Under 20's v Old Wesley Match Report Sunday 18 Feb
18/02/2008
Pratt The Difference
On a magnificent sunny day, Old Wesley’s new facilities on Ballycorous Road were the setting for the crucial clash at the top of the U20s table. Wanderers on the back of five successive victories, came into the game knowing only a win would suffice if their journey to the league title were to continue. And so it was, as Wanderers took the spoils 19 – 28, in a hard-hitting game.
Old Wesley laid out their intentions with a solid display in the opening exchanges and dominated the early possession and territorial advantage, thanks to solid ball retention and clever kicking. But it was Wanderers who would get on the scoreboard first. After a huge Garryowen from flyhalf Gareth Redmond, the kick chase managed to capitalize on a handling error from the Wesley fullback and after Peter Lynn hacked on, it was left to centre Rory Pratt to gather the ball and open the scoring, the conversion was missed. Wesley were to hit back in style, and with half time approaching, two well worked tries and exchange of penalties left the score 16 – 11 to the hosts. But the half was not over yet, and Wanderers would not go down without a fight. After establishing field position, a lineout catch and drive sucked in enough defenders to allow powerful centre Patrick Larchet to barge over the line, carrying a number of defenders on his back. The conversion was added, leaving Wanderers ahead at the break 16 – 18.
Some choice words at halftime from lock Michael Kevany kept the team motivated and reminded everyone what was at stake. The 2nd half started and continued with Wanderers taking control. Astute kicking and hungry defence kept the visitors in the right areas, allowing Gareth Redmond the opportunity to extend the lead through the boot. An immediate reply from Old Wesley through their own penalty saw the score tick on to 19 – 21. Again Wanderers showed their ability by taking control immediately after the Old Wesley penalty. Numerous attacks followed, with Old Wesley defending their line valiantly but the pressure would be too much. Wanderers after a rock steady scrum scored perhaps their best team try of the season. A strong surge in the midfield through Rory Pratt was rucked superbly, allowing the 2nd phase carrier Michael Kevany to blast past the gainline. This created quality ball for the backs which put fullback Peter Lynn mere inches from the tryline. Another strong hit-up from outstanding prop Ivan Eustace created the space outside, which after being found with a fine pass from Gareth Redmond allowed centre Rory Pratt to scurry over for his second try. The game would conclude with Old Wesley attacking from everywhere but fine scramble defending by numerous Wanderers kept them at bay. A late run by one of the Old Wesley locks looked like it would be certain try but centre Pratt intervened again with a last gasp tackle bundling the threat into touch, ending the game.
This victory in the penultimate game means, if Wanderers win with a bonus point against UCD next Sunday 12.30 Merrion Rd., the league title will be theirs. A non-bonus point victory would allow Blackrock RFC a chance at the title only if they can win their last two games by bonus point victories.
