Leinster League Division 4 – Old Wesley 15 – Naas 8
Tries: Colin McDonald, Ian Logan, Penalty & Conversion: Sean Ballance
The 4ths league match had a cup semi-final feel with Old Wesley 4ths, third in the league, 3 points behind Naas and both in contention to claim a league final place against Malahide in the penultimate round of games. Wesley started brightly with Michael Triggs and Ben Coady making hard yards. Despite plenty of chances, Wesley only took one with a try from Colin McDonald to leave the score 5-0 at the interval. Naas came more into the game in the 2nd half but their outhalf did his team no favours, kicking when it would have been better off keeping ball in hand. A Sean Ballance penalty brought the score to 8-0 before Naas eventually got over to make it 8-5.
With the last play of the game, Dave Priestman collected a loose kick which he ran back before offloading to Guy Cresswell, who quickly shipped on to Ballance, the ball eventually finding its way out to Alan Doyle who was stopped short of the line before Logger barrelled over. The joy at such a sublime and timely score was matched only by Wesley’s shock at what was to come next: a completed conversion, courtesy of Ballance. Handcock, having never actually seen a completed conversion before, rubbed his eyes in disbelief. Final score, Wesley 15, Naas, 5 and 2nd place in the league.
The 4ths are away to UCD in Belfield in their final league game this Friday 9th March, KO 8pm. A bonus point win will guarantee them a league final for the 5th time in 6 years. It’s the only Junior match this weekend so your support would be very welcome.
Onwards and upwards, just like Poffy’s bar tab!