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.