In cold and windy conditions last Saturday in Kildare, Wanderers "B" Team managed to avenge their opening day defeat to Cill Dara. Despite the temperature and strength of the cross field wind visibility was excellent on a cloudless day.
Both sides started well, Cill Dara playing with the wind chose to kick while Wanderers played the ball tight and allowed their backline to open up whenever possible. After a surge through the midfield the ball came out to the right where Wanderers were able to gain significant position into the Cill Dara 22 and from the ruck ball Wanderers went the width of the pitch to score the games first try thru wing Frank o Dowde.
Cill Dara continued to use the wind to their advantage and after a succession of kicks to the corner managed to convert terrority into points after a set piece move. However, Wanderers continued to keep the ball in hand and were able to score another try before halftime through wing Adam Redmond.
In the second half Wanderers were able to dominate through a combination of running rugby and territorial kicking. Early into the second half after a good line out maul Wanderers released the ball out to the backs who split the Cill Dara defence through the centre for the try of the game from fullback Barrai Brennan.
Wanderers then controlled the game with little further threat from Cill Dara and added a final try from hooker Eoin Goulding to end the game as 27-5 winners.
Best for Wanderers were Alan Rafter (for his dervish like tackling), Dave Treacy for putting his hands where others feared to go, Eoin Goulding and Gareth MacNamara for his commitment and set piece play. The whole team displayed good discipline throughout this game and credit must also go to Cill Dara for their overall attititude and commitment also.
