AIL 1A – Old Wesley 26–7 Young Munster
Old Wesley produced an impressive four-try performance to secure a convincing 26–7 victory over Young Munster at Energia Park, combining attacking quality with a determined defensive display to claim a well-deserved win. Tries from Matias Jensen, Paidi Farrell, Rian Handley and Liam Grover ensured Wesley finished the afternoon comfortably ahead, with Tom Larke adding three conversions in a performance that showcased the home side’s ability to strike both early and late.
Wesley could hardly have asked for a better start. With just four minutes on the clock, Matias Jensen crossed for the opening try, immediately putting the home side on the front foot. Tom Larke added the extras to establish a 7–0 advantage and give Wesley the perfect platform on which to build. The early breakthrough was exactly what Wesley needed, allowing them to settle into the contest with confidence. Against a Young Munster side renowned for its physical approach, establishing an early lead was particularly valuable.
Wesley continued to make their opportunities count and were rewarded again in the 25th minute when Paidi Farrell crossed for the second try of the afternoon. The winger’s score extended the advantage before Larke successfully converted a minute later, pushing Wesley into a commanding 14–0 lead. With two converted tries on the board, Wesley looked in control as the first half approached its conclusion. However, Young Munster were determined not to let the contest slip away without a response. Just before the interval, the visitors found their breakthrough. Hooker Liam McMahon crossed in the 39th minute, giving Young Munster a vital foothold in the contest. Benn Dalle Cort added the conversion on the stroke of half-time to reduce the deficit to seven points. Wesley came close to avenging and scoring straight from the restart but were denied by a handling error.
Half-time: Old Wesley 14–7 Young Munster
The late first-half score ensured there was still plenty at stake when the teams returned for the second period. Wesley’s task was to regain control, protect their advantage and prevent Young Munster from building on the momentum of their try before the break.
The opening stages of the second half passed without either side adding to the scoreboard, leaving the contest delicately balanced at 14–7. The decisive breakthrough eventually arrived on the hour mark when Rian Handley crossed for Wesley’s third try. It was a hugely important score, restoring a two-try cushion at a stage when Young Munster were still very much within touching distance. Larke was again accurate from the tee, converting to stretch Wesley’s advantage to 21–7 with 20 minutes remaining.
With the scoreboard now firmly in their favour, Wesley were able to approach the closing stages with greater confidence. Young Munster continued searching for a way back into the contest, but the visitors were unable to add to their first-half tally, not helped by being down to 13 men at one stage due to two yellow cards.
Wesley had one final scoring contribution to make. In the 75th minute, Liam Grover crossed for the fourth and final try, putting the finishing touches on an excellent afternoon for the home side. Although the conversion was unsuccessful, the score extended Wesley’s lead to 26–7 and effectively put the result beyond doubt.
The fourth try was a fitting reward for a side that had taken its scoring opportunities throughout the afternoon while keeping Young Munster scoreless for the entire second half. The final whistle confirmed a thoroughly satisfying victory for Old Wesley, who finished with four tries, three conversions and a 19-point winning margin.
There were plenty of positives to take from the performance. The early scores from Jensen and Farrell established the foundations, Handley’s crucial intervention on the hour restored control, and Grover’s late finish rounded off the afternoon. Just as importantly, Wesley’s defensive effort after the interval ensured Young Munster never found the additional score they needed to put the home side under sustained scoreboard pressure. For Wesley, it was a performance built on making opportunities count, responding at the right moments and finishing strongly.
Old Wesley scorers
- Tries: Matias Jensen (4’), Paidi Farrell (25’), Rian Handley (60’), Liam Grover (75’).
- Conversions: Tom Larke (4’, 26’, 60’).
Old Wesley Team: Tom Larke; Charlie Hempenstall, Matias Jensen, Kristian Jensen, Paidi Farrell; Lachlan Stewart, Andrew Doyle; Ben Guerin, Stephen Smyth, Adam Watchorn; Thomas Nowlan, David Maher; Billy Corrigan (capt), Dan Campbell, Luke O’Connor.
Replacements: Rian Handley, Kian Regan, Benjamin Popplewell, Cian Butler, Liam Grover, Luke Kerr.
Click here for photos by Ken Richardson
