Wonderful Thirteens

Leinster League Premier Division Under 13 Quarter Final.

Wexford Wanderers ....59 Naas ....7

Wexford Wanderers proved too strong for Naas in this eagerly awaited Quarter Final clash. From the kick off Wexford started strongly and recycled possession before sending the ball to their slick back line where Ian Bennett at outside centre broke through the Naas defense to score a try converted by Rory o Connor who kicked at impressive 7 out of 9 kicks at the posts. However it was early stages and Naas were well in contention. In fact Wexford were knocked back by tough rucking from Naas who worked their way into their opponents 22. Following heavy pressure Naas broke through to score a great try through their 1^st centre. Such was their confidence that the conversion was scored by a drop goal. It had the appearance of a tight game at this point. Wexford again worked the ball to their midfield with a hook against the head in the scrum and Ian Bennett was again through to score. 12 points to 7 in favor of Wexford. Wexford went up a gear at this stage at camped in their opponents half. They were dominating the line out with great work especially from Ben Moore. Naas tried to clear from deep inside their 22 but quick thinking from Rory o Connor who took a quick line out finding captain Peter Barry on hand to counter attack. With support from Conor Coleman the move was finished superbly by Finn o Driscoll. The score now was up to 19 points to 7. Two more tries one from scrum half Alex Ryan were to follow leaving Wexford comfortable by half time.

Eight Minutes into the 2^nd half Peter Barry scored a further try to add to Naas’s misery. As a contest it was effectively over by now. Further tries followed from Barry o Connor and Ian Bennett. This was a hugely impressive victory for Wexford. The final score was 9 tries to the home team, who played a quality of rugby beyond their years. The most impressive aspect was their team play and ability to off load.

They now advance to the Leinster semi final of the premier division where Carlow will be their opponents. If this level of performance can be re produced it’s a game not to be missed.

Wexford: Tony Boggan, Cian Kelly, Josh Christe, Vincent Carroll, Ben Moore, Conor Firman, Luke McRedmond, David Doyle, Alex Ryan, Barry o Connor, Peter Barry, Ian Bennett, Finn o Driscoll, Rory o Connor, Conor Coleman. Replacements: Richard Ryan, Daniel o Regan, Eoghan o Brien, Callum Murphy, Cillian Deane, Stephen Doyle, Ben Powell, Eanna Cleary, Stephen o Donohue,