Wicklow turn on the style against tourists
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Wednesday February 17 2010
WICKLOW U-17S entertained La Coq Mosan on Sunday and put in an excellent performance. The Wicklow pack took on their opponents and set up the backs with near perfect ball. The game was just five minutes old when Davey Armstrong at full-back timed his entry into the line perfectly and left the winger in his wake to score wide on the left.
Five minutes later Wicklow were awarded a five-metre scrum and number eight Andrew Conway picked and drove over. The game ebbed and flowed with both teams running from everywhere. In the 21st minute winger Stephen Murphy finished a fine move to score his first try of the game. Ben Porter converted.
With five minutes left in the half Gerry Mora Kelly smashed up the middle to score under the posts. Ben Porter converted.
With the second-half only just resumed Stephen Murphy got his second try when he was there to support Davey Armstrong who had made a blistering run from inside his own half.
La Coq Mosan were rewarded for their belief in running rugby when their full back Marq Higons scored their only score. Jason Byrne was not to be denied a try and 15 minutes into the half following great work by the forwards he popped up on the left wing and scored. Ben Porter converted.
Wayne Browne was then cruelly denied a try when only the linesman saw that he put a foot in touch but with true grit on the next play there was no argument when he showed fantastic pace to beat the fullback. Ben Porter converted.
This was a good run out before the cup campaign begins. The Wicklow backs showed just what they can do with fast ball. The pack can only be complimented for their great work setting up so much clean ball, with a man of the match performance from P.J. O'Connor. Wicklow know they have it all to do next week when they take on Rathdrum in the first round of the cup.
La Coq Mosan's best players on the day were winger Andre Henlo, number eight Ciliane Hereau, and full-back Marq Higons.
Wicklow: Shane Byrne, Will O'Reilly, Jason Byrne, P.J. O'Connor, Daniel O'Brien, Eoin O'Sullivan, Aidan Kearney, Andrew Conway, Tom Downes, Ben Porter, Gerry Mora Kelly, Shane Conroy, Stephen Murphy, Wayne Browne, David Armstrong.
