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.