J2
22/11/2007
J2 "A" League Wanderers 15 Old Wesley 9

This was a very close match that Wanderers were very lucky to win

Wanderers got off to a good start with a early try from fullback Donal o sullivan following a
well driven lineout and a couple of quick rucks. The old adage that a side is at its weakest
after just scoring was again proven as right from the kick off the pack conceded a penalty
which the Wesley kicker slotted comfortably to bring the score to 7-3

The two teams spent the remainder of the half playing between the two 22s , but Wanderers
got a crucial score 10 mins before half time when wing Barry Brennan scored following a
sweeping backs movement. Wesley came back and their out half slotted a drop goal to bring
the score back to 12-6 just before the half

The second half was one in which Wanderers hung on to their lead, Dave o Meara kicking a
penalty only to see the gap shortened again when Wesley kicked another penalty.
Wesley attacked from all over the park, with their pack rucking quickly and the ball being
spread wide at every opportunity. Wanderers hung on grimly, with the backs pulling off
some great last ditch tackles. They survived a major scare when a ill advised pass inside their
own 22 was nearly intercepted by the wesley centre

Wanderers had some try scoring opportunities but some over eagerness , lapses of
concentration and poor execution saw these opportunities lost.
The last 5 mins was played out in the Wanderers half , but the home team hung on for a
narrow and somewhat fortunate win

All of the backs played well, in particular Donal, Ray Maguire, Steve Duggan, whilst of the
forwards , Niall Flynn and William Martin Smith played to the standard required

Coaches Comment

As recognised by everyone after , a lucky win . The pack as a whole played their worst game
of the season, easing up after the early try and assuming they were in for a easy day . This was not the case as the Wesley pack came back and dominated the game. The lesson learned from this game for the pack is to play for 80 minutes .

However the result is all that matters and the game was won and the team deserves a lot of
credit for getting a result whilst playing poorly

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