Metro League & Under 20 Rugby weekend update
It may have been a disappointing weekend for the Irish team but it was a somewhat better weekend on the domestic front as three out of four teams recorded victories.
The 3rds came away with full league points after they recorded a comprehensive 43-10 victory over Bective Rangers. The win leaves them in second place in their league 3 points behind Old Belvedere. The 2nds had a tougher encounter as they beat Navan 22-18. Old Wesley led throughout thanks to tries by Eoin Fitzpatrick, Stephen Boyle and Ian Masterson, however it was touch and go until the final whistle. They are currently third in their league.
The Under 20 Premiership team kicked off phase 2 of their league with a very welcome 12-5 victory over Clontarf, see report below. However the Pennant side lost 10-38 to Wanderers.
Under 20 Premiership – Old Wesley 12 Clontarf 5
The Under 21 Premiership side followed up on their first league victory over NUIM Barnhall last weekend with a hard fought win against a lively Clontarf side on the Donnybrook main pitch. While continuing to show improved form the players are beginning to blend well as a team. This win will provide a further confidence boost for the remainder of the second phase of the league campaign.
For much of this encounter the exchanges were fairly even with both sides prepared to play expansive rugby when the opportunities arose. While the better chances were created by Old Wesley these were not taken due to loss of composure and misplaced final passes with the tryline in view. It took four penalty goals from the ever reliable Luke De Renzy to ensure the win.
De Renzy landed three penalties in the first half while an impressive defence held Clontarf scoreless. Several promising Old Wesley moves petered out without reward due to indiscipline at the breakdown but a lively back row of Eric Parfrey, Andrew Walsh and Niall Carmody provided a solid stream of possession for half backs Luke Peppard and Luke De Renzy. A solid midfield of Ian Sheridan and Niall Campbell gave their opponents little leeway but line breaks were at a premium. Full back Jamie Boyd impressed on the counter attack and with lengthy field kicking. Recent recruit, loose head Jurgen Steinbach provided a platform for a generally solid scrum.
Clontarf eventually crossed the Old Wesley whitewash with a quarter of the game remaining to close the gap to 9 – 5 and a nervy finish. A late penalty by De Renzy stretched the lead to seven points and Old Wesley held this without too much trouble to the final whistle to record another valuable and well deserved win.
Team:- Jamie Boyd, Ferg Howley (David Braithwaite) , Niall Campbell, Ian Sheridan, Sam Harley, Luke De Renzy, Luke Peppard (Arran Copeland), Jurgen Steinbach (Jamie Salinger), Andrew Baird (Sam Pollock), Tom O’Sullivan (Michael Kearney), Mark Robinson, Sam Byers, Eric Parfrey, Andrew Walsh, Niall Carmody (Diarmuid O’Dowd Hill).
Scorers:- Luke De Renzy (4 pens).