U.14's draw with Kilkenny

There was an air of anticipation as our 'arch enemy ' of last year were in town. Wounds were still raw and a large crowd was in attendance.

Kilkenny were first out of the traps and pushed Wexford deep into their own 22.next play and they were 0 - 7 up. More pressure ensued and another hammering looked on, but as they say, ''when the going gets tough the tough get going'; Greg McGrath lead by example and slowly but surely they repelled the Kilkenny hoards .The scrum started going forward, and the line - out started winning good ball. Wexford crossed half way with a great move started by Ciaran Kirwan , a quick pass to Connor Halligan who moved it on to Matt Doyle , down the line to Stephen Lyne -- a step inside, a pop pass to Kevin Mahoney and he was away. Try, score 7 7 at half time.

Wexford started to believe in themselves; the 2nd half started at a blistering pace, both teams surging forward ,both defences well on top the tackle counts were high.Then Kilkenny moved it wide to score in the corner and convert 7 - 14.

Wexford heads did not go down; Wanderers rucked hard and created their own luck. Ben O 'Shea passed out wide to Kevin Mahoney who some how beat 4 men to score under the posts -- score 14 14

Kilkenny threw everything at Wexford but out defence held resolute; it was amazing that they didnt concede a penalty,great disipline ;well done lads. final score 14 - 14

Ireland v Samoa

4 Schoolboy tickets available for game on Sat.in Aviva. If interested give me a call. 20 Euro each.

U.14's trash Wicklow

Wexford Wanderers 52 Wicklow 24

This match was played in glorious conditions last Sat, Wexford having drawn against the U15's and trashing Portlaoise, in their previous outings, were looking forward to this one.

The forwards lead the way in this one. The scrum was solid with the addition of Greg McGrath and the back row were rampant and No.8 Ciaran Kirwan went under the posts after 3 mins. Soon after Greg McGrath scored a pushover try.More good forward play and Ciaran Kirwan was in again.

Wicklow finally managed to move the ball wide and their full back scored in the corner .Open side flanker Conor Halligan then added his name to the score board . Wexford drove forward again and tight head Greg McGrath got the ball on half way and 'handed off 'thrice to score the try of the day.Outhalf Matt Doyle was in brilliant form, (especially his right foot). The score at half time was 33 - 5

Conor Halligan started off as we have finished the 1st half with a great run culminating in his second try of the day..Wicklow responded immediately-- that full back again. Scrum-half Ben O'Shea spotted a gap and made it 38 -10. Wicklow made some changes and pushed Wanderers back ;twice they were held up . They eventually scored a converted try.

Wexford now rung the changes , and 2nd centre Luke Lacey scored after a fine passing move .Wicklow weren't finished and scored the final try of the day to leave the final score 52 - 24

Well done lads still more to do.

Team Stephen Lyne,Cian O'Keeffe;Luke Lacey;Daire MacCormack;Kevin Mahoney;Matt Doyle;Ben O'Shea; Marc White; Ciaran Joyce;Greg McGrath;NiallO'Donnaigan;Martin Whelan;Luke Roche;Conor Halligan; Ciaran Kirwan;Andrew Maguire; Conor Glynn; Aaron Ryan;Frankie Hynes; Rowan White;Neil Beaver;Bill Quaid;Cormac Porter;Thomas O'Leary;James Tackasc; Kevin Bierney.

U.13's defeat Wicklow

Wexford 14 Wicklow 7

The Under 13’s continued their unbeaten run this season with a hard fought but thoroughly deserved encounter with neighbours Wicklow on Sunday 7^thNovember.

Have met earlier in the season Wexford were firm favorites for this game however it was much improved Wicklow team to the one which threw in the towel resulting in a 62 to Nil win for Wexford in Septembers match.

Wicklow started the stonger and enjoyed some early territorial advantage. By the 12^thMinute wexford had not managed to get into their opponents half. Despite wicklows ball retention they never looked like breaching a firm wexford defense which was finally getting a resounding test. Against the run of play wexford turned over possession and stuck from inside their own half with a strong break by Ian Bennett who scored the opening try under the posts. Barry o Connor converted to leave the home team 7–0 ahead. Before the break wexford struck again with Ian Bennett again finishing powerfully under the posts to leave wexford 14– 0 ahead at the break.

Wexford perhaps flattered by the half time score line but full credit to their resolute defense which never looked like creaking during the opening half.

In the second half it was wexford who gained the upper hand in terms of territory – but like the 1^st half it was a break away long range strike from the visitors who touched down to leave the game poised at 14 points to 7. Wexford certainly knew they were in a game now and upper the tempo in what was a tough physical encounter. Wexford were denied a try by the corner flag. The forwards were finally getting on top in the latter stages but perhaps some suspect decision making when possible overlaps were created prevented a decisive score. The game finished in the Wicklow half. Food for though for this wexford team. Wexford showed the greater character and resolve to claim the win which now secures a quarter final spot in the Leinster League.

Man of the Match Ian Bennett.

Fixtures for Saturday 6th November

Mini’s Blitz (U7,8,9,10,11,12s)

Wexford v Carlow

Park Lane

10am

(Could all parents bring sandwiches or cakes for afterwards)

U14s v Wicklow (Home) Kick off 12pm

U15s v Waterpark (Home) Kick off 12.30pm

U17s B v Clane (Away) Kick off 11am

U17s A v Athy (Away) Kick off 11am (T.B.C.)

Sunday 6^th November

U13s v Wicklow (Home) Kick off 12pm