We are the current holders of this cup , so Noel Kelly and Richard Restrick will be well prepared for the defence of this title.

UNDER 11 COYLE CUP

Our Under 11 squad have been invited to a Leinster U.11 tournement in Kilkenny on Sat.17th April. They are currently enjoting a great season under the guidance of coaches James O'Connor and Pat Ryan.

FIXTURES for Sat.6th Mar.

Mini Blitz v Waterpark and Arklow (H) KO 10.30am
Under 13 Leinster Cup Rd.2 v Carlow (A) KO 12.00
Under 14 tba
Under 15 Leinster Cup Rd.2 v Rathdrum (H) KO. 1.00 pm
Under 17 Leinster Plate v Rathdrum (A) KO 12.00

MINI BLITZ

Wexford will be hosting a Mini Blitz in Park Lane on Sat.6th Mar. with Waterpark and Arklow our guests. There will be plenty of rugby for all age grades. Please remember to bring some food stuff for our visitors and kick off is for 10.30am so please be on time, no later than 10.15. Contact your coaches if you need more information.