Under 20's v Trinity Match Report.
05/02/2008
Tight-Knot Performance
Played in appalling weather conditions, Wanderers U20s remained unbeaten since the turn of the year in what was a pulsating victory against Trinity College at Merrion Road. The weather played a major part in determining the type of rugby on show. A sticky field combined with high winds and torrential rain ensured a battle of the forwards throughout. The final result had Wanderers 34 Trinity College 10.
After victory in Coolmine the previous week, Wanderers wanted to build up a head of steam in the season run-in. From the kick-off, Wanderers showed composure and intelligence and within 5 minutes, fly half Gareth Redmond had kicked Wanderers to a 6 – 0 lead, through two coolly converted penalties. With the wind at their backs the pressure was relentless from Wanderers, and in the 11th minute lock Rob Ennis grounded the ball for his sides 1st try. Again the conversion was coolly slotted by Gareth Redmond. The remainder of the 1st half was a constant siege by Wanderers, only indiscipline cost the home side more scores. It was left until the 33rd minute for Wanderers 2nd try. After some superb pick and drives by the forwards and with Trinity’s defence concentrated around the ruck, Wanderers centre Patrick Larchet powered over for an important try, leaving it 20 – 0 to Wanderers at halftime.
The 2nd half began with Trinity finally attaining some field position. Buoyed by the wind at their back, they converted their territorial advantage by getting on the scoreboard with a well taken penalty. For the next 20 minutes Trinity took control but impressive defending from Peter Lynn and Rory Pratt combined with powerful scrummaging by Ivan Eustace and Ronan O’ Mara kept the away side from crossing the whitewash. As the last 10 minutes approached Wanderers began to take control once more, with centre Patrick Larchet very dominant and breaking past numerous defenders on two surging carries. This led to lock Rob Ennis crossing for his 2nd try of the contest. With the bonus point in sight, Wanderers were hungry for another score and pressed aggressively through outstanding No. 8 Nico Reynolds, and with one minute left the home side were rewarded with Alan Murphy grounding the ball. Trinity would finish the game on a high, with a try coming from a long way out.
But the day belonged to Wanderers and the result (a fifth win in a row) leaves the team 6 points clear of 2nd place, albeit with 1 game more played. Next up is a crucial clash away to 3rd placed Old Wesley on February 17th.
