CASEY WEEKEND MAY 1st & 2nd

Saturday 1st May

1.00pm U.11 and U.12 squads combine and divide into teams for the Annual Casey Cup.

Watch Leinster v Toulouse , Heineken Cup Semi-Final on Big Screen

Sunday 2nd May

11.30am U.8's v Greystones

U.9's v Greystones

U.12's v Greystones

U.13's V Greystones ( Front Pitch)

1.00pm Wexford Wanderers 1st XV v Greystones

Vixens v Greystones

2.15pm Golden Oldies Wexford v Greystones

Watch Munster beat Biarritz in Heineken Cup Semi-Final on Big Screen

Come out and enjoy the rugby and the fun with our friends from Greystones.

U.13 SOUTH EAST FINAL

Ian Bennett on his way to scoring a great try.

Wexford Wanderers Under 13's faced Kilkenny in the South-East League Final last Wednesday in New Ross .A tight encounter was expected. Kilkenny shocked the Wexford boys by putting them under tremendous pressure immediately .Kilkenny had their homework done and kept moving the ball out wide..... the chinks appeared and they roared into a 28--0 lead by half-time.

The writing was on the wall, Andrew Maguire moved to scrum-halk, Jack Stafford to out half Peter Barry and Ian Bennett came on as centres. Now it was Wexfords's turn to put Kilkenny under pressure, Wexford were not going to roll over.The forwards continued to provide ball and the backs started running at them.Now we were crossing the 'gain' line on every phase. After heavy pressure Ian Bennett broke free and went on a mesmerizing run to score [Jonah Lomu like was mumbled on the touch line].

Wexford won a 'turnover' ball and Ian Bennett continued to be a thorn in the Kilkenny's side ,James Stafford took a ball out wide and he had a lot to do to make thje corner . Unfortuneately time ran out and Kilkenny were champions .I want to commend the team for their resilience, it would have been easy to throw in the towel but their 'spirit' showed through ,hard luck lads.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my team --Philip Stafford,Martin Fenlon and Ger Lacey for all their help and support throughout the season and a special thanks to Sean Ahearne --youth officer, who's work behind the scenes is remarkable.

Kieran MacCormack

3000

Thank you to all who have taken the time to check out this blog. It has been a great season and is not over yet, three finals still to go. This blog will be a record of all that has happened. Hope you 3000 hitters have enjoyed it.

U.15's In McAuley Cup Final

Leinster Cup Semi-Final

Wexford Wanderers...6 Athy...5

This is turning out to be a remarkable season at Park Lane. The U.15's have bridged a 24 year gap by reaching the McAuley Cup Final, which will be played in Donnybrook on May 3rd against Navan.

To reach this decider Wanderers have overcome Gorey, Rathdrum, Wicklow and Athy. In Tullow on Sat. last they faced their toughest game of the season against a very fancied and bigger Athy team. It was probably the attitude of the opposition that spured on the Wexford lads. From the start Wanderers punched way above their weight, they out rucked Athy turning them over on three occasions. When it came to scrum time, Wexford drove them backwards. Athy were baffled.

Eoin Roche commanded the game from out-half making many breaks that tested the awareness of the opposition. It was Eoin who stood up on two occassions during the first half and kicked two penalties, that gave Wexford the 6-0 lead at half time.

Athy came storming back in the second half, but Wexford refused to give an inch. The centre pairing of Donnacha Carroll and Josh Healy nailed every tackle. John Gannon and Ruairi Devereux were called upon to defend their corners and did so impecably.

The forwards to a man were incredible, led by captain Collie Joyce-Ahearne they tackled and put their bodies on the line. As the half went on they were battered and bruised but still held their line intact. It was not until 3 minutes to go that the line was breached and even then the try was conceded in the corner. The conversion into the wind was never a threat. Wanderers only had to close out the game and this they did effectively. A hard fought victory was achieved and a place in the Leinster final was the big prize. This side have improved as the season has progressed and now have also to play Kilkenny in the South East League final . This has been a wonderful season for the players and coaches. Well done to Peter, Pat, Ray and Billy for preparing this squad so well. Good luck in the finals lads.

Team: Steve Roche, Tadgh O'Brien, James Byrne, Tom Brennan, Darragh Comiskey, Collie Joyce-Ahearne(Capt.), Nick Jones, Shane McGuinness, Conor Foley, Eoin Roche, Donnacha Carroll, Josh Healy, John Gannon, Ruairi Devereux, Tom Hudson.

Subs: Liam Barry, David Purcell, Piers Deignan, Luan Firman, Sean Stafford, Eoin Blake, Chris Culleton, John Greene, Tomas Barry.

U.14 FINAL OFF

The U.14 Plate Final v Ashbourne scheduled for Sun next in Carlow has been cancelled. Hopefully we can re-schedule it for next week.

U.17's LOSE PLATE SEMI-FINAL

Leinster U.17 Plate Semi-Final

Wexford Wanderers...19 Naas...21

The U.17's travelled to Carlow on Thurs. evening for their Plate Semi-Final v Naas. It was a cracking game. Naas led all the way but Wexford stayed in contention right to the end. Both sides scored three tries each, but a failed conversion was the only difference in the end. Wexfords tries were scored by Ciaran Kavanagh, Michael Maguire and Mark Takacs. Jack O'Connor kicked two conversions. The final score was 21-19. This has completed the season for this squad of players. They certainly have achieved alot, and capturing a Leinster title was a fitting way to round off the season. Many of this squad are underage again next season, so expectations will be high.

Enjoy the close season lads and well done. A presentation night will be arranged to honour your achievement in the near future.

U.17's LEINSTER CHAMPIONS

Check out the Leinster Rugby website http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/domestic/4648.php

FIXTURES FOR THIS WEEK

Wed.21st April in New Ross at 7.15pm

South East U.13 Final

Wexford Wanderers v Kilkenny

Thurs. 22nd April in Carlow at 7.30pm

Leinster U.17 Plate Semi-Final

Wexford Wanderers v Naas

Sat. 24th April in Tullow at 3.00pm

Leinster McAuley Cup Semi-Final

Wexford Wanderers v Athy

Sun.25th April in Carlow at 12.00pm

Leinster U.14 Plate Final

Wexford Wanderers v Ashbourne

U.12's IN RDS

The U.12 squad were guests of Leinster Rugby at the RDS on Fri night last. They played v Mullingar at half time in the Leinster v Ospreys game. Wexford came out on top of this exhibition winning 3-1 with Ian Bennett bagging a hat-trick. Wanderers have had a geat season and this was a nice treat to wind down their season. The coaches and parents managed to enjoy themselves afterwards too. Well done to all.

They had a memorable evening getting to meet the Leinster players , in particular our very own Gordon D'Arcy.

U.13's WELCOME BRIDGEND ATHLETIC

The U.13 squad prepared for their South East Final on Wed. next with a fixture against visiting Bridgend Athletic from Wales. It was a great contest of open running rugby which thoroughly enjoyed by all who played and watched. Our visitors eventually winning by two tries. After the game both teams enjoyed a BBQ and made new friendships. The kangaroo court was highly entertaining in the bar afterwards. Next season is our turn to tour, start organising now.

U.15's ADVANCE TO CUP SEMIS

Leinster McAuley Cup Q-Final

Wexford Wanderers...31 Wicklow...17

What a great few days it has been for Wanderers. Wicklow were expected to put up a strong challenge to Wexford in this cup game, but straight from the kick off Wexford ploughed into them and drove them back deep into their 22. For the next few minutes they pounded their defence but were left reeling when Wicklow salvaged the ball and broke out of defence to score under the posts. 7-0 Wicklow. Wexford didn't bow and were back in the Wicklow half soon after and scored tries from Collie Joyce-Ahearne and Sean Stafford. Wicklow added a converted try before the break to lead 12 -10.

Some astute tactical kicking gave Wexford good field advantage and they capitalised with further tries from Eoin Roche,Shane McGuinnes and Collie added a second to his tally. All these were converted by Eoin Roche. Wicklow managed a late try but Wexford were in firm control and now meet Athy in the Cup semi-final next Saturday.

Team: James Byrne, Tadgh O'Brien, Steve Roche, Tom Brennan, Collie Joyce-Ahearne (Capt.) , Nick Jones, John Gannon, Shane McGuinness, Conor Foley, Eoin Roche, Donnacha Carroll, Sean Stafford, Josh Healy, Liam Barry, Tom Hudson.

Subs: Ruairi Devereux, David Purcell, Darragh Comiskey, Luan Firman, John Greene,

U.17's LEINSTER CHAMPIONS

WEXFORD WANDERERS...15 LONGFORD...8

What a super night it was in Portlaoise for the Div.1 Leinster League Final. Of course the result made all the difference. This game will long be remembered by the players, coaches and large number of travelling fans who witnessed a pulsating cup final. It had everything, intense passion, nerves, huge hits, fast flowing back moves, ferocious rucking and mauling, crunching tackles, suberb catching, total commitment, bodies being put on the line for the cause, opertunistic tries, precise kicking, loads of added time and then the sweet sound of the final whistle, the silver was coming back to Wexford.

Straight from the kick-off Wexford took the game to Longford, some hard yards were gained by carrying the ball, asking questions of the Longford defense. They tackled and tackled again because they had to. Stephen Dwyer, Johnny Craiciun, Michael Maguire drove at them. The back row were constantly on their shoulders to drive over and recycle, Carthaigh Geoghegan, Dan French and Mark Takacs were winning the breakdown and when the moment was right Dylan Joyce-Ahearne unleashed the backline. Stephen Scallan back from a long lay off with injury was on fire, he ran complicated lines and opened up the defense. Craig Wright was outstanding at full-back returning kicks again by running at the heart of the Longford defence.

Following a run down the touchline by Darragh Kehoe, the Wexord forwards got a sniff of the try line and after a couple of attempts Mark Takacs reached over for a deserving try. Jack O'Connor was on target with the difficult conversion and Wanderers now had points on the board.

Confidence was up and from the restart Johnny gathered and headed back for the try line. With a stampede behind him he was grounded short of the line. With the ball recycled, scrum half Dylan Joyce-Ahearne wriggled his way over to extend the Wexford lead much to the delight of the Wexford followers. 12-0 and looking good.

Aproaching half-time Longford made one of their few visits to the Wexford half and after moving the ball through the hands were fortunate to get the touchdown in the corner. 12-5 at the interval.

The second half was a real see saw affair with both teams giving it their all. At one stage Wexford were pinned to their line and but for a timely interception by Jack O'Connor, the score line would have been altered. Another Lomgford move was abruptly stopped when Ciaran Kavanagh nearly broke a body in two, with one of his bone shuddering hits. Wanderers were inspired and were soon back at the other end of the pitch. A penalty awarded for off side was struck with precision by Jack O'Connor and once again Wexford had the upper hand.

Fresh legs were added with Dylan Lawlor, Mariuz Kraska, Patryk Zaborsynski and James Roche being added to the fray. Wexford were tactically on the ball and some clever kicking kept them at the right end of the field. The added time seemed to go on forever but the sweet sound of the final whistle was greeting by a massive overflow of emotion as players, coaches and supporters shared the victory in the middle of the field.

This win is just another reminder that Wexford rugby is on an upward curve and all who play and are involved in Wexford Wanderers RFC can be extremely proud of that.

On recieving the trophy, captain Stephen Dwyer thanked the coaches, Fintan, Bobby, Colm, Mark and John for the huge effort in preparing this teams since last September. Hard work has its rewards.

Team: Ciaran Kavanagh, Carl Walsh, Michael Maguire, Johnny Craiciun, Dan French, Stephen Dwyer, Carthaigh Geoghegan, Mark Takacs, Dylan Joyce-Ahearne, Jack O'Connor, Colm O'Corcora, Jordan Ryan, Darragh Keogh, Craig Wright.

Subs: Dylan Lawlor, Mariuz Kraska, James Roche, Patryk Zarobsynski, Dean Kehoe, Niall Scallon, Robbie Edwards, Liam Hartigan, Michael McQuillan and Conor Goff

FIXTURES FOR Fri. Sat. 16th , 17th April

U.12 v Mullingar. RDS During half-time in Leinster v Ospreys game. Fri 16th.

U.11's in Kilkenny for Coyle Cup Festival. 10..00am

Mini training at 11.00am

U.15 v Wicklow (A). McAuley Cup Q-Final. KO 11.00am

U.11 's IN NAAS

Well done to our U.11 team who travelled to Naas on Sat last to p[articipate in a rugby festival. They did not concede a try all day, which is no mean achievement, against the best teams in the country at this age level. Jame O'Connor and Pat Ryan can be very proud of their performances. All players returned with a medal.

LEINSTER LEAGUE DIV.1 FINAL

The Leinster League Div.1 Final v Longford will take place in Portlaoise on Thursday 15th April at 8.00pm. A bus will leave Park Lane at 5.00pm sharp with the team and room for about 20 supporters. First come first served. Otherwise we expect a lot of supporters to make their way there by car. Good luck to all involved.

AMPTHILL AND BURY PORT VISIT PARK LANE

U.15 v Ampthill, England
Under 17's with Bury Port, Wales

FIXTURES FOR Sun.11th April

U.15 v Ampthill, England. KO 12.00pm

U.17 v Bury Port, Wales. KO 1.00pm

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.

CASEY RYAN DAY

The annual event between Wexford Wanderers and Greystones, to commerate the memory of Casey Ryan will take place at Park Lane on Sun. 2nd May. It is always an event that provides many great memories, as friends from both clubs mingle for the weekend, playing and watching rugby, sharing food and drink and consolidating friendships that have grown over the years.

Come along and enjoy the fun.

DINNER DANCE / AWARDS NIGHT 2010

The date has been fixed for Fri.11th June, in The Talbot Hotel. Tickets are 50 Euro, it is Black Tie and as usual will be the best night on the Wexford social calendar. Please come along, tickets and tables may be booked form any committee member.

U.17 FINAL DATE

The date for the U.17 Leinster League Div.1 Final has finally been agreed. It will take place in Portlaoise on Thurs. 15th April, at 8pm v Longford.

The late kick off is to allow parents and supporters to travel and cheer them on. Please do.

UNDER 14/15 ENTERTAIN HEREFORD

Wanderers and Hereford

Collie scores in the corner.

Wanderers mixed it up a bit on Sat. last playing a combined team v Hereford. It gave everyone a chance to shine against a very well drilled Hereford side, who are in their own regional finals this week, back in England.

The visitors were quick out of the blocks and had 3 tries and a conversion scored in the first half. Wanderers made a few changes and some strong ball carriers like Nick Jones, Steve Roche and Collie Joyce-Ahearne were added. David Kavanagh was having an excellent game at No.7 tackling everything that came his way. Wexford began to assert themselves anf much of the game was played in the Hereford 22. Finally Collie charged over for a try and shortly afterwards he added a second, when he picked and went down the blindside froma 5 meter scrum.

All who watched enjoyed the entertainment value of this game. It is always nice to play visiting teams. A different yardstick by which to measure the strength of our teams.

Under 12's SHARE POPPLEWELL CUP

A huge congratulations to all involved with the U.12 squad who went to Gorey last Sat. Last years U.12 team were the first Wexford Wanderers team to capture that trophy. This years group were determined to make their own piece of history and retain the cup.

They certainly did our club proud as well as making their coaches and parents very proud also. A more detailed account of events is on the way, along with pictures. Stay tuned.