WICKLOW'S FIRST team took on a strong Garda side in a crucial game for both sides at Ashtown Lane, Wicklow, on Sunday.

Wicklow needed to win to pull away from the relegation zone. Garda had to win or they were effectively relegated.

The game was played on a beautiful calm and sunny day on a firm pitch.

Wicklow started much the stronger and were off to a flying start when an excellent sniping break from Robert Hopkins brought Wicklow withing metres of the Garda line.

A couple of phases later Dave Quinn took it on, then Noel Green before the ball was moved wide to Gary Duffy who did well to crash over for the games opening score. Wicklow led 5-0 after the conversion was missed.

Right from the restart Garda were back in the match. The ball was cleared to touch. A quick line-out to the Garda full-back Darragh Hughes who chipped through regathered his kick ahead and popped the ball inside for the score. The impressive Garda scrum-half Owen Gardner slotted the touchline conversion and Wicklow trailed 7-5.

Wicklow responded with a good penalty from full-back Ronan Hurley but Garda stretched their lead with three further penalties to bring the score to 16-8. Wicklow's indiscipline cost them dear with a huge penalty count in favour of Garda in the firsthalf. On several occasions runners were isolated and penalised for holding the ball on the ground. Wicklow's rucking wasn't as effective as it had been the previous week against Newbridge which allowed Garda to slow the ball down effectively.

Garda picked up the pace again and got over for a second try which was converted and Wicklow trailed 23-8 and looked in some trouble.

They were awarded two very kickable penalties leading up to halftime but opted to kick for the corner instead of taking the points on offer.

To Wicklow's credit they began to exert their own pressure on the Garda line after the half-time break. When they got quick ruck ball they had Garda in severe trouble.

They soon had the scoreboard ticking over with two good penalties from Ronan Hurley which brought the score to 23-14. A brilliant kick to the corner from Stephen Duffy had Garda on the back foot again and captain Paddy O'Flaherty crossed for an excellent try from the ensuing line-out. The conversion from Ronan Hurley brought the score to 23-21 and Wicklow looked like they would go on and win the game with 25 minutes still to play.

Unfortunatley Garda had other ideas and delivered two killer blows with a couple of soft tries in the space of five minutes, against the run of play. The conversions brought the score to 37-21. Wicklow never gave up. Wicklow added another penalty from the assured boot of Ronan Hurley to close the gap to 37-24.

They spent the remaining 20 minutes attacking the Garda line but failed to get over against a strong defence. The final whistle went to Garda elation and Wicklow dejection.

Wicklow have now been dragged into a relegation battle, which will go down to the wire when they travel to New Ross in two weeks time. On the same day, Garda welcome Newbridge to Westmanstown and Kilkenny who are on the bottom of the table travel to in form Enniscorthy.

Wicklow travel to New Ross knowing nothing less than a win will do. They will be kicking themselves for some sloppy defending and poor discipline as well as a good deal of bad luck.

They have the quality and determination to secure a win against a tough New Ross side that dramatically stole a last minute victory when they visited Ashtown Lane before Christmas.

Team: David Quinn, Eanna Kileen, Paddy Jameson, John Jenkinson, Noel Green, Ben Armstrong, Stuart Donohue, Barry Hurley, Rob Hopkins, Stephen Duffy, Eddie O'Flaherty, Paddy O'Flaherty, Gary Duffy, Russell Andrew, Ronan Hurley. Subs. - Alan Hunter, Barry Traynor, Brian Sillery, Dermot O'Rourke, Alan Byrne, Barra Kuntz.

Wicklow's seconds put together an excellent performance when beating a tough Garda side at Ashtown Lane. This was a much deserved win for a young squad that has had a difficult season.

Tries from Dave Donovan, Mark Gerety, Alan Byrne, David Acres and two from Chris Sillery saw them put 39 points on the scoarboard. The final score was 39-7. Next week the seconds travel to Portlaoise in the Towns Cup. The firsts have been drawn at home to Clondalkin in the second round.